Volunteer

Redwood National and State Parks VIP Logo

Be a VIP: Volunteer-In-Parks!

We need YOU to help us take care of Redwood National and State Parks! Volunteers In Parks (VIPs) work side-by-side with National Park Service, California State Parks, and Redwood Parks Conservancy employees, helping care for our parks in a variety of ways, including enhancing visitor services and helping protect and preserve park resources. In 2021, volunteers donated tens of thosands of hours of service!

Whatever their task, VIPs are true stewards of our natural and cultural heritage!

Volunteers range in age from teenagers to senior citizens. They come from all over the United States and the world, bringing different backgrounds, skills, and talents that enrich our park programs. Some positions provide RV pads with full hook-ups in exchange for 32-hours-per week of volunteer work. We also encourage and welcome local community members of all ages to volunteer throughout the year—whether one or two days a week year-round in a park visitor center or one day a year at park cleanup events.

There are opportunities for individuals, couples, and groups. International Volunteers (those who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents) must follow some special application procedures. Check out this link for more information on becoming an International Volunteer. Experience America's Greatest Places - Become an International Volunteer - International Cooperation (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Each position has its own set of duties; training will be provided. Some of the tasks park VIPs may help with include:

  • Staffing park visitor centers and answering visitor questions.
  • Assisting with landscape maintenance and custodial work.
  • Handling sales of educational items in park bookstores.
  • Serving as a campground host (see below).
  • Assisting with office and clerical duties.
  • Assisting with information technology maintenance.
  • Building and maintaining trails.
  • Participating in field studies on plants or animals.
  • Conducting scientific library research.
  • Organizing and maintaining the park library.
  • Organizing and maintaining park photo inventory.
  • Controlling weeds and invasive species.
  • Roving park trails.
  • Responding to radio and telephone calls.
  • Providing educational information on the parks' natural and cultural resources.

We welcome and need volunteers throughout the year, not just the summer months! Visitation to Redwood National and State Parks is year-round. Each season has its own beauty and volunteer opportunities. Winter, for example, is mild here, although admittedly cooler and wetter than summer. However, many consider late fall through early spring the most beautiful and peaceful time to visit our parks.

Volunteers are typically required to have a reliable vehicle for personal transportation, though a government vehicle may be provided during work hours.

Available VIP opportunities in Redwood National and State Parks can be found and applied for online at www.volunteer.gov.

Once you have completed the on-line application process from the above website, your completed application will be reviewed by the park's volunteer coordinator. A volunteer manager will contact you directly if you are being considered for a volunteer position. If selected, more information about the volunteer opportunity, uniform, etc. will be sent to you.
E-mail the Volunteer Coordinator to learn more about VIP opportunities in Redwood National and State Parks.

Campground Hosts

There are four campgrounds with host positions located in Redwood National and State Parks. Campground hosts reside in their own RV or trailer at the campground they are hosting, and are typically responsible for: greeting park visitors and providing them with information to ensure their visit is safe and enjoyable, helping park visitors solve problems and understand park regulations, collecting fees (such as for firewood), assisting park fee collection staff, and conducting some light maintenance, such as cleaning vacant campsites.

Mill Creek Campground in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. Campground hosts are needed from early May through September. Duties include roving the campground and conducting camp checks, as well as providing orientation and information, selling firewood, assisting fee collection staff, and performing light janitorial or maintenance work as needed. The position is a minimum of 3-month time commitment, with 32 hours/week commitment required. Full hook-ups are available, but no phone service. Full amenities are offered about 40 minutes north in Crescent City, CA. Couples or individuals interested in serving as campground hosts at Mill Creek Campground should apply online at www.volunteer.gov or contact the park Volunteer Coordinator by email.

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground is located in the midst of an amazing old-growth redwood forest and along the banks of the beautiful Smith River. It is nine miles northeast of Crescent City, CA, along Hwy 199, and is open year-round. Campground hosts are needed throughout the whole year. Duties include roving the campground and conducting camp checks, as well as providing orientation and information, selling firewood, assisting fee collection staff, and performing light janitorial or maintenance work as needed. The position is a minimum of 3-month time commitment, with 32 hours/week commitment required. Full hook-ups are available, but no phone service. Full amenities are offered about 30 minutes southwest in Crescent City, CA, a small store and restaurant are located just a few minutes from the campground. Couples or individuals interested in serving as campground hosts at Jedediah Smith Campground should apply online at www.volunteer.gov or contact the park Volunteer Coordinator by email.

Gold Bluffs Beach Campground is located off of Davison Road (6-mile-long gravel road), which is off of Highway 101 in the coastal section of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and is open year-round. Campground hosts are needed throughout the whole year. Duties include roving the campground and conducting camp checks, as well as providing orientation and information, selling firewood, assisting fee collection staff, and performing light janitorial or maintenance work as needed. The position is a minimum of 3-month time commitment, with 32 hours/week commitment required. Water and sewer hook-ups are available, and gas is provided to run a generator. Very limited phone service. Full amenities are offered about 1 hour south in the city of McKinleyville or Arcata, CA. Couples or individuals interested in serving as campground hosts at the Elk Prairie Campground should apply online at www.volunteer.gov or contact the park Volunteer Coordinator by email.

Elk Prairie Campground is located off of the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway in the heart of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. It is open year-round. Campground hosts are needed throughout the whole year. Duties include roving the campground and conducting camp checks, as well as providing orientation and information, selling firewood, assisting fee collection staff, and performing light janitorial or maintenance work as needed. The position is a minimum of 3-month time commitment, with 32 hours/week commitment required. Full hook-ups are available, but no phone service. Full amenities are offered about 45 minutes south in the city of McKinleyville or Arcata, CA. Couples or individuals interested in serving as campground hosts at the Elk Prairie Campground should apply online at www.volunteer.gov or contact the park Volunteer Coordinator by email.

Last updated: March 7, 2022

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Mailing Address:

1111 Second Street
Crescent City, CA 95531

Phone:

707 464-6101

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