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Alaska Department of Natural Resources

Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Alaska State Parks Volunteer Program Campground Host Positions

Northern Region Campground Host Positions

Northern Area Office
3700 Airport Way
Fairbanks AK 99709-4613
ph: (907) 451-2695
fax: (907) 451-2754
email: dnr.pksnorth@alaska.gov

Note: Use the Fairbanks address for the first five listings.

Note: Please be sure to check the general information page for instructions on applying! Don't forget to look at the More Information on Campground Hosting page. Click here to return to the area listing of host positions.



Rosehip Campground - Chena River State Recreation Area
This campground is located at mile 27 Chena Hot Springs Road, next to the Chena River. It contains 38 campsites with low use on weekdays and moderate use on weekends. Rosehip is one of the many "take out" points for canoeists on the Chena River.
Special Projects: Monitor campground fee program, annual decal sales, and firewood sales. Provide visitor information and assistance. Perform minor campground maintenance, litter pickup, and minor landscaping. Clean restrooms and assist with janitorial maintenance.
Amenities: Dry camp, dump tank, and subsistence payment.
Season: 7-8 weeks minimum, late May to early September.
Preference given for longer commitments.
Contact: Jeremy Maguire
Email:jeremy.maguire@alaska.gov


Granite Tors Campground - Chena River State Recreation Area
Granite Tors campground has 23 campsites and is located at mile 39.5 Chena Hot Springs Road, along a peaceful stretch of the Chena River. The Campground is dominated by large, old-growth white spruce trees that tower over the campsites. An active beaver pond can be found adjacent to the parking area along with the popular Granite Tors Trailhead. The campground and parking area sees moderate use on weekdays and can be quite busy on weekends.
Special Projects: Monitor the campground fee program, parking area use, annual decal sales and firewood sales. Provide visitor information and assistance. Perform minor campground maintenance, litter pickup, and minor landscaping. Clean restrooms and assist with janitorial duties.
Amenities: A rustic cabin was recently moved to this area and is being upgraded for use by summer campground hosts. The dry (no water) 12'x20' cabin has a woodstove, refrigerator, two burner propane cook top and a small bedroom. The campground host also receives a subsistence payment.
Season: 7-8 weeks minimum, late May to early September. Preference given for longer commitments.
Contact: Jeremy Maguire
Email: jeremy.maguire@alaska.gov


Harding Lake State Recreation Area
The recreation area is on the North shoreline of Harding Lake, approximately 45 miles Southeast of Fairbanks on the Richardson Highway. The large campground consists of individual walk-in sites, a 20 vehicle capacity camp-a-lot section, and an additional 20 sites overflow area for self contained RV units during busy holiday weekends. Harding Lake is a very popular weekend getaway destination for the residents of the Fairbanks area. Recreational boating, fishing, picnicking and beach activities make Harding Lake a busy park during the warm and sunny summer months.
Routine host projects: Monitor campground, boat launch and fee program; assist with firewood and decal sales; assist campers and day users; maintain visitor use logs; perform minor maintenance, clean and maintain restrooms; assist with the operation of the Harding Lake entrance fee station.
Amenities: Subsistence payment; electricity, phone, sanitation and water hook-up; showers at Harding Lake Ranger Station. Several convenience stores are in the area, major services in Fairbanks and North Pole, within 45 miles of park.
Season: 7-8 weeks minimum, late May to early September. Preference given for longer commitments.
Contact: Jeremy Maguire
Email:jeremy.maguire@alaska.gov


Salcha River State Recreation Site
Salcha River SRS is located along the Richardson Highway approximately 42 miles southeast of Fairbanks; it is a popular river access point for tourists, fishermen, and riverside property owners. Generally the weekends are busy, due to the proximity to Fairbanks. Fishing is very popular, especially in July when the King Salmon are running. The parking lot can accommodate 100 vehicles, including trailers and RVs. A small campground is located at the Salcha River State Recreation Site with a large gravel bar adjacent to the park for additional camping and parking. The Recreation Site's main feature is the boat launch, which provides the only improved access to the Salcha River. Tables, fire pits, water and vaulted restrooms are available also for the picnic/day use area along the river.
Routine host projects: Monitor campground, boat launch and fee program; annual decal sales; assist campers and day users; maintain visitor use logs; perform minor maintenance, clean and maintain restrooms; may assist with the Harding Lake entrance fee station.
Amenities: Subsistence payment, rustic cabin on the river, showers at Harding Lake Ranger Station (approximately 3 miles away). Convenience stores in area, and major services in Fairbanks and North Pole, within 45 miles of park.
Season: 7-8 weeks minimum, late May to early September. Preference given for longer commitments.
Contact: Jeremy Maguire
Email: jeremy.maguire@alaska.gov


Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area
The Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area includes Olnes Pond and Whitefish, which are located at approximately 10.5 and 11 mile of the Elliot highway north of Fairbanks. Combined, this is a 400 acre recreation area with fishing access, camping, picnicking, boating, and ATV recreation. This is a very popular location for locals given its proximity to Fairbanks. Recreational boating, fishing, camping, and ATV activities make Lower Chat (especially Olnes) a busy park during the summer months.
Routine host duties/responsibilities: monitor campground; boat launch and fee program; assist with firewood sales; assist campers and day users, maintain campground (trash pickup, cleaning latrines, firepits); and maintain visitor logs.
Amenities: subsistence payment. Hosts are required to have a motor home and transportation. No site amenities are provided.Season: 7-8 weeks minimum, mid/late May through mid September. Preference given for longer commitments.
Contact: Jeremy Maguire
Email: jeremy.maguire@alaska.gov


Creamers Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
This 2000-acre state refuge is only 3 miles from downtown Fairbanks. The pastoral setting is popular with locals and visitors. The weather is often warm and sunny. A dairy farm from 1910 to 1966, Creamer's is now a refuge managed by the Alaska State Department of Fish and Game. A variety of habitats support a diversity of plant and animal communities. Farm roads and trails lead from dairy buildings to fields, wetlands and forest.
Duties: Staff the Farmhouse Visitor Center, greet visitors to refuge, sell gift shop items, and maintain visitor use logs, grounds keeping, some maintenance, and minor litter pickup/janitorial. Host may assist with the interpretive programs depending on experience.
Amenities: Private parking for RV with full "hook-up": electricity, water, telephone and sewer. Private shower is within pleasant walking distance.
Duty Periods: Six weeks of long weekends only (Saturday, Sunday and Monday): mid May to late June, or late June to early August, or early August to mid September.
Contact: Mark D. Ross, Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game
Creamer's Field
1300 College Rd.
Fairbanks, AK 99701
Ph: 907-459-7301
Fax: 907-451-9723
email: mark.ross@alaska.gov



Mission Statement

"The Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation provides outdoor recreation opportunities and conserves and interprets natural, cultural, and historic resources for the use, enjoyment, and welfare of the people."

Accessibility Notice

Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Atwood Building
550 West 7th Avenue
Suite 1380
Anchorage, AK 99501
DNR Public Information Center:
(907) 269-8400
DPOR Director's Office:
(907) 269-8700