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There are more than 150 parks and 380 miles that are part of the County Parks and Recreation system, Volunteer campground and park host positions are available in over 40 parks with over 80 individual host campsites.
ABOUT CAMPGROUND AND PARK HOSTS:
Camp Hosts are typically located in a campground while Park Hosts are stationed in local parks, preserves, nature or community centers operated by the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation. Their primary role is to provide information, assistance and services. They encourage visitors to follow park rules and act as a point of contact in the event of an emergency after hours or when park staff are off duty. Additional responsibilities may include collecting day-use fees, staffing a nature center or historical site, nature interpretation, facility maintenance, landscaping, litter removal making simple repairs, performing light housekeeping and janitorial duties, and other work as assigned. Some Camp and Park Hosts are specialized, focused on singular tasks like maintenance, education recreation.
Camp and Park Hosts fulfill a minimum work requirement of 20 hours per week in exchange for a free campsite which includes electrical, water and sewer hookups. Hosts may park a motorhome or travel trailer in good repair, with kitchen, bathroom, and shower facilities – subject to approval by the site supervisor. View the sample License Agreement with the assignment description.
NOTE: Hosts must have weekday, weekend and holiday availability. Hosts cannot complete all 20 work hours in 2 days. Hosts must live on-site, meaning they should sleep in their motorhome or trailer, so they can serve as the off-hours contact for the property in the event of an emergency.
Are you ready to become a Campground or Park Host? View available opportunities and express your interest by completing the Campground and Park Host Interest Form.
Campgrounds:
Agua Caliente County Park | Dos Picos County Park | Guajome Regional Park | Lake Morena County Park | Oakoasis County Preserve | Potrero County Park | Sweetwater Summit Regional Park | Tijuana River Valley Regional Park Campground | Vallecito County Park | William Heise County Park
Community or Nature Centers:
Fallbrook Community Center | Provence House | Santa Ysabel Nature Center
Day-use Parks:
Borrego Springs County Park | Collier County Park | El Monte County Park | Eucalyptus County Park | Felicita County Park | Flinn Springs County Park | Lamar County Park | Lincoln Acres County Park | Lindo Lake County Park | Live Oak County Park | Louis A. Stelzer County Park | Otay Lakes County Park
Historical Sites:
Los Penasquitos Canyon County Preserve | Rancho Guajome Adobe
Open Space Preserves:
Boulder Oaks County Preserve | Hellhole Canyon County Preserve | Los Penasquitos Canyon County Preserve | Mt. Gower County Preserve | Ramona Grasslands County Preserve | Goodan Ranch/Sycamore Canyon County Preserve | Wilderness Gardens County Preserve
Sports Parks:
Adams County Park | Cactus County Park | Jess Martin County Park | Lakeside Baseball Park | Pine Valley County Park | Sweetwater Lane County Park
Who can be a host?
Residents of the United States over 18 may serve as hosts, provided they meet all requirements.
Is there a recruitment time?
We recruit hosts and volunteers year-round. Please let us know if you move or change your telephone number so we can keep in touch with you.
What is the duration of host assignments?
Host assignments are temporary and do not establish a host as a semi-permanent or permanent resident of the park or create an expectation of future hosting assignments. Park host opportunities vary in length depending on the park's needs. Hosts are required to serve a minimum of three to six months during an assignment agreement. A park may require a longer minimum based on the training requirements of the opening and needs of the park (this information will be included in the opportunity posting). The host assignment may be extended with six-month renewal agreements with a maximum unbroken length of service at a park capped at five years. Hosts shall give the park as much notice as possible when shortening or canceling their assignment agreement.
How many hours are required to be a host?
Hosts are expected to work the minimum number of hours required for the host assignment (approximately 20 hours per week. Please note that it is not 80 hours per month as we focus on the 52-week year, not a 48-week year).
Will I have full hookups?
Yes, all host campsites include full hookups (water, sewer, and electricity). However, there are a few parks where potable water may not be available. Additionally, there are fewer sites that may receive all electricity through solar power and there are limitations on the amount of electrical output. We do not provide internet, cable, or phone services at our parks. You can ask about hookups and amenities during the interview process.
What kind of vehicle(s) may I bring?
Vehicles are limited to one residential vehicle (trailer, motor coach, or bus) and two additional motorized vehicles, as the parking area of the site allows. Some sites have additional restrictions for residential vehicle length. We will work with you to identify if your residential vehicle will fit in the host campsite.
May I bring my pet(s)?
For purposes of this policy, “pets” refers to dogs and cats. Animals that remain inside the host’s residence in a cage, aquarium or other container will be allowed in most cases. Each host site is limited to two pets unless otherwise approved by the park ranger. The park may prohibit or restrict pets and/or other animals present in the host site or residence.
Do the park rules apply to me?
Yes. Please review Park Rules and Regulations.
Do I get to have days off? What about vacation time?
Yes. Days off are usually during the week and will vary with the seasons, the number of hosts assigned at the park and staff’s days off. Staff will try to arrange your schedule whenever possible for you to take two days off in a row. Your personal time is important, and the staff encourages you to take a real break and leave the park to visit the local sites, go for a hike, or just get away and relax. Other considerations will be made to accommodate your personal schedule and any other commitments you have arranged prior to your hosting assignment. For hosts in renewal agreements, vacation time off may be coordinated with and scheduled with the park ranger.
I have a disability. May I still be a host?
Yes. Please let staff know of any disabilities before your assignment so they can find the right place for you.
How can I find out about open host spots and apply?
View open host spots and apply using the Campground and Park Host Interest Form.
