Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is seeking campground hosts for the 2024 camping season for three state parks in northeastern Illinois: Illinois Beach, Chain O' Lakes, and Kankakee River.

Campground hosting is a perfect position for anyone who enjoys camping and helping other people. Hosts are often the first face to greet state park visitors. They check on arrivals and departures, write camping permits, acquaint campers with park facilities and regulations, answer questions about local and statewide attractions, help visitors plan outings, and more.

Campground hosts live in their own RVs, motorhomes, or trailers at designated spots within state parks. "Above all, the quality all campground hosts possess is a passion for working with the public," said Calvin Beckmann, chief of parks and recreation for IDNR. "If campground hosting sounds appealing to you, we would love to hear from you."

Illinois Beach State Park is in Lake County along the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline. Chain O' Lakes State Park, in McHenry and Lake counties, is popular with boaters, anglers, and skiers. Kankakee River State Park is a 4,000-acre park in Kankakee County with more than 200 campsites.

Anyone interested in being a campground host can complete and submit a Campground Host Program Packet. Questions can be directed to the site superintendent at the appropriate state park.

In 2023, Illinois state parks and historic sites attracted more than 40 million visitors. Admission is free at all Illinois state parks and state historic sites.