Community Forums

TJFogelberg · 08-03-2017, 03:45 AM

We are camp hosting in MN SP for the first time. (they still have openings for the '17 season). MN DNR really put together a nice program. We work at our own pace (1-2 hours a day), keep active, and save a bunch of $. The program I'd open to anyone for application. Glad we tried it and will likely reapply next year.

bfrazier · 08-03-2017, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJFogelberg

We are camp hosting in MN SP for the first time. (they still have openings for the '17 season). MN DNR really put together a nice program. We work at our own pace (1-2 hours a day), keep active, and save a bunch of $. The program I'd open to anyone for application. Glad we tried it and will likely reapply next year.

That's awesome that you took the time to recommend this for us all. I hope this helps some people - and I'll bet it does.

If I may ask, which park do you host?

Bests,
Bob

TJFogelberg · 08-03-2017, 11:23 AM

Cascade River SP call park if interested in Sept ...ask for Dave Clute. 30 AMP at site. Dump station and water at park entrance. Great location 10 m from Grand Marais.

TJFogelberg · 08-03-2017, 12:32 PM

50 Amp also at host site at Cascade. Site is pull through, big rig would fit here nicely.

missourijan · 08-05-2017, 07:50 AM

We've been park hosting for 11 years at least one season per year. We have volunteered at 4 different states and 1 county park, they have all been positive experiences. All state parks are short of funds and the rangers are always grateful to have volunteers. We are currently working our 3rd season as a contract gate attendant for the Corps of Engineers. When the season ends October 31 we won't do it again. This particular position requires too many hours. We have already arranged for a winter position in CA at a county day use park. We've met people that have become our friends and enjoy interacting with visitors.

Triker56 · 08-05-2017, 08:31 AM

I think most camp host are required more hours then your 7-14 hours a week.
As you say 1-2 hours per day. Just doesn't sound right from all the other post from different host at State Parks/National etc.

bfrazier · 08-06-2017, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by missourijan

We've been park hosting for 11 years at least one season per year. We have volunteered at 4 different states and 1 county park, they have all been positive experiences. All state parks are short of funds and the rangers are always grateful to have volunteers. We are currently working our 3rd season as a contract gate attendant for the Corps of Engineers. When the season ends October 31 we won't do it again. This particular position requires too many hours. We have already arranged for a winter position in CA at a county day use park. We've met people that have become our friends and enjoy interacting with visitors.

I do not have the req'd personality to deal with visitors who refuse to follow the rules, but I sure DO appreciate Corps of Engineer Campgrounds and the volunteers there that (it seems to me) do a better job of enforcing the rules than in most other parks (in Oregon anyways).

Thank you all!
Bob

TJFogelberg · 08-06-2017, 09:13 AM

Here's a copy of the "Campground host duties" we were given when we checked in. (Each MN park may have slightly different requirements. ) The rangers and other staff here are above friendly and welcoming. The environment makes us want to do more so we can help them and also get in next year. We're spending 2 hours a day max and that includes my daily "trash patrol". We enjoy being the contact point for campers after staff go home. It's a couple of times a night, usually simple questions about the area or how to check in after hours etc.

TJFogelberg · 08-06-2017, 09:15 AM

Attachment - job description Cascade River State Park MN

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TJFogelberg · 08-06-2017, 09:27 AM

Why such light duties? It's a huge benefit to the rangers to have someone on site "24/7" to keep an eye on things. In that rare case when a problem crops up, the host maybe able to solve it and save staff from interruptions during their time off. They are just so happy to have a host here, truthfully they look at any work we do as a bonus. The paid staff do a deep clean on all restrooms. 1 hour of our time is a nightly light cleaning at 9PM so everyone starts out with a fresh facility in the am. Staff clean out the fire pits so all we have to do is pick up trash, which isn't much. This park only has 41 sites that we are responsible for. (Backpack sites and group camp are taken care of by staff.)

EdInArk · 08-06-2017, 09:39 AM

We did our first stint as hosts when called on as replacements at Lake Catherine State Park for two weeks in late June ~ early July. We did four runs a day to check sites for vacancies, etc. There were two sets of hosts, and we each worked every other day. So, in two weeks we worked less than two hours a day for seven days -- not a bad gig at all.

We were in a site that was marked "Camp Host", so people would occasionally drop by and ask questions, and on one occasion I volunteered to go help jump start a car with a dead battery. In two weeks, I doubt we worked 20 hours, though we did stay there and stay available on our on-duty days.

It was very enjoyable, and we'd do it again in a heartbeat.

cpt_majestic · 08-24-2017, 07:43 AM

I have a hypothetical question on this subject.

If you're debt free and you and your spouse work camped 40 hrs a week each, do you think that would support you per month? I understand you would have to be very frugal and exceptions will come up, vet bills, car repairs etc..., but I'm curious if you can make it work if no emergencies come up.

I've spoke to a few people that said they do it and don't have to touch their pension unless there's something big that comes up...

okcnewbie · 08-24-2017, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpt_majestic

I have a hypothetical question on this subject.

If you're debt free and you and your spouse work camped 40 hrs a week each, do you think that would support you per month? ......

I've spoke to a few people that said they do it and don't have to touch their pension unless there's something big that comes up...

I have no idea but I would hope you could make it. That's 80 hours a week between the two of you. That sounds more like a job to me. If you like it I guess it would be worth it.

TJFogelberg · 08-24-2017, 01:19 PM

I understand the question when there is no other income coming in. Why would someone not want to touch a pension they have access to? Do you want the benefit to build up before you claim it? For us, camp hosting this month has saved us $1,000(expensive up here) and allows us to go East for 3 months when we finish up next week.