Campground Hosts

• Camping fees are waived during your term of service (minimum of one month commitment). 
• Ample opportunity to socialize, meet amazing people from all over the country, and become a critical member of the parks team.
• Dane County Parks logo shirts and hats will be provided to help identify you.
• Campground Amenities:
  • The W.G. Lunney Lake Farm, Token Creek and Babcock campgrounds have full hook-ups at the campground host site.
  • The Mendota campground has electricity at the host site. Showers, water, and dumping facilities are available at the campground but not at the host site.
  • The Brigham campground is a rustic but has electricity and water at the host site.
• Pets are welcome in our campgrounds. You will need to follow all park rules regarding pets. Off-leash dog parks are available at several Dane County Parks. A Dog Permit is included so you can walk your dog outside the campground or visit a dog park.

A required training for all hosts is held in May (Date to be determined). Hosts not in the area for the training may be able to make alternative arrangements. Additional guidance will be provided at the campground by Park Rangers.

As a Campground Host, you will be representing Dane County Parks and will be expected to act as a good camping role model and follow all park rules. You will be expected to treat all campers with respect - discrimination will not be tolerated. This is a volunteer (unpaid) position. Hosts must provide their own camping units. A cell phone or tablet will be provided.

Your on site duties will include:

Site Monitoring

• Be on “Duty” at least 5 days out of 7, with any full days off taken Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Hosts are “on call” whenever on site and make themselves available to campers at any hour.
• Walk through the campground several times per day & inform staff of camper concerns.
• Prior to turning in for the evening, walk through the campground and bathrooms

Camper Assistance

• Provide hospitality to campers and assist campers as needed.
• Alert campers to weather emergencies.
• Answer questions about:
  • Camping reservations
  • Local resources & attractions
• Stay visible and approachable to campers by being outdoors frequently

Communicate with Park Staff

• Stay in regular communication with staff and refer problems to staff for solution
• Contact Park Ranger, Park Staff, and/ or Sheriff’s Department when necessary
• Write incident reports as needed
• Attend regular meetings with staff or other hosts
• Submit a written report at the end of the term of service

Maintenance Duties (directed by Park Ranger as needed)

• Stock toilet paper in bathroom stalls
• Daily litter pickup, daily removal of trash from fire rings at vacant sites
• Minor maintenance
• Plant, weed or mulch planting beds around the campground and park signs
• Mow host site with push mower (provided)
• Paint items around the campground as specified by ranger

How to Apply

Fill out and submit the following documents:

• Application Form (PDF)
• Signed Release for Background Checks (PDF)

An interview will be conducted, by telephone if necessary. If a couple is applying, both parties will be interviewed. Staff will check your references and run a background check. Applicants who are accepted will receive an agreement, to be signed by all parties. The agreement makes it clear that the volunteer is responsible for his/her own liability.