GROW, EXPLORE, LEARN & LOVE IT!
2021 Campground and Resident Host Opportunities
Volunteer hosting is a meaningful way to experience the great outdoors while being an ambassador for our State Parks, Hatcheries, and State Wildlife Areas. In return for your stewardship, you will receive a free campsite for the duration of your stay, a free State Parks pass (after 48 hours of service), training opportunities, uniforms, and the ability to meet new people and make friends from across the nation.
Please check out our website at cpw.state.co.us for more information. Follow these links for a State Park map, Hatchery Map, and State Wildlife Area map.
Current Availabilities - Summary
This list is the latest summary of position openings. Please note that availability may change rapidly as host openings fill or new ones become available. We do our best to update this document as soon as that information becomes available.
You must apply to each site individually in order to be considered for that location. Please contact the appropriate staff member - our volunteer database where you would normally sign up is currently under construction.
Last updated June 9, 2021.
SITE | POSITIONS AVAILABLE | REGION |
State Parks | ||
Summer 2021 | Southeast | |
All Seasons 2021 | Northeast/Denver Metro | |
Spring and Summer 2021 | Northeast | |
Summer 2021 | Northeast | |
Summer 2021 | Northwest | |
Summer 2021 | Southwest | |
Spring and Summer 2021 | Northeast | |
Summer 2021 | Northwest | |
Spring, Summer, and Fall 2021 | Southwest | |
Summer and Fall 2021 | Northwest | |
Summer 2021 | Northwest | |
Summer 2021 | Southwest | |
State Wildlife Areas (SWA) | ||
Summer 2021 | Southeast | |
Summer 2021 | Southwest | |
Summer 2021 | Northeast | |
State Fish Hatcheries | ||
Summer 2021 | Southeast | |
Summer 2021 | Southeast | |
Spring, Summer, and Fall 2021 | Southeast | |
Summer 2021 | Southwest | |
CAMPGROUND HOST AND RESIDENT VOLUNTEER POSITION DESCRIPTIONS
STATE PARKS
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area – Chaffee and Fremont Counties
The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is a 152-mile-long recreation area that runs between Leadville and Lake Pueblo State Park along the Arkansas River and is surrounded by 13,000-14,000 foot peaks. AHRA offers world class whitewater rafting and kayaking, as well as access to hiking, fishing, biking, hunting, and OHV trails... all nestled in the heart of the Rockies at the base of fifteen 14ers.
Our camp hosts perform customer service and light maintenance roles at 8 paid campgrounds and several dispersed camping areas. Since our campgrounds are entirely self service and spread over 75 miles and rangers may only visit once per day, camphosts are the boots on the ground customer service. They maintain a list of arrivals/departures, answer basic questions, assist visitors in making reservations, and make sure each site is ready for the next camper. Maintenance duties include picking up litter, emptying fire rings, and light weeding.
Hosts are expected to be in the campground on busy days (Fridays, Saturdays, Holidays). A work/life balance is important and hosts are encouraged to enjoy the recreational resources we have available. Our campgrounds are fully dry camping. No water or electric, no public trash pickup (We do pick up trash for hosts). Wifi is not available. The hosts’ camping units must be self-sufficient.
Site elevation: 4850-9000 ft
Contact: Jeff Hammond at (719) 539-7289 x 4714 or jeffrey.hammond@state.co.us
Dates Needed: May 15 - September 15
Minimum stay requirements: 3-5 months
Hours required per person, per week: 20
Trailer size limitations: Varies by site. Accommodations can be made with sufficient notice.
Hosts expected to clean restrooms? No
Amenities: No hookups available. The only amenities onsites are vault toilets. However, this is an incredibly unique area with access to a lot of high-quality recreation!
Cherry Creek State Park – Arapahoe County
Welcome to Denver’s natural and spacious backyard playground! There’s so much to see and enjoy. Summers are busy and action packed while off-peak times are quiet and laid back. Anchored around a 880 surface acre reservoir, the park offers a natural prairie environment of gentle, rolling hills and complete outdoor recreation facilities including camping, picnicking, and facilities for group events. Located within 15 minutes of downtown Denver, Cherry Creek offers a unique park experience in the city! The park offers a wide variety of outdoor opportunities in the summertime. It is also very close to Downtown Denver so there are always a lot of things to do even outside of the park.
