Benefits include beautiful location with free hookups

QUEMADO, NM, March 2, 2023 – The Gila National Forest, Quemado Ranger District is seeking campground hosts to live at and help manage Piñon and Juniper campgrounds within the Quemado Lake Recreation Area, approximately 14 miles south of the town of Quemado, NM. One host is needed for each campground during its operating season that runs from May 22 through September 25.

“Volunteers fill a critical role in our campgrounds. They are a first line of information for visitors, they help maintain attractive facilities, and bring a continuity of service to our overnight guests,” said Quemado District Ranger Randall Chavez. “We need people with positive attitudes and passion for land stewardship.”

Being a host requires excellent customer service skills, a friendly and patient personality, and a willingness to clean and maintain facilities, such as picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and restrooms, as well as removing litter and trash, painting, raking, weeding, and pruning of vegetation.

Hosts must provide their own accommodation (RV/camper). Work is generally about 30 hours per week, including weekends, in exchange for a free campsite for the season with water and electric hookups and trash service included. If interested, reach out to Brad Evans at Bradford.Evans@usda.gov or call 575-773-4678. Additional information and application are also available at Volunteer.gov.

Quemado Lake is located in western New Mexico, approximately 13 miles south of US 60. It is one of the best trout fishing lakes in New Mexico. The small town of Quemado is a full-service community with fuel, convenience stores, restaurants, a small grocer, and gift shops. Quemado Ranger District is at the north end of the 3.3 million-acre Gila National Forest, known for the Gila Wilderness, a rich cultural history, and diverse vegetation and wildlife resources. Come join us!