Camp Host Development Page
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The California State Park system has more than 270 incredible state parks. Miles of breathtaking coastline, remarkable wetlands, majestic redwood forests, beautiful deserts and colorful valleys provide a variety found nowhere else in the world. Volunteer camp host positions are available in over 100 parks. This is a great opportunity to spend time in a wonderful location and meet fellow travelers.
Camp host duties vary according to each park but generally include providing visitor information, staffing visitor centers and museums, maintenance projects and general housekeeping. Most hosts work approximately 20 hours a week and, in exchange for those services, the hosts are provided with a campsite during their stay.
Many parks have full hookups with equipped restrooms and showers. For those who prefer a more rustic setting, there are parks with little or no hookups or commercial amenities. When applying as a park or campground host, make sure the location that interests you has the appropriate hookups for your needs.
For a complete list of California State Parks that use volunteers and/or campground hosts, the State Park Districts and Parks file provides a helpful overview. In addition, parks often advertise current and ongoing campground and park host openings below.
***IMMEDIATE OPENINGS***
- Angel Island State Park
- China Camp State Park
- Clear Lake State Park
- Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
- Grover Hot Springs State Park
- Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
- Limekiln State Park
- Mount Diablo State Park
- Millerton Lake State Recreation Area
- Salt Point State Park
- Shasta State Historic Park
See park descriptions below. Please send your application directly to the park you are interested in. Click here for a Volunteer in Parks Program (VIPP) application.
***CAMP HOST OPENINGS***
Angel Island State Park
(Availability year-round) Located in the San Francisco bay area. Must have a boat suitable for living aboard; a docking ship will be provided. Duties include greeting visitors and providing assistance and information, fee collections and general maintenance. Send applications to: PO Box 318, Tiburon, CA 94920 or call (415) 435-5390 for more information.
Auburn State Recreation Area/Mineral Bar
(April 1 through September 30 and October 1 through March 31) There are 17 campsites along the north fork of the American River. There are no hook-up or running water. Slow from November to March. Busy with rafters and mineral collectors as well as family campers during season. Six months stay required. Duties include fee collection and campground maintenance, and reporting emergencies. Please contact Mike Lynch at (530) 885-4527 ext. 19 or by e-mail at mlynch@parks.ca.gov.
Benbow Lake State Recreation Area
(Availability May – September) This camp host site has water and electrical hook-ups and there is a dump station in the campground for septic. Camp host duties include campground registration, assist at entrance station when needed, complete camp checks, firewood sales and light maintenance. Minimum stay is 30 days. Please contact Ranger Nicole Ackermann at (707) 247-3318 or by e-mail at nargsp@humboldt.net.
Brannan Island State Recreation Area
(Availability year round) Hook-ups available. Camp host, launch host, and maintenance host stay no more than six months. Host Duties: Camp Host - stock wood bin, firewood sales to campers, assist maintenance with housekeeping in campground, keep rangers informed of problems; Launch Host - answer questions, annual passes sales, assist maintenance with restroom cleaning, inform rangers of problems; Maintenance Host - assist with maintenance repairs and projects. Please contact Ranger Michael Whelan at (916) 777-7705 or by e-mail at mwhelan@parks.ca.gov.
Butano State Park
(Availability year round) Hosts are needed year round in this beautiful redwood campground situated between Santa Cruz and San Francisco. Duties include campground registration/visitor assistance and light maintenance tasks. Hook-ups are provided and the host site can accommodate a 37' RV. Please contact Michael Grant at (650) 879-2044 or by e-mail at Butanosp@yahoo.com.
Carpinteria State Beach
This beach is filling Camp Host positions for 2006. Applications may be submitted to the Volunteer Coordinator for 2006 and for future consideration. Host sites have a picnic table, fire ring, electricity, water and sewer hookups. Duties include camper registration, collecting fees, staffing visitor center, firewood sales (able to lift up to 25 lbs.) and light maintenance. Typical stay is four months up to a maximum of six months. Please contact Daniel Gant at (805) 566-2494 or by e-mail at DGant@parks.ca.gov.
