Most grey nomads have at least fleetingly considered the possibility of taking up a gig as a camp host somewhere on their travels.
As well as staying put for a while and saving money on fuel and camping fees, the idea can seem like a great way to meet fellow adventurers and perhaps ‘give something back’.
Certainly, the job does come with responsibilities though, and it can throw up the odd challenge.
Parks Victoria is again appealing for volunteers on its Campground Host program, which has run for more than 20 years and has seen more than 6,000 people give it a go.
Parks Victoria says hosts can spend up to a week camping at some of the most popular campsites in Victoria, providing a friendly face for campers when they arrive on site, ‘helping them feel at home among the gum trees’.
Campground hosts get a free campsite in exchange for looking after the campgrounds and welcoming guests. PIC: Cizza
Reto von Gunten and his partner Belinda Girotto became Volunteer Campground Hosts last year when they spent a week camping at Allenvale Campground in Great Otway National Park, near Lorne.
Reto told Parks Victoria that as well as being a friendly face for campers and helping out the local rangers when needed in the campground, hosts were also given time to do what they’d normally do and explore away from camp.
“The experience is one that you very much get out of it what you put into it, you talk to lots of people about all sorts of things,” he said. “For some people, it might be their first camping experience and they’re thrilled to have someone knowledgeable nearby they can ask questions of … and it’s great to be in one area so you really get to know it.”
Parks Victoria says Volunteer Campground Hosts receive comprehensive training before starting their stint, a uniform, and, best of all, free camping for the duration of their stay.
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We retired to get away from work.
The thought of cleaning toilets just to camp for free is a definite no for us.