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Volunteers in Parks
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Campground and Park Hosts
FOR LARGE TEXT VERSION CLICK HERE!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 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 Jenny Donovan at jdonovan@parks.ca.gov or Tim Wallace at (707) 247-3318. Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park Park Host needed at Day Use Area on the Sacramento River. This is a popular spot for rafting and fishing for king salmon. Host duties include providing visitor information and reporting emergencies to park staff. Full hook-ups and DSL phone line available. Contact Ranger Susan Hearne at shearne@parks.ca.gov or call (530) 342-5185. Bothe-Napa Valley State Park Host position available, in the beautiful upper Napa Valley. This position includes a full hook-up campsite. Work will be approximately 30 hours a week. At Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park, duties include greeting visitors, selling tickets, gift items, bagging and selling flour and minor housekeeping. At the Bothe campground, duties will include selling firewood and maps, and assisting campers with general park information. Contact Sandy Jones at (707) 942-4575 or at oakranger@earthlink.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 Denise Peterson at (916) 777-7701 or by e-mail at dpeterson@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 Camp Host applications may be submitted to the Volunteer Coordinator (currently there are no Host vacancies). 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 Cathy Wills at (805) 566-2494 or by email at cwills@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 Ranger Mike Whelan at (209) 599-3810 or email mwhelan@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 Cecilia Rejas at (415) 456-0766 or by email at crejas@parks.ca.gov 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. Popular park attractions include camping, boating, fishing, hiking, and birding. Full hook-ups are available. Camp Host Duties: Public contact including camp checks and answering questions, firewood sales to campers, assist maintenance with housekeeping and restroom cleaning in campground, assist with mainteanace projects, and keep rangers informed of problems. Please contact Ryen Goering at (707) 279-2267. Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area (April through September) This host position is responsible for doing camp checks, performing light maintenance, answering questions from the public, and assisting park staff with fee collection. The host is expected to work 20 hours per week. The host campsite has full hookups, including sewer. Please contact Ranger Susan Hearne at (530) 342-5185 or by e-mail at shearne@parks.ca.gov. 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. If interested, please contact park staff at: Volunteer Coordinator Lake Sector Office P.O. Box 90 Tahoma, CA 96142 (530) 525-9528 hdoyle@parks.ca.gov 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. If interested, please contact park staff at: Volunteer Coordinator Lake Sector Office P.O. Box 90 Tahoma, CA 96142 (530) 525-9528 hdoyle@parks.ca.gov Ed Z'berg - Sugar Pine Point State Park (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. If interested, please contact park staff at: Volunteer Coordinator Lake Sector Office P.O. Box 90 Tahoma, CA 96142 (530) 525-9528 hdoyle@parks.ca.gov El Capitán State Beach El Capitan State Beach has Maintenance Hosts and Camp Hosts (kiosk/camp check). The park has four Host sites. Duties include assisting staff with fee collection, public information, firewood sales (able to lift up to 25 lbs.), and light maintenance. Hosts usual stay is three to six months. Please contact Ranger Iris King at (805) 968-3852, extension 2, or email her at iking@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. If interested, please contact park staff at: Volunteer Coordinator Lake Sector Office P.O. Box 90 Tahoma, CA 96142 (530) 525-9528 hdoyle@parks.ca.gov 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 Beals Point campground has 20 sites with hook-ups (sewer and water) . 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 Ranger Barry Smith at bsmith@parks.ca.gov at (916) 988-0205. Folsom Lake State Recreation Area 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. Camp host duties require a minimum of 20 hours a week, including camp checks and light maintenance duties, with a minimum three-month stay and maximum of six months. The camp host site has full hookups available. Contact Ranger Barry Smith at (916) 988-0205 or email bsmith@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 Gaviota State Park has one Camp Host position, one combination Camp Host/Maintenance Host position and one Maintenance Host position. Duties include assisting staff with fee collection, public information, firewood sales (able to lift