[Trail Guides]
Becoming a Camp Host
There are many volunteer opportunities available in Maryland's state parks. Camp Hosts are a valuable part of the Volunteer Program in Maryland state forests and parks.

General Guidelines
(Specific parks may have some different guidelines)

    Ranger and Camp Host welcoming new campers.
  • The Camp Host will work a stipulated number of hours a week.
  • In return, the Camp Host will have a free campsite -- while they are part of the camp host program.
  • The work to be done is generally campground related:
    • Welcoming new campers
    • Keeping the campsites clean
    • Keeping the campground in good condition
    • Answering questions asked by campers
    • Letting the campers know what is happening in the park/area over the period of the campers stay
  • Many parks will also involve the Camp Hosts in general park operations. This is especially true when the Camp Host has a specific skill, such as:
    • Electrician
    • Plumber
    • Clerical/receptionist
    • Computer
    • Historic/Docent
    • Generally the Camp Host is required to be on site on the weekends (Friday-Sunday and holidays when the campground is the busiest).
    • The Camp Hosts are asked to make a commitment as to the length of their stay.

How to be a Camp Host in Maryland State Parks

  • Consult the chart below and determine where you would like to be a Camp Host. The DNR website provides much information about the state parks.
  • Contact the specific park by e-mail, phone or mail.
  • Discuss your possible dates, etc. to determine if there is an opening.
  • Arrangements are made with the park.
Park # Camp Hosts Requirements Other Information Contacts
Elk Neck State Park 9 Available 40 hours per week; 2 week minimum stay Must be on site Friday p.m.-Sunday p.m. 410-287-5333
E-mail: Park-elk-neck@dnr.state.md.us
Patapsco Valley State Park 3 20 hours/week work; 1 mo. minimum stay Apr.-Oct. Electric hook-up 410-465-3287
e-mail: Park-patapsco@dnr.state.md.us
Susquehanna State Park 1 20 hours/week work; 1 mo. minimum stay No hook-ups Rick Smith, 410-557-7994
e-mail: Park-susquehanna@dnr.state.md.us
Assateague State Park 10 28 hours/week work; 1 mo. minimum stay Apr.-Sept. No hook-ups 410-641-2120
e-mail: Park-assateague@dnr.state.md.us
Janes Island 4-5 20 hours/week work; 2 week minimum stay Electric hook-up Julie Schweikert, 410-968-1565
e-mail: Park-janes-island@dnr.state.md.us
Pocomoke State Forest and Park 3 24 hours/week work; 1 mo. minimum stay Electric hook-up 410-632-2566
e-mail: park-pocomoke@dnr.state.md.us
Cedarville State Forest 1 20 hours/week work; 4 week minimum stay Electric hook-up; water available 301-888-1410
e-mail: park-cedarville@dnr.state.md.us
Greenwell State Park 2 20 hours/week work; 1 month minimum stay Full electric, water and sewer hook-up Point Lookout State Park, 301-872-5389
e-mail: Park-pt-lookout@dnr.state.md.us
Point Lookout State Park 12 25 hours/week work; 1 mo. minimum stay up to 1 yr. Full hook-ups, water, electric, sewage Wanda Sandy, 301-872-5688
e-mail: Park-pt-lookout@dnr.state.md.us
Smallwood State Park 1 20 hours/week work; 4 week minimum stay Electric hook-up; water nearby 301-743-7613
e-mail: Park-smallwood@dnr.state.md.us
Big Run State Park 1 20 hours/week work; 4 week minimum stay No hook-ups 301-895-5453
e-mail: Park-new-germany@dnr.state.md.us
Cunningham Falls State Park 3 20 hours/week work; 4 week minimum stay Electric hook-up Denise Boston, 301-271-7574
e-mail: Park-cunningham-falls@dnr.state.md.us
Deep Creek Lake Recreation Area 3 30 hours/week work; 6 week minimum stay Full hook-ups Deep Creek Lake State Park, 301-387-4111
e-mail: Park-deep-creek@dnr.state.md.us
Gambrill State Park 1 20 hours/week work; 4 week minimum stay Electric hook-ups Denise Boston, 301-271-7574
e-mail: Park-cunningham-falls@dnr.state.md.us
Greenbrier State Park 6 20 hours/week work; 1 mo. minimum stay Electric, water and sewage hook-ups Greenbrier State Park, 301-791-4767
e-mail: Park-greenbrier@dnr.state.md.us
New Germany State Park 1 20 hours/week work; 4 week minimum stay No hook-ups 301-895-5453
e-mail: Park-new-germany@dnr.state.md.us
Rocky Gap State Park 10 20 hours/week work; minimum stay is flexible Electric hook-ups Alicia Norris, (301) 722-1483
e-mail: anorris@dnr.state.md.us
Swallow Falls State Park 1 20 hours/week work; 1 mo. minimum stay Full hook-ups 301-334-9180
e-mail: Park-herrington-manor@dnr.state.md.us
Washington Monument State Park 1 20 hours/week work; 1 mo. minimum stay Electric, water and sewage hook-up Washington Monument State Park, 301-791-4767
e-mail: Park-greenbrier@dnr.state.md.us

For more information contact:
Larry Martin
Maryland Park Service Volunteer Coordinator
c/o Patapsco Valley State Park
8020 Baltimore National Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21043
443-630-9746
lmartin@dnr.state.md.us 

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Photograph by Tom Darden

Last Updated April 21, 2009