Site elevation: 5550 ft
Winter Resident Volunteers
Can be assigned to a wide variety of job duties around the park. This is a customer service based position that involves greeting visitors, selling park passes and permits, answering phones, counting cash receipts, entering data into the computer, and providing information to the public. Key professional skills and abilities necessary for these positions include: excellent customer service, solid math and cashier skills, flexibility with scheduling, and strong computer skills. Applicants should be comfortable working in a very busy office environment and working alone.
Resident Volunteers
Campground Office responsibilities include: Check in campers. Answer phone calls. Dust, empty all trash and wipe down counters. Clean bathroom. Assist with camper registration process. Post Park flyers and signage as directed. Sell merchandise. Clean around outside of building and self-serve station. Clean campground storage shed as needed. Maintain inventory of General Store items. Other duties as assigned.
Maintenance responsibilities include: Keeping the park clean and trash free. Cleaning Bathrooms. Sweep cob webs down (inside and out). Clean and plunge toilets as needed. Wash down showers and clean out drain covers. Wipe down all shelving, hand dryers, mirrors, etc. Clean walls and stalls. Sweep and mop floors. Stock toilet paper. Empty all trash receptacles and replace bags. Remove any trash from sidewalks. Properly maintain all cleaning equipment and supplies in plumber alleys. Replace light bulbs as needed. Other duties as assigned.
Gate Attendant responsibilities include: Provide information and assistance to visitors (distributes maps/ brochures, orients visitors to park facilities and amenities, promote education programs, educates on State Park regulations, etc.). Sell parks passes. May sell gift certificates, search and rescue cards, boat registrations, OHV registrations and snowmobile registrations, fishing and hunting licenses at some locations. Ability to operate a cash register. Collects revenue, completes shift report and balances shift box at end of each shift. May document and report visitor complaints. Cleaning and maintenance duties of interior and exterior of the entrance station. Other duties as assigned.
Resident Volunteer Contact: Vylan Than at vylan.than@state.co.us or 303-766-6577
Dates Needed: September 2020 through April 2021
Hours required per person, per week: ~32
Amenities Available: Full hookup (Water, sewage, 30 and 50 amp electric), Wi-Fi, Computer and internet access, Cell service, Bath and laundry houses
Eleven Mile State Park – Park County
This high meadow park with a large reservoir is located at 8600 feet in elevation. Anglers and writers consistently tout Eleven Mile’s large reservoir for its outstanding fishing. When not reeling in a trophy rainbow, brown, cutthroat, kokanee or pike, there are nearly five miles of scenic hiking and biking trails that await exploration.
Applicants should be friendly, outgoing, and have good public relation skills.
Camp Host: Assists with day-to-day park functions, including but not limited to answering visitors’ questions, cleaning restrooms, emptying trash, and cleaning campsites.
Maintenance Host: Cleans restrooms, collects trash, assists with maintenance projects.
Visitor’s Center Host: Assists visitors, handles sales, does office cleaning
Site elevation: 8600 ft
Contact: Mike Judd at mike.judd@state.co.us or 719-748-3401 ext. 7
Dates needed: May 1 - September 15
Minimum stay requirements: 2-3 months
Hours required per person, per week: 20
Schedule: Work weekends, days off during the week
Amenities Available: Full hookup (30 amp electric)
Hosts expected to clean restrooms? Yes
Trailer size limitations: Back in site overall lengths of 55' and 60'
Jackson Lake State Park – Morgan County
Jackson Lake State Park sits along the banks of a 2,500 surface-acre reservoir best known for its water sports, fishing, and sandy beaches. Surrounding the reservoir are 892 acres of park lands with 260 campsites, most with electrical hookups and access to restroom facilities, laundry, and showers. Jackson Lake State Park has been referred to as an “Oasis in the plains” and is ranked one of the "Top 15 Park Beaches" by Reserve America. Anglers, boaters, or naturalists realizing there’s too much fun for just one day enjoy the variety of water or land-based recreation land-based facilities found here. Birders flock here because of the park’s location in the Central Flyway for migratory birds.
At 78 miles from the Denver Metro area, Jackson Lake State Park is far enough away to feel removed from the hustle and bustle yet close enough to take a day trip. Other nearby cities include Fort Morgan, Greeley, Loveland and Fort Collins.
