Working as a National Park Service volunteer is one of the most coveted positions in the workamping world — and for good reason. The NPS manages 63 national parks and more than 400 protected sites, from the granite peaks of Yosemite and the geothermal wonderland of Yellowstone to the Caribbean shorelines of Virgin Islands National Park and the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde. As an NPS volunteer host, your backyard is a destination that millions travel thousands of miles to visit.
National Park Service volunteers participate in the Volunteer-In-Parks (VIP) program, which places hosts at campgrounds, visitor centers, trailheads, and backcountry sites throughout the park system. Some National Park Service volunteer opportunities may include a free RV site, hookups, a stipend, an America the Beautiful annual pass, or other benefits — what's offered depends entirely on the park and the specific listing.
NPS volunteer positions are competitive at the most popular parks — Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Great Smoky Mountains hosts often apply 6–12 months in advance. Lesser-known parks and monuments can have immediate openings, especially for flexible volunteers willing to work shoulder seasons or remote locations. Browse current National Park Service volunteer positions below, sourced from Volunteer.gov and updated continuously.
These are volunteer positions managed by the National Park Service Volunteer-In-Parks program. HitchPath is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NPS or any government agency. Listings are sourced from Volunteer.gov. Always review the official listing before applying.