Forest Service Jobs & Campground Host Opportunities

The U.S. Forest Service manages 193 national forests and 20 grasslands covering 193 million acres across 44 states. National forest campground host positions put you in some of the most rugged and beautiful terrain in the country: alpine meadows in Colorado, old-growth rainforest in the Pacific Northwest, and Appalachian hollows in the Southeast.

Paid Forest Service positions — campground aides, recreation assistants, fee collectors, and trail crew — are posted through USAJOBS and carry GS pay grades. Volunteer host positions are managed through individual forest districts and posted on Volunteer.gov. Both paid and volunteer listings are shown below.

• Campground host, recreation assistant, and trail crew positions across 193 national forests in 44 states
• Remote and high-elevation sites are common — research road access, cell coverage, and hookup type before committing
• Many volunteer positions may include a free RV site; hookup type and compensation vary by district and campground
• Paid positions use GS pay grades (GS-3 to GS-5, approximately $15–$21/hr); some include on-site RV parking

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a Forest Service campground host job?

Paid U.S. Forest Service positions are posted on USAJOBS — click any listing for the official posting and apply before the closing date. Volunteer host positions are managed by individual forest districts and posted on Volunteer.gov. Contact the district ranger office listed in each position for details.

Do Forest Service campground host positions include hookups?

Hookup availability varies widely by campground and district. Developed campgrounds may offer electric and water at the host site; remote primitive campgrounds often have no hookups. Always confirm hookup type with the district office before accepting a placement.

What is the typical season for Forest Service host positions?

Most national forest campground host positions run May through October, though season dates vary by elevation and location. High-elevation campgrounds in the Rockies and Sierra Nevada may open as late as June and close by September.

Are Forest Service volunteer positions paid?

Forest Service volunteer host positions do not include a formal wage. Compensation typically comes in the form of a free RV campsite; some districts also offer a small daily stipend or a complimentary America the Beautiful annual pass. Details vary by district.

HitchPath is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Listings may come from official sources and employer submissions when available. Always review the official listing before applying.