📝 Section 1: Pre-Application Checklist
Complete before submitting any hosting application.
Your RV & Rig
- RV is self-contained (has own bathroom)
- Fresh water tank in good working order
- Gray and black tanks functioning, no leaks
- All appliances working: fridge, stove, AC/heat
- Shore power cord in good condition (30 or 50A)
- Sewer hose kit complete (hose, fittings, support)
- Leveling blocks and jacks in good condition
- Slides (if any) operating correctly
- Smoke and CO detectors tested, batteries fresh
- Fire extinguisher current (within service date)
- RV registration current
- RV insurance current and appropriate for long-term stay
Application Preparation
- Volunteer.gov account created (for federal programs)
- Target parks / lakes / districts identified (3–5 options)
- Ranger contact information found for each target
- Availability dates confirmed and flexible
- Hookup type preferences known and stated clearly
- Solo or couple status disclosed upfront
- Pet disclosure prepared (breed, age, temperament)
- Prior camping or outdoor experience noted
- References available (prior employer, park manager, etc.)
- Background check consent form ready to complete
- Emergency contact information prepared
💡 Timing reminder: Apply 3–6 months before your desired start date for summer positions, 2–3 months for fall/spring, and 1–2 months for winter programs. Premium positions at popular parks go earlier.
🚛 Section 2: Arrival Day Checklist
Complete on the day you arrive at your host site.
Site Setup
- Check in with the ranger / park manager first
- Confirm site number and hookup details before parking
- Level RV front-to-back and side-to-side
- Connect shore power — test with appliance
- Connect water hose (use drinking-water-safe hose)
- Connect sewer if full hookup — secure connection
- Stabilize jacks / wheel chocks
- Deploy slides, awning, and outdoor furniture
- Set up satellite or WiFi antenna if using
Orientation (Ask Your Ranger)
- Tour of the campground — know every site and facility
- Understand your exact duty schedule and shifts
- Emergency protocol — who to call for what
- Radio or communication system explained
- Fee collection process (if applicable)
- Incident report form location and process
- Rules for hosts re: guests, alcohol, campfires
- Dump station location and host access policy
- Mail and package delivery address for your stay
- Nearest medical facility and pharmacy noted
📆 Section 3: First Week Checklist
Get Established
- Introduce yourself to neighboring long-term campers
- Learn campground layout by walking every loop
- Test your cell signal in key areas of the campground
- Establish a daily routine that fits your duty schedule
- Know the nearest grocery, laundromat, and propane fill
- Set up mail forwarding if needed
- Update your health insurance with temporary address
Your Hosting Presence
- Host sign posted and visible at your site
- Welcome attitude — smile and make eye contact
- Know the answers to the 10 most common camper questions
- Know quiet hours and campfire rules by heart
- Know how to handle after-hours noise complaints
- Know the overflow/waitlist protocol for full campgrounds
🐕 Section 4: Pet Checklist (If Applicable)
- Current rabies vaccination certificate — physical copy in rig
- DHPP and Bordetella vaccinations current
- ID tag with phone number current and legible
- Microchip registered with current contact info
- Tie-out stake or portable fence for host site
- Tick prevention up to date (topical or collar)
- Heartworm prevention up to date
- Paw protection for hot pavement in summer (booties or wax)
- Nearest emergency vet located and saved in phone
🏁 Section 5: End-of-Stay Checklist
Before You Leave
- Confirm departure date in writing with ranger
- Complete all outstanding duty log entries
- Return any keys, radios, or park equipment
- Clean host site thoroughly — better than you found it
- Complete final dump of tanks before departure
- Disconnect all hookups carefully and stow gear
- Do a final walkthrough — nothing left behind
For Next Season
- Ask ranger for a written reference letter
- Get ranger's personal contact for next year
- Ask if you can return next season and what the timeline is
- Leave a positive review or volunteer report if requested
- Note 3 things you'd do differently next season
- Begin applications for next position within 30 days
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