The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is looking for campground hosts for the 2025 camping season at state parks, recreation areas, and historic sites across the state.

👇SCROLL DOWN to see the MOST POPULAR NATIONAL PARKS RANKED👇

This opportunity is perfect for anyone who enjoys camping and engaging with visitors in Illinois' scenic outdoor spaces.

A Rewarding Role for Nature Lovers

Campground hosts play a crucial role in welcoming visitors to parks in Illinois, from checking arrivals and departures, issuing camping, and helping guests navigate the park.

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Hosts also give valuable information about local attractions for visitors to enjoy, making them an essential part of the guest experience and helping area businesses.

Above all, the quality all campground hosts possess is a passion for working with the public.  If hosting sounds appealing to you, we would love to hear from you. -Calvin Beckmann, chief of parks and recreation for IDNR

Perks of Being a Campground Host in Illinois

One big benefit of serving as a campground host is free camping at designated sites within Illinois state parks.

Hosts can stay in their own RVs, motor homes, and travel travelers while being part of the success of our great outdoor areas in the state.

How to Apply

Anyone interested in becoming a 2025 campground host should complete and submit a campground host packet, and applicants are encouraged to contact the superintendent of their desired site.

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The following IDNR sites currently have host positions available:

Clinton County
Coles County
Franklin County
Hamilton County
Henry County
LaSalle County
Madison County
Menard County
Randolph County
Shelby County
Vermilion County
Whiteside County
Winnebago County

RANKED: Here are the most popular national parks

To determine the most popular national parks in the United States, Stacker compiled data from the National Park Service on the number of recreational visits each site had in 2020. Keep reading to discover the 50 most popular national parks in the United States, in reverse order from #50 to #1. And be sure to check with individuals parks before you visit to find out about ongoing, pandemic-related safety precautions at www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

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