Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Now! Opportunities are available on Volunteer Match!

National Public Lands Day - September 24
Tennessee State Parks and Natural Areas have been strong supporters of National Public Lands Day in the past and their participation continues again this year. Help us celebrate this annual day of caring for shared lands. To find an event near you, view the 2011 NPLD Calendar. (pdf)

» Photo Gallery from 7th Annual Friends Conference on Oct 8-10 at Montgomery Bell

Friends of Tennessee State Parks

Friends are concerned citizens who have banded together to assist in protecting, preserving and promoting the beauty and the splendor of their favorite state park. These groups give selflessly of their time, talents and energy to help ensure their park's integrity is intact for future generations to enjoy. To find out more about a group or how to get involved with one, check out the Friends Web page or contact the Tennessee State Parks volunteer coordinator at tnstateparks.volunteer@tn.gov or (615) 532-5249.

Volunteer Work Days

Radnor Lake State Natural Area - Every 4th Saturday of each month (except December) is Volunteer Day. Participate in trail work, planting natives species, exotic plant removal and other park projects. Meet at the Radnor Lake Visitor Center at 8am. No RSVP Necessary. For more information about the Radnor Lake Volunteer Work Day, call the park office at (615)373-3467 or visit the Friends of Radnor Lake website.

Frozen Head State Natural Area - Every 3rd Saturday of each month is Volunteer Day except in April and December. Assist with trail maintenance and some trail construction*. Bring a daypack, water, snack/lunch and work gloves. Volunteers should wear a good pair of sturdy boots and dress appropriately for the weather. The park will provide hand tools. Workdays last from 9 a.m. to approximately 3 .pm. ET. Meet at the Visitors Center just prior to start time. If you are a first time volunteer, please show up at 8 a.m. to fill out required paperwork and for a brief safety meeting. You must be in good physical shape, as you may have to hike an hour or so to a job site. Volunteers should be aware that elevation is a factor at Frozen Head. For more information about the Frozen Head Volunteer Work Day, call the park office at 423-346-3318.
* A portion of the Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail runs through the park and is currently under construction.

Campground Host Program

Each year when the weather turns warm, an influx of campers make their way into our state park campgrounds. In order to make the park experience relaxing and enjoyable for our campers during this busy time, we rely on the assistance of “live in” volunteers called campground hosts.

What do Campground Hosts do?

Campground Hosts do an array of things and some duties will differ from park to park; however, the commonalities are camper check-in; light maintenance and housekeeping of campground facilities; informing campers of park activities and programs as well as park rules and regulations; directing campers to local points of interest and services.

Hosts with special skills or talents may be asked to assist with park programs, event or activities. Participation is dependant upon hosts’ interest and the permission of park management.

What is the term of service?

We ask hosts to serve a minimum of one month and a maximum of nine consecutive months in a twelve-month period at any one park. Campground Hosts must commit to working a minimum of three days a week. Exact work times and days to be determined by park management and will most likely include weekends and holidays. We do ask volunteers to serve a minimum of 20 hours per week and maintain 24-hour availability for the days they are scheduled. 

What are the benefits of being a Campground Host?

As a Campground Host you receive a campsite (in a high visibility area) at no charge along with electric and water hook-ups.

How do I apply for a Campground Host position?

Each Tennessee State Park that participates in the campground host program is responsible for interviewing and hiring their own host(s). We ask that you fill out an application and send it to all parks where you are interested in being a host, or send it to the Volunteer Coordinator who will disperse it to your parks of interest. Applications are available from this site, the participating parks or by contacting the Volunteer Coordinator at 615-532-5249 or tnstateparks.volunteer@tn.gov. We also suggest calling parks prior to sending your application to see if they are in need of a host for the upcoming season. Park contact information can be found by going to Find A Park.

• Click Here for a campground host application.

Need to get your completed application to the Volunteer Coordinator?

 

Mail to:

Volunteer Coordinator Tennessee State Parks 401 Church Street, 7th Floor Nashville, TN 37243

 

Electronic transmission: tnstateparks.volunteer@tn.gov

Ready to get involved?

We will post the 2012 Campground Host information soon, so please check back. Information includes which parks are looking for campground hosts, the time frame for hosting and the utility hookups at the campground host site. If a park is not listed on the spreadsheet, the park does not participate in the campground host program.

For any park that does not have a yes or no listed in the Position Filled column, please contact them directly about campground host vacancies for this upcoming season.

>> Check out the Friends of State Parks!