Live at the lake this summer: Umatilla National Forest recruiting camp hosts

Jimmy Buffett waxed poetic about “Stars on the Water.” Although the “parrot head” pleaser was singing about Louisiana, here’s an Oregon job where you’ll see those astronomical gifts on the water. Umatilla camp hosts are needed! The Umatilla National Forest is looking for volunteers to spend the summer as campground hosts at Olive Lake and Penland Lake campgrounds.

Umatilla camp hosts—Here are the job details

A campground host welcomes campers, provides information on the surrounding area, and generally makes campers feel at home. Hosts will visit with campers and day-use visitors, clean and maintain restrooms, restock supplies, occasionally clean up after camp, and carry out minor maintenance as needed. They keep an eye on things and set the example for others on the campground.

Individuals or couples can apply to be hosts. Retirees often apply to the campground host program, finding it the ideal way to spend the summer in a beautiful setting. Hosts need to be friendly, flexible, and responsible. Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check.

Those who apply will need to supply their own trailer, camper, or motorhome. Campground hosts will be provided a campsite, usually near the main entryway to the campground. Though the host program is a volunteer program, a food allowance and propane is offered, and personal vehicle mileage associated with hosting duties is reimbursed.

Two venues for Umatilla camp hosts

Olive Lake Campground is located 12 miles southwest of Granite and sits on the shore of a 90-acre high mountain lake. This campground is typically hosted from early-June through Labor Day. The campground features 28 campsites and seven accessible toilet facilities.

Other features include a two-mile accessible hiking trail around the lake with nearby access to wilderness and scenic area trails. There is a boat ramp and two docks. If you are interested in becoming a Forest Service Volunteer Campground Host at Olive Lake Campground, contact Christy Lawhead at (541) 427-5329 or christy.lawhead@usda.gov.

Penland Lake Campground is located 20 miles southeast of Heppner. It abuts private land and land owned by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). The campground offers seven campsites and two vault toilets on the National Forest portion. More campsites are located on the adjacent ODFW property.

Penland is popular on summer weekends and offers access to fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. There is also a boat ramp, fishing dock, and benches located on the dam. This campground is typically hosted from Memorial Day through mid-November. For more information on becoming a Umatilla camp host—Forest Service Volunteer Campground Host—at Penland Lake Campground, contact Jody Collins at (541) 676-2155 or jody.collins@usda.gov.

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• Camp host duties and what to expect

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