Campground Host Volunteer

FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ00000KgtpN

ADDRESS: 1199 Madison Road  Eatonton, Georgia, 31024

DATES: 2026-03-01

DEPT: Forest Service

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Oconee Ranger District on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is actively recruiting for a volunteer campground host for the Lake Sinclair Recreation Area in Putnam County, GA. Lake Sinclair Recreation Area is located along the banks of Lake Sinclair in the heart of Georgia. Visitors can experience a wide variety of recreation activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting. The beach and day-use area provide opportunities for water activities and picnicking.

Lake Sinclair Recreational Area offers 33 campsites, with 5 campsites for campers with electrical and water hookups available. These campsites are available as first come first serve, with booking on-site through Recreation.gov Scan & Pay system. Lake Sinclair Recreation Area utilizes Recreation.gov for both day-use and camping fees. The campground provides potable water, two bathhouses, a day-use bathroom, and the host site includes electrical/water hookups and is suitable for an RV. No wifi is available and cell service is limited in some areas at this location. The campground is open year round, but may be closed during inclement weather emergencies.

The following represents the duties and expectations of the campground host:

·        Perform a variety of tasks associated with managing and maintaining the Lake Sinclair Recreation Area. Common duties include checking visitor payment status for day-use and camping, updating kiosk information, grounds and general maintenance, restroom upkeep, trash removal and providing information to visitors. Hosts are expected to interact with campground visitors but will have the full support of district staff and Forest Service Law Enforcement Officers.

·        Promote equal opportunity and employs nondiscriminatory practices for merit promotion, recruitment and hiring of applicants; encouragement, recognition, and fair treatment of all employees; and career development and full utilization of employees’ skills.

·        Adhere to nondiscriminatory employment practices regarding race, color, national origin, age, disability; and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal; or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program.

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest’s four ranger districts encompass approximately 867,000 acres across 26 counties and support approximately 850 miles of recreation trails and dozens of campgrounds, picnic areas, and other recreation activity opportunities. The three mountain districts include ten Congressionally designated wilderness areas, 430 miles of trails, including the first (or last) 76 miles of the Appalachian Trail from/to its southern terminus at Springer Mountain, and nearly 1,400 miles of trout streams.

The District

The Oconee Ranger District encompasses approximately 116,000 acres in 8 counties. The District is characterized by pine and mixed pine-hardwood forest in the hills of the Georgia Piedmont. The diverse habitat is home to more than 350 animal and fish species and 150 plant species, including the federally listed red-cockaded woodpecker and relict trillium. The district contains 7 recreation areas, 2 major lakes, 3 major rivers, 2 wildlife management areas, 2 experimental forests and a research natural area. The Oconee also contains an abundance of visible cultural history dating back 12,000 years. The district office is outside of Eatonton, the county seat for Putnam County.

The Communities

Putnam County is located in the heart of central Georgia, 73 miles southeast of Atlanta, 96 miles west of Augusta, 45 miles south of Athens, and 47 miles northeast of Macon. Public schools in the county are new or recently updated. Over 9 colleges and universities are located within an hour’s drive. Putnam County has been listed as one of the most desirable places to retire due to climate, taxes, lifestyle, and proximity to larger metropolitan areas. Several additional full-service communities are within reasonable commuting distance and offer an array of services and housing. Medical services are abundant. Much of the area is pastoral, but the 2 large recreation lakes have attracted many up-scale developments and golf courses. Hunting, fishing, and equestrian activities are all popular. Putnam County has a favorable cost of living with excellent housing available in all price ranges. The climate is typical of the Piedmont region, hot summers, and mild winters, making outdoor activities feasible year-round.

Cultural and Recreation Opportunities

Nearby towns of Eatonton and Milledgeville provide a welcoming environment with a rich blend of history, culture, and outdoor recreation. Eatonton is celebrated for its literary heritage, featuring the Georgia Writers Museum and the Uncle Remus Museum. Milledgeville combines historic charm with a vibrant downtown featuring dining, shopping, and community events. Both communities provide municipal amenities, parks, and public facilities. Residents enjoy easy access to two major lakes nearby for boating and fishing, as well as trails and recreational areas for hiking and biking. Whitetail deer and eastern wild turkey provide hunting opportunities in spring and fall.

Climate

The average daytime winter temperature is 40-50 degrees, with the average daytime summer temperatures in the 90s. The growing season is 200 days, with an average rainfall of approximately 45-50 inches per year. Beautiful flowering blossoms of numerous native plants and trees are present in spring and summer.

Tagged as: SPRING '26, SUMMER '26