Duties include cleaning campsites between visits, removing trash and ash, cleaning restroom facilities, and refilling paper products when needed. Hosts also help visitors by giving directions, answering questions, and reporting any issues to park staff.
Site elevation: 4,440 ft
Contact: Darby Shanks at darby.shanks@state.co.us or (970) 645-2551
Dates Needed: Memorial Day through Labor Day
Minimum stay requirement: 6-8 weeks
Hours required per person, per week: 20 hours each for pairs, 40 hours for individuals.
Amenities Available: Full hookup- Water, Sewage, and Electric (30 and 50 amp)
James M Robb – Colorado River State Park – Mesa County
From Fruita on the west end to Island Acres on the east end and three stops in-between, this is one park split into five sections. To visit the park, follow the Colorado River on Interstate 70 west from Debeque Canyon to Fruita, and enjoy five uniquely different river and lake-based outdoor recreation opportunities.
Fruita Winter Hosts/Visitor’s Center Volunteers
We are seeking volunteers with a wide variety of skills and experiences who enjoy interacting with the public in a Visitor Center setting. Hosts are involved in manning the Visitor Center Friday thru Sunday 8-4, cleaning campsites, selling firewood, and assisting visitors with park questions. Should be in good physical condition and enjoy working with the public. Special projects may be assigned based on the skills and interests of the volunteer and the needs of the park.
Island Acres Campground Hosts- Positions
The Island Acres section has campground host positions available for 2 to 5 months. Host sites have water, sewer, and electric. Wifi is not available but hotspots may be available. Hosts must be willing to work a minimum of 20-30 hours/person per week. Duties include assisting staff with public information, firewood sales, cleaning campsites and other light maintenance tasks. Applicants should be in good physical condition, able to lift at least 20 pounds, and enjoy working with the public. Special projects may be assigned based on the skills and interests of the volunteer and the needs of the park.
Island Acres is close to Palisade and Grand Junction; schedules are flexible; job duties generally include cleaning campsites and assisting visitors but can include some general maintenance, office assistance, and other projects as assigned.
Site elevation: 4500-4700 ft
Contacts:
- Fruita: Eric Los at eric.los@state.co.us or (970) 858-9188
- Island Acres: Kathleen Fischer at kathleen.fischer@state.co.us or (970) 434-3388 x4212
Dates needed:
- Fruita Section: Winter Host/Visitor’s Center volunteers needed Nov. 2020 through March 2021.
- Island Acres Section:
Hours required per person, per week: Minimum of 20 hours
Minimum stay requirements: 2 months
Amenities Available: Full hokup- Water, Sewage, Electric (30 and 50 amp)
John Martin Reservoir State Park – Bent County
Sometimes called a sapphire on the plains, John Martin is a peaceful paradise in which people play, birds flock and wildlife roams. The park is close to historic landmarks, yet remote enough to attract year-round nature and recreation lovers to stay and explore.
The reservoir provides uncrowded boating, waterskiing, and spectacular conditions for a wide variety of wind water sports. The mild Southeastern Colorado weather provides plenty of great days throughout the year. Anglers from shore or boat catch walleye, saugeye, bass, wiper, crappie, perch, and catfish. Many consider the park a birdwatcher's paradise with almost 400 species documented in Bent County.
Hosts will need to learn and assist customers with the park pass system, post and monitor reservation system, and do basic campsite maintenance. Volunteers will do camp host duties, but also help wherever they are capable and willing. Host positions are full for 2021, but you may still register to be placed on a waiting list.
Site elevation: 3870 ft
Contact: Justin Mortimeyer at justin.mortimeyer@state.co.us or (719) 829-1801
Dates Needed: April - October
Minimum stay requirements: Flexible
Hours required per person, per week: 40 hours total per pair, or 38 hours for an individual
Hosts expected to clean restrooms? Yes
Amenities: Full hookup
Mancos State Park – Montezuma County:
Located on the edge of the San Juan Mountains in Southwestern Colorado, Mancos State Park provides a wonderful base camp to explore Durango, Mesa Verde National Park, and a variety of other area attractions. Mancos is seeking Park Hosts for the Fall/Winter 2020 Season at this location that provides a gateway to a wide range of outdoor natural recreation opportunities including fishing, boating, golfing, hiking, alpine 4x4 roads, nature photography and much more. Mancos State Park has 32 campsites, 2 yurts, a 200-acre reservoir with excellent fishing, 5 miles of trails, and picnicking areas.