Castle Crags State Park
Campground hosts are needed from Memorial Day through September. Full hook-ups available. Minimum two-month stay. Please contact park staff at (530) 235-2684.
Caswell Memorial State Park
Campground hosts are needed from May-October in this 64 campsite park located along the Stanislaus River near Ripon. Two sites are available:
1. Full hook-ups, picnic table and fire ring. 20 hours a week. Duties include assisting staff with fee collection, camp checks, providing public information and firewood sales.
2. Water and electrical hook-up, picnic table and fire ring. 15 hours a week. Duties include assisting maintenance staff with cleaning restrooms, fire rings, trash pickup and recycling program. Must be able to lift 25 lbs.
Please contact Terri Jensen at (209) 599-3810 or email tjens@parks.ca.gov.
China Camp State Park
There are two camp host sites with full hook-ups at the entrance of the campground. An enthusiastic and reliable camp host is a big factor in the success of China Camp's campground operations. Please call Ranger Patrick Robards, Matthew Spruill or Mike Lair at (415) 456-0766 for more details.
Chino Hills State Park and California Citrus State Historic Park
(No camp host sites but looking for volunteers) Chino Hills SP and California Citrus SHP do not have camp host sites, but a variety of volunteer positions. For further information, please contact Ron Krueper at (909) 780-6222.
Clear Lake State Park
This popular park needs reliable camp hosts starting in April and willing to commit to a six-month stay. Full hook-ups are available. Please contact Val Nixon at (707) 279-2267.
Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area
(April through September) Host site has full hook-ups. Duties include assisting staff with fee collection, public information, and light maintenance. Please contact Ranger Neil Scott at (530) 458-4927 or by e-mail at colusa@norcal.parks.state.ca.us.
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
(Avaiability year-round) Hosts are needed for two campgrounds in the beautiful mountains of eastern San Diego County. Host sites have picnic table, firering, electricity, water and sewer. Three month commitment required. Duties include providing information to visitors, camper registration, firewood sales and light maintenance. Please contact park staff at (760)765-3020 or cuyhost@parks.ca.gov.
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
(May 1-Sept. 30) 2 Campground positions available. Located 7 miles south of Crescent City. Duties include assisting park staff with visitor information, fee collection, camp checks, help entrance staff as needed and light janitorial/maintenance work. 20 hours/week commitment required. Full hook-ups available, but no phone service. Contact Ranger Brett Silver at (707)464-6101 or at brett_silver@partner.nps.gov.
D.L. Bliss State Park
(Availability mid-June through Labor Day) Camp host site has full hook-ups. Duties include camp checks, firewood sales, some housekeeping, Visitor Center operations. This is a new position. Contact Ranger John Harbison with any questions at (530) 525-9528.
Donner Memorial State Park
(Camp host availability mid-May-mid Oct) Campground has approximately 150 sites. All restrooms are new and accessible, the campground lies adjacent to beautiful Donner Lake. Donner Memorial SP has an active Visitor Center and day use operation. Camp host duties include "meet and greet" the visitors, campground registration, assist at entrance station when needed, complete camp checks, firewood sales and light maintenance. One camp host site with full hook-ups. Contact staff at Donner Memorial SP (530) 582-7892.
El Capitán State Beach
The beach needs Maintenance Hosts and Camp Hosts (kiosk/camp check). The park has four Host sites to fill. Duties include assisting staff with fee collection, public information, and maintenance. Hosts usual stay is three to six months. Please contact Ranger Scott Anderson at (805) 968-3852 or email sanderson@parks.ca.gov.
Emerald Bay State Park
(Availability mid-June through Labor Day) Camp host site has full hook-ups. Duties include camp checks, firewood sales, some housekeeping, Visitor Center operations. This is a new position. Contact Ranger John Harbison with any questions at (530) 525-9528.
