Campground Host: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Position Description

Live and volunteer among towering trees, rolling foothills, alpine peaks, abundant wildlife, and star-filled skies in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (SEKI). SEKI is seeking enthusiastic, service-oriented Volunteer Campground Hosts to help create welcoming and positive visitor experiences across multiple campgrounds throughout the parks. Host positions are available in Kings Canyon National Park (Grant Grove and Cedar Grove) and Sequoia National Park (Foothills, Lodgepole, and Mineral King). Most campgrounds operate seasonally from May through September, with one year-round campground located in both the Foothills and Grant Grove areas. Campgrounds vary in layout, amenities, and hosting seasons. All campgrounds operate using the Recreation.gov reservation system. Volunteer Campground Hosts are recruited through the park’s Fees Branch and serve as vital members of campground operations, supporting visitor services, site management, and overall park stewardship.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a point of contact when park staff is unavailable – including after hours and during emergencies.
• Greet campers; provide friendly, professional visitor service; verify campsite reservations; and resolve minor issues.
• Rove campgrounds to educate visitors about park regulations, including proper food storage in black bear habitat
• Share information about trip planning, recreation, safety considerations, ranger-led programs, and visitor services
• Help maintain campground cleanliness, including light trash pickup and minor maintenance tasks (when appropriate)
• Monitor campground conditions, resolve camper complaints or issues, and communicate concerns to supervisors
• Report emergencies or illegal activity to the appropriate park staff
• Communicate with visitors in a respectful, courteous way, and ensure visitors have a safe and enjoyable stay.

Requirements, Commitments, & Schedules

• Minimum volunteer service commitment of eight weeks
• 32-40 hours of volunteer service per week, including weekends and holidays
• Work schedules and season lengths vary by campground
• Campground hosts must provide their own recreational vehicle (RV) for camping
• Hosts are responsible for providing their brown/khaki pants and sturdy footwear

Park Provided Items

• Free campsite during volunteer service
• Campsites are outfitted with a picnic table, fire ring, and food storage locker
• Free dump/fill station for hosts in RVs or vans
• Pay showers and laundry are available in Grant Grove, Lodgepole, and Cedar Grove
• Volunteer uniform items (e.g., shirt, hat, outerwear)
• Park radio and other equipment
• Training in safety, orientation, campground policies and procedures, and the National Park Service mission

Campground Amenities

After reviewing the park campgrounds and amenities, please indicate your preferred locations when applying. You may express an interest in more than one campground.

• Potwisha Campground
  • 30/50 amp electric, water, and sewer
  • Year-round campground
  • Foothills (42 sites)
• Lodgepole Campground
  • 30/50 amp electric and water (no sewer)
  • Seasonal campground
  • Lodgepole (214 sites)
• Atwell Mill & Cold Springs Campgrounds
  • Primitive camping
    • Van only; dry camping only
  • Campgrounds have water spigots and vault toilets
  • Seasonal campgrounds
  • Atwell Mill CG (21 sites) and Cold Springs CG (40 sites)
  • Mineral King
• Azalea Campground
  • 30/50 amp electric, water, and sewer
  • Year-round campground
  • Grant Grove (110 sites)
• Sheep Creek Campground
  • 15 amp electric, water, and sewer
  • Seasonal campground
  • Cedar Grove (111 sites)