What are workamping jobs in California? Workamping jobs in California include camp host, volunteer host, front desk, maintenance, and recreation roles at private campgrounds, state parks, and federal lands. Some listings are paid jobs; others are volunteer or work-exchange arrangements. Compensation, RV site and hookups, schedule, and availability vary by listing and by region, so check each listing's dates and details before you apply.
11 paid jobs and 62 volunteer or work-exchange opportunities listed in California.
National Park Service — Joshua Tree, California — $52,938/yr – $68,819/yr
Lead Recreation Fee Technician overseeing 3+ GS-05 staff. Manages fee and donation collection, deposits, tracking, and expenditures under FLREA. Ensures compliance with regulations, improves work methods, performs clerical and technical tasks, and serves as a uniformed front-line NPS representative.
Commander, Navy Installations Command — Monterey, California — $22.00/hr – $24.00/hr
Performs a variety of duties in support of the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Community Recreation program that may include special events, recreation information/resources, command events, visiting ships or fleet support, community events, trips, tours, outings, party and picnic rental…
Commander, Navy Installations Command — San Diego, California — $21.28/hr
Performs a variety of duties in support of the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Community Recreation program that may include special events, recreation information/resources, command events, visiting ships or fleet support, community events, trips, tours, outings, party and picnic rental…
Commander, Navy Installations Command — Coronado, California — $21.28/hr
Performs a variety of duties in support of the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Community Recreation program that may include special events, recreation information/resources, command events, visiting ships or fleet support, community events, trips, tours, outings, party and picnic rental…
Commander, Navy Installations Command — Coronado, California — $21.28/hr
Performs a variety of duties in support of the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Community Recreation program that may include special events, recreation information/resources, command events, visiting ships or fleet support, community events, trips, tours, outings, party and picnic rental…
Commander, Navy Installations Command — San Nicolas Island, California — $22.00/hr
Incumbent is assigned to one or more specialized recreational activities such as the following: Community Activities, ITT Office, Campsites/Cottages, Arts & Crafts, Fitness/Athletics, Golf Course, Skeet Range, Youth Activities, Bowling Centers & Stables. May oversee sale of retail items associated…
Air Mobility Command — Travis AFB, California — $20.28/hr
About the position: This position is Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) and will be assigned to the Travis Outdoor Recreation facility at Travis Air Force Base, CA. Must be physically able to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift up to 75 pounds with assistance. Eligible…
Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command — March AFB, California — $20.28/hr – $22.00/hr
About the position: This position is Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) and will be assigned to the Outdoor Recreation Center on March ARB, CA. The position is a regular part time position, which means you are eligible for benefits and guaranteed to work at least 20 hours per week. Position requires…
United States Army Installation Management Command — Dublin, California — $20.28/hr – $23.00/hr
This position is located at Community Activity Center (CAC), Camp Parks, California. CAC has a variety of activities and programs for Soldiers to enjoy. It's the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day. Incentives and Bonuses Incentives will not be paid. Announcement will a have a first…
National Park Service — Twentynine Palms, California — $22.76/hr – $29.58/hr
Collect and account for fees at various locations interacting with visitors and sharing information. Serve as front-line representative to answer questions and offer guidance to guests. Likely Entry on Duty: July-August 2026. Open to the first 100 applicants. Applications must be submitted by 11:59…
Moss Landing Default — Moss Landing, CA — $17.40/hr
Looking for a team for a small RV park in a marina setting at the beach. The property is operated by two couples, and in addition to front desk reservations, there is some outside maintenance/landscaping and housekeeping of a small bathhouse and laundry. This is an immediate opening; please no…
These listings do not state a wage. Volunteer.gov postings are unpaid volunteer roles; other compensation, such as an RV site, varies by listing.
National Park Service — Yosemite National Park, CA
Lodging Details: Group Campsites at Yellow Pines Campground
Open to Group Applications of 10+ people.