Emma Wood State Beach-North Beach Campground
North Beach Campground has one Camp Host position. Host site has no hookups. Hosts may use the dump station at McGrath SB. Duties include kiosk operations, greeting and registering campers, fee collection, park patrol, opening and securing entrance gate on a morning and evening basis, reporting incidents and emergencies, light maintenance duties and firewood sales. Host assignments are from three to six months. Submit a completed application to Volunteer Coordinator, 901 San Pedro Street, Ventura, CA 93001 or call (805) 648-4127.
Emma Wood State Beach-Ventura River Group Camp
The Ventura River Group Camp has two Camp Host positions. One Host site has water, sewer and electric hookups, the other site has water and electric hookups only. Camp Host duties include kiosk operation, greeting and registering campers, fee collection, park patrol, reporting of incidents and emergencies, light maintenance and firewood sales. Host assignments are from three to six months. Submit a completed application to the Volunteer Coordinator at 901 San Pedro Street, Ventura, CA 93001 or call (805) 648-4127.
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
The campground has 20 hook-up (sewer and water) sites. The host sites have full hook-ups. Host duties currently include campground registration, firewood sales and light maintenance duties. A minimum stay of three months is required. Contact Barry Smith or Maureen Brack at (916) 988-0205 or bsmith@parks.ca.gov.
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
This is for a camp host in the Peninsula Campground. Camp host duties require a minimum of 20 hours a week, including camp checks and light maintenance duties. Peninsula Campground is located on the east side of Folsom Lake in a remote location, approximately 45 minutes from the closest town Auburn or Placerville. The Camp Host site has full hook up available with a minimum of three month stay and maximum of six months. Contact Ranger Jermey McReynolds (916) 257-7085 or email jmcreynolds@parks.ca.gov.
Fort Humboldt SHP
(Available year round) Hosts have a site with full hook-ups, but must provide own cell phone. Duties range from opening/closing facilities, interpretation, indoor and outdoor maintenance and greeting the public. Summer positions are from 5/24 to 9/8. For more information please contact Edie Carhart at (707) 445-6567 or fthum@humboldt1.com.
Gaviota State Park
Park uses Maintenance Hosts and Camp Hosts (kiosk/camp checks). The park has one Camp Host position, one combination Camp Host/Maintenance Host position and one Maintenance Host position to fill. Duties include assisting staff with fee collection, public information, maintenance and possibly assisting with the boat hoist. Hosts usual stay is three to four months. Please contact Ranger Scott Anderson at (805) 968-3852 or email sanderson@parks.ca.gov.
Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park
(Availability is April, May and October through December) The host site has a privacy fence, table, and a food storage locker. The camp host duties include fee collection, visitor contact, and assist park staff with park operations, minor facility upkeep and light maintenance. Minimum stay of one month to maximum stay of six months. Please contact Robert Leiterman at (707) 777-3683.
Grover Hot Springs State Park
Campround open late April to early October. Camp host site has electricity, water and sewer. Duties may include collection of camp fees and operation of reservation system, visitor information and contact, firewood sales, and housekeeping. Will work approx. 20 hours per week. Prefer to have a camphost who can stay during the entire time that the campground is open. Grover is a beautiful park, nestled in the Sierras, 40 minutes south of Lake Tahoe. There is a wealth of scenic recreational opportunities in the area. Please contact Mark Pupich at (530) 694-2649 or grover@gbis.com.
