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Since it was launched in 1991, hundreds of people have taken part in the Department of Environment and Conservation’s (DEC’s) Campground Host Program and volunteered their time in campgrounds in national parks around the State. These people have spent time in some of WA’s most beautiful spots, met many fascinating people and formed memories that will last a lifetime.
The program is particularly popular among retirees. However, it is perfect for people who love camping and the great outdoors. In most cases as a volunteer, you choose where you’d like to stay and for how long.
DEC’s Community Involvement Unit staff coordinate the program and, along with other DEC staff, provide the campground hosts with training and support before and during their stays.
What are campground hosts?
Campground hosts are people who volunteer their time in national parks around the State to carry out a variety of roles associated with park and visitor management. They usually have a sense of adventure, enjoy the outdoors and have good health and fitness levels.
Hosts bring their own caravan or tent which they set up to stay onsite at national parks around the State for varying lengths of time.
When is hosting available?
Hosting is available for most of the year. In particular, hosts are required during the summer period in the south-west, the dry season above the 26th parallel and especially during peak tourist periods including school holidays.
Where do campground hosts operate?
The campground host program operates throughout Western Australia at approximately 53 sites. This includes a visitor centre and conservation reserves where hosts look after the homesteads and surrounding buildings and provide minor building maintenance.
 What services do campground hosts offer?
Campground hosts are often the first point of contact for visitors to the park. Hosts welcome visitors and may help them with allocating a campsite or provide them with information about local fauna and flora. They also hand out and collect visitor survey forms, provide general information and answer inquiries.
Campground hosts may also assist DEC staff with some light maintenance tasks.
Who benefits?
The campground host program benefits many people. Visitors to the parks benefit from the hospitality shown by the hosts whether they are camping or just passing through. Campground hosts often have a wealth of information and are on hand to answer visitors’ queries. DEC staff also benefit from knowing that visitors to the park are in good hands.
As volunteers, hosts derive a great deal of pleasure from helping others enjoy their holiday. They meet new people and make new friendships with visitors and DEC staff. Hosts also receive the physical and mental health benefits that can be gained from spending time in the natural environment.
DEC staff are usually available face to face, or by radio. DEC’s Community Involvement Unit staff are also on hand to provide help and training when it is required.
More information
Each November, the hosts meet in Perth for a two-day forum. In March each year training is carried out to cover topics such as fire awareness, first aid and cultural awareness.
Expression of Interest Form
If you are interested in taking part in our Campground Host Program, please complete this expression of interest form to receive more information. The Community Involvement Unit coordinator will contact you to arrange and interview to advise you of hosting opportunities, your duties and responsibilities.
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