Park Host Program

Hosting is one of the most popular volunteer opportunities at Washington State Parks. Park hosts help State Parks achieve our mission to connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational experiences.

Park hosting is one of the most popular volunteer opportunities at Washington State parks. Hosts help State Parks achieve our mission, to connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and to provide memorable recreational and educational experiences.

Hosts assist park staff in campground and park operations and assist visitors by providing park information, answering questions, and explaining rules. Hosts are provided a designated host campsite and available utilities during their volunteer service. As a host, you will be joining a supportive community of volunteers and staff who serve the public and our public lands.

Requirements for hosts

Hosts must be at least 18 years old and are required to pass a criminal background check. Hosts must provide their own RV, camping unit or boat; lodging is not provided.

Hosts should enjoy working with the public, have the desire to accept new challenges, and possess the willingness to learn about Washington state parks.

Assignments typically require a 30-day commitment. This may be extended up to 90 days at the park manager's discretion. Hosts are required to perform a minimum of 28 hours of service a week and are expected to work 5 days a week with 2 days off.

At the end of your host assignment, performance evaluations (Word, 48KB) are available for staff to use as tools to sit down with you and reflect on how things have gone. This is a time to have a conversation with your supervisor and talk about your volunteer experience.

Host duties

As a host, you will represent Washington State Parks by greeting visitors and helping set the tone for a pleasant stay. Hosts assist park staff and perform a range of duties that vary depending on the park and location of the host assignment.

Campgrounds

Hosts in campgrounds greet campers, answer questions, and perform light maintenance particular to the park. This may include litter pick-up, raking campsites, or lawn mowing. Hosts may assist with other projects based on park needs and the skills and interest of the host.

Retreat centers

Retreat centers are rustic lodges and cabins, which are used for school field trips and group retreats. Retreat center hosts assist visitors with check in, logistics, and use of facilities. Hosts may also perform light maintenance duties around the facility.

Interpretive centers

Hosts at interpretive centers, museums and lighthouses may assist park staff with interpretive programs, give tours, work in gift shops, and open and close facilities.

Marine parks

Marine park hosts assist boaters as they enter moorage area, inform visitors about park facilities, alert boaters of weather conditions and let visitors know about unique areas to explore. Unlike other host assignments, hosts at marine parks are required to stay for a minimum of one to two weeks, depending on the location.

How to apply

To apply to become a park host, please download, complete and return the forms below (applications will not be processed until all forms are received). Please refer to the host application process (PDF, 146KB) for more details.

Park Host Application (PDF, 900KB)

P-009 Request for Criminal Disclosure & History (PDF, 404KB) (A separate P-009 form is required for each individual that will be staying at the host site, regardless if they will be performing host duties. Each must be signed by hand.)

Complete the 2024 Host Agreement (PDF, 172KB). If you are hosting in 2025, please complete the 2025 Host Agreement (PDF, 149KB). This is for approved Hosts or to be included with above documents.

Submit completed forms via e-mail or by mail:

WA State Parks Volunteer Program
P.O. Box 42650
Olympia, WA 98504-2650