DNR Logo
Alaska Department of Natural Resources

Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Alaska State Parks Volunteer Program Campground Host Positions

Southeast Region Campground Host Positions

Southeast Region Office
400 Willoughby Ave
P.O. Box 111071
Juneau AK 99811-1071
ph: (907) 465-4563
fax: (907) 465-5330
email: dnr.pkssoutheast@alaska.gov


Note: Use district addressed listed with contact name.

Note: Please be sure to check the general information page for instructions on applying! Don't forget to look at the More Information on Campground Hosting page. Click here to return to the area listing of host positions.



Chilkat State Park

Chilkat State Park is located approximately 8 miles south of downtown Haines and offers spectacular views of glaciers and mountains across Chilkat Inlet. The park offers 35 camp sites, 7 mile long Seduction Point Trail, good salt water fishing, wildlife viewing, and boat ramp.
Host Duties: welcome campers and day users to acquaint them with the park area and facility; informing visitors of the park regulations, policies, fee requirements, as well as local and statewide attractions; deter vandalism/criminal mischief; contact the appropriate law enforcement or EMS agency for emergencies; and inform the area ranger of any problems. Assist the area park staff with the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the area facilities including campground fee compliance, janitorial service of latrines, light repairs, painting, litter pickup, cleaning fire rings, with some documentation and office work.
Special Projects:Maintain trails/campground, monitor commercial operations, other duties as assigned.
Amenities: Subsistence payment. Host site (possible primitive cabin available) with no hook-ups provided. Services located 8 miles away in Haines.
Season: 5/15 - 9/15, 8 weeks minimum, full season preferred.
Contact:Chief Ranger
Phone: (907) 465-4563
Email: dnr.pkssoutheast@alaska.gov


Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site

This 32-site campground, picnic and boat launch is in a forested river valley and overlooks both the Chilkoot River and Chilkoot Lake. Brown bears frequent this area to feed on the abundant salmon. There is excellent freshwater fishing and abundant wildlife viewing.
Host Duties: Welcome campers and day users to acquaint them with the park area and facility; informing visitors of the park regulations, policies, fee requirements, as well as local and statewide attractions; Inform visitors of the importance of keeping a clean camp to deter bear activity; deter vandalism/criminal mischief; contact the appropriate law enforcement or EMS agency for emergencies; and inform the area ranger of any problems. Assist the area park staff with the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the area facilities including traffic control, janitorial service of latrines, light repairs, painting, litter pickup, cleaning fire rings, with some documentation and office work..
Special Projects:Maintain area facilities, monitor commercial operations, assist as a bear safety monitor, and other duties as assigned.
Amenities: Subsistence payment. Host site with beautiful scenery, no hook-ups provided. Services located 10 miles away in Haines.
Season: 5/25 - 10/15 or longer, 8 weeks minimum, full season preferred.
Phone: (907) 465-4563
Contact: Chief Ranger
Email: dnr.pkssoutheast@alaska.gov


Settler's Cove State Recreation Site

This small park is nestled in a cove along an ocean passage and surrounded by large trees and dense temperate rainforest. In or near the park there is good fishing, kayaking and wildlife viewing for whales, bald eagles, and black bear. The site has several miles of hiking trail. There is also an abundance of Sitka-black tailed deer right out the front door. Settler's Cove is a small 14 site campground, with a Public-Use Cabin and a day use area, located 18 miles north of Ketchikan, population 14,500. Ketchikan has a variety of art and music happenings and is known for having the largest collection of totem poles in the world. Summers are mild and misty. Winter weather is wet and sometimes windy, with occasional ice but very little snow. Winter daylight hours are reduced but never less than 7 hours daylight.
Host Duties: Cleaning of cabin and latrines. Light maintenance within the park, its facilities, campsites and the cabin. Upon request, provide assistance and visitor information to the visiting public. Use of backpack leaf blower on the road. Chop, bundle and sell firewood, and assist in clearing sticks and other debris from hiking trails. Winter season may require occasional light snow shoveling. Document visitor information, place courtesy tags or check for fee compliance in campsites. Inform visitors of rule violations and report violators to park specialist.
Special Projects: Occasionally assist staff with small construction projects, tree removal or repairs as skills permit.
Required Skills: Must be able to work independently and follow procedures without direct supervision. Must have good speaking skills and enthusiasm for working with the public. Must be in good health and physical condition.
Desired Skills: Valid driver’s license. Knowledge of grounds upkeep and use of powered groundskeeping equipment. Know how to use basic carpentry tools. First aid and CPR certified.
Amenities: $200/month stipend, Log cabin with some furnishings, free diesel provided for stove, free electricity, free internet, free phone (local calls only), and a rainwater system. Amenities include an oven, sink, fridge, washer/drier, and separate shower room.
Season: 6 months, Summer 5/1 – 9/30, winter, 10/1 - 4/30. Full season preferred but not required. Outside day shift employment must be pre-approved by park specialist. Must attend and occupy park nights and evenings, and most weekend days. Host gets two days off a week (typically in the middle of the week). Host is expected to be available to assist visitors/on duty in the park at least 37.5 hours a week. Actual physical labor is estimated at 12-15 hours a week.
Note: Nearest bus stop is 4 miles away. Personal vehicle highly recommended. In the winter, access to a 4 wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle recommended due to occasional snow and ice.

