Become a Camp Host: National Park Service VIP - Serve in America's Crown Jewels

Welcome back to our "Become a Camp Host" series! Today we're exploring the National Park Service Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP) program, where you can serve in America's most iconic national parks—from Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon, from Acadia to Yosemite.

If you've ever dreamed of living and working in a national park while serving your country, the VIP program is your gateway to making that dream a reality.

What is the Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP) Program?

The National Park Service Volunteers-In-Parks program was established in 1970 and has since become one of the most respected volunteer programs in the federal government. VIPs contribute millions of hours annually to help preserve and protect America's national parks, monuments, historic sites, and recreation areas.

The VIP program is essential to park operations—volunteers staff visitor centers, maintain trails, lead interpretive programs, and yes, host campgrounds. Without volunteers, many park services simply wouldn't be possible given budget constraints.

Where Can You Volunteer?

The National Park Service manages 423 sites across the United States and territories, including:

• National Parks: Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Zion, Acadia, and 58 others
• National Monuments: Devils Tower, Muir Woods, Dinosaur, and many more
• National Historic Sites: Gettysburg, Independence Hall, Alcatraz, and hundreds more
• National Recreation Areas: Lake Mead, Glen Canyon, Gateway, and others
• National Seashores and Lakeshores: Cape Cod, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and more
• National Preserves, Parkways, and Trails: Diverse opportunities nationwide

From Alaska to the Virgin Islands, from Maine to Hawaii, VIP opportunities exist in nearly every state and territory.

Types of Volunteer Positions

The VIP program offers incredibly diverse opportunities:

Campground Host - Greet campers, provide information, light maintenance, ensure regulations are followed, and enhance visitor experiences.

Visitor Center Staff - Answer questions, provide maps and information, operate bookstores, and welcome visitors.

Interpretive Ranger - Lead guided walks, give talks, present campfire programs, and educate visitors about the park.

Trail Maintenance - Maintain hiking trails, build steps and bridges, clear brush, and keep trails safe.

Resource Management - Assist with wildlife monitoring, vegetation surveys, water quality testing, and scientific research.

Cultural Resources - Help preserve historic buildings, catalog artifacts, and maintain historic sites.

Fee Collection - Staff entrance stations, collect fees, and provide park information.

Administrative Support - Office work, data entry, and administrative assistance.

Compensation and Benefits

VIP positions are volunteer opportunities, not paid employment. Benefits typically include:

• RV site or housing: Free campsite (usually with hookups) or provided housing, depending on position and park
• Utilities: Electric and water typically included; full hookups vary by park
• Uniform items: Official NPS uniform pieces (shirts, hats, vests, name tags)
• Training: Comprehensive training on park resources, safety, and visitor services
• Volunteer hours: Typically 24-40 hours per week depending on position
• Park pass: Free entry to all national parks while volunteering
• Reimbursements: Some positions offer small stipends or expense reimbursements
• Meaningful service: The honor of wearing the arrowhead and protecting America's treasures

Important: This is volunteer service. You won't receive wages, but you'll have the privilege of serving in America's most special places.

Requirements

Basic requirements for VIP positions:

• Must be 18+ years old (some positions accept younger volunteers with supervision)
• US citizen or legal resident (some positions require citizenship)
• Pass background check
• Self-contained RV (for campground host positions) or willingness to use provided housing
• Valid driver's license (for most positions)
• Physical ability to perform assigned duties
• Commitment to volunteer agreement (typically 3-6 months, some positions shorter)
• Passion for the National Park Service mission
• Some positions require specific skills, certifications, or experience

Application Process

When to Apply: Applications are accepted year-round, but most hiring for summer positions happens in December-February. Popular parks fill extremely quickly—sometimes within days of posting.

How to Apply:

1. Visit volunteer.gov or specific park websites
2. Search for VIP opportunities by park or position type
3. Submit volunteer application through the system
4. Phone or video interview with park volunteer coordinator
5. Complete volunteer agreement detailing duties and expectations
6. Pass background check (can take several weeks)
7. Receive orientation materials and arrival instructions
8. Attend in-person orientation and training
9. Receive your uniform and begin service!