Our hosts assist campers, maintain the campsites and restrooms, sell firewood, and help with reservations. Hosts may also help in other sections of the park depending on their skills and interests. We are looking for hosts that are comfortable with snow removal and equipment operations. Hosts are required to work a minimum of 20 hours per week and are required to work on weekends and holidays. Each host/couple will receive a minimum of 2 consecutive days off per week. In return, the host is provided a full hook-up campsite and will have access to a basic workstation equipped with a telephone, computer and internet access. This park does not have wifi for hosts, but does have consistent cellular data service.
Keep in mind that Mancos can be more remote than many hosts expect, and we recommend hosts visit the park or research it thoroughly online prior to making a commitment.
Site elevation: 7800 ft
Contact: Scot Elder at scot.elder@state.co.us or (970) 533-7065
Hours required per person, per week: 20
Amenities available: Water, Sewage, Electric (30 and 50 amp), Cell Service
North Sterling State Park – Logan County
Located in the great plains of eastern Colorado, North Sterling State Park is seeking a camp host for the 2020 season. Located near Sterling, Colorado North Sterling State Park is conveniently located in North Eastern Colorado with easy access to fishing, boating, hiking, hunting, bird watching and wildlife photography. North Sterling has 141 campsites, a 3,000 acre reservoir, 2 boat ramps, hiking/biking trails, picnic areas, swim beach and marina.
Our hosts assist campers with questions while at the park, maintain landscaping and campsites clean-up, help with facilities cleaning and notifying staff of other issues. Hosts may also help in other areas depending on skills and interests. Hosts are asked to work 40 hours per week per pair. Working weekends and holidays is a requirement. In return for their efforts hosts will receive a full hook up site. Also at the site is a 2 bay loafing shed for vehicle storage as well as locked storage area. A volunteer hang tag vehicle pass will also be given after 48 hours of service.
Contact: Pat White – patrick.white@state.co.us or Mitch Diede – mitchell.diede@state.co.us (970) 522-3657
Dates Needed: Mid-April through Labor Day weekend
Total Hosts Needed: 2 over the summer
Minimum Stay Requirements: Prefer the entire 2021 Summer Season, but we offer some flexibility
Hours required per week: 40 total hours per pair or for an individual
Trailer Size Limitations: 68 feet and 75 feet depending on assigned site
Hosts expected to clean restrooms? Yes, it is a shared responsibility with other maintenance staff.
Amenities available: Full hookup, Cell service
Pearl Lake State Park - Routt County
Nestled among the pines at the base of Farwell Mountain, Pearl Lake is one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets. Located 22 miles north of Steamboat Springs, Pearl Lake features 36 campsites, two yurts, fishing, boating, and hiking trails.
Campground Hosts act as ambassadors for the park staff. They welcome guests, check campers in and out, clean fire pits, and rake campsites. Hosts are also encouraged to use their talents and skills in other areas of the park.
Hosts are required to work 20 hours per person per week and are required to work on weekends and holidays. To allow volunteers ample opportunity to enjoy this beautiful area, each host is given 2 consecutive days off per week and the ability to plan their own daily schedule. In return, all hosts receive a campsite with full-hook ups.
Contact: Kelly Cook at (970) 879-3922 or kellya.cook@state.co.us
Dates Needed: Memorial Day – End of September
Total Hosts Needed: 1 couple over the summer
Minimum Stay Requirements: Prefer the entire 2021 Summer Season, but we can be flexible if we have coverage all summer
Trailer Size Limitations: None
Hosts expected to clean restrooms? No, but they are expected refill toilet paper and notify staff when necessary.
Ridgway State Park – Ouray County
Located at the base of the spectacular San Juan Mountains in Western Colorado, Ridgway State Park is seeking Park Hosts for the summer season. Located near Telluride, Ouray, and Ridgway, Colorado, Ridgway State Park is the gateway to a wide range of outdoor natural recreation opportunities including fishing, boating, golfing, hiking, alpine 4x4 roads, nature photography and much more. Ridgway State Park has 280 campsites, a 1000-acre reservoir, 15 miles of trails, a swim beach, a marina, picnicking areas, and a fly-fishing stream.
