Becoming A Camp Host

There are many volunteer opportunities available in Maryland's state parks. Camp Hosts are a valuable part of the Volunteer Program in Maryland state forests and parks.

General Guidelines

Camp Hosts at Greenbrier State Park.(Specific parks may have some different guidelines)

  • The Camp Host will work a stipulated number of hours a week.
  • In return, the Camp Host will have a free campsite -- while they are part of the camp host program.
  • The work to be done is generally campground related:
    • Welcoming new campers
    • Keeping the campsites clean
    • Keeping the campground in good condition
    • Answering questions asked by campers
    • Letting the campers know what is happening in the park/area over the period of the campers stay
  • Many parks will also involve the Camp Hosts in general park operations. This is especially true when the Camp Host has a specific skill, such as:
    • Electrician
    • Plumber
    • Clerical/receptionist
    • Computer
    • Historic/Docent
    • Generally the Camp Host is required to be on site on the weekends (Friday-Sunday and holidays when the campground is the busiest).
    • The Camp Hosts are asked to make a commitment as to the length of their stay.

 

Memories From A Camp Host

Camp Host Betty Anthony shares her fond memories of spending her summers at Patapsco Valley State Park with her family. For Betty Anthony, being a Patapsco Valley State Park camp host means simply: "a real chance to 'give back' just a bit of the joy and pleasure that we have experienced in this most wonderful of settings where Mother Nature gently shares her wealth of outdoor treasures with those who would care to venture in."


How to be a Camp Host in Maryland State Parks

  • Consult the chart below and determine where you would like to be a Camp Host. The DNR website provides much information about the state parks.
  • Contact the specific park by e-mail, phone or mail.
  • Discuss your possible dates, etc. to determine if there is an opening.
  • Arrangements are made with the park.


Park #
Camp Hosts
Requirements Other Information Contacts
Elk Neck State Park 9 Available 20 hours per week; 2 month minimum stay April-Sept. Must be on site Friday p.m.-Sunday p.m. 410-287-5333
elkneck.statepark@maryland.gov
Patapsco Valley State Park 3 30 hours/week work; 1 mo. minimum stay Apr.-Oct. Electric hook-up 410-465-3287
volunteerpatapsco.dnr@maryland.gov
Susquehanna State Park 1-2 20 hours/week work; 4 hrs/day 5 days/week Electric and water hook-up, mail service, dump station 410-557-7994
susquehanna.statepark@maryland.gov
Assateague State Park 10 28 hours/week work; 1 mo. minimum stay May-Sept. No hook-ups 410-641-2120
assateague.statepark@maryland.gov
Janes Island 1-2 20 hours/week work; 2 week minimum stay Electric hook-up 410-968-1565​
mark.herring@maryland.gov
Martinak State Park 2 20 hours/week work; 1-2 mo. minimum stay Electric hook-up 410-820-1668
ashlee.reinke@maryland.gov
Pocomoke River State Park 2-4 20 hours/week work; 1 mo. minimum stay
Electric hook-up 410-632-2566
pocomoke.statepark@maryland.gov
Tuckahoe State Park 2 20 hours/week work; 1-2 mo. minimum stay Electric hook-up 410-820-1668
ashlee.reinke@maryland.gov
Cedarville State Forest 1 20 hours/week work; 4 week minimum stay Electric hook-up; water available 301-888-1410
cedarville.statepark@maryland.gov
Greenwell State Park 2 20 hours/week work; 1 month minimum stay Full electric, water and sewer hook-up Jolanda Campbell, 301-373-9775
jcampbell@greenwellfoundation.org
Point Lookout State Park 12 20 hours/week work; 1 mo. minimum stay up to 1 yr. Full hook-ups, water, electric, sewage 301-872-5688
pointlookout.statepark@maryland.gov
Smallwood State Park 1 20 hours/week work; 4 week minimum stay Electric hook-up; water nearby 301-743-7613
smallwood.statepark@maryland.gov
Cunningham Falls State Park 7 20 hours/week work; 4 week minimum stay Electric hook-up 301-271-7574
cunninghamfalls.statepark@maryland.gov​
Deep Creek Lake Recreation Area 3 20 hours/week; Minimum stay 1-2 months, Memorial Day to Labor Day preferred Full hook-ups Ken Dzaack, 301-387-5563, ken.dzaack@maryland.gov
Gambrill State Park 2 20 hours/week work; 4 week minimum stay Electric hook-ups 201-293-4170
Gambrill.StatePark@maryland.gov
Greenbrier State Park 5 20 hours/week work; 1 mo. minimum stay Electric, water and sewage hook-ups 301-791-4767
greenbrier.statepark@maryland.gov
Rocky Gap State Park 10 20 hours/week work; minimum stay is flexible Electric hook-ups Dave Best​, 301-722-1480
rockygap.statepark@maryland.gov
Swallow Falls State Park 1 20 hours/week work; 1 mo. minimum stay Full hook-ups 301-334-9180
herringtonmanor.statepark@maryland.gov​
Washington Monument State Park 1 20 hours/week work; 1 mo. minimum stay Electric, water and sewage hook-up 301-791-4767
greenbrier.statepark@maryland.gov​


Please check with the Volunteer Coordinator at the state park where you are interested in volunteering. Click here for a list of Volunteer Coordinator contacts by park.

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