Help preserve and improve Yosemite National Park's Campgrounds for millions of visitors by joining the Facilities Management team as a Campground Preservation Volunteer. Volunteers work alongside…
National Park Service — Yosemite National Park, CA
Help preserve the history and operation of Yosemite National Park by supporting the Facilities Management team with important records and administrative projects.
This volunteer opportunity is ideal for organized, detail-oriented individuals who enjoy working behind the scenes to make a lasting…
National Park Service — Yosemite National Park, CA
Lodging Details: Group Campsites at Yellow Pines Campground
Open to Group Applications of 10+ people.
Help preserve and restore the developed facilities of Yosemite National Park by volunteering with Facilities Management team. Facilities Restoration Volunteers work alongside National Park Service…
National Park Service — Yosemite National Park, CA
Lodging Details: Individual Campsite at Yellow Pines Campground
Help preserve and improve the developed areas of Yosemite National Park by joining the Facilities Management team as a Facilities Maintenance Volunteer. Volunteers work alongside National Park Service employees on projects that directly…
National Park Service — Yosemite National Park, CA
Position Description:
The position is as a desk officer, to help field staff by taking non-emergent service calls and file type reports. Earliest start date for the position would be in July, 2027.
Knowledge & Skills Desired:
A minimum of 15 years of law enforcement experience. Possess basic police…
National Park Service — Yosemite National Park, CA
Position Description: Live and Work in Yosemite. Will be working in Yosemite Valley Welcome Center and out in the field. We (The Division of Interpretation) try to connect people to place! (40 hours/week)
Housing Type: Dorm room in Yosemite Valley Rangers Club.
Major Duties:
Staff Welcome Center and…
National Park Service — San Francisco, CA
Boat Shop volunteers help to maintain our small craft collection. Work may include carpentry, painting, metal work, rigging and engine maintenance. Our volunteers may also be involved in the operation of powered vessels and rowing or sailing.
A one year commitment is required, and the acceptance of…
Forest Service — Nevada City, CA
The American River Ranger District in Foresthill, CA is looking for a handful of volunteers to be camp hosts at different locations on the Tahoe National Forest. A camp host does a variety of different tasks:
Clean restroom facilities
Interact, help, and answer questions from the public
Update daily…
Forest Service — Hathaway Pines, CA
The Calaveras Ranger District near Arnold, CA is looking for a handful of volunteers to be campground hosts at different locations on the Stanislaus National Forest. A campground host does a variety of different tasks:
· Clean restroom facilities
· Interact with, help, and answer questions from the…
Forest Service — Pinecrest, CA
The Sugar Pine Ranger District (formerly Summit Ranger District and Mi-Wok Ranger District) near Pinecrest, CA is looking for a handful of volunteers to be campground hosts at different locations on the Stanislaus National Forest. A campground host does a variety of different tasks:
· Clean restroom…
National Park Service — Death Valley, CA
*Candidates must have a self-contained motorhome (RV or trailer) to be considered for campground host positions!*
Death Valley National Park is looking to hire campground hosts for the following locations:
Sunset Campground (1 vacancies)
Stovepipe Wells Campground (2 vacancies)
Furnace Creek Campground…
National Park Service — Death Valley, CA
*Candidates must have a self-contained motorhome (RV or trailer) to be considered for campground host positions!*
Death Valley National Park is looking to hire campground hosts for the following locations:
Texas Spring Campground (2 vacancies)
Stovepipe Wells Campground (2 vacancies)
Mesquite Spring…
National Park Service — San Francisco, CA
Our Chantey program has been running for 30+ years! Held in the Maritime Museum Building and now once again in the place it all began, in the hold of the CA THAYER at Mare Island, our crew monitor the spaces, set up and and clean up after the event. They also have plenty of time to attend and enjoy…
Bureau of Land Management — CA
Please join the Bureau of Land Management's Palm Springs - South Coast Office at Cottonwood Springs dispersed camping area for a 2026 National Public Lands Day event in celebration of the recently designated Chuckwalla National Monument. The event will focus on cleaning up an important dispersed…
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — Irwindale, CA
