Five Florida State Parks Need Volunteers Right Now

Urgent Openings Roundup

Five Florida state parks are flagged High Priority right now, from the panhandle to the Treasure Coast. Every one of them comes with a free site. Several of them start this week.

A “High Priority Opening” in the Florida State Parks volunteer system is not marketing language. It means the park is short-handed now, the site is sitting empty, and the rangers are covering the work themselves. That is why these fill fast, and it is why being close enough to answer quickly matters more than having a perfect resume.

Below are five openings, reproduced as the parks posted them. Underneath each one you will find the park’s phone number and address, confirmed against FloridaStateParks.org on August 22, 2026. Read the advice section first. It will save you a phone call and probably a wasted trip.

Before You Apply to Any of These

Here is the part nobody puts in the listing.

1. Call the park before you apply. Not after. Postings go stale, dates shift, and sites get filled by somebody who called on Tuesday. A two minute phone call tells you whether the opening is still real and what the ranger actually needs. That is the genuine CYA here, and it applies to every listing on this page.

2. Get your Volunteer Portal access set up now. Do not wait until you have a park interested in you. Go to volunteers.floridastateparks.org, create your account, and work through the Volunteer Application, the Volunteer Agreement, and the DEP Annual Combo Training (diversity, sexual harassment, and workers’ compensation). The agreement and the training both renew annually, so check your dates even if you have volunteered before.

3. Keep a completed application ready to email. This is the one that comes from experience. Some parks want the application sent directly to them. Others say they will pull it out of the portal. They do not all handle it the same way and they will not always tell you which kind they are. Have a filled-out copy sitting in a folder ready to attach, and you can answer either request the same day instead of scrambling.

4. A short posting still counts. Some of these windows are three or four weeks, not the full season. If you are already in the area and looking, take it. Three weeks gets you a referral, a real reference inside the Florida Park Service, and experience on your record that makes the next application easier. Short is not the same as not worth it.

5. Know the 16 week rule. Most of these listings cap you at no more than 16 weeks at a single park in any 12 month period, counted from your first day of occupancy. Plan your season around that. It is why experienced workampers chain two or three parks instead of trying to settle into one.

6. The universal requirements. Every posting here needs a valid driver’s license and a passed National and Florida sexual offender check. You may be asked for an alternate valid form of identification. Sort those out before you fall in love with a park.

High Priority Opening • District 3 • Starts Immediately

1. Okeechobee Battlefield Caretaker

Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park, Okeechobee • Current through September 17, 2026 • Mornings

Caretaker needed for Okeechobee Battlefield, located in the city of Okeechobee, FL. Work involved facility cleaning, mowing, weed-eating, and visitor services. The site has water, and electric 50/30 amp hook ups, fire pit, picnic table. The park is located minutes away from box office stores, public boat ramps, downtown.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

Skills and abilities: ability to lift 15 pounds, drive a golf cart and or motor vehicle, ability to read and write, public speaking and problem solving. Must be willing to clean bathrooms and empty trash cans.
Other requirements: Pass National and Florida Sexual Predator check, possess a valid drivers license.

SCHEDULING REQUIREMENTS

Required 24 hours per week per campsite (may split between multiple site occupants), at least a 1 month commitment. Need a volunteer currently through September 17th, 2026.

TRAINING / PREREQUISITES

Training requirements: orientation will be on-going and provided by the park. In the Volunteer Portal, have a Volunteer Application and a current Volunteer Agreement and Volunteer DEP Annual Combo Training (diversity, sexual harassment & workers’ compensation), both renewed annually. You may be asked to provide a valid form of identification.

BENEFITS

You will be provided 2 Volunteer T-shirts and a nametag
You will have a golf cart provided for job duties and all tools needed
Upon completion of your first 50 hours, you will receive a free entrance pass to the park you currently serve and 6 visits for you and your family to any other state park
Upon completion of 250 hours, you will receive a special volunteer annual pass for you and your family to any Florida State Park (request passes from the Volunteer Manager, some restrictions apply)
Join us in park staff gatherings (potlucks, celebrations, holiday parties) and the annual district Volunteer Appreciation gathering
Be a part of the Florida Park Service family, working alongside like-minded staff and volunteers
You have the opportunity for personal enrichment and experience working in a unique state park setting

Call Before You Apply

863-462-5360
3500 S.E. 38th Ave., Okeechobee, FL 34974
Note: this park is administered through Kissimmee Prairie Preserve and shares its phone line. One call can ask about both openings on this page.