Hendy Woods State Park
(Availability year round) Full hook-ups. One to six months stay required. Please contact Kathie Kinzie at (707) 895-3141, by e-mail kinzie@mcn.org or Heather Christensen at (707) 937-4980, by e-mail heatherc@mcn.org.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
(Burlington Campground availability year round) Camp hosts are needed for Burlington Campground in beautiful Humboldt Redwoods SP. Burlington Campground is located on the famous Avenue of the Giants in an old growth redwood forest on the south fork of the Eel River in southern Humboldt County. Humboldt Redwoods State park is approximately 52,000 acres in size and offers numerous recreational activities including fishing, hiking, horseback riding, biking and camping. Camp hosts will assist visitors with camping registration, answer visitors' questions, firewood sales, staff the entrance station when needed and may work in the Visitors' Center if they wish. Full hook-ups are available, minimum one month and maximum six month stay. If you're interested in spending a rewarding season volunteering in one of the most beautiful place on earth, please contact Ranger Nicole Thompson at (707) 946-1818 or at nthompson@humboldtredwoods.org
Humboldt Redwoods State Park (Continued)
Cuneo Creek Horse Camp (April through Labor Day): Camp hosts needed for this idyllic spot located deep in the backcountry at Humboldt Redwoods SP. This is a very popular spot with horse enthusiasts, with 5 family and 2 group camps, as well as day-use facilities. This is the perfect setting, whether you have horses or not, with warm days, fantastic views and a slow-paced way of life. Duties include camper and day-use registration, firewood sales, and light housekeeping duties. Full hook-ups are available, minimum one month, maximum three month stay. Contact Ranger Nicole Thompson at (707) 946-1818 or at nthompson@humboldtredwoods.org
Humboldt Redwoods State Park (Continued)
Albee Creek Campground (Memorial Day through Labor Day): Camp hosts are needed for the highly desirable Albee Creek Campground, located in the lovely Bull Creek watershed in the backcountry at Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Enjoy warm summer days in this 40 site campground located at the edge of the Rockefeller forest. Duties include stafing the entrance station, selling firewood, and may include light housekeeping duties. This is our most sought-after camp host opportunity, so act fast! Full hook-ups are available, minimum one month, maximum five month stay. Depending on budget issues the season may start earlier and/or end later. Contact Ranger Nicole Thompson at (707) 946-1818 or at nthompson@humboldtredwoods.org
Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park
Indian Grinding Rock SHP (IGR) is looking for a campground host for this season. The position is available from the beginning of May to the beginning of November. IGR is a small park in the Sierra Nevada foothills, east of Sacramento. Located just off of Hwy 88, it has a 23-site campground nestled in the pines, cedars and oaks. There is also a regional Indian museum at the park, historic towns near by, and the Mokelumne River just 15 minutes away. If any of your GOOD and RELIABLE hosts are looking for a new position, please let them know this is available. Please contact Ranger Steven Walloupe at (209) 296-7488.
Jack London State Historic Park
Approximately 25-40 hours per week (depending on season) 3 month commitment with possible extension. RV parking site with hook-ups. Vehicles must be in good working order. Sewer, electric and water provided. Must pay for own propane and phone services. Duties include greeting visitors, selling publications and other gift items using cash register, providing historic interpretation and answering visitor questions, minor housekeeping duties and checking on serviceability of public restrooms. If interested, please submit an application to Jack London SHP. If offered a position, applicants will need to pass a California Health Questionnaire, a criminal background check and provide proof of a valid driver's license.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
(Availability Year Round) This park features more than 10,000 acres of redwoods, and the wild and scenic Smith River. Host site will have full hook-ups (including telephone lines). Camp host duties include assisting with campground registration, firewood sales, staffing visitor center, and performing light maintenance. We have an active partnership with the Redwood National Parks. Please contact Tanger Tom Gunther at (707) 464-6101 ext. 5112 for more information.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
(Camp hosts are needed to assist with park operations during spring and summer) Job duties vary from registering campers and field collections to assisting the interpretive staff and assist with facility maintenance. Maximum vehicle lengths - 32' for motor homes, 27' for trailers. Please contact Ranger Ranada Laughlin at (831) 667-0528.
Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
(Availability year round) There are three camp host positions, one per campground. Camp host sites have full hook-ups (water, sewer, electrical and garbage service). Duties include visitor information, assist park staff with camp checks and fee collections, litter pickup, sweeping and restocking restrooms, and light maintenance. Prefer a six month commitment for camp host stay. Please contact Susan M. Hearne at (530) 538-2200 or by e-mail at shearne@parks.ca.gov.
