1BD: Campground Host

This U.S. Forest Service volunteer position is an opportunity to host the public and maintain the 51-campsite Cliff Point, Wade Lake and Hilltop Campgrounds and day use picnic area. 

Wade Lake Campground is located 37 miles south of the town of Ennis, Montana home of the Madison River, which is world renowned for its trout fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities.  At an elevation of 6400 ft., the campground is surrounded by douglas fir and aspen trees. Wade Lake Campground, where the host site is located, sits on the first of a chain of lakes. The 27-unit Wade Lake campground shares the Cliff & Wade recreation area with two other campgrounds, separated by less than one mile.  The Cliff Lake campground is on Cliff Lake (6 campsites), the second in the chain of lakes, and Hilltop Campground (18 campsites) sits above both Wade Lake and Cliff Lake, on the Cliff Lake Bench. Roads to all three campgrounds are dirt, and hiking trails connect all three campgrounds. Moose, deer, elk, grizzly, black bears and mountain lions are just a few of the species in this area.  Restrooms, garbage service, water, fire rings, picnic tables, are provided to the public at these fee campgrounds.

Access to the Madison River and Lee Metcalf Wilderness are just minutes from the campgrounds.  The west entrance of Yellowstone National Park is approximately 40 miles east.  Many forest roads and hiking trails in the immediate area are also available to recreationists.

Volunteer campground hosts are front-line representatives of the United States Forest Service.  Few Forest Service employees have as much direct daily contact with members of the public as a volunteer campground host.  Volunteer service is greatly appreciated!  Some monetary reimbursement is available. General duties include:

• Being a courteous and friendly host to forest visitors
• Providing information to visitors including notifying visitors of the rules and regulations
• Maintaining the campground and picnic site to standard
• Monitoring fee compliance
• Ensuring positive working relationships with recreators
• Daily cleaning and stocking of 11 restrooms

Season, Schedule, and Utilities:

Campground hosts must be available from approximately June 1 thru September 6th.  Hosts volunteer five days a week, including weekends and holidays.  A full season’s commitment is required.  A typical commitment is 3-5 hours per day/20-25 hours per week.  Hosts are on duty in both the morning and evening during daylight hours to conduct fee compliance checks.  The Recreation Manager will coordinate with the host regarding the time of day to complete maintenance duties.  Days off will be taken mid-week on a Tuesday/Wednesday or Wednesday/Thursday. 

The campground host site is within Wade Lake Campground can accommodate up to a 28 foot trailer or RV, water will be available, and a holding tank is in the works for summer 2020.  Forest Service to provide a generator if necessary. There is no cellular service within the campground but is available nearby.  A hand-held radio will be supplied by the forest service district.

General Information:

• Full services including groceries, gas, and restaurants are available in the town of Ennis, West Yellowstone, Island Park, Idaho or Bozeman
• Campground information: Wade Lake 21 sites, host site located at site #1, Cliff Point Campground 6 sites, Hilltop Campground 18 sites
• Picnic area loop: 2 sites and beach access
• Campground fee rate: $15 per day
• Maximum stay permitted: 16 days
• Number of parking pull through’s:  1
• Hook ups: Water, holding tank coming soon!
• Number of restrooms: 11 (single unit)
• Number of water spigots: 9
• Food and attractant storage regulations are in effect to prevent wildlife/human conflicts

Fee and Regulation Compliance:

Ensuring that campers pay their fees is one of the host’s primary duties.  Campground hosts conduct both morning and evening checks to verify that campers have paid their fees and are abiding by vehicle limits.  The host records fee envelope number and license plate information that is submitted to the Forest Service to verify payment.  Hosts request that visitors pay the fee when they have failed to do so.  The Forest Service relies on these fees to operate and maintain our campgrounds.  Hosts also inform visitors about general regulations including: food storage requirements, quiet hours (10 p.m.-6 a.m.), parking, and leashing pets.

Campground Maintenance:

All supplies, tools, and equipment are provided by the Forest Service. Ensuring a clean and well-maintained campground for the public is of the utmost importance.  Daily campground maintenance duties include:

• Cleaning and stocking restrooms
• Shoveling and cleaning out fire rings
• Monitoring the water system to ensure it is operating properly
• Mowing / line trimming (as needed)
• Reporting vandalism or facilities that need repair
• Painting picnic tables
• Litter pick up

Volunteering as a campground host for the U. S. Forest Service provides a great service to the public and most hosts find the experience rewarding. We thank you for your interest in volunteering for the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.  Applicants must submit:

• a volunteer application
• a resume with past work or volunteer experience and three references
• agree to a background investigation completed by the Forest Service if tentatively selected for the position

If you have questions or are interested in this position, feel free to contact Chris Hericks at the Madison Ranger District at (406)682-4253 or by email [email protected].  We look forward to hearing from you.