Camp Host (Lava Point) 2025

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Become a Camp Host at Zion National Park's Lava Point Campground!

Zion National Park (ZION) is searching for individuals who wish to serve as Camp Hosts at ZION's Lava Point Campground. We anticipate the season to last from June 2, 2025 - October 6, 2025. We are seeking applicants that are available for the entire period. Applicants who are not available for at least one month need not apply.

• This position is available to individuals or to couples. Couples must apply separately on their own Volunteer.gov accounts.
• This position is notcurrently available to international applicants.
• This position is not currently available to youth applicants (under 18 years old).

Site Description - Lava Point Campground

Lava Point Campground is open seasonally - typically, May through September. Situated at 7,890 feet above sea level, Lava Point Campground is off the Kolob Terrace Road, 25 miles (45 minutes) north of the town of Virgin, UT. It takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to drive to the campground from the South Entrance of Zion Canyon. The closest gas stations are in La Verkin, UT.

Lava Point Campground has 6 tent-only campsites. The amenities are primitive and dry. There is no potable water on site so campers must bring their own. There are no electrical hookups or outlets on site. Each campsite has a trash receptacle, picnic table, and fire ring. Restroom facilities consist of pit toilets. Pets are allowed at the campground.

Pine and aspen trees create shade and protect campsites from wind on gustier days. A short distance from the campground entrance is Lava Point Overlook where campers can take in breathtaking panoramic views to the South towards Zion Canyon. Barney's Trail leaves from the campground and provides access to Lava Point Overlook and the West Rim Trail. The campground is also excellent for wildlife watching and stargazing. Lava Point Campground is also located just a few miles South of Kolob Reservoir which provides fishing and water recreation opportunities.

Lava Point Campground can be reached by taking the Kolob Terrace Rd. for 25 miles north of the town of Virgin, UT. Turn right on Lava Point Rd. and follow for a short distance to the signed campground entrance.

Campground Rules and Regulations:

• Reservations must be made in advance through Recreation.gov. Wireless coverage is very limited and there is no opportunity to secure a reservation or make cash or check payment on site.
• The campsite fee is $25.00.
• Food must be stored in a vehicle or a hard-sided lockable container any time it is not directly supervised. Store trash in the same way or dispose of in receptacles provided at each site. Feeding wildlife is strictly prohibited.
• Checkout time is 11:00 AM MT.
• Check-in is 12:00 PM MT.
• Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM-8:00 AM.
• Generator use is limited to the hours of 8:00 AM-10:00 AM and 6:00 PM-8:00 PM.
• Maximum of 6 occupants per site including children 24 months and older.
• Fires are permitted only in the furnished grates at each site. Wood gathering is prohibited in the park. Fires should never be left unattended until completely extinguished with water and cool to the touch. Campers are responsible for understanding current fire restrictions.
• Pets are allowed in developed campgrounds, picnic areas, and roadways within the park. Pets must be properly restrained at all times within the park. Excrement must be picked up and properly disposed of in all areas of the park. Pets are not permitted on park trails other than the Pa'rus trail in Zion Canyon.
• Vehicles longer than 19 feet are not permitted on the Kolob Terrace Rd.
• Lava Point campground cannot be included in the itinerary of any Wilderness backpacking trips. If you are planning a backpacking traverse hike (going from Kolob Canyons south and across Zion Canyon) you need to make reservations for each night in designated Wilderness campsites and camp areas.

For more information on the Lava Point Campground visit: Lava Point Campground, Zion National Park - Recreation.gov or Lava Point Campground - Zion National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).

Service Description - Camp Host for Lava Point Campground

The camp host(s) provide a valuable point of contact for visitors in the campground. While on-duty and in-uniform, campground hosts are an official representative of the National Park Service. Campground hosts duties include but are not limited to:

• The camp host(s) will be available 7 days/week in the morning and evening to check recreation.gov reservations for the 6 campsites.
• Roving the campground to assist campers in finding campsites, reminding campers of check-out times, educating visitors on campground regulations, providing visitor information about trails, hiking and/or other activities, directions to other parts of Zion National Park.
• Regular duties may also include light maintenance tasks including trash pickup, refilling toilet paper, and reporting issues to Zion's maintenance team.
• Collecting park visitor use statistics using a hand-held clicker.
• This position does not include law enforcement duties. Camp host(s) should report any suspected violations to appropriate law enforcement officials.

Uniforms

Camp Hosts will be provided with a Volunteers-in-Parks uniform. This uniform consists of tan button-down shirts (short-sleeve or long-sleeve) with the Volunteers-in-Parks insignia, a tan hat (baseball cap or wide-brimmed hat) with the Volunteers-in-Parks insignia, and weather appropriate outerwear (raincoat, jacket, vest, winter knit hat).

Volunteers are required to supply their own pants (tan or brown preferred), shoes (closed toe and appropriate for hiking), and socks. Reimbursements or allowances for these items will not be provided.

Training

Volunteer training will include general park orientation (natural and cultural resources, recreational opportunities, and park operations), orientation to the Volunteer Program (requirements, statistics reporting, benefits), emergency training, and Campground and Recreation.gov training.

Housing

Housing will be provided to the Camp Host individual or couple. The cabin includes basic amenities including kitchen appliances and laundry (washer/dryer). The cabin has running water and power from solar and propane. There is no air conditioning in the cabin. There is no wireless internet service in the cabin. A hotspot will be provided to check Recreation.gov reservations.

No personal camping equipment will be permitted onsite. No personal RV/motorhome will be permitted onsite. Camp host(s) must live in the provided cabin.

Applicant Qualifications

• Selectee(s) must be available to volunteer for at least one month between June and October. Preference will be given to applicants who can commit to volunteering for the entire duration (June 2-October 6, 2025).
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents. This position is not currently open to international applicants.
• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at time of application.
• Applicants must possess strong customer service and communication skills.
• Selectees will be relied upon to autonomously represent park policies.
• Applicants must keep accurate record of their monthly hours and visitor contacts made.
• Camp Hosts must be able to hike for distances of at least 3 miles on uneven surfaces in temperatures ranging from 20°F to 110°F.
• Life will move at a slower pace in this relatively small campground but the ability to problem solve and communicate well are a must.

Directions for Application

• All applications must be for one (1) individual. Couples interested in volunteering must apply separately and have their own Volunteer.gov accounts.
• In the "Skills and Abilities" section of the application, please let us know why you are interested in volunteering at Zion National Park and any relevant skills and/or experiences you have!
• Before applying, please consider your willingness, ability, and availability to volunteer in a remote campground for several months.
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. You may be contacted about a phone interview.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Zion National Park!

Start Date - 2025-06-02

End Date - 2025-10-06

Activities include: Campground/Site Host