Lake Perris State Recreation Area
(Availability year round) Lake Perris has 10 camp host sites. All sites have full hook-ups. Maximum stay required is 6 months. Camp host duties include greeting the public, selling passes and taking group reservations. Maintenance positions also available. Please contact Norb Ruhmke at (909) 443-2404
Leo Carillo State Park
2 camp host sites have full hook-ups (electric, water, sewer, and telephone). One camp host site has electrical and water only. Duties include fee collections, wood sales, litter collection, visitor center operation and general public service. Minimum stay is usually 2-3 months. Please contact Tony Hoffman at (805) 986-8483 or by e-mail at thoffman@parks.ca.gov.
Limekiln State Park
(Availability year round, starting April) Located in a very remote and scenic area along the southern Big Sur coast. The park is off Highway One, about 1.5 hours south of Monterey and about 2 hours north of San Luis Obispo. The park boasts a mild climate, hiking trails in the redwoods, a small beach, clear running creeks and a 33 unit campground. This is a volunteer position with duties that include restroom cleaning, garbage collection, litter pickup, visitor contact/information, firewood sales, fee collection, and some maintenance/housekeeping. The position requires someone who is active, energetic, and hard-working! Full hook-ups provided, no phone available and cellular phone service is unavailable in this area. Electricity is provided by a generator/inverter system. Maximum RV or trailer length is 30 feet. Please contact park staff at (831) 667-2403.
MacKerricher State Park
(Availability year round) Full hook-ups. One to six months stay required. Please contact Jason Hart at (707) 961-0474 by e-mail parkbrat@mcn.org, or Chuck Meissner at (707) 961-0404 by e-mail meissner@mcn.org, or Heather Christensen at (707) 937-4980 by e-mail heatherc@mcn.org.
Malibu Creek State Park
Most site utilities include water, electric, sewer, and telephone options. Camp host duties include assisting the public, and light maintenance (about 20 hours per week). Host must provide durable camping equipment to withstand inclement weather for extended time. Three to six months stay required. Please contact Brett Silver at (818) 880-0368.
Manchester State Park
(Availability year round) Manchester has 40 campsites. Camp host site has full hook-ups. One to six months stay required. Please contact Kevin Joe at (707) 882-2463 or by e mail kjoe@mcn.org or Heather Christensen at (707) 937-4980 or by e-mail heatherc@mcn.org.
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
(Availability April – October) The campground has 128 campsites. Camp host positions available April-October with a minimum two month commitment. Full hook-ups available. Please contact Andrew Urlie at (530) 335-2777.
McGrath State Beach
This beach has six Host positions. Four Host sites have full hookups. Two sites have electric and water hookups only. A dump site is available. Camp Host duties include kiosk operation, fee collection, greeting and registering campers, park patrol, reporting incidents and emergencies, light maintenance and firewood sales. Maintenance Host duties include restroom cleaning, maintenance projects, grounds keeping and reporting incidents and emergencies. Host assignments are from three to six months. Submit a completed application to the Volunteer Coordinator, 901 San Pedro Street, Ventura, CA 93001 or call (805) 648-4127.
Mitchell Caverns Natural Preserve
(A Caverns Resort host is needed for peak season, September-June) Daily cave tours of limestone caverns. Located in the eastern Mojave Desert. Hook-ups available. Beautiful view of the desert, thunderstorms and magnificent mountains with bighorn sheep and deer. Enjoy the best of Southern California’s wilderness and the best visitors from near and far. Contact Paul Pettit at (760) 928-2586 or P.O. Box 1, Essex, California 92332.
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area
(May 1-Oct. 31) Located 20 miles NE of Fresno. 3 Camp Host positions available. Duties include assisting park staff with visitor information and assistance, fee collection and light maintenance duties. A working minimum of 20 hours per week is required. All positions will have full hook-ups available. For more information, contact Tom Randall or Dan Youngren at (559) 822-2332 or by e-mail at trandall@parks.ca.gov or dyoungren@parks.ca.gov.