Interested in Making a Difference and Joining the Habitat Care Crew? The California Native Plant Society (CNPS)’ San Gabriel Mountains Chapter is hosting a Habitat Care event in the “wild” portion of the Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area that is being set aside as a Natural Area. This volunteer event…
National Park Service — San Francisco, CA
Docents at San Francisco Maritime help staff contact stations and provide visitor information, as well as create programs in addition to those given by the Interpretation division. Study and research of the history of our historic vessels and the history and culture of the sea on the West Coast of…
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — Van Nuys, CA
The Friends of the Los Angeles River (FoLAR) is hosting a Habitat Restoration Day on November 14, 2026, from 8:00am to 11:00am within the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve. This volunteer event is in collaboration with the City of Los Angeles (who manage the land) in support of the U.S. Army Corps of…
National Park Service — San Francisco, CA
Located beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point is one of the most refined examples of masonry fortification in the United States—and the only example of Third System masonry on the West Coast. Constructed during the height of the California Gold Rush, it was designed as a formidable defense…
National Park Service — San Francisco, CA
Join the fun and help preserve and protect your national park! Maintenance volunteers help protect and beautify the historic landscapes and cultural resources throughout National Park Service managed lands in San Francisco County (see full list below). Projects include trail maintenance, vegetation…
National Park Service — San Francisco, CA
Golden Gate National Recreation Area's Horse Mounted Patrol Volunteer Program is looking for volunteers to help care for their horses. This position requires consistency and hard work in challenging conditions, and there often can be weeks or months when riding is not possible, so the best fit is…
National Park Service — Crescent City, CA
Are you interested in being a spokesperson for the coast redwoods? Come on over and volunteer alongside park staff at any of our park visitor centers. Emphasis is placed on the Thomas Kuchel Visitor Center, Prairie Creek Visitor Center, and Hiouchi Visitor Center.
Redwood National and State Parks is…
National Park Service — Martinez, CA
Description:
The John Muir National Historic Site is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team of interpreters. The commitment is twice a month of three-hour shifts. Volunteers will work alongside interpretive staff sharing with visitors the history of the site, John Muir's legacy, and the…
National Park Service — Twentynine Palms, CA
This opportunity is open to applicants through Saturday, 11/14. Applicants can expect to be contacted with more information the week of 11/15.
Join us at Joshua Tree National Park for our monthly Litter Lifters work!
Each month we designate two days to beautify and restore the balance of the unique…
National Park Service — Twentynine Palms, CA
This opportunity is open to applicants through Saturday, 11/28. Applicants can expect to be contacted with more information the week of 11/30.
Join us at Joshua Tree National Park for our monthly Litter Lifters work!
Each month we designate two days to beautify and restore the balance of the unique…
National Park Service — Twentynine Palms, CA
This opportunity is open to applicants through Friday, 11/6. Applicants can expect to be contacted with more information the week of 11/2.
Join us at Joshua Tree National Park for our monthly Litter Lifters work!
Each month we designate two days to beautify and restore the balance of the unique desert…
National Park Service — Twentynine Palms, CA
This opportunity is open to applicants through Tuesday 10/27. Applicants can expect to be contacted with more information by 10/28.
Join Joshua Tree National Park staff on our search to identify a rare plant in the northern part of the park! Volunteers and staff will scout pre-identified locations…
National Park Service — Twentynine Palms, CA
This opportunity is open to applicants through Sunday, 11/8. Applicants can expect to be contacted with more information the week of 11/9.
Join Joshua Tree National Park's vegetation crew, while we work to preserve the immemorial Joshua Tree (Yucca Brevifolia), one seed at a time!
Volunteers will work…
National Park Service — Twentynine Palms, CA
This opportunity is open to applicants through Saturday, 10/31. Applicants can expect to be contacted with more information the week of 11/1.
Join Joshua Tree National Park's vegetation crew, while we work to preserve the immemorial Joshua Tree (Yucca Brevifolia), one seed at a time!
