Park Host

The Recreation Operations of the Willamette Valley Project is seeking a highly motivated, energetic couple or 2-person team to serve as the Schwarz Campground Host below Dorena Lake Dam. The primary duties and responsibilities of the campground host are to help USACE park rangers ensure that campers have a safe, enjoyable visit while also educating campers of rules and regulations.

Position starts ASAP and runs through mid-September. RV campsite with full hookups is provided in exchange for 30 hours of work per week (split between two people). Additionally, after a volunteer has completed at least 250 hours of service they are eligible to receive an America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.

Dorena Lake and Schwarz Campground is set in the gentle rolling hills of the Calapooya Mountains, less than 10 miles from the quaint town of Cottage Grove. Dorena Lake is a great location for boating, water skiing, fishing and swimming. Nearby Baker Bay County Park offers a boat ramp and marina.

The Row River Trail stretches 14 miles from downtown Cottage Grove, past the Dorena Dam and along the entire north side of the lake. This popular path is open for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

The Cottage Grove Scenic Byway Tour meanders past seven historic covered bridges in the area. The bridges were built in the 1920s and 30s, and some are still in use today.

Schwarz Campground offers several single and double-family campsites and six group sites. Flush toilets, drinking water, showers and a dump station are provided. Younger campers love the park’s big playground.

Schwarz Campground and all Army Corps of Engineers land around both Dorena and Cottage Grove Lakes have an alcohol prohibition. All Corps personnel, contractors, volunteers, and the public are required to follow this restriction.