Mount San Jacinto State Park
(Availability year round) Each campground has one campground site, each with full hook-ups. Minimum stay required is three months. Camp host duties include greeting the public, light housekeeping, selling wood, and fee collection. Please contact the staff at (909) 659-2607.
Palomar Mountain State Park
Located in northeast San Diego County. The park has 31 campsites and features spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Hiking, picnicking, and fishing for trout in Doane Pond are popular activites throughout the park's 1,897 acres of coniferous forests. The world famous Palomar Observatory is located 8 miles east of the park.
Camp Host positions requires a minimum of 20 hours per week. Duties include visitor assistance, campground checks and light housekeeping. Minimum stay is 1 month; maximum stay is 6 months. For futher information contact Ranger Travis Johnson at (760) 742-3462 or by e-mail at trjohnson@parks.ca.gov.
Patrick's Point State Park
This beautiful coastal park, nestled among the spruce forest is 30 miles north of Eureka. Patrick's Point maintenance host program is a year-round program in which a camp host will help the maintenance staff at Patrick's Point. This person will have a 30-foot camp host space near the shop area. The camp host need not have specific maintenance training but should bring skills that will help our program. Contact Steve Ortiz at (707) 488-2041 or by e-mail at sortiz@parks.ca.gov. (Camp hosts are needed to assist with park operations during spring and summer) Some campsites are along the Big Sur River. Job duties vary from registering campers and field collections to assisting the interpretive staff and assist with facility maintenance. Maximum vehicle lengths - 32' for motor homes, 27' for trailers. Please contact Ranger Ranada Laughlin at (831) 667-0528. (Availability mid-May – mid Oct) Plumas-Eureka State Park’s beautiful 75 site campground is adjacent to Jamison Creek and hiking trails. Camp host duties include “meet and greet” the visitors, campground registration, complete camp checks, firewood sales and light maintenance. Contact staff at Plumas Eureka State Park (530) 836-2380.
Point Mugu SP
Three* camp host sites have water, sewer, and telephone hook-ups but no electrical (*one site serves the walk-in campground 2.5 miles away). One camp host site has full hook-ups (water, sewer, electrical and telephone). Duties include fee collections, wood sales, litter collection, visitor center operation and general public service (Litter-Getters too!). Minimum stay is usually 2-3 months. Please contact Tony Hoffman at (805) 986-8483 or by e-mail at thoffman@parks.ca.gov.
Portola Redwoods State Park
Position provides visitor assistance and information, light housekeeping, fee collection, campground patrols and may work on special projects. Max. length for trailer is 27', or 30' for motor homes. Road into park is steep and winding. Electricity, water and sewer are provided. 9 miles from nearest store, 14 miles from nearest gasoline. Please contact Holly Huenemann at (650) 948-9098 or by e-mail at hhuen@cwo.com.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
May 15-September 30 and October 1-January 15. Camp host site has water, electrical, sewer, picnic table and fire ring. Shower in the public restrooms. Duties may include assisting staff with camp checks, fee collection, working in the park store and visitor center, firewood sales, public information and light housekeeping and maintenance. Applications are accepted year round. Mail applications to Redwood Coast Sector Office, 1111 2nd Street, Crescent City, CA 95531.
Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National and State Parks is located near Crescent City, California. This partnership serves Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwood State Park, Prairie Creek Redwood State Park and Redwood National Park. The park campgrounds are nestled among the ancient redwood forests and pristine rivers of Northern California. The Smith River and Klamath River, which run through Redwood National and State Parks, are world renowned for salmon and steelhead trout fishing. Camp hosts are sought for year-round positions. Duties include fee collection, campground checks, light maintenance duties, firewood sales, and visitor center operations. Most host sites have electrical, septic, water hookups and will accomodate Bounded by the beach and Santa Clara River. Camp hosts help with kiosk operations, park closure, light maintenance and general operation activities. Three to six month appointments are available. Interested candidates may contact our camp host coordinator at (805) 648-4127 or forward a completed application to:
Department of Parks and Recreation
Channel Coast District – South Sector
901 San Pedro Street
Ventura, CA 93001-3744up to a 31-foot RV or trailer.
