At the start of 2023, we began considering the idea of camp hosting. Throughout our travels, we had met many camp hosts, and the concept intrigued us. So, what exactly is camp hosting? The specifics can vary depending on the location, but at its core, camp hosting involves volunteering to greet campers and offer assistance when needed.
We applied and were thrilled to be accepted as camp hosts at Fall Creek Falls State Park in Tennessee. Our duties would include cleaning campsites—blowing off leaves and cleaning fire pits—as well as hanging camper tags. Additionally, we’d assist the park rangers whenever necessary. In exchange for our work, we receive a free campsite for the duration of our stay.
We began our camp hosting journey in February 2023. Moving into our new site, we quickly adapted to the routine. We loved meeting campers, building relationships with the state park staff, and immersing ourselves in the daily rhythm of the campground. It’s been an experience we truly enjoy!
Fall Creek Falls has a whopping 202 campsites! As part of our camp hosting responsibilities, we’re given a buggy to help us take care of the sites. Usually, there are at least two other camp hosts volunteering alongside us, so we divide the campground into smaller sections to make the workload more manageable. Each morning, we spend a few hours cleaning sites and hanging tags. In the early afternoon, we make rounds to check in with campers and offer any assistance they might need. Then, in the evening, we do another round to make sure everything’s running smoothly. It’s a job we really enjoy!
Fall Creek Falls State Park is one of Tennessee’s largest and most visited state parks. The park encompasses more than 29,800 acres sprawled across the eastern top of the rugged Cumberland Plateau. Laced with cascades, gorges, waterfalls, streams and lush stands of virgin hardwood timber, the park beckons those who enjoy nature at her finest. Fall Creek Falls, at 256 feet, is one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States. Other waterfalls within the park include Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls, and Cane Creek Cascades.
During our last month of hosting, we had the pleasure of meeting some wonderful new friends. They were camping just down the hill from our site, and like us, they were in an Arctic Fox RV. These RVs are pretty rare on the east coast, so whenever Bobby spots one, he makes a point to strike up a conversation. In this case, he had already met them and had a great time chatting. When he came back to our rig, he insisted that I should go meet them, convinced that I’d really like them.
At first, I was a little skeptical and jokingly told him, “I don’t need any more friends.” But as fate would have it, they turned out to be some of the best friends I could have asked for. A few days later, I finally went down to introduce myself, and in that moment, I realized just how much I had needed more friends.
The last week of our camp host gig, my parents and niece came to visit! What a blessing to have family with us!
Simply Schricks- Destination Unknown Again 