Campground Host

FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ000007crIb

ADDRESS: PO Box 579  Death Valley, California, 92328

DATES: 10/8/2025 – 1/15/2026

DEPT: National Park Service

JOB DESCRIPTION:

*Candidates must have their own motorhome (RV or trailer) to be considered for the position!*

Mesquite Spring Campground:

Mesquite Spring Campground is a 40-site property located at an elevation of 1800 feet. It is located in the remote northeast section of Death Valley National Park, below Grapevine Canyon. It is surrounded by desert mountains and geological features. Each site has a fire grate and picnic table There is no NPS staff on site at this first-come, first-serve campground. This is the most remote developed campground that has a volunteer host. This location also experiences more winter weather and colder temperatures than the other campgrounds in the park. There are restrooms with flush toilets and running water. Hosts are provided full hookup sites, but surge protectors are highly recommended as power fluctuations can and do occur. The nearest full-service town with doctors, pharmacies and grocery stores is Pahrump, NV approximately a 2.5 hour drive from the campground. More information about the campground can be found here: Mesquite Spring Campground – Death Valley National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

In this location, cell service and internet connectivity are non-existent. A radio and GPS device with messaging capabilities are provided for emergency communications. Wi-Fi is NOT provided in the campground. Free Wi-Fi is available at the Grapevine Ranger Station. Previous camp hosts have been successful with bringing in their own satellites and having their own internet setup. If you telework/work remotely, reliable internet is your responsibility.

General Position Description:

Camp hosts reside in their own RV and are responsible for greeting visitors and helping guests solve problems in a friendly and professional manner. Hosts wear the National Park Service Volunteer-in-Parks (VIP) uniform while on duty. Camp hosts must work well with people, provide excellent customer service, while being neat in appearance. Hosts are responsible for performing compliance checks on foot, three times a day, including other duties mentioned below. Candidates must be able to walk between 1-5 miles a day in all kinds of weather. Hosts are expected to work 32 to 40 hours a week, often during busy holidays and weekends. Fee Collection is NOT required of camp hosts. A minimum commitment of 3 months is preferred.

Requirements: 

Candidates must have a motorhome (RV or Trailer) to be considered for the position. Selected candidates must also turn in a valid and clean driving record from their state’s DMV (may require paying a small processing fee, depending on your state).

Compensation:

Hosts are provided full hookup sites (water, sewer, and electricity) in the Grapevine area, approximately 2 miles from the campground. An NPS vehicle may be provided in order to commute from the Host site to the campground to carry out duties and responsibilities. Free laundry facilities are available for use in the Grapevine area. Reimbursement is provided for propane use. Volunteers have access to the employee pool and gym facilities in Cow Creek.

Tagged as: FALL '25, National Park, WINTER