Refugio State Beach
The beach has two Camp Host and two Maintenance Host positions to fill. Duties include assisting staff with fee collection, public information, and maintenance. Hosts usual stay is three to six months. Please contact Ranger Scott Anderson at (805) 968-3852 or email sanderson@parks.ca.gov.
Russian Gulch State Park
(Availability year round) Full hook-ups. One to six months stay required. Please contact Bruce Smith (707) 961-0474 by e-mail macbruce@mcn.org., or Greg Hall at (707) 937-2496 e-mail at ghall@mcn.org., or Heather Christensen at (707) 937-4980 by e-mail at heatherc@mcn.org
Saddleback Butte State Park
(Availability year round) This park has one camp host site. The site has full hook-ups. Maximum stay required is six months. Camp host duties include customer service, answering the telephone, and light maintenance duties. Please contact Paul Pettit at (661) 726-1669.
Salt Point State Park
(Availability March-November) Full hookups available. Duties include stacking firewood, firewood sales and providing information to park visitors. Optional duties include working on park projects and assisting in the visitor center. Call the park at (707) 847-3465 or email at karen@mcn.org.
Salton Sea SRA
(October through April) Hook-ups may be available for camp host sites. Openings for camp hosts, volunteer for visitors' center, and maintenance host. Duties include fee collection, complete accounting documents, provide cultural and natural history information on Salton Sea; answer questions on local community services; publications sales, brochures, maps, and firewood; keep park use attendance records; provide information on park programs and activities; report problems to park staff and assist maintenance volunteers with housekeeping and litter pick-up as needed. Minimum stay is three months. Please contact Ranger D. Bennett or K. Kassebohm at (760) 393-3052.
Samuel P. Taylor State Park
(Needs a camp host during the peak season from March through September) Samuel P. Taylor State Park has a large developed campground with 61 campsites (there are no hook-ups in the campground). The camp host site will accommodate up to a 27' RV, and hook-ups and sewer are provided. The camp host works with visitor services staff assisting park visitors. They may also work with the maintenance staff assisting with minor projects. The camp host should be willing to volunteer a minimum of 20 hours per week. Please call Ranger Vic Graves (415) 488-9897 for more information.
San Luis Reservoir State Recreational Area
(Availability May-Sept) Hook-ups for camp host sites at Basalt Campground and San Luis Creek Campground. The camp host duties include fee collection, litter pickup, firewood sales, camp checks, minor facility upkeep and light maintenance. Minimum stay of one month. Contact Greg Martin at (209) 826-1197 or by e-mail at gmart@parks.ca.gov
San Simeon State Park
(January-April) Camp host duties include campground registration, firewood sales, interpretation opportunities, and light maintenance duties. Three to six months stay required. Full hook-ups available. Please contact Kyle Brady at (805) 927-2013 or by e-mail at kbrady@hearstcastle.com.
Shasta State Historic Park
This beautiful historic park, located in the Shasta Cascade, is in need of a host. The position requires an active person interested in giving tours of the gold rush buildings and surrounding natural area. Please call Lori Martin at (530) 243-8194.
Sinkyone Wilderness State Park -- Usal Beach Campground
(Available year round) Start-up camp host program at Usal Beach. We are now recruiting the reliable and adventurous type seeking a challenge along the rugged lost coast of California for a brand new camp host program. Usal Beach is approximately 45 minutes north of Ft. Bragg and is a remote and primitive campground with 25 campsites. Usal Beach is a large river mouth on a black sand beach located on the Pacific Ocean. Elk, deer, fox, and plenty of other wildlife abounds in this very pristine setting. There are no hook-ups or running water; however, a septic dump station is available and treated water may be available soon. Duties include fee collection, campground maintenance, compliance patrols and reporting emergencies. The busy season is June-September. This campground is the trailhead at the very southern end of the Lost Coast Trail. Hiking, fishing and hunting are popular activities in this area. Length of stay can vary and will be determined upon further discussion with camp host candidates. Fisherman, hunters, hikers, EMT's, firefighters, police and those with military experience are all encouraged to apply! For information on this exciting new opportunity please contact Ranger Nicole Ackermann at (707) 247-3318 or by e-mail at nargsp@humboldt.net.