To apply or for more information:

Contact: Ketchikan area Park Specialist
phone: (907) 247-8574
email: dnr.pkssoutheast@alaska.gov

OR

Submit application online



Totem Bight State Historical Park

Totem Bight is located 10 miles north of Ketchikan. It is the only park in the Alaska State system dedicated to the Southeast Alaskan native culture, displaying the art and architecture of the Tlingit and Haida. The park exhibits 14 totem poles and a clan house, hand-crafted 75+ years ago by Native carvers in the area. A short self-guided trail winds through the rainforest to the totem display which faces an ocean passage. In the summer, commercially guided tours from the cruise ships frequent the park. The park is a day use facility, not a campground. Nighttime visitors are rare. Summers are mild and misty. Winter season weather is wet and sometimes windy, with occasional ice but very little snow. Winter season daylight hours are reduced but never less than 7 hours daylight.
Host Duties: Assist staff with garden, light grounds maintenance and janitorial duties; open and close the historic clan house daily. Fold interpretive guides (about 50 a day). Monitor commercial sign-in sheets. Winter season may include occasional moderate snow shoveling. Deter vandalism/criminal mischief; contact the appropriate law enforcement or EMS agency for emergencies; and inform the Park Specialist of any problems. If approached by park visitors, Inform visitors of the park regulations, and policies.
Special Projects: Assist staff with any special events or with other special activities or maintenance projects on an occasional basis.
Required Skills: Must be able to work independently and follow procedures without direct supervision. Must have good speaking skills and enthusiasm for working with the public. Must be in good health and physical condition.
Desired Skills: Valid Drivers' License. Knowledge of gardening, grounds upkeep and use of powered groundskeeping equipment. First aid and CPR certified.
Amenities:$250/month subsistence payment (summer season only), fresh water (3000 gallons per season), free Wi-Fi internet, waste water dump tank (500 gallons per season) free solid waste disposal & free electricity provided. Caretaker RV site is located next to the beach, facing the west with beautiful sunsets, including a fire ring and picnic table. 4 mile bike trail and borough bus immediately accessible. Other services located in Ketchikan. Must provide own propane/heating fuel.
Season: Summer: 6 months, from 5/1 - 9/30. Winter 10/1-4/30/24. Full season preferred but not required. Outside daytime employment requires pre-approval. Must be on location nights and most weekend days. Two days off a week, usually in the middle of the week. Summer season estimated 17.5 hours of labor a week, 12 hours of labor a week in the winter.
Note: Must have own RV or Camper. Couple preferred but not required. To apply or for more information:

Contact: Ketchikan area Park Specialist
phone: (907) 247-8574
email: dnr.pkssoutheast@alaska.gov

OR

Submit application online



Eagle Beach State Recreation Area

Eagle Beach is 27 miles north of Juneau along the Glacier Highway with views of Lynn Canal, the Chilkat Mountains, and the Juneau Mountains. This park unit has 16 campsites and 3 Public-Use Cabins with several walk-in camping sites. Large beach and river bars offer excellent birding and fishing. Eagles,whales, sea lions, and seals frequent the ocean nearby.
Host Duties: Welcome campers and day users to acquaint them with the park area and facility; informing visitors of the park regulations, policies, fee requirements, as well as local and statewide attractions; Inform visitors of the importance of keeping a clean camp to deter bear activity; deter vandalism/criminal mischief; contact the appropriate law enforcement or EMS agency for emergencies; and inform the area ranger of any problems. Assist the area park staff with the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the area facilities including traffic control, janitorial service of latrines, light repairs, painting, litter pickup, cleaning fire rings, with some documentation and office work.
Special Projects: Visitor information, compiling visitor use statistics monitor Public-Use Cabin use. Inform public of park regulations.
Amenities: Subsistence payment, water, and propane provided. Full services available 17 miles away. Phone located at maintenance facility nearby.
Season: 12 - 16 weeks, 5/15 - 9/30
Contact: Chief Ranger
email: dnr.pkssoutheast@alaska.gov

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