The opportunity to spend the summer in an Iowa state park is available for individuals who serve as campground hosts.

Hosts are needed for the season at Bellevue, Pleasant Creek and Fairport/Wildcat Den state parks, and from Sept. 1-Oct. 15 at Lake Macbride State Park.

Campground hosts receive free camping at a designated site while they help state parks staff by assisting campers, explaining park rules, and helping with registration and serving as an impromptu local tour guide. Hosts will help park staff to keep the park clean and with light maintenance.

All new hosts must complete state and national criminal background checks prior to serving.

Applications are available online at http://volunteer.iowadnr.gov then click on the campground hosts link in the left column toward the middle of the page. Interested parties may also call 515-725-8261 to have an application mailed.