Love Camping? The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Is Hiring Seasonal Campground Hosts

Outdoor enthusiasts looking to combine their passion for nature with a part-time gig may be in luck. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is now accepting applications for seasonal campground host positions at various state parks across Illinois.

Campground hosts play a vital role in enhancing visitor experiences. These volunteers act as on-site ambassadors, assisting campers, answering questions, and helping maintain a friendly and welcoming environment. While the position is unpaid, hosts receive a free campsite with amenities such as electricity, water, and sewer hookups for the duration of their service—typically from May through October.

Ideal candidates are those who enjoy interacting with people, are familiar with park rules and amenities, and are willing to commit to a regular volunteer schedule. Hosts often provide information about local attractions, monitor campground activity, and assist with basic upkeep of the campground facilities.

“Campground hosts are essential to helping guests feel at home,” said IDNR officials. “They bring a personal touch to the camping experience, and their presence supports park staff in keeping things running smoothly during the busy season.”

The IDNR is currently seeking hosts for more than a dozen state parks, recreation areas, and fish and wildlife areas. Those interested in applying can find a full list of host opportunities and application instructions on the IDNR website.

Whether you’re a retiree with a camper or someone seeking a summer immersed in the great outdoors, this opportunity offers a unique way to give back while enjoying Illinois’ natural beauty.

Sources:

•Illinois Department of Natural Resources – Volunteer Opportunities

•Original News Article on MSN

Tom R

Tom is a former Navy Corpsman that spent some time bumbling around the deserts of Iraq with a Marine Recon unit, kicking in tent flaps and harassing sheep. Before that, he was a paramedic somewhere in DFW, also doing some Executive Protection work between shifts. Now that those exciting days are behind him, he has embraced his inner “Warrior Hippie,” and assaults 14er in his sandals, and engages in rucking adventure challenges while consuming copious water. To fund these adventures, he writes all manner of content (having also held editor positions at several publications) and teaches wilderness medicine and off-road skills. He hopes that his posts will help you find the gear that will survive whatever you can throw at it (and the training to use it). Learn from his mistakes--he is known (in certain circles) for his curse...ahem, ability...to find the breaking point of anything. You can follow him at https://linktr.ee/docrader.