Volunteer Campground Hosts

FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ00000K4DG5

ADDRESS: 1005 Selway Drive  Dillon, Montana, 59725

DATES: 5/1/2026 – 9/30/2026

DEPT: Bureau of Land Management

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Dillon Field Office is seeking friendly and well-mannered customer-service–focused volunteer campground hosts for Red Mountain Campground, one of the busiest campgrounds on the Madison River.

Red Mountain Campground is located on the banks of the Blue Ribbon-ranked Madison River across from the Bear Trap Canyon Unit of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, approximately 30 minutes northeast of Ennis, MT, and about 40 minutes southwest of Bozeman, MT.

Red Mountain Campground is an expanded amenity campground featuring large campsites, easy access to hiking trails and popular fishing and non-motorized boating sites, vault toilets, and seasonal drinking water. The campground is open year-round and is fee-based May 1 through September 30. Peak visitation is from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, at which time campsites regularly fill to capacity, and nearby day-use areas, fishing access sites, and boat ramps can become congested, resulting in increased visitor interactions and occasional user conflicts that require calm, respectful, and empathetic communication.

Due to dry summer conditions, seasonal fire restrictions are very common on the Madison River corridor and may change throughout the season. Campground hosts play a key role in educating visitors about current fire restrictions, campfire regulations, and safe fire practices.

The campground operates on a split system. Some sites are first-come, first-served using an on-site fee tube (Iron Ranger) or a digital fee kiosk (new for the 2026 season). The remaining sites are reservable through Recreation.gov:

Campground hosts are responsible for the following:

Assisting visitors with fee payments
Ensuring campers occupy only their registered or assigned sites
Reporting any non-compliance or issues to BLM recreation staff

Note for applicants: Volunteers must be comfortable interacting appropriately with the public regarding fees and site compliance, including politely addressing situations where visitors may not have paid or are in the wrong site.

SCHEDULE & COMMITMENT

Hosts are expected to be on-site 5 days per week, including weekends and holidays
Minimum of 4 volunteer hours per day; maximum hours reimbursed per week is 20
Hosts are required to take 2 days off per week for rest and recuperation
Positions may begin as early as May 1 and extend through September 30 (some flexibility possible may be possible for the right candidate(s))
Length of service is contingent upon staffing, budget, and operational needs and may be shortened due to unforeseen circumstances
Volunteer positions are at-will and may be terminated at the discretion of the hiring agency

Note for applicants: Volunteers must be willing and physically capable of performing all assigned duties.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Visitor Services

Greet visitors in a friendly and professional manner and provide information on campground stays, local recreation opportunities (including fishing and boating access), BLM rules and regulations, and responsible recreation practices
Clearly communicate current fire restrictions and campfire regulations, and reinforce compliance during periods of elevated fire danger
Inform visitors of river safety concerns and other seasonal hazards
Identify and report inappropriate or illicit behavior, including fire-related violations, to BLM staff and/or local law enforcement as appropriate

Operations & Administration

Assist with managing online reservations through Recreation.gov
Update on-site reservation placards
Assist rangers with fee and parking compliance
Support visitor use data collection

Maintenance & Grounds

Perform daily cleaning, sweeping, raking, mowing, weed eating, shoveling, and trash removal
Clean fire rings, picnic tables, campsites, and parking areas
Maintain vault toilets: must be cleaned and stocked daily when on duty and may require cleaning multiple times per day during peak use periods
Replace/request replacement signs and ensure fire restriction signage is posted and visible
Report on maintenance or repair needs and provide assistance with repairs or special projects as requested

TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, & TRAINING

The BLM provides all necessary tools, equipment, PPE, and volunteer uniform (volunteer vest, hat), including gloves, hardhat, eye and hearing protection, mowers, trimmers, hand and power tools, and a UTV for official use within the campground. Fuel is provided for BLM equipment.

The BLM covers repair or replacement of equipment damaged through normal on-duty use. Damage resulting from misuse or negligence is the responsibility of the volunteer.

BENEFITS

Daily support available from staff while on duty
$38 per day reimbursement, up to 5 days per week (20 hours max.), for meals and incidental expenses
Host campsite is provided at no cost. Site includes standard electric, water, and septic hookups, as well as internet (not available to public) and a landline phone
Drinking water is available on-site
Propane and/or personal fuel costs are not reimbursed
Spending your summer in one of the most beautiful locations in SW Montana, surrounded by recreation opportunities, in proximity to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, and with a dedicated and energetic recreation team

APPLY TODAY and be of service to YOUR public lands!!

Tagged as: SUMMER '26