Volunteers will…
National Park Service — Twentynine Palms, CA
This opportunity is open to applicants through Sunday, 11/22. Applicants can expect to be contacted with more information the week of 11/23.
Join Joshua Tree National Park's vegetation crew, while we work to preserve the immemorial Joshua Tree (Yucca Brevifolia), one seed at a time!
Volunteers will…
National Park Service — San Francisco, CA
At the northwestern edge of San Francisco, Land’s End is a place where dramatic coastal scenery meets layered history. Trails wind through cypress groves and along rugged bluffs, offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Golden Gate Bridge. Traces of the past remain, from shipwrecks along the…
Forest Service — Fall River Mills, CA
The Hat Creek Ranger District is looking for people with positive attitudes and helpful dispositions who want to be part of the Visitor Services team. Visitor Services operates the Front Desk and the Visitors Information Center on our district. The selected applicants will perform daily activities…
Forest Service — Fall River Mills, CA
The Hat Creek Ranger District is looking for people with positive attitudes and helpful dispositions who want to be part of the Visitor Services team. Visitor Services operates the Front Desk and the Visitors Information Center on our district. The selected applicants will perform daily activities…
Forest Service — Fall River Mills, CA
Hat Creek Ranger District is looking to recruit additional volunteers to support our winter operations at Ashpan Snowmobile Area and the Eskimo Hill Snow Play Area. Volunteers will educate visitors on sled hill etiquette and provide safety information for snowmobilers. Volunteers should expect to…
Forest Service — Old Station, CA
Campground Hosts serve as an integral part of the recreation and visitor service teams. Campground Hosts are often the first contact for information about the forest. It is important that we set a positive tone, offer correct and concise information, and maintain a friendly disposition.
The…
Forest Service — Fall River Mills, CA
The Hat Creek Ranger District is looking for people with positive attitudes and helpful dispositions who want to be part of the Visitor Services team. Visitor Services operates the Front Desk and the Visitors Information Center on our district. The selected applicants will perform guided trails…
Forest Service — Fall River Mills, CA
The Hat Creek Ranger District Visitor Services Team is looking for a motivated person with landscaping and maintenance skills, to help us with the Old Station Visitor Center and Discovery Garden. The visitor center and garden, is a spectacular place to spend your time.
Discovery Garden has strolling…
National Park Service — San Francisco, CA
One Saturday a month, our Living History crew brings the 1930s to life. Costumed and in character, the Maritime Museum Building is their stage. They interact with visitors and create the cruise atmosphere of the "Palace for the People" that was the original purpose of the building. A commitment of…
National Park Service — Ventura, CA
Major Duties
Conduct regular maintenance on the Marine Life Exhibit, including cleaning equipment, changing filters, adding and removing water, and testing water quality. Prepare and administer food and prescribed supplements and medications to exhibit residents. Log activities and observed…
Forest Service — San Diego, CA
Observatory Campground
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233300
This opportunity is open to a retired couple as it requires both to assist in care of the campground.
Palomar Mountain is a mountain in the Peninsular Ranges in northern San Diego County. It is famous as the location of the…
National Park Service — Ventura, CA
Join the Channel Islands Naturalist Corps and help people make personal connections to the Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary. Naturalist Corps members volunteer on wildlife cruises, lead day hikes, staff community events, and occasionally stay overnight on park islands to…
National Park Service — San Diego, CA
To apply, please email us at cabr_volunteers@nps.gov. PLEASE DO NOT CLICK "APPLY NOW" BUTTON.
Are you an active person who loves the outdoors? Do you like talking about nature and history? Do you wish for a break from school or work, while helping your local national park?