High Priority Opening • District 1 • Full Hookups

2. Campground Host at Florida’s Highest Waterfall

Falling Waters State Park, Chipley • July through September 2026 • Morning and Evening

Summer 2026 Campground Host Opportunity at Florida’s Highest Waterfall Park. Peace and tranquility are what draw people to Falling Waters State Park. A quiet park with 24 campsites (water and electric hookups, dump station in the campground), Turtle Lake, and Florida’s highest waterfall. Conveniently located off of I-10, visitors are still close enough to have a day at the beach, but retreat to the quietness of Falling Waters. If you are a self-motivated volunteer looking for access to all of what the Panhandle offers, but don’t want to stay in the hustle and bustle of the beach, consider Falling Waters State Park.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

Visitor Services: A willingness and desire to help others, customer service experience, excellent communication skills with the ability to speak and to interact with visitors in a friendly manner.

Administration: Follow verbal and written instructions. Communicate effectively, collect fees, and operate a cash register, point-of-sale system, and credit card terminals. Answer visitor inquiries in a courteous manner. This is a fun and busy opportunity for a people-oriented person to make a positive first impression with visitors. Toll booth has AC, stool, and a beautiful view.

Maintenance: Maintain cleanliness of park grounds and facilities including, but not limited to campsite/restroom cleaning, and trash collection/removal. Perform preventative and corrective maintenance on park equipment and facilities, including buildings, vehicles, paths, grills, boardwalks, bridges, docks, tractors, and small equipment. Inform rangers of potential problems. Trim vegetation as directed by management to maintain aesthetics and safety of persons and property. Operate tools and equipment for the job (training provided). Ability to lift 25 lbs.

Resource Management: Control native, invasive, and exotic vegetation by mechanical removal or herbicides. Monitor and protect wildlife and natural areas. Monitor and report observations of flowering plants and wildlife. Work on restoring native habitat with a variety of methods.

Protection: Ensure park rules are interpreted in a friendly yet effective manner. Maintain a constant lookout for safety concerns and take appropriate action to correct and/or report to rangers in a timely, effective manner. Wear proper protective equipment.

SCHEDULING REQUIREMENTS

Campground hosts are required to contribute 24 hours per week per campsite (can be split among others on the site) to receive the free RV site
Usually 3 shifts per week from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (couple) or 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for individuals
Months commitment for no more than 16 weeks at a park in a 12-month period starting at first day of occupancy

TRAINING / PREREQUISITES

Pass National and Florida sexual offender checks
Have a valid drivers license
You may be asked to provide an alternate valid form of identification
Safety training will be on-going and provided by the park
In the Volunteer Portal, have a Volunteer Application, a current Volunteer Agreement, and Volunteer DEP Annual Combo Training (diversity, sexual harassment, & workers’ compensation), both renewed annually

VOLUNTEER AMENITIES

FULL Hook-ups 50/30 Amp electrical service
Washer, dryer, ice machine

BENEFITS

You will be provided a Volunteer T-shirt and a nametag
Upon completing your first 50 hours, you will receive a free entrance pass to the park you currently serve and 6 visits for you and your family to any other state park
Upon completing 250 hours, you will receive a special volunteer annual pass for you and your family to any Florida State Park (request passes from the Volunteer Manager, some restrictions apply)
Join us in park staff gatherings (potlucks, celebrations, holiday parties)
Be a part of the Florida Park Service family, working alongside like-minded staff and volunteers
You have the opportunity for personal enrichment and experience working in a unique state park setting

Call Before You Apply

850-638-6130
1130 State Park Road, Chipley, FL 32428
Ask what the hookup really is on the host site. The listing says full hookups in one place and water, electric, plus a dump station in another. Worth clearing up before you tow 500 miles. The waterfall drops 73 feet, and the park notes output depends on rainfall.

High Priority Opening • District 1 • Full Hookups

3. Sizzling Summerween Camp Host on the River

Ochlockonee River State Park, Sopchoppy • August through October 2026

Ochlockonee River State Park has everything to make the Florida heat bearable. Water, fishing, white squirrels and more all will keep you company during your volunteer term. Help maintain habitat for many unique and endangered species that call this park home. Spend the spooky season with the campers and make memories to take with you.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

Other requirements: Experience in a campground setting, ability to work alone or as part of a team, foreign language, computer skills.

