Learn about our personal experience as campground hosts and find out how you can become a camping host in a Michigan State Park.
Please note: We were volunteers for Michigan DNR. The opinions within this post are our own experiences as campground hosts at Hoffmaster. We were under no obligation to post about our experience.
Our first camping trip staying in Michigan State Parks was in 2017 when we Circled Lake Michigan. We attended some activities and chatted with various hosts in the parks we stayed at. We said it would be fun to host someday.
Last year on our Lake Superior Trip, we befriended a family hosting at McLain State Park and talked to them about what hosting entails. Upon learning the requirements, we realized we did not have to wait until retirement to be campground hosts.
We have just finished our first host assignment at PJ Hoffmaster State Park and have a lot of information for you.
How to Become a Michigan State Parks Campground Host
To be host at a Michigan state campground, you must:
- Be willing to serve 30 hours a week for four consecutive weeks
- Be at least 18 years old
- Not be a Michigan DNR employee
- Provide own camping unit and equipment
- Pass a background check
Hosting is a volunteer position. Each host is required to be on duty 30 hours a week. A hosting couple can be on duty at the same time. I put in 60+ hours a week, while Eric put in closer to 40 hours because he still had his full-time job to work remotely.
Hosts are not rule enforcers but observers who report issues to the park staff.
Hosts are required to lead one adult activity and one kid activity per week. That can be Saturday morning coffee followed by a craft. I was enthusiastic to be a host, so I did several crafts each week.
In exchange, hosts are provided their campsite free for the month. Some parks have full hookups, while others have just electricity. A few have no utilities at all.
Hosts must provide their camping equipment, whether a tent or RV.
Application Process
You can fill out an application anytime, but spots for the following year are typically filled between December and February. The process is easy:
- Fill out a Michigan campground host application
- Pick your preferred state parks
- Send your application to those parks
Families, couples, or individuals can serve as hosts. Eric worked remotely during the month. When the phone connectivity at the park was spotty, he went to a local library to obtain WiFi.
We did not have to punch a time clock on duty but were required to log our activities and the number of contacts we made with campers daily. We did let them know of our total hours in our evaluation. Some campgrounds have specific hours for hosts to be on duty.
Hosts are required to attend training within the first two years of hosting. We participated in the training virtually before we served.
Duties of Michigan State Park Campground Hosts
- Greet campers
- Answer questions
- Report issues or concerns to park staff
- Conduct one adult and one kid activity per week
- Update information board
What Hosts Don’t Do
Michigan DNR campground hosts are not required to check in campers. They do not collect money or gifts.
The host should not enforce rules, especially with adults. We did remind kids of quiet hours and not to ride bikes in and around bathrooms a few times.
Typically hosts do not clean up messes. We had the keys to the supply closet, so we changed toilet paper rolls a few times instead of calling the staff to do it. As we walked around the campground, we would pick up bits of trash here and there.
Possible Responsibilities
Many parks collect Michigan recyclable cans and bottles to earn money for host supplies or special activities for the park.
Due to Hoffmaster having different loops feeding into one sanitation dump station, we directed traffic a few times during our month. It was for a few hours, midday on Sunday. It was enjoyable to chat with campers as they waited for their turn.
We have heard some parks ask their host to check the fire rings on Sunday afternoon for trash.
Many parks have holiday events or festivals where staff and hosts help, such as a patriotic bike parade or a fall festival.
Host Choose Activities
Campground hosts decide what activities to do each week. A majority host coffee on Saturday and Sunday mornings. We opted only to make coffee on Saturdays.
Other adult activities could include a travel talk, cooking demo, board or card games, fireside chats, sing-alongs, guided hikes, or teaching a camping skill.
Crafts are the most popular activity for kids. Our participants ranged from toddlers to teens. Parents often show up with little ones that can help them with their crafts.
Our crafts included vintage paper plate campers (during a vintage camper rally), paper fish for Father’s Day, friendship bracelets, butterflies, pinecone bird feeders, paper plates swans, sun catchers for summer solstice, popsicle tents, flower bottle stamps, bubble mania, spin art stars, yarn stick people, and coffee filter flowers. Yes, I went overboard and loved every minute of it!
Many parks have explorer guides over the summer months that provide special activities and programs for campers. I planned my crafts around their schedule.
Other Hosting Ideas
I created a photo scavenger hunt, word search, and crossword puzzles for Hoffmaster. Campers who completed the scavenger hunt got to pick out a camping decal. I also had our camping-themed coloring pages available for campers to enjoy.
I brought books, puzzles, and DVDs to add to the little loaning library at our host station.
Hoffmaster also has a shovel, broom, and rakes for campers to borrow. I had a few extra things ready for people to borrow, such as a can opener, jumper cables, a lighter, bike tools, and bandaids.
Overall Thoughts on Being Campground Hosts
We thoroughly enjoyed the month of hosting. It took us a bit to settle in, but the parks expect that and give you space.
My favorite parts were chatting with people about camping, the crafts, visiting the Lake Michigan beach frequently, and getting to know the park staff.
Eric enjoyed handing out dog treats. The dogs knew he had the goodies and watched out for him.
We got a lot of positive feedback from campers about our hosting and the park in general.
The Hoffmaster is terrific. They were quick to respond to calls and requests. The staff does a fantastic job taking care of the park. They clean the bathrooms and showers twice a day.
We plan to host again at Hoffmaster next year. We look forward to a time when we go from park to park to host all season long in Michigan.
I created a guest book that campers signed and left messages for us. I will print out pictures to add and treasure the book all year.
If you are interested in being a campground host at a Michigan State Park, join the Facebook page, which has all sorts of information and a link to the most current openings list. Feel free to reach out to me if you have hosting questions.
Chris McClenathen
Monday 15th of July 2024
Could you please tell me what the name of the State Park's Facebook Page is?
Diana Hansen
Wednesday 17th of July 2024
I will email you.
Bonnie
Wednesday 13th of December 2023
Did the parks supply you with propane. Did you have to dump at the dump station or did they offer an rv mobile waste tank
Diana Hansen
Wednesday 13th of December 2023
Propane is NOT supplied. Some parks have full hook-up sites, while others only have electric. State forest campgrounds have no hook-ups at all. There is a partial list of which parks do have full utilities. If you want to become a Michigan State Park host, I encourage you to join the Facebook group or reach out to me individually.
Janet Flaa
Friday 21st of July 2023
I loved following your posts! David and I have talked if this for years. We thought we would need to wait until retirement too but maybe not! Can’t wait to talk more about it at the Fall rally. Thanks for the details of your experience. Very helpful!
Diana Hansen
Tuesday 1st of August 2023
You are very welcome, Janet! CU in Oct!
Althea Barnes
Thursday 20th of July 2023
Great wrap-up! Your explanation of camp-host duties would be helpful for the park we hosted at a few years ago. And this entire post would be good for all camp-hosts to read for inspiration and specific ideas. I appreciate your bringing us with on fb, and the photos!!!!
Diana Hansen
Thursday 20th of July 2023
Thank you for reading and joining along!