Park Rovers are volunteers…
National Park Service — Martinez, CA
Summary:
The Phenology Monitoring Internship is designed to prepare high school students for careers in Biology and Environmental Sciences. Phenology is the study of seasonal biological events, particularly in plants and animals (for example, studying why the flowers of a plant bloom during certain…
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — Sanger, CA
Pine Flat Dam & Lake offers an excellent opportunity to stay in a beautiful location while assisting Park Rangers steward public lands. Volunteers are an essential part of the Pine Flat team, providing support through routine maintenance of recreation, campground, and wildlife areas. Volunteers may…
National Park Service — San Francisco, CA
Description
The Presidio is a former military post located within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Today, it is a vibrant national park site where historic buildings, cultural landscapes, and open spaces come together to tell stories of service, change, and community.
At the Presidio Visitor…
National Park Service — San Francisco, CA
Volunteers in this position work on a crew focused on the maintenance, preservation, and periodic replacement of components of the traditional rigging on the West Coast lumber schooner C.A. THAYER, Clydesider BALCLUTHA, and San Francisco Bay scow schooner ALMA. A one year commitment is required, and…
Fish & Wildlife Service — Fremont, CA
Join the team at Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is located in California’s San Francisco Bay with thousands of acres of wetland habitat protecting endangered species and migratory birds. We are seeking candidates with a variety of skills. Come for a stay as a…
National Park Service — San Diego, CA
To apply, please email us at cabr_volunteers@nps.gov. PLEASE DO NOT CLICK "APPLY NOW" BUTTON.
Most people don't realize that the National Park Service performs active science at the park!
SEC (Science Explorer’s Club) volunteers introduce park visitors to the science performed at Cabrillo National…
National Park Service — San Francisco, CA
Help keep Sutro Heights and the San Francisco shoreline beautiful! Volunteers are needed to help keep these popular public destinations well maintained for both local and worldwide visitors to use and enjoy. Projects include litter and sand removal, weeding invasive plants, vegetation pruning,…
Forest Service — South Lake Tahoe, CA
Are you interested in serving our public lands? Consider joining our volunteer program! We offer local and RV volunteer positions, spent working along the Tahoe shoreline.
This volunteer opportunity serves either the Tallac Historic Site or the Taylor Creek Visitor Center, or possibly both sites.…
National Park Service — San Diego, CA
To apply, please email us at cabr_volunteers@nps.gov. PLEASE DO NOT CLICK "APPLY NOW" BUTTON.
In the early 1990s, both the public and scientific community of San Diego began noticing a peculiar problem in our tidepools: our Cabrillo National Monument visitors were loving the tidepools to death! Our…
National Park Service — Yosemite National Park, CA
This Volunteer Position is only for SkillBridge applicants who are current military members within 180 days of being released from Active Duty
The Intern (Utility Systems Operator Helper) will assist journeyman operators in the efficient repair, maintenance, and operation of water treatment…
Fish & Wildlife Service — Tulelake, CA
Volunteer Opportunity – Visitor Center Host
Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Tulelake, California
We are seeking volunteers to serve as Visitor Center Hosts. Duties include greeting and orienting visitors, answering telephones and information requests, opening and closing the center, and performing…
National Park Service — Ventura, CA
Assist visitors who are exploring exhibits or planning a trip to an island by providing orientation and information about the park and its partner organizations. Help visitors make personal connections to the park’s natural and cultural history by engaging them in short activities or informal…
Fish & Wildlife Service — Loleta, CA
The Visitor Services RV Host Volunteer lives in their own RV on site at Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex Headquarters, 1020 Ranch Road, Loleta, California. The site provides electricity, sewer and water (bottled water should be used for drinking and cooking). There is access to a shower…
Fish & Wildlife Service — Loleta, CA
The Visitor Services RV Host Volunteer lives in their own RV on site at Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex Headquarters, 1020 Ranch Road, Loleta, California. The site provides electricity, sewer and water (bottled water should be used for drinking and cooking). There is access to a shower…
Fish & Wildlife Service — Loleta, CA
The Visitor Services RV Host Volunteer lives in their own RV on site at Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex Headquarters, 1020 Ranch Road, Loleta, California. The site provides electricity, sewer and water (bottled water should be used for drinking and cooking). There is access to a shower…