uyp to 25 lbs.), light maintenance and possibly assisting with the boat hoist. Hosts usual stay is three to four months. Please contact Ranger Iris King at (805) 968-3852, extension 2, or email her at iking@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 David Williamson at (530) 694-2249 or dwill@parks.ca.gov. Half Moon Bay State Beach (Availability year round) Half Moon Bay State Beach has a 52 site campground and is conveniently located just 40 miles south of San Francisco on the beautiful San Mateo Coast. Duties include campground registration/visitor assistance, firewood sales and light maintenance tasks. A second camp host position is also available that will fill in for the regular camp host and assist with more maintenance projects (light construction/handyman skills helpful). Full hook-ups available for both camp host sites. Send all applications to: Half Moon Bay State Beach 95 Kelly Avenue, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019. Hendy Woods State Park (May-September) Beautiful park located in the Anderson Valley, Mendocino County. Wine connoisseurs know the Anderson Valley as the heart of the Pinot Noir region. The park is located in a spectacular setting, with abundant wildlife, large stands of old growth redwoods and easy access to the Navarro River. Coastal access is 20 minutes west of the park. Shopping can be done in either the town of Ukiah or Fort Bragg which are located 35-40 minutes away by car. There are 2 host sites with gas and electrical hookups that can accommodate RVs up to 37". Satellite service is accessible from one of the sites. For further information or questions, please contact Morgan Zeitler at (707) 937-5804 or by email at mzeitler@parks.ca.gov. Humboldt Redwoods State Park - Burlington Campground (Available year around). Note: All host positions are filled through 2009. Burlington Campground is located on the famous Avenue of the Giants in beautiful Humboldt Redwoods State Park, 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 Allan Wiegman at (707) 946-1813 or at awieg@humboldtredwoods.org. Humboldt Redwoods State Park Cuneo Creek Horse Camp (May through mid-October) Note: All host positions are filled through 2009. This idyllic spot located deep in the backcountry at Humboldt Redwoods SP 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 six month stay. Contact Ranger Allan Wiegman at (707) 946-1813 or at awieg@humboldtredwoods.org. Humboldt Redwoods State Park Albee Creek Campground (Mid-May through mid-October) Note: All host positions are filled through 2009. 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 staffing 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 Allan Wiegman at (707) 946-1813 or at awieg@humboldtredwoods.org. Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park Indian Grinding Rock SHP is looking for a campground host for this season. The position is available year round. Indian Grinding Rock is a small park in the Sierra Nevada foothills, southeast of Sacramento. It is located just off of scenic Highway 88 and 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 nearby and the Mokelumne River just 15 minutes away. If any GOOD and RELIABLE hosts are looking for a new position, contact Ranger Steven Walloupe at (209) 296-7488. 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 the ranger at (707) 458-3018 for more information. 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 Gary Lumbley at (530) 538-2211. 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 Ranger Ryann Gill at (951) 657-0676. 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 Ranger Darrell Readyhoff at (805) 488-1827 X103 or by e-mail at dreadyhoff@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 Morgan Zeitler at (707) 937-5804 or by email mzeitler@parks.ca.gov 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 Lindsey Templeton at (818) 880-0372. 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 Morgan Zeitler at (707) 937-5804 or by email mzeitler@parks.ca.gov 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 McGrath State Beach Seeking qualified candidates for the position of Natural Resource Host, for volunteer service typically during the months March-September and September-March. The Natural Resource Host assists resource staff in protecting endangered California native flora and fauna, eradicating invasive plant species, and greenhouse management. Responsibilities may include native seed collection, plant propagation, restoration planting, volunteer coordination and visitor education. The host may also assist with photo documentation, monitoring of visitor compliance and species activities. Desired characteristics for the Natural Resource Host include interest in California native plants and animals and knowledge of natural resources. The host must be able to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and over uneven terrain, and be able to regularly walk up to