Camp Host

Washington's work-camping season runs May through September across most of the state, with the Olympic Peninsula coast extending slightly into October. East-of-the-Cascades positions (the high desert, Lake Chelan, Spokane area) have a longer season since they avoid the famous Pacific Northwest rain. The San Juan Islands have a tight summer season with very high demand. Mount Rainier and North Cascades gateway communities concentrate in the June-September window.

Pay rates for Washington work-camping positions cluster between $19.00/hour and $38.00/hour for most positions, based on listings currently in our database. Camp host roles that include a free RV site typically pay at the lower end. Maintenance, front-desk lead, and activities-coordinator positions pay at the higher end. Some volunteer state-park host positions trade work hours for a free full-hookup site instead of a paycheck — the site itself is often worth $600-$1,500/month in equivalent value.

Washington state park host sites are within the campground at the assigned park. Coast and Olympic Peninsula positions have spectacular natural settings but high rain. East-side positions are drier and less crowded. Private resorts on the islands and the Cascades typically include a free RV pad as host compensation.

Yes — Washington State Parks runs a comprehensive park host program. Hosts commit to at least 28 hours per week. Park host program covers both summer and winter assignments depending on the location (some Olympic Peninsula and east-side parks have winter openings). Apply through parks.wa.gov/get-involved/volunteer-program/park-host-program.