Pro Tip: Popular parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Grand Canyon are extremely competitive. Apply to multiple parks and be flexible with your dates to increase your chances.

What's It Really Like?

The Incredible Rewards:

• Wear the National Park Service arrowhead with pride
• Live and work in America's most iconic and beautiful places
• Serve your country and protect irreplaceable resources
• Meet visitors from around the world and share your passion
• Learn from park rangers and experts
• Deep sense of purpose and meaningful contribution
• Free access to all national parks
• Build lifelong friendships with other volunteers
• Opportunities to return year after year
• Be part of the National Park Service family
• Explore the park on your days off

The Realities:

• No wages—this is volunteer service, not employment
• Extremely competitive—popular parks receive hundreds of applications
• Many parks are remote with limited services
• Housing quality varies widely (from nice RV sites to basic dorms)
• Limited or no cell service at many locations
• Dealing with large crowds at popular parks
• Enforcing rules can be challenging
• Weather extremes depending on location
• Background checks can take weeks or months
• Budget constraints mean limited resources and support

Insider Tips

• Apply early and often: Submit applications as soon as positions are posted
• Be flexible: Apply to multiple parks and positions to increase your chances
• Consider less popular parks: Smaller parks and monuments are easier to get into
• Highlight relevant experience: Customer service, interpretation, maintenance, or previous volunteering
• Contact parks directly: Call volunteer coordinators to express interest
• Return volunteers get priority: Do excellent work and you'll be invited back
• Join VIP communities: Facebook groups and forums connect NPS volunteers
• Start your background check early: It can take 6-8 weeks or longer
• Be patient: The application process can be slow due to government bureaucracy
• Embrace the mission: Show genuine passion for the National Park Service

The VIP Experience

Volunteering with the National Park Service is unlike any other camp hosting experience:

Wearing the Arrowhead - The NPS arrowhead is one of the most recognized and respected symbols in America. Wearing it is an honor and a responsibility.

Mission-Driven - You're not just hosting a campground—you're protecting and sharing America's natural and cultural heritage.

Educational - You'll learn incredible things about geology, ecology, history, and conservation from park experts.

Diverse Visitors - National parks attract visitors from around the world, creating rich cultural exchanges.

Camaraderie - The VIP community is strong, supportive, and passionate about the parks.

Is NPS VIP Right for You?

The VIP program is an excellent choice if you:

• Dream of serving in national parks
• Don't need wages and can afford to volunteer
• Are passionate about conservation and education
• Want to wear the NPS uniform with pride
• Enjoy sharing knowledge and inspiring visitors
• Are willing to compete for positions at popular parks
• Value meaningful service over financial compensation
• Want to be part of the National Park Service family
• Are patient with government processes
• Love America's national parks and want to give back

It might not be the best fit if you:

• Need wages to support yourself
• Are impatient with bureaucracy and slow processes
• Require guaranteed placement at specific parks
• Prefer less crowded, more remote settings
• Don't want to deal with large visitor volumes
• Need modern amenities and reliable internet
• Are uncomfortable enforcing rules and regulations

Making Your VIP Experience Memorable

To have an outstanding VIP experience:

• Embrace every opportunity to learn about the park
• Build relationships with rangers and staff
• Go above and beyond in your service
• Explore the park thoroughly on your days off
• Attend ranger programs and training sessions
• Connect with other volunteers
• Document your experience (photos, journal, blog)
• Share your passion with visitors
• Take pride in wearing the uniform
• Leave the park better than you found it

The Ultimate Reward

Serving as a VIP in a national park is more than volunteering—it's a calling. You'll go to bed each night knowing you helped protect America's treasures and inspired visitors to care about these special places. You'll wear the arrowhead, share incredible experiences, and be part of something much bigger than yourself.

For many volunteers, their VIP service becomes one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives.

Have you served as a VIP in a national park? Share which park and your experiences in the comments!

Next up in our Become a Camp Host series finale: State Park Systems, where we'll explore opportunities across all 50 states. See you in two days!