Campground hosts live in their campers at state park campgrounds during the busy summer season and work with park staff to ensure that campers have the best experience possible in Iowa’s state parks. Live-in hosts provide a friendly presence in our campgrounds and act as models for other campers.  They answer questions, direct visitors to points of interest, and perform other light administrative and/or maintenance tasks.  The requirements to be a campground host are the ability to commit to at least four consecutive weekends and pass a criminal background check. 

Benefits include:

• Designated free campsite in the park with a host sign while hosting
• Host cap and nametag
• Recognition from the DNR and the state of Iowa for valuable service performed

Review our Campground Host Information to get more information about becoming a campground host.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for campground hosts to live in our state parks for the months of April – October helping DNR staff with light maintenance duties, checking in campers, and being a resource for visitors enjoying our state parks and forests.  

Campground hosts are a crucial volunteer group for our state park systems in Iowa with the average host volunteering 20 – 40 hours per week while living on site in their own campers.  These volunteers also lend a hand to park staff on busy weekends and holidays to keep campers informed of park rules, area accommodations, and what the park has to offer.  

If you like to camp and meet new people, this is the volunteer experience for you!

The following sites are open for campground hosts this year:

• Backbone State Park – Delaware County (Sept – Oct)
• Clear Lake – Cerro Gordo County
• Dolliver State Park – Webster County
• Geode State Park – Henry County
• Lake Keomah – Mahaska County
• Lake Wapello – Davis County
• Nine Eagles – Decatur County

For more information please contact the DNR Office of Volunteer Services at 515-281-0806 or e-mail us at DNR.Volunteer@dnr.iowa.gov.