The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is looking for campground hosts for the 2026 camping season at state parks, recreation areas, and historic sites throughout Illinois.
Campground hosts play a vital role by greeting visitors, checking arrivals and departures, writing camping permits, answering questions, and helping guests enjoy their stay. In return, hosts are provided free camping at designated sites in their own RVs, motorhomes, or trailers.
“Above all, the quality all campground hosts possess is a passion for working with the public,” said Calvin Beckmann, IDNR chief of parks and recreation. “If hosting sounds appealing to you, we would love to hear from you.” Interested applicants can complete a campground host program packet at their preferred site or contact the site superintendent for more information.
Current IDNR sites with host openings include:
County Site Name
Carroll Mississippi Palisades State Park
Clinton Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
Christian/Sangamon Sangchris Lake State Park
Franklin Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area
Hardin Cave-in-Rock State Park
Henderson Delabar State Park, Big River State Forest
Henry Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
Lake Chain O’ Lakes State Park, Illinois Beach State Park
LaSalle Illini State Park
Madison Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
Marion Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
Randolph World Shooting and Recreation Complex
Saline Saline County State Fish and Wildlife Area
The IDNR manages about 400 sites statewide, including parks, historic sites, and natural resources. More information and application details can be found at dnr.illinois.gov. Follow IDNR on Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.