Our hosts create a community atmosphere, assist campers, maintain the campsites, sell firewood and ice, and help with reservations. Hosts may also help in other sections of the park depending on their skills and interests. Hosts are required to work a minimum of 28 hours per week and are required to work on weekends and holidays. Each host pair will receive at least two consecutive days off per week. In return, all host couples will receive a full hookup campsite and will have access to a workstation at the Visitor Center, which is equipped with a telephone, computer and internet access.
Site elevation: 6800-7200 ft
Photos: Lake, Fishing, Camper, Boating
Contact: Nolan Tappenden at nolan.tappenden@state.co.us or (970) 626-5822 x13
Dates Needed: Mid- May through Labor Day and shoulder needs in the spring/fall
Hours required per person, per week: 28
Trailer size limitations: Accept most sized rigs except for a few sites
Hosts expected to clean restrooms? No
Amenities Available: Full hookup, Cell service depending on the campground
Rifle Gap State Park – Garfield County
Rifle Gap and Rifle Falls State Parks offer visitors and volunteers a diverse, amazing, unique array of recreational opportunities on Colorado’s western slope at the base of the San Juan Mountains. Rifle Gap has always drawn visitors because of its outstanding fishing and boating opportunities, but now the park has completed an $11,000,000 upgrade to include full hookups at some camp host campsites. A trio of waterfalls, lush vegetation and a series of small caves helped Rifle Falls State Park earn a reputation as one of Colorado’s best parks. Both Rifle Gap and Rifle Falls strive to provide the very best experience to the visitors possible, and we could not do that without our camp host volunteers! Our hosts are more of a working family than anything else.
Camp Hosts
Responsible for greeting visitors as they arrive, providing excellent customer service and upkeep of the restroom/shower facilities within each individual campground during their stay, and cleaning of the campsite(s) after their departure.
Maintenance Hosts
Responsible for changing trash bags, shuffling fleet vehicles for repairs, tree trimming, campsite cleaning, flower planting in the spring, self serve kiosk maintenance, fish screen cleaning, welding projects etc.
Special Projects Volunteers
Responsible for public information, gate work, general maintenance and carpentry, trail building and maintenance, and non-commissioned patrol.
Visitor Center Attendant
Duties include collect fees for camping and daily entrance fees, bookstore items, boat registrations, etc.
Site elevation: 6000-6600 ft
Contact: Steven Stanton at steven.stanton@state.co.us or (970) 625-1607 ext. 0
Dates needed: March 31 - November 15
Minimum stay requirements: 4-6 weeks
Hours required per person, per week: 24
Schedule: 3 days on, 3 days off
Amenities Available: Full hookup
Hosts expected to clean restrooms? Yes
Pets permitted? Maximum limit is 2 dog or cats per site
State Forest State Park – Jackson County
State Forest State Park is the largest state park with 71,000 acres, the largest moose herd in Colorado, and limitless outdoor possibilities. If you like to OHV, hike, bike, fish, or just explore this is the park for you.
Job duties may include but are not limited to greeting campers, cleaning fire pits, light maintenance, cabin and camp site maintenance, cleaning restrooms, entrance station/visitor center staffing, and assisting the interpretive staff with promoting and possibly presenting interpretive programs and hikes. A typical day at State Forest State Park can vary in duties.
Electrical hookups are available at the Ranger Lakes Campground; there are also two trailer sites at the park’s maintenance compound with full hookups. Camp hosts must commit to volunteering a minimum of 20 hours per week, with the majority of those hours occurring on weekends and holidays.
We may be full soon, so if you are interested contact Tony ASAP.
Site elevation: 8000-12,900 ft
Contact: Tony Johnson at anthonyt.johnson@state.co.us or (970) 723-8366 x16
Dates Needed: May 15 - Sep 15
Minimum Stay Requirements: 3-5 months
Hours required per person, per week: 20
Hosts expected to clean restrooms? Yes
Amenities Available: Full hookup
Sweitzer State Park – Delta County
Built solely for recreation, Sweitzer Lake fulfills its planned purpose well. Visitors water-ski, swim, picnic, fish, boat, bird watching, sit on the grass, picnic, rest their feet on the sandy shore or just enjoy the day.
