Umatilla National Forest seeks campground hosts
By Terry Murry on Monday, April 22nd, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – News release from the Umatilla National Forest:
The Umatilla National Forest is looking for volunteers to spend the summer as campground hosts at the Jubilee Lake, Olive Lake, North Fork John Day, and Penland Lake campgrounds.
A campground host welcomes 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 the example for others on 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. 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 northeast 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 Matt Weseman at (509) 522-6014 or matthew.weseman@usda.gov.
Olive Lake Campground is located 12 miles southwest of Granite and sits on the shore of a 90-acre high mountain lake. This campground is typically hosted from early-June through Labor Day. The campground features 28 campsites and seven accessible toilet facilities. Other features include a two-mile accessible hiking trail around the lake with nearby access to wilderness and scenic area trails, a boat ramp and two docks. If you are interested in becoming a Forest Service Volunteer Campground Host at Olive Lake Campground, please contact Christy Lawhead at (541) 427-5329 or christy.lawhead@usda.gov.
North Fork John Day Campground is located 8 miles north of Granite and is situated along the beautiful North Fork John Day River and is a gateway to the adjacent wilderness of the same name. The campground offers 5 tent sites, and 15 tent/trailer sites, as well as horse handling facilities and a trailhead. This campground is typically hosted from June 1 to October 1, though a shorter duration is negotiable. If you are interested in becoming a Forest Service Volunteer Campground Host at Olive Lake Campground, please contact Christy Lawhead at (541) 427-5329 or christy.lawhead@usda.gov. Penland Lake Campground is located 20 miles southeast of Heppner, and abuts private land and land owned by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). The campground offers seven campsites and two vault toilets on the National Forest portion with more campsites located on the adjacent ODFW property. Penland is popular on summer weekends and offers access to fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. There is also a boat ramp, fishing dock, and benches located on the dam. This campground is typically hosted from Memorial Day through mid-November. For more information on becoming a Forest Service Volunteer Campground Host at Penland Lake Campground, please contact Brian Spivey at (541) 676-2121 or brian.spivey@usda.gov.
Photo of Jubilee Lake Campground via Umatilla National Forest
