Volunteer Activities
• Campground Host
• Visitor Information
Photo Courtesy of NPS
Description
Daily Duties:
- Campground host may need to occasionally explain park regulations and policy; however, volunteers DO NOT have enforcement power and are expected to alert a law enforcement ranger of potential conflicts or violations.
- Remain visible and available during peak registration hours (Late afternoon to early evening). Frequent walks around the loop may be required during this time.
- Greet visitors and answer questions regarding the campground, park resources, park facilities, any scheduled events/programs, and the surrounding area.
- Give site availability updates as needed to Entrance Station & Visitor Center by radio or phone.
- Conduct a final walk after registration has slowed down to ensure we have “happy campers.” During last walk, VIP will note maintenance problems, pick up litter, identify campers who have not registered, and inform visitors of ranger-led activities or events. Problems encountered or refusal of fee compliance issues should be immediately relayed to a law enforcement ranger.
- Morning Walk/Bike around the loop to remove any registration/self-pay/reserved tabs that will expire that day. Complete daily attendance report. Turn any personal items left at campsites into Lost and Found immediately.
- Each morning host(s) will come to entrance station to turn in daily attendance sheet and revenue collected, in addition to advising Fee Manager or staff of prior night occupancy and current occupancy status.
- Post “Reserved” signs with arrival and departure dates for sites to be used by park project VIPs.
- VIP may be asked to assist with some traffic management around the campground or in the overflow lot. Additional skills or interests may be utilized on an as needed basis, but this will not be a requirement of the position.
Work Schedule:
The Campground Host schedule will be determined upon selection. Typically the Campground Host will work 32 hours per week. Daily schedule is flexible with downtime during the mid-day hours. During VIP’s days off, LE or Fee Rangers will cover host duties. Length of service is entire camping season (Mid-May to Mid/Late October). Start and end dates will be determined between VIP and park upon selection.
Uniform:
The Campground host is a representative of the National Park Service and will be asked to wear the designated uniform items. Uniform items consist of hats, shirts, and pants. The park will provide uniform hats and shirts. Brown or khaki pants will be provided by the volunteer.
Accommodations:
A full hook-up campsite is provided. There is a picnic table and shade trees on-site. Basic groceries and amenities are available in Hulett located 9 miles from the park. More extensive amenities are located 1 hour from the park in Gillette, Wyoming and in Spearfish, South Dakota. Laundry and shower facilities will be available to VIPs in one of the park buildings.
Campground Information:
During the peak summer season, Loops A & B are open. The campground loops consist of 50 campsites, including 4 accessible sites (2 in each loop) and 3 group sites in Loop B. All campsites (including the group sites) are on a first come, first serve basis. The campground has flush toilets and running water in the restroom, utility sink at the back of the building and water faucets in front. There are NO water or electrical hook-ups for RVs. The campground can fill in the late afternoon/evening. The campground is on a two option pay system. During regular business hours campers can pay their fees at the entrance station if using a credit card or if they do not have exact change, after hours a self-pay/self-register system is available at the campground entrance (preferred method). The campground hosts are not permitted to collect fees from campers and/or make change.
NOTE: Volunteer may be required to undergo a Background Investigation.
HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Camp Sites
Description: RV campsites with water, electric and sewage hookup-Applicant must bring their own RV or camper up to 35' long. There is a picnic table and shade trees at each site.