Volunteer Opportunities in Idaho State Parks
Apply now for volunteer hosting opportunities.
Thank you for considering volunteering with Idaho State Parks! Whether you’re eager to host and live amid our state’s stunning landscapes, join us for spontaneous volunteer events, or support your local park community, there’s a role for you. Apply for hosting positions using the link above, follow our social media channels for upcoming events, or select “Contact Volunteer Services” to connect directly with our Volunteer Coordinator who can answer any questions. We can’t wait to welcome you!
There are many ways to volunteer your time with Idaho State Parks and Recreation. You may volunteer as an individual or as a part of a group on short term projects of one day or less, or on a long-term project in specialized programs.
Check out the perks you could receive at the bottom of the page.
The following are some of the most popular volunteer programs:
- Campground Host
- Interpretive Host
- Visitor Services Host
- Maintenance Host
- Special Projects and other volunteer work
Documents
Campground Host
Your Contribution and Role
- Welcome guests, share information and serve as a park ambassador
- Restock supplies and tidy campsites
- Pick up litter and report concerns to park staff
- Be people-oriented, courteous, and physically capable of outdoor tasks
Schedule & Commitment
- Volunteer 24–30 hours per week with flexible scheduling
- Minimum 30-day commitment required
- Option to serve the full camping season (May–October)
View a sample job description: Campground Host
Interpretive Host
Your Role
- Interpret and share Idaho State Parks’ cultural, natural, and recreational resources with visitors
- Lead guided tours on local ecology, history, and cultural features (especially at historic sites)
- Support program research and development, plus perform light clerical tasks
- Greet guests and provide public-facing services
Training & Schedule
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- Receive ongoing training and personalize presentations with your unique experiences
- Serve as an on-site camper or join daily from your local community
View a sample job description: Interpretive Host
Visitor Service Volunteer
Your Role
- Answer questions and provide information at park entrances and visitor centers
- Staff park retail stores as clerks and handle front-desk and clerical duties
- Apply computer and secretarial skills to assist with reporting procedures
View a sample job description: Visitor Services
Maintenance Host
Your Role
- Assist with minor repair and maintenance of park facilities, including cleaning, painting, and repairs
- Improve existing buildings and structures
- Help park staff on new construction projects
Skills Sought
- Electrical
- Carpentry
- Painting
- Masonry
- Landscaping
- Small motor repair
View a sample job description: Maintenance
Special Projects and Other Volunteer Work
Your Role
- Support Boating Safety Education programs
- Assist with non-motorized trails initiatives
- Contribute to off-road vehicle programs
- Develop special projects for groups or individuals
- Contact Coordinator for specialized options
What You Get for Volunteering
- An all-access state park pass (for entry to all Idaho state parks) in return for 100 hours of donated time
- Free camping with full or partial hookups (depending on the park) and a sign for your campsite
- A Volunteer Orientation Guidebook about Idaho State Parks
- A uniform designating your status as a volunteer—cap, vest, patch, and name tag
- Training by state park personnel
- Insurance for job-related medical costs
- All you need to provide is your own housing—park housing is available at some parks