What does it take be be a good Camp Host?? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

MaryBee · RV-Dreams Family Member

What does it take be be a good Camp Host??

melvonnar · RV-Dreams Family Member

Best advice I can give you; never try to resolve a problem on your own; get the rangers phone # and don't be afraid to use it.
hosting is great; just don't let the one or two trouble makers spoil it for you.

TXRVr · RV-Dreams Family Member

MaryBee wrote:
We will be Managing 3 campgrounds in the National Forest and we want to be exceptional hosts not only for the benefit of our campers but for the benefit of our employer also. We are looking forward to our new position and want to do the best job we can! :)

MaryBee> That's a great attitude to have. It will serve you well.

We have camp hosted several times with the USFS. My 'non-expert' advise is way too long for the forum. Please check your PM

FOSJ · RV-Dreams Family Member

We're not exactly sure but we will find out soon enough. We begin our first job next week. I'll let you know how it goes.

Cindy T · RV-Dreams Family Member

I've not been a camp host, so I can't speak from that perspective, but I'll comment from a camper's perspective.

I'm thinking of a great camp host that we met in Utah. He let us dry camp at the far end of the parking lot because there were no real spaces open. He learned a bit about us, and gave us specific tips on what to see, & off-the-beaten-path type of trails that he thought we'd especially enjoy. When we told him that we intended to eventually become fulltimers, he gave us wonderful info on the lifestyle, since he'd been a fulltimer for quite a while.

Basically, he showed a genuine interest in us. We weren't just another fee to collect then be ignored. He didn't just preach rules to us or tell us everything that we couldn't do in the campground, in fact he bent the rules a bit to help us.

We met this gentleman several years ago, but his kindness, interest & great attitude has really stuck with me.

Cindy T

53 Merc · RV-Dreams Family Member

As a camphost, I can tell you to keep an open mind. Answer questions truthfully and hope your sense of humor remains intact after some contacts with campers. Had a camper demand I do something about the mosquitos at her campsite. (we were on the Columbia river in Oregon) Another one expected me to park her trailer and set it up for her (can you say first time with a new trailer?) Most of them are out to have a good time and want to do the right thing.
Do not take ownership of the campground. Don't get mad at people that abuse "your campground", just realize they don't know any better and let the ranger or staff deal with it. Don't try to be the best ever camphost, just do a good job and treat others like you appreciate being treated when the shoe is on the other foot.
And, most important of all, realize you have certain hours you are expected to be "on duty". Firewood at 11 pm sales are certainly out of reason (especially since quiet hours begin at 10). And no, ice sales at midnight should not be expected. However, I did go get ice one night at about 10:30 because the frig in an RV quit and her insulin was supposed to be kept cold.

Remember, it is supposed to be fun.

melvonnar · RV-Dreams Family Member

Do not take ownership of the campground. Don't get mad at people that abuse "your campground", just realize they don't know any better and let the ranger or staff deal with it

My biggest no; no of a campground host; when the host begins to feel its his campground, and begins to make up his own rules.

makntracks · RV-Dreams Family Member

Yeah, I don't care much for the "Barney Fife's" out there but I really enjoy someone that is friendly and polite and don't mind chatting a bit instead of "here's the rules and check out is 11am prompt and no refund for bad weather" then they don't speak to you again. I've been to one CG that the host literally rides around on his golf cart all day with a clip board in his hand, like a seargent with a check off sheet. And his wife always has a scowl on her face and she runs the desk! Annoying! We bring our little 13 yr old dog with us and he is the most well mannered dog. Most people are surprised to see that we have him since he never makes a peep. And we always repect the camp rules and have never had a problem. One day I was sitting outside reading and my dog was tied to my chair with a 6 ft leash and the host stopped his cart and walked into my camp without so much as a howdy do and said "that dog must be on a leash at all times" and then he noticed that he was and said "oh, I thought he was loose, so just be sure you keep him tied".

We use to enjoy that area so much and now we are looking for another place to frequent because of them.

road of happy destiny · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi, That's too bad that there are hosts like that. My husband and I are park hosts in AZ. We decided when we got this position to have fun with it and be safe doing so. We work at the front gate and collect entry fees--we give smiles, directions, change and doggie bones. Most people in here follow the "rules" but for those that don't, the park ranger helps us out. Camping is supposed to be fun! Enjoy your time as a camp-host and keep smiling. We are essentially the "public relations team" for wherever we host...and it brings people back. Fran and Tom

-- Edited by road of happy destiny on Thursday 7th of June 2012 09:48:15 AM

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

When I hear about bad camp hosts I wonder if they are doing what the boss said to do. Remember the camp host works for someone else and might be doing just what the boss wants. That is why it is important to figure out what the boss wants so you can decide if you want to be working for them at all. If the boss is a grump, a control freak, or hates campers, don't take the job. If you don't find out until later then quit when you do, your mental and maybe physical health will thank you for quitting.

MaryBee · RV-Dreams Family Member

We are a month into our Host position and so far...so good.

It was a bumpy start as our Area Manager fired the Hosts that were hosting the park we were staying at while we were taking care of 3 campgrounds in the area.

Basically my boss fired the people because they had been in the park for 3 weeks and they had done nothing, the park was a shambles.

2 days before Memorial weekend, we mowed and blowed off 46 campsites and
then my boss fired the people and put us in their spot at the front gate and we have been here ever since. It was hectic going into a holiday weekend but we easily moved into the "groove" of the campground.

It was a messy situation in the beginning but it has since smoothed out and we are doing just fine.

We have already met some great people and it has been fun so far!
This is a learning process and we learn new things everyday!