Want to Camp for FREE from 30 to 60 days at any one of the 24 participating Virginia State Parks? Here is how…
Be a Camp Host and Camp for free for from 30 to 60 days at any of 24 participating parks across the state in exchange for volunteer services.
Become a Virginia State Parks Camp Host or Park Host. It’s one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself and Virginia’s outdoors. Camp for free for from 30 to 60 days at any of 24 participating parks across the state in exchange for volunteer services.
Looking to visit and explore Virginia? Want to stay near friends or family somewhere in the state? Interested in learning new skills or trying a new outdoors experience? Becoming a Virginia State Parks Camp Host or Park Host is one of the easiest, most exciting ways to do these things and more.
What do Hosts receive?
- Campsite fees waived for the duration of the host’s assignment
- Free or reduced fees for usage of park offerings, including boating, swimming and rentals, in certain parks. (Check with park staff: Not all sites offer this benefit.)
- Hosts are eligible for 40,000 Virginia State Parks loyalty points after completing one 30-day assignment. Hosts who complete two or more 30-day assignments in the same season are eligible for 80,000 loyalty points total.
- The maximum benefit allowed per season is 80,000 loyalty points regardless of the length of service or number of parks.
- Learn more about our loyalty points program.
- Benefits earned are subject to availability of the given facility.
- Benefits earned are for the use of the host or host couple only and can be used in any increment, and any time frame the host wishes, subject to availability. Points may be used toward any type of stay in or entry pass for a Virginia State Park.
- Unused loyalty points expire after five years.
Find all Camp Host responsibilities here
- Greet campers, answer their questions and orient them to park and region
- Set example for others by keeping host site clean and neat
- Be accessible to campers for comments and complaints
- Understand and explain – not enforce – park rules and regulations to campers
- Help maintain campground – pick up litter, clean campsites after guests check out, replenish restroom supplies and assist in keeping the bathhouses clean
- Check windshields for passes to ensure park fees are paid
- Contact park staff and other law enforcement personnel about emergencies
- Other projects and assignments based on park needs and hosts’ skills and interests
- Primarily, park staff cleans bathhouses. The staff is responsible for thoroughly sanitizing bathhouses and dealing with “biohazard issues.” Camp Hosts regularly sweep floors, pick up debris, check on toilet paper, replenish supplies, keep up the general appearance of the building and grounds, and notify park staff about major cleaning issues. Customer surveys show that clean bathhouses are important to visitors. Park staff will be glad to train those wishing to help with such additional work in this important aspect of park operations.
See all Park Host responsibilities here
- Help with office and computer work
- Staff contact station or visitor center both as needed
- Perform light maintenance and repair work
- Paint
- Help with small construction projects
- Conduct historical research
- Help with educational programs
- Other projects and assignments based on site needs and hosts’ skills and interests
How are hosts are selected?
Hosts are selected on a first-come, first-served basis during the season. Returning hosts in good standing are given preference. Hosts must provide their own RV or camping equipment. An extra vehicle is strongly recommended for personal transportation. Selection criteria include experience in camping, prior campground or park host service, working with the public, length of time willing to be hosts and how well skills match park needs. No salary or stipend is provided.
Successful applicants are required to sign an agreement stating their park-specific duties, benefits, obligations and termination conditions.
Hosts are restricted to two calendar months – 60 days – in each park. Hosts may serve in other parks during a calendar year, but stays in each are also limited to two months.
Ready to learn more or sign up? Visit these links: Camp Host Program Application / Participating Parks and more info HERE
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