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. Hosting offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to camp for free in their own RVs or trailers while helping visitors enjoy Illinois’ beautiful parks.
Campground hosts greet visitors, process camping permits, provide information on park facilities and regulations, answer questions about area attractions, and help guests plan their outings. According to Calvin Beckmann, IDNR chief of parks and recreation, “Above all, the quality all campground hosts possess is a passion for working with the public.”
Interested individuals can apply by completing a campground host program packet at their desired park. Questions may be directed to the site superintendent. IDNR sites with host opportunities include:
Carroll County: Mississippi Palisades State Park
Clinton County: Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
Christian and Sangamon Counties: Sangchris Lake State Park
Franklin County: Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area
Hardin County: Cave-in-Rock State Park
Henderson County: Delabar State Park, Big River State Forest
Henry County: Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
Lake County: Chain O’ Lakes State Park, Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park
LaSalle County: Illini State Park
Madison County: Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
Marion County: Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
Randolph County: World Shooting and Recreation Complex
Saline County: Saline County State Fish and Wildlife Area
Campground hosting is a rewarding way to spend the camping season while making a positive impact on the experience of Illinois’ state park visitors.