Sweitzer Hosts assist in meeting the needs of park visitors and assist staff in ways that enhance park operations. Duties include but may not be limited to the following: collect fees and dispense park information at entrance stations, greet visitors, assist in daily park operations, assist with light maintenance and groundskeeping (e.g., mowing/irrigation). Hosts must reside in the park. A full-service host campsite is included. Hosts are required to work a minimum of 24 hours each per week and are required to work on weekends and holidays. Each host couple will receive 2 consecutive days off per week. Note: Sweitzer is a day use park only.
Site elevation: 6600 ft
Contact: Scott Rist at scott.rist@state.co.us or (970) 921-5721
Dates needed:
Hours required per person, per week: 24
Amenities Available: Full hookup- Water, Sewage, Electric (30 amp). WiFi, Computer and internet access, and cell service.
STATE WILDLIFE AREAS
Clear Creek Reservoir State Wildlife Area
Clear Creek Reservoir is an easy-to-reach 407 acre lake to between Buena Vista and Leadville. If you’re searching for a rustic style of living with breathtaking mountain scenery, this SWA is for you! In addition to boating and camping, the lake offers excellent fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, and brown trout. Tiger muskie and kokanee salmon are common as well. Other available activities include miles of hiking trails, historic ghost towns, hunting, OHV roads, easy access to surrounding public lands, birding, and nearby bighorn sheep viewing.
Camp hosts will assist with managing a free camping area. This includes but is not limited to answering general questions and maintaining the area, including one vault toilet.
Site elevation: 8,875 ft
Contact: Kail Glenn at kail.glenn@state.co.us or 719-539-5591
Dates needed: Memorial through Labor Day
Minimum stay requirements: 6-8 weeks
Hours required per person, per week: 16
Hosts expected to clean restrooms? Yes
Amenities Available: There is a vault toilet onsite, but no other current amenities. Hosts should have a self sustaining camper.
Dan Noble State Wildlife Area - San Miguel County
Dan Noble SWA lies in the middle of a flat basin in southwestern Colorado, 17.5 miles south of Norwood and within San Miguel County. The site is situated at 7,700 feet, north of Lone Cone Mountain and with the Uncompahgre National Forest to the east. The primary feature on this 2200-acre property is its 465-acre lake, Miramonte Reservoir, which is stocked annually with rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout and supports a large crayfish population. Wildflowers abound in this high elevation sagebrush habitat as does a diverse wildlife resource. The area supports large mule deer and elk populations. Forty-seven species of water birds can be seen and approximately 50 pairs of Canada geese arrive annually in the spring to nest on the lake’s two islands.
While Dan Noble SWA/Miramonte Reservoir is in a remote location in southwestern Colorado, it is a very popular SWA for people from all around to come and visit, camp, and fish. Camp hosts that volunteer here tend to meet a wide variety of people that become friends in the future.
Minor medical services are located in Norwood and major medical services are a two-hour drive away. While Dan Noble is in a remote location, it is one of the best state wildlife areas and one of the best trout fisheries in Colorado.
Host responsibilities include the following: Provide grounds maintenance at Dan Noble SWA (i.e., clean outhouses and restock toilet paper; remove trash from trash barrels and restock empty trash bags, make periodic trips to the local landfill); provide maintenance (e.g., cleaning, painting and basic repairs) to buildings, outhouses, picnic tables, trash cans and signs; maintain a daily log of camping use by visitors; provide information to visiting public and people wanting to fish; clean and maintain outhouse at Woods Lake SWA (about 85 miles to the east) once a week.
Hosts must be able to live in a remote area and enjoy meeting/interacting with various people. Must be able to perform basic maintenance on the campground and facilities on the SWA. Must be able to lift at least 60-70 pounds – pull heavy and sometimes smelly trash bags from trash barrels and place in dump trailer.
Site Elevation: 7,573- 7,891 ft
Contact: Melody Miller at (970) 252-6004 or melody.miller@state.co.us
Dates needed: Approximately Memorial through Labor Day
Minimum stay requirements: Full season preferred
Hours required per person, per week: 25-28
Schedule: Volunteers are expected to serve several days during the week, especially Friday through Monday.
