Campground Host, Grindstone Campground in Cotton Tail, Mount Rogers NRA

The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is looking for volunteers to fill several campground host opportunities.  Campsite will be provided free of charge, but Hosts must provide their own living quarters; e.g. trailer or RV.

With 100 family sites within the campground for tents, trailers and RVs in three loops, Grindstone Campground is the perfect place to be for recreation of all kinds.  In addition to Grindstone being one of the best birding sites in the region, it is located near  over 400 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as numerous fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing areas.  Sitting only 2,000 feet below Mount Rogers, the highest peak in Virginia, Grindstone is a mixed forest of hardwoods, hemlocks, and rhododendrons with beautiful views.  The campground has plenty of places to explore both in and out of the forest.  Located about 16 miles from Chilhowie, Virginia, 24 miles from the town of Marion, Virginia, only 6.3 miles away is Konnarock, Virginia, and 23 miles from Abingdon,Virginia.  It is also only 11.5 miles to the Mount Rogers NRA's Whitetop Station, and 9 miles to the Green Cove Station!  Full hookups are available for host sites. WiFi and a direct line will also be available to hosts.   

Further information about the campground itself can be found linked below.  

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1efJXM5H3YRBarnUWAl_ve2WfnnyBDIYKsPn4Fc4v7RQ/edit?usp=sharing

Dates: June 30th - October 31st 

Hosts should be at the campground 4-5 days per week, including weekends and holidays 

Service hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, but Hosts may be called upon 24 hours a day 

Days off will be scheduled for weekdays, usually Monday, Tuesday, and/or Wednesday

Host Duties: 

• Greet, help orient, provide information inform visitors of rules and regulations 

• Manage Reservations 

• Perform minor maintenance tasks such as sweeping, mopping, shoveling and raking  

• Cleaning restrooms/bathhouses daily

• Inspect campground

• Record keeping 

• Monitor use of area 

• Ash removal from fire pits/grills

• Cleaning picnic tables  

• Opening and Closing of gate each day 

Host(s) will represent the Forest Service in public contacts, providing information and directions, and reporting vandalism and other problems to Forest Service personnel. All necessary tools, supplies, safety equipment, and training  will be provided by the Forest Service.

Please call for more information on this opportunity! For additional information, please contact  Viviana Ruiz, Partnerships, Volunteers and Service Coordinator at [email protected] or  at (276) 781-3392.