Campground hosts: supporting visitors, Rangers and conservation outcomes

Camping in national parks is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to connect with nature. The Parks Connect Campground Host program, delivered through the National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ) in partnership with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), builds on that connection by placing trained volunteers at selected campgrounds to provide a welcoming, approachable and helpful presence.

Hosts camp onsite in their own self-contained set-up during the hosting period, acting as friendly points of contact for visitors. Their role is to share local knowledge and safety information, answer questions, promote low-impact camping and report maintenance issues to Rangers. Crucially, campground hosts do not undertake enforcement or Ranger duties. Instead, they focus on communication, education and community—small but important actions that improve the visitor experience while allowing Rangers to focus on conservation priorities.

A proven model from interstate

Queensland is not starting from scratch.

“Campground hosting has been operating interstate for decades, with South Australia celebrating 40 years of its program in 2025,“ says NPAQ CEO Chris Thomas, who previously worked on establishing the South Australian Parks Connect Program, too.

Like the SA model, Queensland Parks Connect Campground hosts will receive clear role descriptions, structured inductions and a strong supervisory framework.

“We’re pleased to have lots of interested applicants for our 2025 intake, and we’re currently in the process of vetting applicants and working with QPWS to begin arranging deployment. This clarity will ensure hosts provide safe, effective support without blurring the lines between volunteer and Ranger duties.”

Queensland’s Parks Connect Campground Host program will continue into 2026 to train and encourage volunteers to be friendly faces in wild places and create a welcoming environment for campers to enjoy Queensland’s national parks responsibly.

Supporting 30×30

Australia has committed to protecting 30% of our lands by 2030 — a target known as “30×30.” Reaching this goal isn’t only about expanding the protected-area estate; it also requires those areas to be effectively managed. Well-designed volunteer initiatives like Parks Connect Campground Hosts strengthen the social side of park management.

By encouraging safe behaviour, answering common questions and modelling Leave No Trace principles, Parks Connect Campground Hosts directly contribute to visitor satisfaction and environmental protection. In doing so, they help ensure that the growing network of protected areas delivers both biodiversity outcomes and community benefits.

Freeing up Ranger time

Another clear benefit is freeing up Ranger capacity. When hosts share updates on conditions or answer questions about local tracks and attractions, Rangers can redirect their time to essential conservation work: controlling weeds and pests, maintaining habitats, conducting research and responding to high-risk incidents.

Hosts focus on information and reporting, while Rangers concentrate on management and enforcement. The result is safer, more enjoyable camping experiences alongside more effective conservation.

Building community in protected areas

At its heart, the Campground Host program is about people helping people. For new campers, families or visitors unfamiliar with Queensland’s landscapes, the presence of a friendly, knowledgeable host can make all the difference. It creates a welcoming feel and builds community in our protected areas.

As Australia works toward its 30×30 targets, programs like this demonstrate the important role volunteers can play in both conservation outcomes and community connection. By supporting Rangers, assisting visitors and strengthening care for our parks, Campground Hosts are helping to secure the future of Queensland’s natural treasures.

Campground Hosts are just one of many exciting Parks Connect programs. Don’t forget to check out the activities scheduled in South East Queensland parks throughout October. Sign up for updates or keep checking the page at bit.ly/QldPOTM

 

 

Parks Connect is proudly supported through funding from the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.