Volunteering in Texas State Parks

Volunteers are an essential part of the Texas state parks’ team. We depend on volunteers to help carry out our mission:

Manage state parks and historic sites to conserve natural and cultural resources, provide recreational and educational opportunities, and foster an understanding of the diversity of Texas’ lands and heritage for all generations.

Expect to: Group of volunteers at a table outdoors with drowning safety literature

  • Join an enthusiastic team
  • Inform and inspire others
  • Build community
  • Cultivate passions
  • Learn new skills
  • Give back to your state parks
  • Find a volunteer job that fits your schedule
  • Travel Texas! (Park Host Program)

Search for volunteer opportunities or contact a park's volunteer coordinator.

How can I help?

We can use your help, no matter what type of skills or interests you possess!

Park hosts

Volunteer in uniform giving park information to a father and sonPark hosts serve as representatives and stewards of Texas State Parks. They provide support to the park and information to visitors.

You’ll help with customer service, fee collection, maintenance, visitor education and campground upkeep. Duties vary based on park needs.

Park hosts volunteer 24 to 32 hours a week. We waive fees for the host’s RV site during the volunteer assignment. Assignments last one to six months.

Stay, learn and serve in the park!

State Park Friends Groups

Volunteer demonstrating fire-buildingFriends Groups are volunteer-led, membership-based nonprofit partners that support parks through volunteering, fundraising and public education. Friends Groups also serve as an important link to the local community.

Check our list of State Park Friends Groups and Support Organizations. If you don’t see a group for your favorite park, contact the park to learn how to form one.

Special events

Smiling young man holding full trashbagAssist with clean-up projects, educational events, holiday activities and outdoor programs. Duties vary by event, but may include crowd control, set-up and clean-up, and overseeing activities.

If your troop, class, club, business or community group wants to organize a volunteer event, contact your local park.

Offices and Gift Shops

Provide clerical support to park staff. You’ll collect fees, greet visitors, and help with data entry and filing.

You can also volunteer in the gift shop to provide customer service, help with inventory, and conduct sales.

Environmental restoration and maintenance 

Volunteers cleaning up at a park

As an environmental restoration volunteer, you’ll plant native species and remove exotic and invasive plants. You’ll also learn the fundamentals of resource management.

As a maintenance volunteer, you’ll help park staff maintain trails and park grounds. Tasks may include trimming brush, removing trash, mow­ing, and helping with minor construction projects.

Outreach and education

Inform and inspire park visitors through community outreach, education and programs. You’ll provide tours, lead guided hikes, teach nature and history, and more.

Look for special opportunities in these programs:

Join the volunteer team!

Women volunteers holding landscape toolsAs a volunteer, you will be part of a passionate team working to man­age and conserve Texas' natural and cultural resources. We provide orientation and training; you learn new skills!

Requirements

A guardian must accompany volunteers under 16.

You must meet the requirements of the volunteer opening to which you apply.

Apply

Thank you for caring about Texas’ State Parks. They need you now more than ever!