Volunteer
   

Volunteers maintain trail on Tiger Mountain.
 
Each year DNR volunteers give back to the recreation areas they enjoy and visit most.
Want to get involved? Consider volunteering.
We have many ways for you to get involved in caring for recreation experiences on DNR-managed lands. DNR has individual and group volunteer projects available. You can join a work party, become a campground host, or help protect DNR-managed land as a forest watch volunteer. Check out our upcoming volunteer opportunities on our calendar. Click here for our minor registration form. 
 
Build
Join a work party. DNR couldn't offer the same level of recreational opportunities it does without the enduring commitment and care of our volunteers. Weekend work parties occur statewide. Use our calendar to find an upcoming event in your area. Remember, your efforts can also earn you a Discover Pass.

 

Protect
Want to do your part to protect and enhance DNR-managed lands? Become a Forest Watch volunteer. Forest Watch volunteers help DNR have another presence on the landscape and recreation areas people visit most. Forest Watch volunteers take daily statistic reports, observation reports, and other daily tasks to keep DNR recreation areas fun and safe for visitors to enjoy for years to come.
 
If you're interested in volunteering with Forest Watch, submit a Forest Watch volunteer application and background check form. Volunteers must complete the Forest Watch orientation course, or the Forest Watch refresher course every two years. Please view the Forest Watch Orientation Course and once completed email kenneth.dean@dnr.wa.gov. To report illegal activity to DNR's Forest Watch program, call 1(855)-883-8368 or email forestwatch@dnr.wa.gov.
 
Host
Love to camp? Live the dream. We're currently taking applications for campground hosts for the summer season. Campground hosts provide a positive, helpful, and informative DNR presence in campgrounds and recreation areas. Head to our Flickr album for photos and more information. To apply, fill out a Campground Host Application and background check form and email to our region staff, listed with the campgrounds below.
 

Ahtanum Campground

Located in the Ahtanum State Forest and nestled next to the pristine North Fork River, the Ahtanum campground is a highly used recreation area hosting off-road recreation, hiking and horseback trails during the recreation season. Winter recreation is also popular for snowshoeing, sledding, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling.The site has power, water, holding tank, fire pit, and picnic table. There is a public payphone provided by DNR not far from the site. Click here to apply. Contact Jeff Jones by phone at 509-961-3525 or by email for more information.

Cold Creek Campground

Located ten miles east of Battle Ground in the Yacolt Burn State Forest. It is open to the public year-round and is a favorite for family tent camping, equestrian use, mountain biking, and hiking. Cold Creek has six campsites, three picnic sites, a day-use area, and links to over 35 miles of non-motorized trails. A generator will be provided. Cell service available. Click here to apply. Contact Sharon Steriti by phone at 360-852-3390 or by email for more information.

Douglas Falls Campground

This 120-acre park site was deeded to DNR by the Stevens County Pomona Grange in 1975. The park offers day use areas, a group shelter with ball fields, a viewing area of Douglas Falls, and walking trails with a foot bridge across Mill Creek. The camphost site here has a cement pad with septic, power, water, and phone line. Limited cell service reception is available. Click here to apply. Contact Kyle Pomrankey by phone at 509-684-7474 or by email for more information.

Dragoon Creek Campground

This 40-acre park site is just 14 miles from downtown Spokane. The park offers day use areas, a small field along creek, and 22 campsites. This camphost site has a cement pad, septic, power, water, cell reception, and a phone line available. Click here to apply. Contact Kyle Pomrankey by phone at 509-684-7474 or by email for more information.

Margaret McKenny Campground

Nestled on the eastern edge of the Capitol State Forest, the Margaret McKenny Campground is a favorite for family camping excursions. The campground is the gateway to the over 80 miles non-motorized trails that are open to hiking, mountain biking and equestrian users. This camphost site has a cement pad with covered shelter, power, septic system, and phone line. Water tank provided. We're not seeking camp host applicants for Margaret McKenny Campground at this time.

Merril Lake Campground

Merrill Lake is a walk-in only tent campground and day-use area. This volcanically formed alpine lake in the central cascade foothills is a quiet camping refuge. Day use area has picnic sites, boat launch, and short trail into some old growth trees. Camphost site has a cement pad with septic system, generator, and fuel for RV power. Hand pump available for water. Click here to apply. Contact Carlo Abbruzzese by phone at 360-575-5056 or by email for more information.

Middle Waddell Campground

Our 24-campsite Middle Waddell Campground is a short drive from Olympia and the the perfect jumping off point to explore nearly 90 miles of motorcycle and ATV trail in the Capitol State Forest. Amenities include an RV shelter large enough to fit a 40-foot RV, landline phone for local calls, electricity (not suitable for heat), sewer hook up and pressurized water. We're not seeking camp host applicants for Middle Waddell Campground at this time.

Starvation Lake Campground

A quiet, 15 acre campground adjacent to Starvation Lake. Enjoy this select fishing lake nestled between private and state trust lands within close proximity of the Little Pend Oreille Wildlife Area. Activities in the area include hiking, bicycling, boating, fishing, hunting, bird watching and other wildlife viewing. Camphost amenities include a cement pad with septic, power, water, phone line and cell reception. Click here to apply. Contact Kyle Pomrankey by phone at 509-684-7474 or by email for more information.

Tahuya River Horse Camp

Adjacent to the Tahuya River, this site provides camping opportunities for primarily non-motorized recreationists including equestrian and fishing enthusiasts. The surrounding state forest provides an extensive network of motorized and multi-use recreational trails with access to freshwater lakes, ponds, and streams. Amenities include an outhouse, non-potable running water, horse corrals, and a trailer turn-around. Click here to apply. Contact Jesse Sims by phone at 360-801-5097 or by email for more information.

Winston Creek Campground

This fully forested and stream- side campground offers visitors access to the Winston Creek Forest block, popular for elk hunting and other dispersed recreation activities, such as wildlife viewing and brush picking. Amenities include 12 campsites and an outhouse. Click here to apply. Contact Sharon Steriti by phone at 360-852-3390 or by email for more information.