SCHEDULING REQUIREMENTS

Park residents and campground hosts are required to contribute 24 hours per week per campsite (can be split among others on the site) to receive the free RV site
Usually 3 to 4 days per week. The park has not published the shift times for this posting. Ask when you call.
Months commitment for no more than 16 weeks at a park in a 12-month period starting at first day of occupancy

TRAINING / PREREQUISITES

Pass National and Florida sexual offender checks
Have a valid drivers license
You may be asked to provide an alternate valid form of identification
Safety training will be on-going and provided by the park
In the Volunteer Portal, have a Volunteer Application, a current Volunteer Agreement, and Volunteer DEP Annual Combo Training (diversity, sexual harassment, & workers’ compensation), both renewed annually

VOLUNTEER AMENITIES

Full hook-ups 50/30 Amp electrical service, water, and sewer or dump station
Washer, dryer, ice machine

BENEFITS

You will be provided a Volunteer T-shirt and a nametag
Upon completing your first 50 hours, you will receive a free entrance pass to the park you currently serve and 6 visits for you and your family to any other state park
Upon completing 250 hours, you will receive a special volunteer annual pass for you and your family to any Florida State Park (request passes from the Volunteer Manager, some restrictions apply)
Join us in park staff gatherings (potlucks, celebrations, holiday parties)
Be a part of the Florida Park Service family, working alongside like-minded staff and volunteers
You have the opportunity for personal enrichment and experience working in a unique state park setting

Call Before You Apply

850-962-2771
429 State Park Road, Sopchoppy, FL 32358
The white squirrels are real. Florida State Parks says they were intentionally introduced in the 1950s and get their color from a genetic mutation in the local gray squirrels. The park is also home to the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.

High Priority Opening • District 5 • Water, Sewer, Electric

4. Cabin Host in the Largest Resident Volunteer Community in South Florida

Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Hobe Sound • Start this month through November 3, 2026 • 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This one is different from the rest of the list. It is a cabin host role, not a campground host role, and the work is closer to hospitality than to grounds maintenance.

A GREAT OPPORTUNITY

Cabin Hosts live on-site with hookups (water, sewer, electric). Your own RV is required. Your campsite will volunteer four days a week. To maintain the free RV site, each shift needs to be staffed start to end (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) by registered volunteers from your campsite. Laundry, ice machine and shower facilities are available. We offer reliable cell reception and free WiFi at the Visitor Center. A leash is mandatory of all pets in the Park. Residency can begin on a Tuesday. First volunteer day will be the next Thursday.

YOUR ROLE

This volunteer oversees upkeep of our delightful cabins in the woods. All cabins come equipped with their own linens, kitchen utensils and other basic needs. Your goal is to increase the integrity of the cabin area and offer guests an experience that’s safe, clean and pleasant. Some of the duties include:

Cleaning and sanitizing cabin from top to bottom
Receiving linen deliveries and sending out laundry
Restocking bedrooms and cabins for next guest
Groundskeeping, weed eating and sweeping grills and firepits
Work independently and with fellow volunteers and staff
Ability to communicate in a friendly, effective and professional manner
Operate a radio, washing machine and handle cleaning chemicals

Our staff provides in-house training and equipment. Prior cabin experience is not required. You will be provided one volunteer t-shirt. You’re encouraged to purchase more from the online uniform store.

THIS PARK

Voted #2 Best State Park for RVers in USA Today Travel Awards. Jonathan Dickinson State Park preserves 10,000+ acres but we’re only 8 minutes from the grocery store, 10 minutes to the beach, and 25 miles from an international airport. Nearby is colorful West Palm Beach and the quaint downtown of Stuart. This means you can enjoy a large, serene park and still get easy access to restaurants, pharmacies and attractions. We are the largest community of resident volunteers in South Florida. There are great benefits to joining our tremendous network of staff and volunteers from across Florida and the U.S.

REQUIREMENTS

A vehicle for commuting to and from your worksite
Have a valid drivers license
Pass National and Florida sexual offender checks
Safety training will be on-going and provided by the park
In your Volunteer Portal: a current Volunteer Agreement and Volunteer DEP Annual Combo Training (diversity, sexual harassment, & workers’ compensation), both renewed annually

This One Has a Named Contact

Volunteer Coordinator Trent Seale
Trenton.P.Seale@FloridaDEP.gov
Park line: 772-546-2771
16450 S.E. Federal Highway, Hobe Sound, FL 33455

The coordinator asks that your email specify the months you can volunteer, the dimensions of your RV, and your previous experience. Have that in the first message and you look like somebody who has done this before. Heads up: all park concessions have been unavailable since June 30, 2026, including rentals, boat tours, and the general store. Does not affect the volunteer role, but it changes what is walking distance.

High Priority Opening • District 3 • Dark Sky Park

5. Campground Host Under the Darkest Skies in Florida

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, Okeechobee • Immediate opening through November 30, 2026 • Mornings

Join our team at the beautiful Kissimmee Prairie. Come live and work with abundant wildlife and the darkest skies around. We’re looking for motivated Resident Volunteers who are willing to work alongside our rangers to maintain our beautiful park.

Our Park Resident Volunteers are valuable assets of the Florida Park Service. Our campground host opportunity is a flexible and simple position that would be a great fit for an outdoor lover who would like to give back. The site has water, and electric 50/30 amp hook ups, fire pit, picnic table.

