Illinois Historic Preservation Agency

03/04/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/05/2026 12:02

IDNR seeking campground hosts for 2026 camping season

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is seeking campground hosts for the 2026 camping season for state parks, recreation areas and historic sites across Illinois.

Campground hosting is a perfect position for anyone who enjoys camping and helping others. Hosts are often the first to greet state park visitors. They check on arrivals and departures, write camping permits, acquaint campers with park facilities and regulations, answer questions about local and statewide attractions, help visitors plan outings and more.

Campground hosts have the privilege of free camping in their own RVs, motorhomes or trailers at designated sites within state parks.

"Above all, the quality all campground hosts possess is a passion for working with the public," said Calvin Beckmann, IDNR chief of parks and recreation. "If hosting sounds appealing to you, we would love to hear from you."

The following IDNR sites currently have host positions available:

Carroll County

Clinton County

Christian and Sangamon counties

Franklin County

Hardin County

Henderson County

Henry County

Lake County

LaSalle County

Madison County

Marion County

Randolph County

Saline County

About IDNR


The Illinois Department of Natural Resources was established in 1925 as the Illinois Department of Conservation, bringing under one umbrella oversight of fish and game, forestry, public works, and lakes. Today, IDNR's work encompasses management of about 400 sites across Illinois, including state parks and historic sites; wildlife, fisheries, forestry, and natural heritage; Lake Michigan water allocation and coastal management; conservation police; mines and minerals; oil and gas; issuance of licenses, permits, and numerous grants; the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta; and the Illinois State Museum. Visit https://dnr.illinois.gov and follow us on Facebook , YouTube and LinkedIn .
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency published this content on March 04, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 05, 2026 at 18:03 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]