five miles on the beach and/or uneven surfaces. The Natural Resource Host works cooperatively with rangers and other campground or park hosts to address emergencies within the park. The host should possess good interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently. Additionally, knowledge of how to use spotting scopes, binoculars, field books and reference materials is desired. The host site is approximately 45 feet long and 30 feet wide with water, sewer and electrical hookups available. No tents please. For questions and additional information, contact Barbara Fosbrink, District Services Manager, at bfosb@parks.ca.gov. Please include your contact information and time availability to receive a telephone call in your email message. Please submit your application to Barbara Fosbrink, Channel Coast District, 911 San Pedro Street, Ventura, CA 93001. 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 Dan Youngren at (559) 822-2332 or by e-mail at dyoungren@parks.ca.gov. Montana de Oro State Park There are currently no camp host vacancies. Please email a volunteer application to Ranger Dale Kinney. The host is responsible for doing camp checks, collecting fees, selling firewood, and answering questions from the public. The host is expected to work 20+ hours each week; a three to six month commitment is desirable. The campsite has full hookups. Maximum RV or trailer length is 30'. Email Ranger Dale Kinney at dkinney@parks.ca.gov or call 805-610-3202. Morro Bay State Park There are currently no camp host positions open at Morro Bay State Park. Please email a volunteer application to Ranger Dale Kinney. Your information will be kept on file for future vacancies. The host position is responsible for doing camp checks, selling firewood, and answering questions from the public. The host is expected to work 20+ hours each week; the position is a six month commitment. The campsite has full hookups. Contact Ranger Dale Kinney at 805-610-3202 or email at dkinney@parks.ca.gov. Morro Strand State Beach There are currently no camp host openings at Morro Strand State Beach. Please email a volunteer application to Ranger Dale Kinney. Your application will be kept on file for future vacancies. The host position is responsible for doing camp checks, selling firewood, and answering questions from the public. The host is expected to work 20+ hours each week; the position is a six month commitment. The campsite has full hookups. Email Ranger Dale Kinney at dkinney@parks.ca.gov or call 805-610-3202. Mount Diablo State Park (Availability year round) The park contains three family campgrounds and five group campgrounds. Camp host sites are available at two family campgrounds; Live Oak and Juniper. The Live Oak Campground is at an elevation of 1,500 feet and has 22 developed camp sites. The camp host site is at the entrance of the campground and has water and electric hook-ups. A sewer dump is within walking distance. The Juniper Campground is at 2,800 feet and has 36 developed campsites. Some winter time snow can be expected. The host site has full hook-ups. Camp host duties include collection of fees, light janitorial and maintenance, provide visitor assistance and information, conduct camp checks, and assists at the entrance/ranger station as needed. Please note size limitations for RV’s in effect for Mt. Diablo State Park. RV’s and trailers over 28 feet not allowed due to narrow mountain roads and overhanging tree branches. Applicants are encouraged to visit the park prior to applying. Minimum stay is three months; maximum stay is six months. For further information please contact Supervising Ranger Dan Stefanisko at (925) 855-1730. Mount San Jacinto State Park (Availability year round) Each campground has one camp host 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 (Occasional openings) Patrick's Point SP is located on the coastal headlands 30 miles north of Eureka. Duties may include assisting with entrance station operation or interpretive programs, working the visitor center, answering questions and selling firewood from your campsite, and occasional housekeeping duties. Duties vary by season and park needs. Park provides a 30 foot camp host space in a campground with water, sewer and electric hook ups. Contact Maury Morningstar at (707) 677-3132 x 13 or by email at mmorningstar@parks.ca.gov. Pismo State Beach (All host positions are filled through 2010) Pismo State Beach/Northbeach Campground has two sets of camp hosts. One position serves from Oct 1-Mar 30 and April 1st-Sept 30; the other host position serves from Memorial Day-Labor Day. The second campground at Pismo State Beach is Oceano Campground (not Oceano Dunes). This campground has a host from Oct 1-Mar 30th and April 1st-Sept 30th. Contact Ranger Jennifer Kramp at (805) 473-7220 for more information. Plumas-Eureka State Park (Availability mid May – September) Located in Graeagle, Northern California, Plumas-Eureka State Park’s beautiful 75 site campground is adjacent to Jamison Creek and hiking trails. If you're tired of the desert, here's your chance to enjoy the mountains for the summer. Plenty of golfing and fishing in the area. Camp host duties include “meet and greet” the visitors, campground registration, complete camp checks, firewood sales and light maintenance. ELECTRICITY IS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE CAMP HOST SITE. Contact Ranger Scott Elliott at (530) 836-2380 or by email at selliott@parks.ca.gov. 