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
E-mail: jmcginnis@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: macooper@dnr.state.md.us
Susquehanna State Park 1-2 20 hours/week work; 4 hrs/day 5 days/week Electric and water hook-up, mail service, dump station Rachel Temby, 410-734-9035
e-mail: rrobinson@dnr.state.md.us
Assateague State Park 10 28 hours/week work; 1 mo. minimum stay May-Sept. No hook-ups 410-641-2120
e-mail: Park-assateague@dnr.state.md.us
Janes Island 1-2 20 hours/week work; 2 week minimum stay Electric hook-up 410-968-1565
e-mail: jsomers@dnr.state.md.us
Martinak State Park 2 20 hours/week work; 1-2 mo. minimum stay Electric hook-up 410-820-1668
e-mail: jconley@dnr.state.md.us
Pocomoke River State Park 3 24 hours/week work; 1 mo. minimum stay Electric hook-up 410-632-2566
e-mail: park-pocomoke@dnr.state.md.us
Tuckahoe State Park 2 20 hours/week work; 1-2 mo. minimum stay Electric hook-up 410-820-1668
e-mail: jconley@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 Jonas Williams, 301-872-5688
e-mail: jmwilliams@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 5 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 Electric 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 Sarah Milbourne, (301) 722-1487
e-mail: smilbourne@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

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.