Sonoma Coast State Beach
Vacant camp host position in Bodega Dunes Campground. Bodega Dunes Campground is located one mile north of Bodega Bay and has 98 campsites, with two host sites, and a day use area on the beach. The camp host will provide information to visiting public, report medical emergencies, and other park related problems to the staff. Plus supplement the maintenance staff by performing minor housekeeping in the campground rest rooms. The camp host must be willing to work with people and posess good communication skills. Also possess the ability to collect fees, make change, and do simple accountability procedures. The camp host reports to the designated Campground Ranger. The camp host must be willing to work weekends and holidays. The schedule for this position is 4 days on and 3 days off with one weekend day off. Applicants must be willing to commit to at least a 3 month commitment that can be extended for another 3 months. Camp hosts will be trained by DPR staff in proper campground operations. For any questions regarding this position please contact Ranger Jason Smith at (707) 875-3483.
Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area
(Available April-October) The camp host site has water and electrical hook-ups. A dump station is available at Benbow Lake SRA approximately 20 miles to the north (only during the summer months). Camp host duties include campground registration, assisting at entrance station as needed, morning and evening camp checks, and firewood sales. Camp hosts also help the maintenance team by picking up trash and maintaining the cleanliness of the restrooms. Minimum stay is 30 days. Please contact Ranger Nicole Ackermann at (707) 247-3318 or by e-mail at nargsp@humboldt.net.
(Availability mid-June through September) Full hook-up is being developed (currently electric with water and dump in park). Duties include camp checks, firewood sales, some housekeeping, and Visitor Center operations. This is a new position. Contact Ranger John Harbison with any questions at (530) 525-9528.
Santa Cruz District is looking for enthusiastic camp hosts to fill any/all of April, May and June just in time for whale migration! The forested campground sits atop 200' high sand dunes and looks over the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary. The host site is developed and has full hook-ups. Please contact Mike Selbo or Cris Sanguino at (831) 763-7064.
Tahoe State Recreation Area
(Availability mid-June through Labor Day) Electrical hook-up currently being considered, otherwise no hook-ups. Duties include camp checks, firewood sales, some housekeeping, Visitor Center operations, and a reservation system. This is a new position. The campground consists of 23 sites. Contact Ranger John Harbison with any questions at (530) 525-9528.
Turlock Lake State Recreation Area
(Availability year round) Host site has full hook-ups, paved pad with "Tuff" shed storage, table and fire ring/Belson stove. Duties include assisting staff with fee collection, camp checks, provide public information, clean restrooms/fire rings, pick up trash and help with maintenance. Please contact Terri Jensen at (209) 874-2008.
Van Damme State Park
(Availability year round) Full hook-ups. One to six months stay required. Please contact David Williamson at (707) 937-4296 by e-mail dwill@mcn.org, or Heather Christensen at (707) 937-4980 e-mail heatherc@mcn.org.
Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park
Westport Union-Landing State Beach
(Availability year round) Full hook-ups. One to six months stay required. Please contact Jeff Reed at (707) 961-0404 by e-mail jreed@mcn.org, or Heather Christensen at (707) 937-4980 by e-mail heatherc@mcn.org.
Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area
(Availability year round) Located in a grove of old valley oak trees along the Sacramento River, this camp host space comes with full hook-ups. Camp host are expected to greet campers, light maintenance, and generally keep an eye on the park. Please contact Ranger Shook at (530) 839-2112.