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 Darrell Readyhoff at (805) 488-1827 X103 or by e-mail at dreadyhoff@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 Ranger Mary Hazel at (650) 948-9098 or by email at mhazel@parks.ca.gov. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park May through December. 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 a 31-foot RV or trailer. Refugio State Beach Refugio State Beach has two Camp Host and two Maintenance Host positions. Duties include assisting staff with fee collection, public information, firewood sales (able to lift up to 25 lbs.), and light maintenance. Hosts usual stay is three to six months. Please contact Ranger Iris King at (805) 968-3852, extension 2, or email her at iking@parks.ca.gov. Richardson Grove State Park (April – October) This park has two camp host sites, one located in Huckleberry campground (site #1) with full hook-ups and the other is in Oak Flat campground which has water and electrical hook-ups. Camp host duties include campground registration, assist at entrance station when needed, complete camp checks, firewood sales and light maintenance. Additionally, during the summer months, we recruit volunteers to assist in the park Visitor Center. Minimum stay is 30 days. Please contact Jenny Donovan at jdonovan@parks.ca.gov or Tim Wallace at (707) 247-3318. Russian Gulch State Park (Availability year round) Full hook-ups. One to six months stay required. Please contact Morgan Zeitler at (707) 937-5804 or by email mzeitler@parks.ca.gov Saddleback Butte State Park (Available year round) The park is 20 minutes east of Lancaster, in the beautiful western Mojave Desert amongst Joshua Trees and desert shrubs, with 50 developed campsites and a visitor center. The host site has full hook-ups, a shade ramada, picnic table, fire ring with barbeque, and a mature Joshua Tree. The position is for three to six months with about five hours of work per day; duties include visitor assistance, staffing of the visitor center, and light maintenance. For a full description of the position, please visit our camp host information page or contact Jean Scott at (661) 727-9899/ jscott@parks.ca.gov for more information.  Camp Host PositionSalt 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 (Year Round) 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 Dan Martin (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 Positions are available year around. 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 Ranger Jose Lopez at (805) 927-2013. 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. Silverwood Lake SRA We are currently seeking Camp Hosts at this beautiful lake, located in San Bernardino County and surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest. Silverwood Lake was formed by the 249-foot Cedar Springs Dam. At 3,350 feet, it is the highest reservoir in the State Water Project. The park features hiking trails, swimming beaches and designated areas for boating, water-skiing and fishing. The lake has trout, large-mouth bass, striped bass, catfish and bluegill. There is a marina with a launching ramp, boat and equipment rentals, and a store. The park has 136 camp sites and several picnic areas. The lake attracts waterfowl, raptors and songbirds. Osprey and bald eagles fish the lake in the winter. Volunteer duties include assisting visitors, collecting fees, performing light janitorial and maintenance duties, conducting interpretive programs, and encouraging compliance with park rules and regulations (although hosts do not perform actual law enforcement duties). Hosts may also perform a multitude of other duties to help the park. Two Camp Hosts sites with full hook-ups are available. If you are interested in volunteering as a Camp Host, please contact Supervising Ranger Steve Schory at (760) 389-2321 or by e-mail at sschory@parks.ca.gov. 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 Charles Orsua at (707) 247-3318 or by e-mail at ctorgsp@humboldt.net. 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 Jenny Donovan at jdonovan@parks.ca.gov or Tim Quandt at (707) 925-6482. 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 perform simple accounting 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 Gregory Probst at gprobst@parks.ca.gov. