DNR - Campground Host Opportunities

Campground and other host opportunities

Would you like to camp for free this summer? In exchange for 30 hours a week of volunteer service, such as answering guest questions, planning activities, giving tours and performing light maintenance duties, you can camp for free for up to a month at 122 state parks and state forest campgrounds this summer! There is also a new special opportunity to be a host at the recently reopened Hartwick Pines Memorial Building, as well as very limited slots available to be a lighthouse keeper at Tawas. See below for details on each of these opportunities.

We are seeking volunteer campground hosts in Michigan state parks and rustic state forest campgrounds. In exchange for waived camping fees, each volunteer is responsible for 30 hours of service per week. Must be 18 or older and both individuals and and couples may apply. DNR employees are not eligible.

Be a host at the historic Memorial Building at Hartwick Pines State Park! Hosts will present programs, lead tours, lead activities and perform basic facility maintenance in exchange for free camping at the Hartwick Pines State Park campground. Each volunteer is responsible for 30 hours of service per week. Must be 18 or older and both individuals and and couples may apply. DNR employees are not eligible.

The application period for the 2020 season is now closed, and keepers have been selected.

Are you looking for a one-of-a-kind stay at beautiful Tawas Bay? Apply to be a Lighthouse Keeper at the Tawas Point Lighthouse! We are making the restored keeper's quarters available from mid-May through mid-October for your dream destination.

New this year! We're seeking volunteers to serve as harbor hosts as part of a pilot project at Straits and Presque Isle state harbors in summer 2020! In exchange, harbor slip fees are waived. This is a pilot project that may offer additional opportunities in the coming years.