Volunteers assist the park staff in their duties maintaining the campground, greeting campers and visitors, maintaining vehicles, buildings, and equipment in the park as needed, attending to the park’s maintenance needs, assisting with providing information at the main park office and any other projects and special events as needed. The main duties required for this position will be those of campground hosts, including cleaning bath-houses, cleaning and clearing campsites, and greeting campers.

Park Resident Volunteers are expected to be enthusiastic, courteous, and professional representatives of the Florida Park Service. In exchange for your weekly required hours of 24 hours per week per site, we provide electric, water, and dump-station use, and, of course, a site on the prairie, complete with caracaras, burrowing owls and the night sky.

SITE INFORMATION

There is an immediate opening with a four-month commitment between August 1st, 2026 and November 30th, 2026. This time frame is open for site V4 (back in, angled site on the Family loop, water, electric and dump-station use provided). There is a shared laundry facility in the bathhouse.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

Skills and abilities: drive a golf cart and or motor vehicle, ability to read and write, public speaking and problem solving. Must be willing to clean bathrooms and empty trash cans.

Maintain cleanliness of park grounds and facilities including, but not limited to campsite/restroom cleaning, and trash collection/removal. Perform preventative and corrective maintenance on park equipment and facilities, including buildings, vehicles, paths, grills, boardwalks, bridges, docks, tractors, and small equipment. Inform rangers of potential problems. Trim vegetation as directed by management to maintain aesthetics and safety of persons and property. Operate tools and equipment for the job (training provided). Ability to lift 25 lbs.

Other requirements: Pass National and Florida Sexual Predator check, possess a valid drivers license.

SCHEDULING REQUIREMENTS

Park residents and campground hosts are required to contribute 24 hours per week per campsite (can be split among others on the site) to receive the free RV site
Usually 3 to 4 days per week from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Months commitment for no more than 16 weeks at a park in a 12-month period starting at first day of occupancy
There are immediate openings, at least a 2 month commitment required with a maximum of 4 months
Desired timeframe: current through November 30th, 2026

TRAINING / PREREQUISITES

Pass National and Florida sexual offender checks
Have a valid drivers license
You may be asked to provide an alternate valid form of identification
Safety training will be on-going and provided by the park
In the Volunteer Portal, have a Volunteer Application, a current Volunteer Agreement, and Volunteer DEP Annual Combo Training (diversity, sexual harassment, & workers’ compensation), both renewed annually

VOLUNTEER AMENITIES

50/30 Amp electrical service, water, and dump station
Washer and dryer, free
Ice, free
Shared bathhouses with campers

BENEFITS

You will be provided a Volunteer T-shirt and a nametag
Upon completing your first 50 hours, you will receive a free entrance pass to the park you currently serve and 6 visits for you and your family to any other state park
Upon completing 250 hours, you will receive a special volunteer annual pass for you and your family to any Florida State Park (request passes from the Volunteer Manager, some restrictions apply)
Join us in park staff gatherings (potlucks, celebrations, holiday parties)
Be a part of the Florida Park Service family, working alongside like-minded staff and volunteers
You have the opportunity for personal enrichment and experience working in a unique state park setting

Call Before You Apply

863-462-5360
33104 N.W. 192nd Ave., Okeechobee, FL 34972
The site listing opens August 1 and we are already past that, so ask what is actually left of the window and whether the two month minimum still applies. This is Florida’s first Dark Sky Park, certified by the International Dark Sky Association in 2016. 54,000 acres protecting the largest remaining tract of Florida dry prairie, plus crested caracaras, burrowing owls, and the endangered Florida grasshopper sparrow. Same phone line as Okeechobee Battlefield above.

How to Move on One of These Today

Step one. Pick the two parks closest to where you are sitting right now. Proximity beats preference when a park is short-handed.

Step two. Call both. Ask whether the opening is still available, what the actual start date is, what the hookups really are on the volunteer site, and whether they want your application emailed or pulled from the portal. Write down who you spoke to.

Step three. Set up your Volunteer Portal account at volunteers.floridastateparks.org if you have not already. Complete the application, the agreement, and the DEP Annual Combo Training. Check the renewal dates if you are a returning volunteer.

Step four. Save a completed copy of your application somewhere you can attach it to an email in under a minute.

Step five. Follow up in three days if you have not heard back. Rangers are busy and a polite second contact is not a nuisance, it is how these get filled.

Verify Before You Roll

Listings on this page are reproduced as the parks published them. Workampers in Florida is not the Florida Park Service and does not fill these positions. Park phone numbers and addresses were confirmed against FloridaStateParks.org on August 22, 2026. Dates, hookups, and commitment lengths change without notice. Call the park and confirm before you move your rig, spend money, or turn down other work.

Know somebody parked within a few hours of one of these? Send them this page. Most of these get filled by whoever heard about it first.