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park (Availability year around) RV (27' max) or trailer (24' max) is required. Host is expected to work 20 hours per week and must reside in the campground. Camp Host will assist the Ranger staff with campground operations. Please contact Robyn Ishimatsu at (707) 833-5712 Wednesday through Saturday after 3 pm. Sunset State Beach 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 Ranger Gabriel Mckenna at (831) 763-7064 or gmckenna@parks.ca.gov 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. The campground consists of 23 sites. If interested, please contact park staff at: Volunteer Coordinator Lake Sector Office P.O. Box 90 Tahoma, CA 96142 (530) 525-9528 hdoyle@parks.ca.gov 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 park staff at (209) 874-2008. Van Damme State Park (Availability year round) Full hook-ups. Wireless internet and available phone line. One to six months stay required. Located just 2 miles south of the historic village of Mendocino on the rugged and beautiful Mendocino Coast. The beach is only a few minutes walk from host site. Please contact Morgan Zeitler at (707) 937-5804 or by email mzeitler@parks.ca.gov Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park (Host positions temporarily closed; Applications still accepted.) This beautiful historic park is located in the Town of Weaverville. The position requires an active person interested in assisting with tours of an 1874 Taoist Temple. The host site is developed and has full hook-ups. Please contact Jack Frost at (530) 623-5284. Westport Union-Landing State Beach (Availability year round) Full hook-ups. One to six months stay required. Please contact Morgan Zeitler at (707) 937-5804 or by email mzeitler@parks.ca.gov Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area (Availability year round) A camp host is needed at Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area, a 37-unit campground located in a grove of old valley oak trees along the Sacramento River near Corning, CA , approximately 100 miles north of Sacramento. The host position is responsible for doing camp checks, performing light maintenance, and answering questions from the public. The host is expected to work 20 hours per week. The host campsite has full hookups, including sewer. This is a three to six month commitment. Please contact Ranger Susan Hearne at (530) 342-5185 or email shearne@parks.ca.gov. Morro Bay State Park features lagoon and natural bay habitat. The bay’s most prominent landmark is Morro Rock. The park has opportunities for sailing, fishing, hiking, and bird watching. The park museum has exhibits that cover natural features and cultural history, Native American life, geology, and oceanography. The park also has a colorful marina and an 18-hole public golf course. On the bay’s northeast edge is a pristine saltwater marsh that supports a thriving bird population. Location - Directions From San Luis Obispo take Highway 1 north to the Los Osos - Baywood Park offramp. Turn left, go about 1 mile and turn right into the state park. From the South, take Highway 101 northbound to the Los Osos - Baywood Park offramp. Turn left toward Los Osos and travel about 10 miles to South Bay Blvd., then turn right and go about 3 miles to the state park entrance. The Museum of Natural History is in the park. Drive about one mile, past the campground and the marina, then turn left into the museum parking lot. Seasons - Climate - Recommended clothing Morro Bay has moderate weather. During summer days the area is 30 degrees cooler during than inland areas. Dress in layers, especially at the ocean, as the water here is cooler than in Southern California. Surfers generally wear wetsuits. Museum of Natural History A visit to the Central Coast of California is not complete without a stop at the Museum of Natural History in Morro Bay State Park. The museum offers activities for all ages: nature walks, exhibits, lectures, puppet shows, videos, docent led tours and special events. Visit the Chumash garden along the side of the museum and learn how the Chumash used native plants of this area in their daily lives. The Museum of Natural History is within minutes of the Heron Rookery, Morro Bay State Park, Montaña de Oro State Park, the El Moro Elfin Forest and Audubon's Sweet Springs Nature Preserve. The museum overlooks Morro Bay which is both a State and National Estuary.
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For More Information
Please call or write the volunteer coordinator at the California State Park in which you would like to volunteer. Follow the link to the park page for mailing address of the park.
To request a volunteer information packet, please call (916) 653-9069 or contact vipp@parks.ca.gov. Please Note
Camp host positions require a minimum commitment of 1 to 3 months and a maximum of 6 months.
Non-California Residents
who reside in the state for 6 months or more must have their vehicles registered in California (CVC 516).
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