Volunteers
Caring for the Land, Serving People - Forest Service Mission
It's a pretty big mission. The truth is, we couldn't even come close to accomplishing it without your help.
If you're already a volunteer or partner, thanks for all that you've done. We hope to work with you some more. If you've never volunteered, but you're interested in getting involved, please take a few minutes to explore this site!
Volunteers in the National Forests
Volunteers are the heartbeat of the Forest Service. The types of work a volunteer can perform are many and varied; the only tasks a volunteer cannot carry out are those associated with law enforcement. Your talents and skills are matched with your work preference to obtain a role that satisfies you and best fulfills the mission of the Forest Service/USDA. You may work on a part-time or full-time basis, or you can participate in a one-time project.
The commitment you make is up to you. Training may be provided to you if your job requires it. If you are retired or have summers free, you may wish to live on a national forest while you work as a volunteer. College students can perform volunteer service related to their coursework for college credit. A variety of jobs are available if you prefer the office environment. There are also numerous opportunities to perform vigorous but satisfying physical labor outdoors.
Some typical volunteer activities include:
- Maintaining and hosting campgrounds
- Answering phones, greeting visitors, and answering mail at Forest Service visitor centers and ranger stations
- Working with computers in Forest Service administrative offices
- Taking photographs
- Planting trees and seeding damaged areas
- Presenting environmental education programs
- Building and repairing fences, nesting boxes, picnic tables, and other structures
- Building barrier-free campsites, docks, and trails
- Restoring damaged stream banks and burnt-over areas.
If you are interested in volunteering, give us a call!
Summer 2026 Campground Host Volunteer Opportunities
Visit Volunteer.gov to apply today!
Campground host volunteer locations:
Jubilee Lake Campground is located 12 miles northeast of Tollgate and is the largest developed campground on the Umatilla National Forest offering 53 campsites, four picnic areas and a 2.6-mile accessible hiking trail around the 92-acre lake. This campground is very popular for overnight camping as well as day-use activities. Campground hosts are typically on-site from early July through mid-September. For more information on becoming a Forest Service Volunteer Campground Host at Jubilee Lake Campground, please contact Andy Steele at the Walla Walla Ranger District at (509) 522-6276 or andrew.steele@usda.gov.
Olive Lake Campground is located 12 miles southwest of Granite and sits on the shore of a 90-acre high mountain lake. This campground is typically hosted from early-June through Labor Day. The campground features 28 campsites and seven accessible toilet facilities. Other features include a two-mile accessible hiking trail around the lake with nearby access to wilderness and scenic area trails, a boat ramp and two docks. If you are interested in becoming a Forest Service Volunteer Campground Host at Olive Lake Campground, please contact Alicia Doherty at (541) 427-3231 or alicia.doherty@usda.gov.
Tucannon Campground is located 23 miles south of Pomeroy along the Tucannon River and offers 18 tent/trailer campsites and two accessible toilet facilities. This campground is close to several hiking trails and fishing areas, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Campground hosts are typically on-site from early April through mid-November. The hosts at this campground are also responsible for taking care of Ladybug and Panjab Campgrounds, Tucannon Guard Station, and other trailhead facilities, which are located nearby. If you are interested in becoming a Forest Service Volunteer Campground Host at Tucannon Campground, please contact Andy Augir at Andrew.augir@usda.gov or Brady Mock at brady.mock@usda.gov.
Woodward Campground is located right off Highway 204 at Tollgate and offers 14 tent/trailer sites, four picnic areas, four accessible toilet facilities, and views of Langdon Lake (however Langdon Lake is a private lake and access to the lake is not allowed). Hosts are typically on-site from early July through the end of September. The hosts at this campground are also responsible for taking care of Target Meadows and Woodland Campgrounds, which are both located nearby. For more information on becoming a Forest Service Volunteer Campground Host at Woodward Campground, please contact Andy Steele at the Walla Walla Ranger District at (509) 522-6276 or andrew.steele@usda.gov.