Can a total RV newbie be a campground host?

I can only answer the first two questions with any experience.

1. How long might it take to get comfortable and moderately skilled at driving an RV?

We rented a 25' class C. Watched some videos on backing and turning. After 400 miles and backing it twice it was no big deal. By 1600 miles for sure felt I'd have no issues. I've towed and backed trailer up to 20' long. We are getting a much longer fifth wheel. Everyone else learned to pull them, so will we. I may take a class from a driving school located just north of our home to learn all the tricks. I also have a friend with a 40' trailer that will take me out for some pointers. I suspect equiping the rig well might make a difference such as the property hitch arrangement, tow vehicle capacilities and similar.

2. How long might it take me to learn how to correctly use all the systems (electrical, water, waste, etc.)?

Easy. Make a list like what was already suggested. The basic stuff such as water managment and controls are way easy to learn. Trouble shooting issues, such as slides that stick, may take a little longer and more research. Best you test everything and understand them well before the first trip. I had to help my brother-in-law figure out how to start up his gas/electric fridge on his new diesal Class C. He did not know what an inverter was or believe it or not even where the built-in propane tank was located. He bought it and used it two days later, apparently with no walk-through at the dealership.

For just you, you can get a small and easy to drive RV. Like a class B (a modern camper van with bathroom and kitchen) or a truck camper (same amenities, but based on pickup instead of van).

An honest smile, a willingness to help, like dealing with public and can do attitude......

Sounds like you would be a good camp host

Go for it!

Not sure how many state park host positions are on volunteer.gov, but many of the state parks have info or listings on their website.

I would say if you have done the jobs that you say you have, you can learn many of the basics quickly. Most of the host type work you would do, would be basic common sense. I had a host help me get my awning shut and ziptied closed when the arm got bent during a storm. Many years later, at the same park, a host helped me catch the water that was in sewer hose, when I discovered the sewer connection was stopped up. (I didn't have a bucket without a hole in it)

I think it was just me but I white knuckled for several years towing my first TT. I am so much more relaxed now that it is just the two of us. I have a cousin on the DW side and she does the workcamp thing, she loved it. saw on a RV show the other day a guy doing drivers training and he said that a person usually gets the jitters on the first two trips and he advised to tow or drive often and the more you drive the more relaxed you will get

oldberkeley wrote:
My questions:
1. How long (on average, of course) might it take a lifelong car, van, and pickup driver like me to get comfortable and moderately skilled at driving an RV?

2. Again on average, how long might it take me to learn how to correctly use all the systems (electrical, water, waste, etc.)?

3. I've been looking at the Volunteer.gov website listings for campground hosts. I'm sure that there are other similar sites. It looks like something I'd be interested in doing. Can a total rookie/newbie/beginner adequately fill one of these positions, or would I be biting off more than I can chew?

All constructive feedback and suggestions welcome, TIA.

-Gary

1. Depending on the length of the RV, about 5 minutes to get used to driving it; backing up will take a bit longer.

2. For basic knowledge about 5 minutes. While the electrical is different than household, the wiring, etc., doesn't differ that much. Plumbing, etc., won't take long at all.

3. Camphost positions usually just mean taking payments for campsites, cleaning restrooms, etc. Depending on the individual campground, you may be asked to do some basic rule education (informing campers about dog leash rules, vehicle/people limits per campsite, etc.). Nothing you can't handle.

Get yourself an RV and go have a blast!

oldberkeley wrote:

2. Again on average, how long might it take me to learn how to correctly use all the systems (electrical, water, waste, etc.)?

Electrical will likely take the most time. Even seasoned RV mechanics don't know what I think they should know.

Not that anyone is going to expect you to repair their coach, but simply knowing how to use a voltmeter would be a good skill.

You should start feeling comfortable in a month or so.
Make a check off list for 1. getting ready and 2.setting up and 3. taking down. post these lists up by the driver's seat and use them religiously. :) even after 18 years, we still forget to lower the tv antenna once in awhile.

Camp hosting chores vary a little, but most require your presence in the camp during the a.m. and p.m. hours, checking in people, answering questions, selling firewood, handling trouble makers (loud, drunk, etc)by calling the law or whatever the campground management says.
Some places require you to work in the entrance booth, clean out fire rings, stock toilet paper in bathrooms and outhouses.

If you get along well with others and can remember the rules, your good to go. Go drive one and only you will know if you can, and you will know very quickly.