Trailer size limitations: 37 feet
Hosts expected to clean restrooms? Yes
Amenities available: Sewage and Electric (30 amp). Water hookups are not currently functioning. However, we have water barrels available and are working to have a water tank and pump by the time hosts arrive.
Photos: Bunkhouse, Miramonte Reservoir, Wood Lake
Julesburg (Jumbo) Reservoir State Wildlife Area - Logan and Sedgwick Counties
Located on the eastern plains, Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area is seeking a Campground Host/couple for the 2021 Season. Located between the towns of Crook and Sedgwick, Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area is host to a wide range of outdoor natural recreation opportunities including fishing, boating, bird watching, waterskiing, hunting, hiking, nature photography, and much more. Jumbo Reservoir SWA is a 1703-acre property with approximately 100 designated primitive campsites spread out over 4 campgrounds, 1578 water acres are home to one of the best walleye fisheries in the state as well as an excellent place to catch crappie, bluegill, perch, and catfish. Jumbo SWA has one boat ramp, 5 vault toilets, multiple picnic sites, and several shade shelters for our visitors to use.
Our hosts assist campers, maintain the campsites, clean the bathrooms, spray weeds as needed, pick up trash as needed, and mow parking areas on the property. Hosts may also help in other sections of the property depending on their skills and interests.
Hosts are required to work a minimum of 10-20 hours per week and are required to work on weekends and holidays as needed. Each host/pair will receive 2 consecutive days off per week. In return, all hosts/pairs will receive a designated campsite with sewer and power. Potable water is available at another location and a vehicle with a tank will be provided to transport the water to the campsite.
Preferred applicants have the ability to operate riding lawnmowers and weed whips, ability to use handheld and ATV mounted sprayers, and a clean driving record.
Site Elevation: ~3,700 ft
Contact: Levi Kokes at (970) 466-0503 or levi.kokes@state.co.us
Dates Needed: May 1 - September 15
Total Hosts Needed: 1 host or pair over the summer
Minimum Stay Requirements: Prefer the entire 2021 Summer Season, but offer some flexibility
Hours required per person, per week: 10-20
Trailer Size Limitations: None
Hosts expected to clean restrooms? Yes, we have a hot water power washer to aid in cleaning as well as a vehicle to aid in maintenance on the property
Amenities available: Water, sewage, electric (30 and 50 amp), cell service
STATE FISH HATCHERIES
Chalk Cliffs Rearing Unit
22605 County Rd 287
Nathrop, Colorado 81236
The Chalk Cliffs Rearing Unit, a cold water facility, raises catchable rainbow trout.
Chalk Cliffs Hatchery annually raises about 700,000, ten-inch rainbow trout! Fish are raised in concrete raceways and seven dirt ponds. Waters are stocked along the Front Range, from Loveland to the New Mexico border, and east almost to the Kansas border. More information can be found in the Chalk Cliffs Rearing Unit Brochure.
Duties are to staff the visitor center to greet visitors as they arrive at the hatchery. Visitor numbers are logged, questions answered and information provided about hatchery operations including showing a video if the visitors would like to see it. Our visitor center is actually a garage shop bay with the overhead door open, so hosts are not actually 'inside' with visitors, and personal contact is not needed to do the job.
Additional duties are ground maintenance activities such as mowing grass or watering lawn areas for a couple hours per day. While single volunteers are welcome, couples are helpful as one can be mowing while we still have coverage at the visitor center.
Work schedule is 5 days on, 5 days off, from 9 am to 4 pm daily.
Chalk Cliffs Hatchery is located outside Nathrop in the central part of Colorado. The Hatchery sits at the foot of Mt. Princeton at 7950 feet in elevation.
Contact: Chris Hertrich at chris.hertrich@state.co.us or (719) 395-2378
Amenities: Electric, water, sewer
Mt. Shavano State Fish Hatchery
Mt. Shavano Hatchery, one of the largest hatcheries in the state, produces approximately 400,000 catchable (10inch) trout and 1-2 million sub-catchable (2-5 inches) fish per year. Species such as Rainbow Trout, Snake River Cutthroat Trout, Cutbow Trout, and Kokanee Salmon are raised at the unit. Mt. Shavano Hatchery is located along the shore of the Arkansas River and lies between the Sawatch and Sangre De Cristo Mountain Ranges, approximately 2 miles from downtown Salida and within Chaffee County. At 7,000 feet in elevation, Salida is a small mountain town of 5,300 people and is known for arts and outdoor activities. Chaffee County is home to more mountains over 14,000 feet in elevation than any other county in Colorado.
