National Forest seeks volunteer campground hosts

By on Tuesday, March 9th, 2021 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

EASTERN OREGON – The Umatilla National Forest is looking for volunteers to spend the summer as campground hosts at the Jubilee Lake and Woodward campgrounds.

A campground host greets campers, provides information on the surrounding area, and generally makes campers feel at home.  Hosts will visit with campers and day-use visitors, clean and maintain restrooms, restock supplies, occasionally clean up after camp, and carry out minor maintenance as needed.  They keep an eye on things and set a good example for others in the campground.

Individuals or couples can apply to be hosts.  Retirees often apply to the campground host program, finding it the ideal way to spend the summer in a beautiful setting.   Hosts need to be friendly, flexible, and responsible.  Host applicants may be subject to a criminal background check.

Those who apply will need to supply their own trailer, camper, or motor home. Campground hosts will be provided a campsite, usually near the main entryway to the campground.  Though the host program is a volunteer program, a food allowance and propane is offered, and personal vehicle mileage associated with hosting duties is reimbursed.

Jubilee Lake Campground is located 12 miles NE of Tollgate and is the largest developed campground on the Umatilla National Forest offering 53 campsites, four picnic areas and a 2.8 mile accessible hiking trail around the 92-acre lake. This campground is very popular for overnight camping as well as day-use activities. Campground hosts are typically on-site from early-July through mid-September.  For more information on becoming a Forest Service Volunteer Campground Host at Jubilee Lake Campground, please contact Kiyoshi Fujishin at the Walla Walla Ranger District (509) 522-6277 or Kiyoshi.fujishin@usda.gov.

Woodward Campground is located right off Highway 204 at Tollgate and offers 14 tent/trailer sites, four picnic areas,  four accessible toilet facilities, and views of Langdon Lake (however Langdon Lake is a private lake and access to the lake is not allowed). Hosts are typically on-site from early July through the end of September. The hosts at this campground are also responsible for taking care of Target Meadows and Woodland Campgrounds, which are both located nearby. For more information on becoming a Forest Service Volunteer Campground Host at Woodward Campground, please contact Kiyoshi Fujishin at the Walla Walla Ranger District (509) 522-6277 or Kiyoshi.fujishin@usda.gov.

Additional information about the Umatilla National Forest is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/umatilla.