Sept 1- Nov 29, 2026 Campground Host Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is recruiting to fill a last-minute Campground Host vacancy at the Lewis Mountain Campground between Sept 1, 2026 and November 29, 2026. Lewis Mountain is the smallest and most intimate campground in Shenandoah National Park, the only entirely first come-first served space, and is integral to the history of Shenandoah. It is located in the central district of the park off of mile 57.5 of the Skyline Drive. The Lewis Mtn area contains the campground, a picnic area, and concessionaire managed cabins and a camp store. It is 7-miles south of the popular Big Meadows area and near many wonderful hikes. The camp host site includes water and electric hookups. The nearest dump station is at Big Meadows Campground. 

Imagine waking up to birdsong and spotting a deer grazing peacefully outside your RV. The scent of campfires drifts in on the cool mountain breeze. As you step outside to heat coffee over your own fire, fellow campers wave on their way to the bathhouse or an early hike.

After breakfast, you meet with the rangers to plan the day. It’s another clear morning in Shenandoah. Someone tosses you the keys to the golf cart, and you're off at a brisk 8 mph. You collect site tags from departing visitors, check on unclaimed reservations, and stop to chat or answer questions along the way.

By your second day, you know where every bathroom and dumpster is. By your second week, you have a ready list of favorite hikes. You put out fires- literally. Someone left their campfire smoldering. You continue with the roves, identifying birds by sight and sound. A visitor nervously reports a wasp nest on a trail, so you radio the rangers, who respond quickly. You end your shift with a picnic dinner on a nearby trail, enjoying a peaceful moment away from the buzz of the campground.

As a volunteer campground host, you will work closely with park staff to help ensure a safe, welcoming, and well-maintained experience for visitors at one of four front-country campgrounds. Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with reservations and occupancy management
• Serving as a friendly, knowledgeable resource for campers, particularly outside business hours
• Helping maintain campground standards and behavior expectations
• Supporting light upkeep tasks like litter pickup
• Roving the campground to identify and report safety or resource concerns

What You’ll Need:

• A hard-sided camper or RV (to protect from wildlife and weather)
• A commitment of at least 32 hours of service per week
• At least 6 weeks of availability
• Willingness to interview with a campground supervisor to ensure a good fit
• A background check may be required

Applications are reviewed and forwarded to supervisors as they are received.