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

Camp Hosts at Greenbrier State Park. (Specific parks may have some different guidelines)

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.

Memories From A Camp Host

Camp Host Betty Anthony shares her fond memories of spending her summers at Patapsco Valley State Park with her family. For Betty Anthony, being a Patapsco Valley State Park camp host means simply: "a real chance to 'give back' just a bit of the joy and pleasure that we have experienced in this most wonderful of settings where Mother Nature gently shares her wealth of outdoor treasures with those who would care to venture in."

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 20 hours per week; 2 month minimum stay April-Sept.	Must be on site Friday p.m.-Sunday p.m.	410-287-5333 elkneck.statepark@maryland.gov
Patapsco Valley State Park	3	30 hours/week work; 1 mo. minimum stay Apr.-Oct.	Electric hook-up	410-465-3287 volunteerpatapsco.dnr@maryland.gov
Susquehanna State Park	1-2	20 hours/week work; 4 hrs/day 5 days/week	Electric and water hook-up, mail service, dump station	410-557-7994 susquehanna.statepark@maryland.gov
Assateague State Park	10	28 hours/week work; 1 mo. minimum stay May-Sept.	No hook-ups	410-641-2120 assateague.statepark@maryland.gov
Janes Island	1-2	20 hours/week work; 2 week minimum stay	Electric hook-up	410-968-1565 mark.herring@maryland.gov
Martinak State Park	2	20 hours/week work; 1-2 mo. minimum stay	Electric hook-up	410-820-1668 paul.detrich@maryland.gov
Pocomoke River State Park	2-4	20 hours/week work; 1 mo. minimum stay	Electric hook-up	410-632-2566 pocomoke.statepark@maryland.gov
Tuckahoe State Park	2	20 hours/week work; 1-2 mo. minimum stay	Electric hook-up	410-820-1668 paul.detrich@maryland.gov
Cedarville State Forest	1	20 hours/week work; 4 week minimum stay	Electric hook-up; water available	301-888-1410 cedarville.statepark@maryland.gov
Greenwell State Park	2	20 hours/week work; 1 month minimum stay	Full electric, water and sewer hook-up	Jolanda Campbell, 301-373-9775 jcampbell@greenwellfoundation.org
Point Lookout State Park	12	20 hours/week work; 1 mo. minimum stay up to 1 yr.	Full hook-ups, water, electric, sewage	301-872-5688 pointlookout.statepark@maryland.gov
Smallwood State Park	1	20 hours/week work; 4 week minimum stay	Electric hook-up; water nearby	301-743-7613 smallwood.statepark@maryland.gov
Cunningham Falls State Park	7	20 hours/week work; 4 week minimum stay	Electric hook-up	301-271-7574 cunninghamfalls.statepark@maryland.gov
Deep Creek Lake Recreation Area	3	20 hours/week; Minimum stay 1-2 months, Memorial Day to Labor Day preferred	Full hook-ups	Ken Dzaack, 301-387-5563, ken.dzaack@maryland.gov
Gambrill State Park	2	20 hours/week work; 4 week minimum stay	Electric hook-ups	201-293-4170 Gambrill.StatePark@maryland.gov
Greenbrier State Park	5	20 hours/week work; 1 mo. minimum stay	Electric, water and sewage hook-ups	301-791-4767 greenbrier.statepark@maryland.gov
Rocky Gap State Park	10	20 hours/week work; minimum stay is flexible	Electric hook-ups	Dave Best, 301-722-1480 rockygap.statepark@maryland.gov
Swallow Falls State Park	1	20 hours/week work; 1 mo. minimum stay	Full hook-ups	301-334-9180 herringtonmanor.statepark@maryland.gov
Washington Monument State Park	1	20 hours/week work; 1 mo. minimum stay	Electric, water and sewage hook-up	301-791-4767 greenbrier.statepark@maryland.gov

Please check with the Volunteer Coordinator at the state park where you are interested in volunteering. Click here for a list of Volunteer Coordinator contacts by park.