Volunteer Campground Host

FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ00000Jy58L

ADDRESS: 24 Fort Missoula Road  Missoula, Montana, 59804

DATES: 5/1/2026 – 9/30/2026

DEPT: Forest Service

JOB DESCRIPTION:

This U.S. Forest Service volunteer position provides a unique opportunity to live and work on the Lolo National Forest in Western Montana, providing public service while hosting and maintaining select recreation sites within the beautiful Rock Creek Recreation Area (RA), home to a world-class trout stream and fishery. A stipend or salary is not provided.

Rock Creek RA sits approximately 26 miles east of the city of Missoula and south of Interstate 90. The campground host site is located at the 13-unit Norton Campground, 10 miles and 20 minutes south of the freeway along Rock Creek Road. The nearest amenities are found at Ekstrom’s Stage Station (campground, RV park, and restaurant) and the small Rock Creek Mercantile (fly shop, snacks, and drinks). There is also a small grocery store and gas station in Clinton, which is about 5 miles west on the interstate.

The Rock Creek host is a roving campground host position that provides general maintenance services within the rec area (selected campgrounds and trailheads), fee compliance, and public service. The host routinely travels 14 miles round trip along Rock Creek, via the largely unpaved portion of Rock Creek Road, to fulfill their duties. The host site is located at Norton campground at milepost 9. The road is paved to milepost 12 and is graveled beyond that point. A Forest Service truck is provided for work duties only and a clean driving record is required for the position.

Volunteer campground hosts are front-line representatives of the United States Forest Service, and there is a high level of public interaction and customer service expected. This is a great position for people who enjoy sharing their love of public land with other members of the visiting public. Volunteer service is greatly appreciated and is critical to achieving our Agency’s mission of Caring for the Land and Serving People! General duties include:

–         Hosting: Being a courteous, professional, and friendly host to forest visitors while representing the Agency

–         Information sharing: Providing visitor information including recreational opportunities, rules, and regulations

–         Upkeep and maintenance: Maintaining the campground and picnic site to a level directed by forest service recreation staff

–         Monitoring: Monitoring fee compliance and adherence to rules and regulations

–         Cooperating: Working effectively and positively with Forest Service staff

Season, Schedule, and Utilities:

For a typical day, hosts are on duty morning and evening during daylight hours to greet visitors and to conduct fee compliance checks. The Forest Service Recreation Manager will coordinate with the host regarding the time of day to complete maintenance duties. Days off will be taken mid-week on Tuesday/Wednesday or Wednesday/Thursday, and the host is not required to stay on site during days off.

The campground host site parking spur is graveled to accommodate a RV or camp trailer. Additional parking spaces are provided for the host’s personal vehicle. Electricity, water, septic, garbage, and phone service (local calls only) are provided by the Forest Service. Previous hosts have chosen to pay for additional services including long-distance phone service using pre-paid calling cards, satellite television (DirectTV, Dish Network, etc.) and/or dial up internet (Peoplepc.com). Please note that there is no DSL through CenturyLink, the primary phone provider. Cell phone reception is available approximately 6 miles to the south of the campground along Rock Creek Road.

Hosts must provide their own RV or camp trailer along with propane (if applicable). Hosts must possess a valid driver’s license. The use of a tent as the only means of housing is not permitted. Pets may be permitted with prior Forest Service approval on a case-by-case basis. Please note that all pets must be on a leash, including host pets, within the campground. Also, ATVs, UTVs, and motorcycles must meet Montana State law (must be street legal) to ride on State and Forest Service roads.

Fee and Regulation Compliance:

Ensuring that campers pay their fees is one of the host’s primary duties. Fees collected at the site pay for the garbage service, water, site improvements, law enforcement patrols and hosts utilities. Campground hosts conduct both morning and evening checks to verify that campers have paid their fees and are abiding by vehicle limits and campground rules. The host records fee permit and license plate information that is submitted to the Forest Service weekly. Hosts request that visitors pay the fee when they have failed to do so and inform visitors about general regulations including food storage, quiet hours (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.), parking, and leashing pets. Hosts are required to wear a volunteer uniform polo shirt or jacket while conducting rounds.

Campground Maintenance:

All supplies, tools, equipment, and host uniform components are provided by the Forest Service. Ensuring a clean and well-maintained campground for the public is of utmost importance. Daily campground maintenance duties include:

–         Cleaning and stocking restrooms

–         Shoveling and cleaning out fire rings

–         Monitoring the host water system located at Norton Campground to ensure that it is operating properly

–         Reporting vandalism or facilities that need repair

–         Litter pick up

Tagged as: SUMMER '26