Picture waking up in the lush heart of Olympic National Forest or perched along the edge of a massive Columbia River reservoir this summer, all without paying a cent in camping fees or rent. It may sound too good to be true, but it’s very real. The National Park Service (NPS) is currently recruiting summer campground hosts for national park sites across the country. Dozens of host positions are already open for the summer of 2026, including several right here in Washington state.
One example is Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, which is seeking seven volunteer campground hosts between May and early September this year. Created by the Grand Coulee Dam, Lake Roosevelt spans 133 miles along the Columbia River. In exchange for monitoring camper check-ins and helping keep the campground clean, hosts receive a campsite with hookups.
Another Washington opportunity is at Olympic National Forest, where a volunteer campground host is needed at Willaby Campground on the shores of Lake Quinault. The position runs from late April through October and includes welcoming campers, maintaining campground facilities, and answering visitor questions. Hosts receive a campsite—“ideally outfitted for someone with a vehicle under 20 feet, such as a converted van or small trailer”—with electrical hookups, along with a $35 daily stipend for each day worked.
A third opportunity is at San Juan Island National Historical Park, which is seeking volunteer couples between May and early September. This visitor services role requires an RV. They’ll give you access to a RV campsite with full hookups (Wi-Fi service, electricity, water, and sewage) and in your free time you’ll be able to enjoy the small town of Friday Harbor and the beautiful San Juan Island.
So what do these volunteer gigs typically involve? Most campground host positions are unpaid, with compensation typically coming in the form of a free campsite or RV hookup. Responsibilities vary by location, but generally involve spending much of the day outdoors. Hosts help keep campgrounds and fire pits clean, perform light maintenance, restock restrooms, and assist campers with check-ins. They also act as the eyes and ears of park rangers, keeping an eye on campground activity and reporting any issues to park law enforcement. Hosts aren’t responsible for enforcing rules—just flagging concerns.
As for requirements, applicants usually need a valid U.S. driver’s license and their own RV or trailer to live in. Listings specify maximum vehicle size and available hookups; some campsites offer water and sewage but no electricity. Some positions allow tent camping, while others provide furnished cabins. Previous experience in camp hosting, customer service, or maintenance can strengthen an application, and some roles include basic fitness requirements, such as lifting up to 25 pounds or walking a mile.
To apply, you’ll first need to create a profile on Volunteer.gov, the federal government’s volunteer recruitment portal. From there, you can apply directly to openings at individual parks. The site’s filter tools make it easy to search by city or state and exclude listings that don’t offer lodging.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the most popular parks tend to fill up fast, so apply sooner rather than later. Full listings and details for all available campground host positions can be found on Volunteer.gov.