Olive Lake is in the Blue Mountains west of Granite. {div id=”highlighter--hover-tools” style=”display: none;”} {/div}

PENDLETON — The Umatilla National Forest is looking for volunteers to spend the summer as campground hosts at three mountain lakes — Jubilee, Olive and Bull Prairie.

A campground host greets campers, provides information on the surrounding area, and generally makes campers feel at home. Hosts will visit with campers and day-use visitors, clean and maintain restrooms, restock supplies, occasionally clean up after campers and carry out minor maintenance as needed. They keep an eye on things and set a good example for others in the campground.

Individuals or couples can apply to be hosts. Retirees often apply to the campground host program. Hosts need to be friendly, flexible and responsible. Host applicants may be subject to a criminal background check.

Those who apply will need to supply their own trailer, camper or motor home. Campground hosts will be provided a campsite, usually near the main entryway to the campground. Though the host program is a volunteer program, a food allowance and propane is offered, and personal vehicle mileage associated with hosting duties is reimbursed.

Jubilee Lake

The campground is 12 miles northeast of Tollgate and is the largest developed campground on the Umatilla National Forest with 53 campsites, four picnic areas and a 2.8-mile accessible hiking trail around the 92-acre lake. This campground is very popular for overnight camping as well as day-use activities. Campground hosts are typically on-site from early July through mid September, with potential to work as late as mid October depending on fall weather. For more information on becoming a Forest Service volunteer campground host at Jubilee Lake campground, contact Kiyoshi Fujishin at the Walla Walla Ranger District 509-520-1410 or Kiyoshi.fujishin@usda.gov.

Olive Lake

The campground is 12 miles southwest of Granite on the east shore of the 90-acre lake. The campground has 28 campsites, a 2-mile accessible hiking trail, boat ramp and two docks. The campground usually has a host from early June through Labor Day. For more information on becoming a Forest Service volunteer campground host at Olive Lake campground, contact Roy Vega at john.vega@usda.gov.

Bull Prairie Lake

The campground is 36 miles south of Heppner and has 30 tent/trailer sites, 12 picnic areas and four floating fishing docks on the 28-acre lake. There is also a 1.5-mile paved trail. The campground usually has a host through mid-October, also a shorter duration is possible. For more information on becoming a Forest Service volunteer campground host at Bull Prairie Lake campground, contact Roy Vega at john.vega@usda.gov.