Campground hosts sought for DNR properties

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Several of Indiana’s state parks, state forest and state recreation properties are looking for volunteers to serve as campground hosts in exchange for free camping during their service.

Hosts work a minimum of 20 hours per week. The volunteer period length varies at properties based on the number of applicants and on the amount and type of work required.

Properties are looking for dedicated campers who enjoy working outdoors, as well as with people and DNR staff.

Completion of a volunteer application is required to be eligible. A volunteer application form can be downloaded at stateparks.IN.gov/2443.htm.

A complete list of site availability and detailed information about hosting duties is at stateparks.IN.gov/2404.htm or persons may contact the property where they would like to serve as a host.

Area properties included are:

-- Lieber State Recreation Area (Cagles Mill Lake), Cloverdale, (765) 795-4576 or KGeiger@dnr.IN.gov

Number of host sites: Two — one campground host and one VIP.

Length of stay: Campground hosts may stay for one month. VIPs may stay seasonally.

Duties: Litter pickup; take/deliver messages; housekeeping; provide security; clean fire rings; make minor electrical repairs; traffic control; volunteer and staff nature center; assist with special events.

Status for 2019: Host positions filled for season, accepting applications for future.

-- McCormick’s Creek State Park, Spencer, (812) 829-2235 or WWilliams1@dnr.IN.gov Number of host sites: Two.

Length of stay: One month required.

Duties: General light labor and cleaning in the campground.

Status for 2019: Host positions filled for season, accepting applications for future.

-- Raccoon Lake/Historic Mansfield Roller Mill, Rockville, (765) 280-4012 or RPlotkin@dnr.IN.gov

Number of host sites: One. Full Hookup (electrical, water, sewage)

Length of stay: Two weeks.

Duties: Clean and stock comfort stations; pick up litter; Cleaning fire pits and preparing sites for campers; weed and water flowerbeds; deliver messages; assist with interpretive services and special events as needed; approx. 25-30 hours per week per person.

Status for 2019: Hosts selected for season; accepting applications for waiting list.

-- Turkey Run/Shades State Park,

Marshall, (765) 597-2654 or ADouglass@dnr.IN.gov Number of host sites: One at Turkey Run; none at Shades.

Length of stay: One month.

Duties: Two main responsibilities -- 1) Answer guest questions and provide exceptional customer service for the front desk located in the Nature Center. Assist with special events and programs as needed. 2) Welcome campground visitors via the host site and information table provided there. Replace toilet paper in bathrooms as needed. Hosts may also help with other projects that fit their interests, skills and available time.

Status for 2019: Accepting applications.

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