Camp hosting in Alaska popular with some RVers

For many RVers, visiting Alaska is a dream come true. For many, after touring a bit, the idea of settling in for while is appealing. One way to do that is to become a volunteer camp host in an Alaska State Park.

Hosts, most of them volunteers, welcome campers, acquaint them with park facilities and regulations, answer questions on local and statewide attractions, and help them 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. Most of them live in their own RV at a special campsite. Because campground hosts are the "ambassadors" for Alaska State Parks, their "residence" must be neat and well‑maintained.

Campground hosts stay free in an Alaska State Park campground and have free use of all facilities. Each host or host couple is trained by the ranger staff and receives a volunteer uniform. A subsistence payment of from $100 to $500 a month is sometimes available for longer commitments.

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. Learn more.