Host Benefits
As a campground host volunteer, you are allowed a minimum of 4-weeks of free camping in one of Michigan's beautiful natural and/or historic areas. The schedules of our volunteer hosts allow you ample time to enjoy recreational activities with friends and family members while providing volunteer services within a Michigan State campground. Hosts will have the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and perhaps develop new friendships. One of the most important benefits hosts receive is a sense of satisfaction that comes in knowing you have helped make the camping experience more enjoyable for other campers.

Who Can Host
Hosts can be individuals or teams such as a wife and husband. You must be 18 years of age or older and have your own camping gear.

Minimum Requirements for All Hosts
You must be willing to provide services five days each week, including weekends and holidays (totaling approximately 30 hours per occupant).

• Expected to serve a minimum of four consecutive weeks
• You must be at least 18 years of age or older
• DNR employees are not eligible
• Must provide own camping unit, equipment and personal items for your own stay
• You are required to pass a background check

Volunteer Campground Hosts are selected by state park and state forest managers. Managers may require an interview or request additional information on prospective volunteers. Selection is based on familiarity with the Michigan Campground System, camping experience, special skills, availability, knowledge of the surrounding area and needs of the park.

Where do you want to Host?
Michigan offers two distinctly different types of camping experiences;
Rustic - State Forest Campgrounds or
Modern - State Parks or Recreation areas.

When applying to be a campground host Make sure you know which type of camping you want to do!

Rustic, State Forest Campgrounds
State forest campgrounds are low density facilities containing between 10 to 60 campsites. These campgrounds have vault toilets and hand pumped water. There are no electrical hook-ups, sanitation stations, or shower buildings available for use. However, sites are generally in a more quiet setting. Also, the larger sites are further apart and afford more privacy.

Modern, State Parks or Recreation Areas
State parks and recreation areas are high density facilities containing between 100 to 400 campsites. They offer shower buildings with flush toilets, running water spigots, and sanitation stations. Electrical hook-ups are available at each campsite.

Hosts in a Modern State Park Campground
The primary responsibility of a Campground Host is to assist campers by answering questions and explaining rules in a pleasant and helpful manner. As a representative of the Michigan state park the Volunteer Campground Host will provide the following kinds of services:

• Greet new campers.
• Distribute interpretative information
• Answer questions about the local area
• Arrange campground activities such as camper coffee hours, kids fishing derbies, campfire sing-a-long and berry picking.
• Perform other services depending on your capabilities and the campground facilities where assigned.

Volunteer Campground Hosts take no law enforcement measures other than being observant and notifying park staff of problems. Our Volunteer Hosts are easily recognizable by their official vests, shirts, hats and nametags.

Volunteer Campground Hosts are selected by state park managers. Managers may require an interview or request additional information on prospective volunteers. Selection is based on familiarity with the Michigan Campground System, camping experience, special skills, availability, knowledge of the surrounding area and needs of the park.

Required Activities
The following duties are required of each Campground Host:

• Weekly Host Camper Coffee Hour (supplies provided)
• Provide or Assist with a Weekly Activity
• Daily Walk/Bike Tour of Campground
• Loan Equipment (provided)
• Construct and/or Maintain Bulletin Board
• Create and/or Update Local Attractions Directory
• Complete a Weekly Work Schedule
• Post Hosts' Schedule and In/Out Sign
• Attend Host Training (State Park Hosts only)

How to Apply to be a State Park Host - Modern Campground
Fill out the State Park Campground Host applications available right here. Mail the completed form directly to the park you want to host. You can find the address of the park or recreation area here.   State Parks offer modern camping with electrical hookups and shower buildings. Hosts are welcome to apply for a vacancy at more than one park, but a separate application should be completed for each park. Applications are accepted year-round until all vacancies are filled. Questions about the State Park Host Program can be addressed to Monica Terrell at 517-335-3034.

State Park Camp Host Vacancy List (For 2008)

Hosts in a Rustic State Forest Campground
The primary responsibility of a Campground Host is to assist campers by answering questions and explaining rules in a pleasant and helpful manner. As a representative of the Michigan state forest campground system, the Volunteer Campground Host will provide the following kinds of services:

• Greet new campers. Answer questions about the local area
• Perform other services depending on your capabilities and the campground facilities where assigned, including light maintenance within the campground.
• Volunteer Campground Hosts take no law enforcement measures other than being observant and notifying park staff of problems.

How to Apply to be a Forest Campground Host - Rustic Campground
Fill out the State Forest Campground Host application available right here. Mail the completed form to the address on the form. REMEMBER: State Forest Campgrounds are rustic facilities with vault toilets and no electrical hookups or shower facilities. There are no State Forest campgrounds in southern Lower Peninsula. State forest campground hosts have a lower level of interaction with visitors than State Park hosts. Applications are accepted year-round until all vacancies are filled. Questions about the State Forest Campground Host Program can be addressed to Ada Takacs at 989-275-5151, ext. 2049. Click here for a list of rustic campgrounds that need campground hosts.