Camp Host

Bureau of Land Management

Penitente Canyon Campground

Campground Host Position Description

The San Luis Valley Field Office, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking a campground host at the Penitente Canyon Campground for the summer of 2025. Campground hosts are on-site representatives of the Bureau of Land Management. This position begins in mid-April and continues through October. A season-long commitment is preferred (4-5 months).

Volunteers will receive an orientation to the area and training to fulfill all assigned duties, including:

All hosts must have enthusiasm for working with the public and must provide a welcoming environment to campers in the campground.
Being prominently located as a resource for campers; this includes providing accurate, concise information to the public and communicating the information in a professional manner. Hosts are expected to assist visitors who stop by the host campsite.
Performing “rounds” in the campground at least twice a day (typically early morning and evening) by foot or by vehicle for the purpose of answering visitor questions, checking fee compliance, performing maintenance and educating visitors on area resources and regulations.
Informing visitors of area regulations in a friendly manner.
Assessing situations and reporting emergencies or major violations to Law Enforcement staff.
Assisting visitors with campground fee payment procedures. This position does not collect fees.
Delivery of emergency messages to visitors.
Notifying Bureau of Land Management staff of campground maintenance needs or resource damage.
Hosts are expected to perform maintenance duties such as cleaning restrooms and consolidating trash at the campground and day use areas.
Volunteers are prohibited from carrying personal firearms while on duty.
Marijuana (including medical) is not allowed on site.
Benefits to the host:

ü A complimentary campsite in the host’s assigned area, including water spigot, sewage dump, picnic table and firepit. Electrical hook-ups are not provided.

ü Meeting new people and becoming more familiar with the Sangre De Cristo Mountain area.

ü $38/day stipend paid monthly.

Location:

The San Luis Valley is one of the undiscovered jewels of Colorado. Situated roughly 4 hours south of Denver and 4 hours north of Albuquerque, NM, the valley’s 3 million-plus acres of public lands offer recreation for all ages and fitness levels. Penitente Canyon sits in the northwestern part of the valley and is near the San Juan Mountains. Penitente Canyon, a Bureau of Land Management Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA), is an internationally recognized climbing area, offering more than 300 incredible sport climbing routes. South-facing routes can be climbed year-round within the SRMA. Numerous Trails are also available for your enjoyment within Penitente Canyon SRMA

Shopping, medical facilities, and major amenities can be found 14 miles away in Del Norte, CO or 30 miles away in Alamosa, CO

Tagged as: SUMMER '26