Campground Hosting

So what is this campground hosting gig anyhow? Well Joyce and I are working for the State of Alaska, Division of Parks and Recreation this summer co-hosting the Deep Creek Recreation Site with our friends Rich and Lin. Our tasks are three fold: We clean outhouses and keep them stocked with the all important TP, pick up litter, and gently urge fee compliance for the boat launch, camp ground, and day use areas. In addition, we're here to answer questions, provide information about local resources and to accept all donations of halibut or salmon (vacuum packed please). Park Ranger Jacqui and the State Troopers cycle through mostly to see if we're still here, so we do have a "Plan B" if needed. If there is blood on the ground we can dial 911 with the best of 'em.

Right now we're seeing six to ten campers a night,and at least 30 bald eagles on our evening litter/exercise walk-about, but with the arrival of Memorial Day weekend the joke is that Ninilchik will become the third largest city in Alaska as folks flock in from Anchorage for the king salmon opener on Deep Creek and several "clam tides". We will pack well over 100 RV's into this place! It is quite the show.

So what do we get in addition to living for free on site and being our own "Deep Creek Beach Power and Light"? We have use of the ranger station's shower and laundry facility twice a week and we get a stipend of $425 a month. On the way to and from our duty station we get free stays in most of the other Alaskan State Parks.  We also received some natty State of Alaska hoodies, tee-shirts, and a ball cap i.e. our uniforms. The big pay off of course is that we get to spend three months on the Kenai Peninsula.

Interested? You can apply October 1st for the following season online here. There are a variety of locations from Kodiak Island to interior Alaska available, the details of what is expected and what is supplied does vary by site.

 Rich, Litter Control Specialist I.