Gate attendant or campground host? For those that have DONE BOTH in COE campgrounds, which position would you prefer? I know that one normally has pay and one is volunteer. Payment is not an issue with us. We have been doing campground hosting for 7 years now, including COE campgrounds. We are now looking at other possibilities. From an "enjoyment" point of view, which would you prefer and why?Your input is appreciated.

Does the "volunteer" position receive any benefit ? free camping site?

Steeljag wrote:Does the "volunteer" position receive any benefit ? free camping site?Of course, I cannot speak for all COE parks, but the ones we have seen, and the one we serve in does provide a free campsite, water, electric and sewer for 24 hours of service per week. We often do more hours than required as we really like the position. Some parks offer other small "perks." Ours includes free laundry. For specifics you need to check out the individual listing for details, as each COE district has it's own requirements. Position openings can be found here: Volunteer.govHope this helps.

We have visited many campgrounds whereby, The Host never show his face or interact with campers.. where are the friendly camper host? Gate attendants: They need to have knowledge of the campground and area. with the friendly people skill.

cyntdon2010 wrote:We have visited many campgrounds whereby, The Host never show his face or interact with campers.. where are the friendly camper host?When traveling, I have noticed that also, but as a host, I always thought I was being too "sensitive."As host, we make four rounds of the campground each day. Being visible allows us to help answer questions and I believe, encourage campers to follow the rules. We try to be true hosts, helpful,friendly and welcoming. Works for us.

In my experience, gate attendants have to put in time on the gate whereas hosts are just expected to make rounds a couple times a day, collect fees if there is no gate attendant, keep an eye out for loose pets and trash, sell firewood, and keep toilet paper in the bathrooms.Volunteers get a site, mostly full hookup, close to the shower house whether they are paid a stipend or not.all are given a couple days off a week, but not on the weekends.Camp hosts can be moderately friendly and helpful or overly friendly (yakkity yakkers). Some are knowledgeable about the area...some don't know much at all, but have the brochures and maps.

Gate Attendants versus Campground Hosting | Good Sam Community

Dog_Folks
Explorer
Jun 17, 2014
The OP here:

Thanks for your input SCR. We have already completed the paperwork necessary to bid on other COE positions, in the past, but have not bid. We also have a Dunn and Brad Number and a SAM number .

We drove through the proposed campground today and have decided to remain as volunteer hosts, in the park where we are now. The advantages of what is important to us, outweighs the disadvantages by a wide margin.

Thanks everyone for your input, the posts have really helped us make our decision.
SCR
Explorer
Jun 17, 2014
Dog Folks wrote:
The OP here:

Thanks for your input SCR. We have already completed the paperwork necessary to bid on other COE positions, in the past, but have not bid. We also have a Dunn and Brad Number and a SAM number .

We drove through the proposed campground today and have decided to remain as volunteer hosts, in the park where we are now. The advantages of what is important to us, outweighs the disadvantages by a wide margin.

Thanks everyone for your input, the posts have really helped us make our decision.

Contact Park Attendant positions are not for everybody. The perception that we sat there and waved at people as the primary responsibility is far from reality. Perhaps my post will shed some light on the positions to others.

I couldn't agree more that what is important to you is without exception the route to take. On this we are alike in mind.

Be well.
USA_Traveler
Explorer
Jun 17, 2014
I have volunteered and have been a gate attendant. I enjoyed both, the volunteer position provided a site with full hook ups with a requirement of a minimum of 20 hours per week. Needless, to say if you are enjoying what you are doing, more than 20 hours is a breeze.

As a gate attendant I was contracted and required to bid on each season, Summer April 1-September 30, Winter October 1-March 31. The hours were 6 am - 10 pm, working four days and off four days. A full hook up site was provided. The hours were long, but during the summer it was busy, so time went by quickly. The winter days were much slower, so needless to say much longer. However we had a wonderful gate house to work in that had bathroom, kitchen and a large room with TV.

I do not know that I would ever do the gate attendant job again, but would definitely volunteer.

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