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Alaska Department of Natural Resources

Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Campground Hosting Information

Information on Hosting, this page.

Position Descriptions by Area

Northern Area (Fairbanks to Tok)
Mat-Su/Copper River Area (Talkeetna to Glennallen)
Kenai/PWS Area(Valdez and the Kenai Peninsula)
Kodiak Area (Kodiak Island)
Southeast Area (Haines to Ketchikan)
Chugach Area (Anchorage)
Listing of All Host Positions and Status (open or filled)
Note: Please be sure to check the general information page for instructions on applying!


Information on Campground Hosting
What Do Campground Hosts Do? Volunteer hosts with ranger

Hosts are on-site representatives of Alaska State Parks. They welcome campers, acquaint them with park facilities and regulations, answer questions on local and statewide attractions, and help visitors plan their trips. Hosts help the park rangers with the day-to-day operation and maintenance of campgrounds; this includes litter pickup, light janitorial maintenance, and repairs. Special park projects can be designed based on a host's skills and interests. All hosts must have enthusiasm for working with the public, a willingness to learn about Alaska, and the desire to accept new challenges.


What is a Campground Host's Season?

The camping season in Alaska is generally from mid May through mid September. Some campgrounds are open year round or have extended seasons. Hosts are requested to volunteer 30 to 40 hours per week for at least four to six weeks. Hosts may stay the entire season and some areas may rotate hosts among campgrounds for a broader experience. Alaska State law AS 28.10.121 and AS 28.15.021 requires any person residing in Alaska more than 60 days to obtain an Alaskan drivers license and registration for their vehicle. Rangers will try to balance a host's schedule with visitor season demands. The minimum time commitment and length of season for a specific position is listed under the Season category with each position description.


Where Do Hosts Live?

Volunteer hosts live in their own RV, motorhome, or trailer, at a special campsite. Because campground hosts are the "ambassadors" for Alaska State Parks, their "residence" must be neat and well‑maintained. Alaska State Park campgrounds are rustic, but clean and beautiful. Each campsite has a parking pad, a picnic table, and a fire pit. Each campground has water, latrines, and trash containers. Some host locations have access to telephone and electricity. Nearby communities and lodges have sanitary dump stations and most other services. Generally, the campgrounds are near recreation attractions - lakes, streams, mountains, fishing, and wonderful views. A few campgrounds have a small frame cottage or log cabin for the hosts to stay in.  This is noted under the category of Amenities listed with each position description.


What Will Hosts Receive?

Campground hosts stay free in an Alaska State Park campground and have free use of all facilities. Each host or host couple will be trained by the ranger staff and will receive a volunteer uniform. In addition, a Subsistence payment may be available for longer commitments, ranging from $100-$500 a month.  See the Amenities category listed with each position description for more information.


How often is the catalog updated?

The catalog is updated every two years and available September first, both in hard copy and on the Internet for the following summer. Volunteer positions are posted on the campground host position listing page. The list is kept current with available and filled positions.

Mission Statement

"The Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation provides outdoor recreation opportunities and conserves and interprets natural, cultural, and historic resources for the use, enjoyment, and welfare of the people."

Accessibility Notice

Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Atwood Building
550 West 7th Avenue
Suite 1380
Anchorage, AK 99501
DNR Public Information Center:
(907) 269-8400
DPOR Director's Office:
(907) 269-8700