Volunteer

Volunteering in Washington’s state parks 

Anyone can be a Washington State Parks volunteer! Explore our volunteer opportunities below to find out how you can get involved. 

Annual beach cleanups

Our annual beach cleanups are among the most popular volunteer opportunities we offer, bringing together thousands of volunteers each year. These events are perfect for families, students and community groups looking to give back while spending time outdoors. Volunteers help protect marine life, restore shorelines and keep Washington’s beaches safe and beautiful. 

Washington State Parks is a member of the Washington Clean Coast Alliance (WCCA) — a coalition of nonprofits, community organizations and government agencies. Together, through Washington CoastSavers, we coordinate large-scale cleanup efforts along our coastal beaches. 

Every year thousands of volunteers remove tons (no, really, tons!) of marine debris, plastic and trash from the Pacific Coast and Salish Sea during our three annual beach cleanups.

Washington Coast Cleanup

Celebrate Earth Day by joining one of Washington’s longest-running beach cleanup events. Since 2007, this annual effort has united volunteers across the coast.

Save the date: April 18, 2026 

July 5th Beach Cleanup

After the Fourth of July celebrations, beaches are often left covered in firework debris, trash and plastics. On July 5, volunteers gather from Ocean Shores to Long Beach to help restore our coastlines.

Save the date: July 5, 2026 

International Coastal Cleanup

Be a part of a global movement to remove ocean plastics and marine debris. On the third Saturday in September, Washington joins thousands of volunteers worldwide for this international effort, led by the Ocean Conservancy.

Save the date: Sept. 19, 2026 

Visit the Washington CoastSavers website to view the list of locations and register for our next beach cleanup. 

Washington State Parks Friends Groups

Washington State Parks Friends Groups play a vital role in protecting, preserving and promoting their local state parks. These nonprofit volunteer organizations support parks in many ways, including fundraising, leading volunteer projects, hosting interpretive programs, planning special events and much more. 

Friends Groups vary in size and focus, but all share a commitment to supporting their favorite Washington state park. Anyone interested in giving back to their favorite park is welcome to join a Friends Group and get involved in meaningful volunteer opportunities.

Group volunteer opportunities

Washington State Parks welcomes volunteer groups of all kinds. Groups of three or more can participate in short- or long-term volunteer projects and special events across the state. Opportunities are available for scout troops, school or youth groups, military members, businesses and community organizations. 

Group volunteering is a great way to build teamwork, meet service requirements and give back to your community while enjoying Washington’s outdoors. Explore group volunteer opportunities to find the right fit your group. 

Individual volunteer opportunities 

Individuals can give back to their community by volunteering at their local state parks. A variety of short- and long-term opportunities are available based on the unique needs of each park. 

Volunteers can help with removing invasive, non-native weeds, maintaining trails, picking up litter, performing office duties, supporting park store operations, assisting with interpretive programs and park events and much more. 

Getting started as a volunteer is easy. Learn how to become a volunteer at your favorite state park and start making a difference.

Become a park host 

Park hosts play a key role in welcoming visitors to our parks. As a host, you’ll support State Parks staff, share helpful information with guests and assist with day-to-day campground or facility operations – all while staying in a designated campsite with provided utilities. Hosts commit to at least 28 hours per week, enjoy a supportive volunteer community and make a meaningful impact on Washington’s public lands.  

There are several types of park host opportunities, including:  

Camp hosts

Camp hosts welcome campers, answer questions and help keep campgrounds clean and inviting. Duties may include litter pick-up, raking campsites, lawn mowing and assisting with other projects based on park needs and the host’s skills and interests.  

Retreat center hosts: Retreat centers feature rustic lodges and cabins used for school field trips and group retreats. Hosts assist in visitor check-ins, logistics and facility use, and may help with light maintenance around the property. 

Interpretive centers

Interpretive hosts support park staff by welcoming visitors, protecting resources and helping bring Washington’s natural, cultural and historical stories to life. Duties may include opening and closing interpretive centers or historic sites, assisting with tours, working in gift shops or supporting ranger programs. 

Marine parks hosts

Marine park hosts assist boaters as they enter moorage areas, share information about park facilities, provide weather updates and highlight unique places to explore. Unlike other host roles, marine park hosts typically commit to a minimum stay of one to two weeks, depending on the location. 

Learn more about the requirements, duties and how to apply to become a park host. 

Volunteer recognition

Washington State Parks proudly recognize our volunteers’ outstanding commitment in helping maintain our parks and sharing their knowledge with park visitors as we work towards a common goal of protecting our state lands. 

We want to thank all of our volunteers for their time and commitment to Washington State Parks. Volunteers are nominated by park staff each year for their outstanding service.  State Park volunteers contributed over 190,000 hours in our parks, providing a valuable service which help make Washington State Parks the wonderful places they are. Thank you for all you do! 

Find out who the 2024 state parks volunteer award winners are.