Host duties include but are not limited to giving tours to visitors, cleaning the Visitor's Center and restroom, grounds maintenance, and general cleanup of the grounds and facilities.
Contact: Bryan Johnson at bryan.johnson@state.co.us or (719) 539-6877
Dates Needed: Memorial through Labor Day
Hours required per person, per week: 18-24
Schedule: 3 days on, 3 days off but is negotiable with other hosts
Hosts expected to clean restrooms? Yes
Amenities available: Full hookup, WiFi
Pueblo State Fish Hatchery - Pueblo County
The Pueblo State Fish Hatchery is the only cold water and warm water facility in Colorado. We raise fry, fingerlings, and catchables of rainbow trout. We also raise crappie, bluegills, largemouth bass, brown trout, saugeye, wiper, and walleye.
The hatchery was built by the Federal Bureau of Reclamation, but Colorado Parks & Wildlife is responsible for its operation and maintenance. The hatchery grounds sit on 80 acres and consists of the main hatchery building, various maintenance shops, 16 one-acre ponds, 16 half-acre ponds and 32 concrete raceways.
Host duties include leading tours, assisting with landscaping , doing maintenance, and feeding fish.
The host’s campsite would be in the adjacent Lake Pueblo State Park, a premier destination for mountain biking, fishing, water sports, and wildlife viewing.
Site elevation: 4,800 ft
Contact: Quentin Springer at quentin.springer@state.co.us or 719-561-5354
Dates Needed: March 1 - September 30
Minimum stay requirements: 2-3 months
Hours required per person, per week: 20
Hosts expected to clean restrooms? No
Pets permitted? Pets are permitted at campsite in Lake Pueblo State Park, but no pets are allowed at the hatchery
Amenities: The hatchery doesn't currently have a site to camp with utility hookups. Your campsite would be located at the adjacent Lake Pueblo State Park. Camp host sites within the park with sewage connections are limited- The availability of one of these sites is being determined.
Roaring Judy State Fish Hatchery – Gunnison County
The Roaring Judy State Fish Hatchery is located in the beautiful East River valley, approximately 14 miles north of Gunnison and 14 miles south of Crested Butte. There are unlimited opportunities in the Gunnison area for the outdoor enthusiast. The perfectly secluded hatchery property covers 783 acres, including two miles of the East River and four fishing ponds. The majority of the property is dedicated to wildlife habitat and includes amazing opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, and hiking. The Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery is responsible for the production of 3.1 million kokanee salmon, 200,000 catchable trout, and 50,000 subcatchable trout. Roaring Judy is the only hatchery in Colorado to have a kokanee salmon run which comes directly back to the unit!
Our hosts provide hatchery tours, assist visitors with questions about the hatchery property, and maintain hatchery grounds. Grounds maintenance includes but is not limited to mowing, weed whacking, landscaping, planting and watering flowers, picking up trash, maintaining trails and way finding signs, cleaning the visitor center, and some equipment maintenance. Host may also assist with fish culture work when the staff is shorthanded. Hosts are required to work a minimum of 20 hours per week and may be required to work on weekends and holidays. Hosts will receive two consecutive days off per week.
Contact: Seth Firestone seth.firestone@state.co.us or (970) 641-0190
Dates Needed: Early June – End of August
Total Hosts Needed: 1 Host Pair
Minimum Stay Requirements: Prefer the entire summer season, but offer some flexibility
Hours required per person, per week: 20
Schedule: 9am - 1pm, Wed-Sun is preferred
Trailer Size Limitations: None
Site Details: New gazebo with concrete pad, mosquito netting around gazebo, propane grill, picnic table, and BBQ pit! 30 and 50 amp hook ups. Extension cord provided. Potable water must be hauled to RV site, sewage must be hauled to on site dump station.
Hosts expected to clean restrooms: Yes
Updated June 9, 2021 ｜