Fish & Wildlife Service — Loleta, CA
The Visitor Services RV Host Volunteer lives in their own RV on site at Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex Headquarters, 1020 Ranch Road, Loleta, California. The site provides electricity, sewer and water (bottled water should be used for drinking and cooking). There is access to a shower…
Fish & Wildlife Service — Calipatria, CA
Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge is recruiting 1-2 volunteers for the 2026-2027 winter season to work at our Visitor Center, 3 days a week, for a minimum of 3 months. Fall and Winter are our peak visitor seasons, while spring sees a handful of educational tours taking place at the…
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — Raymond, CA
Volunteers must represent USACE in a professional manner. Volunteers will be responsible for ensuring their safety and the safety of others while operating within their scope. Volunteers will conduct themselves in a respectable manner when in contact with the public or any government employee or…
National Park Service — San Francisco, CA
Volunteers will help to maintain the 1904 battery (sweeping and weeding) and then learn about the 118-year old gun. Training with Ranger James, they become part of the "gun crew" which loads the gun, levers it up to firing position, cranks it down and covers it for safekeeping. No actual danger of…
National Park Service — Martinez, CA
Summary:
John Muir National Historic Site is looking for volunteers to join our crew of Weed Warriors! Weed warriors will assist Natural Resource Management staff in a variety of invasive plant projects, including inventory and monitoring activities as well as invasive plant removal. Work will…
National Park Service — San Diego, CA
📧 To Apply:
Please email cabr_volunteers@nps.gov with your interest.
⚠️ Do not click the "Apply Now" button on this page.
🌿 Become a Weed Warrior at Cabrillo National Monument!
Cabrillo National Monument, located at the southernmost tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, is a vital refuge for…
California State Parks describes a system of 280 parks that includes coastline, wetlands, redwood forests, deserts, and valleys, so a listing's location says a lot about its season. Its host page, for example, describes Anza-Borrego Desert State Park as a winter host opportunity and lists a Lake Tahoe West Shore host position. Choose the region first, then compare dates.
California State Parks says volunteer host positions are available in over 100 parks, that hosts are typically provided a campsite in exchange for their service, and that hookups vary: many parks have full hookups while others have little or none. Applications go directly to the park you are interested in, using the Volunteers in Parks application. Weekly hours and minimum stays are set by park, so confirm them before applying.
California State Parks lists part-time and seasonal jobs separately from the volunteer host program. Applicants use a CalCareers account and apply to openings as they are posted, and the department says part-time and seasonal positions do not require an assessment. Postings carry filing dates, so check the posting itself before you plan around one.
Yosemite National Park runs its own volunteer program with a separate application, and federal volunteer postings across agencies appear on Volunteer.gov. Federal seasonal jobs are posted on USAJOBS. Each program sets its own housing, hookup, and commitment rules.
Ask in writing whether an RV site is included, which hookups are provided, whether any costs apply, what hours are expected of each person, and how the park handles seasonal closures or fire and weather conditions during your dates.
California State Parks describes its campground and park host roles as volunteer positions in exchange for a campsite, and lists paid part-time and seasonal jobs separately through CalCareers. Weekly hours, hookups, and minimum stays vary by park, so confirm the details with the park before you accept.
Not always. California State Parks says many parks have full hookups while others have little or no hookups or commercial amenities, and it advises applicants to check that the location has the hookups they need. Ask the park about water, electric, sewer, and any site length limits.
California State Parks says to send the Volunteers in Parks Program application directly to the park you are interested in, and its host page lists parks that currently use hosts and notes where programs are closed. A listed park is not a guarantee of an opening, so contact the park to confirm.
Yes. Desert, coast, and mountain areas have different busy seasons, so read each listing's start and end dates and compare them with the climate where the site is located. Then contact the employer or agency to confirm the position is still open.
Related guides: Volunteer vs. paid workamping jobs · RV site included jobs: what to know · What is a camp host? · Camp host jobs nationwide · State park workamping guide · How to find workamping jobs
See workamping statistics for state-by-state job counts and seasonal hiring trends across all 50 states.