aecifo

The Iowa DNR needs volunteers for the 2025 camping season. What to know.

Umito November 23, 2024

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is looking for volunteers to help with next year’s camping season.

The Iowa DNR is seeking campground hosts for the 2025 camping season, which typically begins in mid-spring.

“Campground hosts work alongside DNR staff to help clean and beautify the park, ensure reservations are current and accurate, and assist visitors in a welcoming and helpful manner,” said the Iowa DNR said in a press release.

Campground host duties vary depending on the individual needs of each park, according to the news release.

What is an Iowa DNR Campground Host?

A DNR Camp Host is a volunteer position in which hosts live in state parks for one to five months. They assist DNR staff with maintenance tasks, check in campers and assist visitors to state parks and forests, according to the Iowa DNR.

Hosts receive a free campsite and are required to volunteer at least 20 hours per week, including weekends and holidays.

To be considered for an Iowa DNR Campground Host position, applicants must agree to various background and driving record checks.

Which Iowa State Parks Need Camping Hosts?

There are currently 14 state parks that need campground hosts:

Backbone in Dundee
Bellevue in Bellevue
Clear Lake to Clear Lake
Geode in Danville
Lewis and Clark at Onawa
McIntosh Woods in Ventura
Pilot Button in Forest City
Pine Lake in Eldora
Prairie Rose in Harlan
Red Haw in Chariton
Stephens State Forest in Chariton
Union Grove to Gladbrook
Walnut Woods in West Des Moines
Wapsipinicon in Anamosa

There are more than 4,400 campsites in Iowa’s state parks, recreation areas and forests, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Last year, Iowa campgrounds saw more than 864,000 campers and nearly 14 million visitors A day.

For more information, visit iowadnr.gov/volunteer.

Cooper Worth is a services and trends reporter for the Des Moines Register. Contact him at [email protected] or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.