8GWJ: Brandywine Campground Host (NRRD)

“The Mountains are calling, and I must go.” John Muir

If you are trying to escape the dullness and heat of the summer, come volunteer at Brandywine Recreation Area. Nestled in the Appalachian Ridge and Valley in Pendleton County, West Virginia, the experiences and opportunities are limitless. Outdoor enthusiasts have access to enjoy swimming, picnicking, hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, camping and open spaces for organized play/sports. 

The North River Ranger District is looking for CAMPGROUND HOSTS for Brandywine Recreation Area beginning May 15th. There are 2 campground host campsites available.

Brandywine Rec area welcomes generations of visitors who come to enjoy the 30 quiet/shady campsites, options for group camping, escape from urban life, and quiet sites under the trees. The Brandywine Recreation Area also includes a day use area with a sand beach for swimming in the 10 acre lake (500 person capacity), fishing pier and hiking trails.

Campground host duties include:  Smiling, being pleasant, providing information and answering visitor questions, preparing campsites for visitors (picking up trash, cleaning fire rings, raking sites), cleaning restrooms and bathhouse (sweep and mop, restock toilet paper, clean facilities, empty trash), locking and unlocking main gate, checking and/or restocking fee envelopes,  mowing and trimming grass, removing debris from campsites, check and maintain West Side Shooting Range, and maintaining communication with USFS staff.

Volunteers are an important asset who help make Brandywine Recreation Area special to many of our visitors.  We ask for at least a summer season commitment.  Volunteers are asked to help at least 4 hours per day, 5 days per week, per person.  Weekends and holidays are the busiest times, so volunteer "days off" are scheduled for the less busy weekdays.  Volunteer campsites are designed to accommodate large campers and motor homes. A dump station is available at the entrance to the Rec area.  We provide host site with propane gas, and 1 of the 2 host sites available do have electric. A phone line is available on site for check ins.

Nearby attractions to visit while you are here include the High Knob lookout tower, West Side shooting range, Confederate Breastworks and historic Civil War trails. Not too far away you will find the Ramseys Draft Wilderness, the Appalachian Trail, Seneca Rocks, Shenandoah National Park and numerous historic locations such as Sharpsburg (Battle of Antietam) and Harpers Ferry. Harrisonburg is also a major hub for cyclists, claiming to be the cycling capitol of the valley, as well as receiving many awards from IMBA. Thus, if you like mountain biking, you will find plenty of amazing trails nearby.

The Virginia /West Virginia state line is 4.2 miles away east. Nearby communities such as Franklin, WV (11 miles) and downtown Harrisonburg, VA (26 miles) aren’t too far and smaller communities dot the landscape in West Virginia. For the explorers out there, nearly 1/3 of the nation’s cities, population is within a day’s travel. Washington DC is less than a 1/2 day drive.