Campground Hosting

Interested In living and working in Great Basin National Park for the Summer?

Become a campground host!

Campground hosts serve as volunteers in the National Park Service's Volunteer-in-Parks (VIP) Program. A VIP is anyone who performs work for the National Park Service for which they may or may not be reimbursed for some out-of-pocket expenses.

None of our campgrounds have recreational vehicle hookups, although for campground hosts, propane, and sewer hookups are provided. Campground hosts live in designated sites within the campgrounds and are subject to visits and requests for assistance at all hours of the day or night. Most campground host positions require a commitment approximately mid-May through Labor Day.

Campground Host Duties & Expectations

Hosts are often thought of as the "eyes and ears" of the park and are crucial in assisting National Park Service staff. They provide rangers with information regarding facilities, visitor use, wildlife sightings, and safety concerns, but do not take direct action involving law enforcement situations. Hosts may provide for the upkeep of campgrounds, assist with the selection of campsites, and camp registration and fee payment. They do not accept or handle fee transactions. Hosts also provide a variety of information to visitors about topics including: campground regulations, safety information, backcountry camping, hiking, fishing, national park and concession facilities, interpretive programs, road conditions, park natural resources, and other points of interest.

Campground hosts will need to undergo a background check. VIP uniforms will be provided upon arrival.

If interested in joining our team, please review the following information:

We are in need of campground hosts for the Wheeler Peak Campground, Upper and Lower Lehman Creek Campgrounds, plus the Baker Creek and Grey Cliffs Campgrounds of Great Basin National Park. Great Basin National Park is located in a remote part of northeast Nevada just outside of the town Baker, NV a few miles from the Utah state line.
Visitation to the Great Basin National Park Campgrounds is highly variable and ranges from zero to well over one hundred people on weekends. From May through October, most visitors come to visit Lehman Caves, to stargaze and/or enjoy the Park’s 60-plus miles of trails. Other activities in the area include bird watching and fishing.

Campground Locations:

The volunteer host for Wheeler Peak Campground will reside in an RV campsite which includes RV sewer connection and propane. Wheeler Peak Campground contains 37 campsites with two wheelchair accessible sites. The campground is at an elevation of 9,886 feet (3,013 meters) and is located at the end of Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, 14 miles from the Lehman Caves Visitor Center.

The volunteer host for Upper and Lower Lehman Creek Campground will reside in an RV campsite in Upper Lehman Creek Campground, which includes RV sewer connection and propane. Upper Lehman Creek Campground contains 23 campsites with two wheelchair accessible sites. The campground is at an elevation of 7,752 feet (2,362 meters) and is located along the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, 3.5 miles from the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. Lower Lehman Creek Campground contains 11 campsites with one wheelchair accessible site. The campground is at an elevation of 7,300 feet (2,200 meters) and is located along the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, 2.5 miles from the Lehman Caves Visitor Center.

The volunteer host for Baker Creek and Grey Cliffs Campground will reside in an RV campsite in Baker Creek, which includes RV sewer connection, and propane, along with a 30-amp solar-powered electrical hook-up. (Propane-powered appliances are advised). Baker Creek Campground contains 38 campsites, one of which is wheelchair accessible. The campground is at an elevation of 7,530 feet (2,295 meters) and is located on Baker Creek Road, 3 miles from the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. Grey Cliffs Campground contains 16 campsites, two of which are wheelchair accessible. The campground is at an elevation of 7,530 feet (2,295 meters) and is located on Baker Creek Road, 1.5 miles from the Lehman Caves Visitor Center.

• Preferred dates: June 26, 2022 through September or October 2022 (Pending background clearance)

• Number of positions: 3

• Expense Reimbursement: Yes

• Accommodations: RV parking, septic, propane

• Vehicle provided: No (mileage paid for work related travel and getting water at dump station for personal RV.)

Main duties include:

• • Welcoming the public to Great Basin National Park

  • Assisting park visitors with campground vacancies, fees, and registration information

  • Performing campground compliance checks

  • Answering questions and providing orientation to Great Basin National Park and the surrounding federal, state, and county recreation areas; informing visitors about safety and resource protection concerns in the campground, park overlooks, and park trails

  • Keeping camping areas clean, organized, and presentable. Performing routine litter removal and minor maintenance in the campground as necessary

  • Roving the nearby trails, interacting with visitors, noting and reporting resource damage and walking on uneven terrain in a variety of temperatures

  • Educating visitors about campground regulations, such as dogs off leash or generator hours. Work with law enforcement rangers to resolve minor problems.

  • Wearing the NPS volunteer uniform according to written standards

  • Supporting search and rescue operations by providing trailhead checks and information to visitors

  • Performing all duties in a safe, professional, and respectful manner

Requirements:

• • Willing to work 32 hours per week, including Saturday, Sunday, and holidays

  • Valid driver’s license

  • Desire to talk with the public

  • Skills and ability to work independently in remote rugged backcountry areas

  • RV for five week stay (or longer)

Camp host will be provided a radio for communication to other campgrounds within the park as well as park headquarters. Laundry and freezer space is available in the staff housing area. Baker, NV is approximately six miles away; it is a small community with some services, including two restaurants, shower facilities, and a gas station. Ely, NV is the nearest full-service community with grocery store about 70 miles away.

To apply, visit volunteer.gov and search for "Great Basin National Park" opportunities.