Everything you need to know about trading work for a campsite — state parks, federal lands, private RV parks, and what no one else tells you before your first season.
Camp hosting lets you live at a campground for free (or reduced cost) in exchange for a set number of weekly volunteer hours. Programs range from laid-back state park greeter roles to demanding federal campground operations. This site covers all of it.
The complete beginner's explanation — what you do, what you get, and the realistic picture of daily life as a volunteer host.
Read the overviewThese terms are used interchangeably but they're different things. Understand the key distinctions before you start applying.
See the comparisonNo sugarcoating. The real tradeoffs of hosting — including the parts that drive people to quit after one season.
Read honest assessmentMost programs were designed for couples, but that's changing. Here's which programs welcome single hosts — and which quietly prefer pairs.
Solo host guidePet policies for volunteers differ from regular camper rules. Know what's allowed — and what gets applications rejected — before you apply.
Pet policy guideElectric-only? Full hookup? No hookup at all? The answer varies wildly by land manager and program. Here's the full breakdown.
Hookup guideState parks, the Army Corps of Engineers, National Forests, and private RV parks all run completely different programs. Picking the right type is your most important first decision.
One of the largest volunteer camp host programs in the country. COE sites often offer full hookups and long stays — but the application process is different from state parks.
COE complete guideForest Service hosting tends to be rustic, remote, and rewarding. Hookups are rare — but the scenery and solitude are unmatched.
USFS host guideThe Volunteers-in-Parks program is competitive and highly sought after. Here's how it actually works and how to get selected.
NPS VIP guideEvery state runs its own program with its own rules, pay structures, and hookup policies. Browse our state-by-state guides.
Browse all statesKOA, Thousand Trails, and independent parks hire workampers differently from public land. The tradeoffs and perks are completely different.
Private park guideFor beginners, one of these programs is almost always a better starting point. Here's the honest comparison for first-timers.
Beginner comparisonNo signup required. Use these tools to find programs, calculate the value of your hosting arrangement, and plan your hosting calendar.
Filter by land manager, state, hookup type, solo-friendly, and season to find the right program for your situation.
Open finder toolCalculate the true dollar value of your hosting arrangement — site rent, utilities, and what you're effectively earning per hour.
Calculate valueMap out a full year of hosting. Find which programs open when and plan multi-season itineraries across different regions.
Plan your seasonApplying for camp host positions is not like applying for a job. Each land manager has a completely different process, timeline, and selection criteria.
What park managers actually look for — and the common mistakes that get otherwise qualified applicants skipped over.
Application guideThe master list of sources — from volunteer.gov to state park portals to Facebook groups — and when to check each one.
Opening sourcesTiming matters enormously. Summer positions at popular parks fill by January. Here's the seasonal calendar for every region.
Application calendarWhat disqualifies you from federal and state programs — and what doesn't matter as much as you might think.
Background check FAQPre-application checklist, arrival day guide, first-week orientation checklist, and end-of-stay protocol — all in one printable PDF.
Each state runs its own volunteer camp host program with unique requirements, compensation, and application processes. We've researched and summarized all 50.
One of the most active volunteer programs in the West. Full hookups common, strong community.
Oregon guideLarge program with well-organized regional structure. Great for first-timers who want support.
Minnesota guideYear-round hosting opportunities and winter hosting in the desert is popular with snowbirds.
Arizona guideHigh-altitude hosting with some of the most scenic sites in any state program.
Colorado guideExtensive coastline and mountain programs. Competitive but very rewarding.
Washington guideComplete index of every state park volunteer hosting program with key facts, hookup info, and application links.
See all states