Get Involved: Yampa River and Elkhead State Parks

Elkhead Reservoir is located approximately 12 miles from the Yampa River Headquarters campground. There are over 1,300 acres of land surrounding the lake and campground; the lake itself is 4 miles long.

Elkhead Reservoir's Bears Ears campground is located on the south end of the reservoir near the east side of the dam with views of the Elkhead Mountain Range. Bears Ears offers 16 campsites with 4 pull-through. Each site is developed with a hardened gravel pad, picnic table, shade shelter, and fire pit. This campground does not have utilities (water, sewer, or power) available for the public, but two double CXT restrooms are conveniently located at each end of the campground. The lake is popular for picnicking, viewing wildlife, fishing, hunting, boating, and water sports. There is also a newly developed hiking trail around the lake.

Volunteer responsibilities:

• Daily cleaning of campground restrooms and campsites
• Provide information to park visitors
• Also interested in a host that would be willing to staff our visitor center or Aquatic Nuisance Species Inspection Station

Free campsite in exchange for volunteer service. Unlike the rest of the campground, the host sites specifically have sewer vaults, electric (30 or 50 amp), and a 500 gallon freshwater tank to hook up to. Cell service and computer/internet at the office are also available.

Looking for 2-4 hosts for the 2025 season! 

Individuals and couples are welcome to apply, and hosts are permitted to have pets.

Yampa River State Park visitor center and campground are located on 70 acres along the Yampa River three miles west of Hayden, CO. This area includes a fifty-unit campground with 35 improved (electric) sites, 15 tent sites, and 1 teepee. The Yampa River offers excellent fishing opportunities. The Yampa River is also a popular area for canoeing and rafting, along with 4 miles of Class 5 whitewater rafting available. Volunteer host responsibilities include: assist rangers with projects and maintenance, evening walkthrough of campground for visitor interaction, and management/care of host site vegetation which includes tree watering, weed control and mowing.

Looking for 1 host/pair interested in staffing the visitor center, and 1 host/pair to do janitorial duties for the camper services building.

Responsibilities:

• Clean campsites and restrooms 
• Provide information to the public
• Also intererested in a campground host that would be willing to work in our visitor center either exclusively or partially while carrying out the typical campground host responsibilities

Amenities:

Full hookup campsites, Water, Sewage, Electric (30 amp), Electric (50 amp), Computer and internet access (e.g. can use visitor center or office equipment), Cell service. Pets are allowed.

Site elevation:

6,585 ft.

Special Projects may include but are not limited to: Writing and developing outdoor interpretive signs for self-guiding trails or roadside exhibits; recruiting other volunteers; photographing or video taping park programs, special events, visitors, or resources; assisting in planning volunteer recognition or social events; training other volunteers; providing equipment, donated funds, or expertise on special projects; designing and creating puppets, historical costumes, and more.