PHILIPSBURG, PA — In case you missed it, Pennsylvanians can now more easily sign up to volunteer in state parks and forests through a new online system that also rewards participants with free camping and cabin stays as they log service hours.
What This Means for You
- A new statewide system makes it easier to volunteer in parks and forests
- Volunteers can earn free camping and cabin stays based on hours served
- Opportunities are available for all ages, including trail work and education
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources launched the Conservation Volunteer system to streamline how residents connect with service opportunities across the state’s 124 parks and 2.2 million acres of forestland.
The platform centralizes sign-ups, tracks volunteer hours automatically, and standardizes the process for individuals and groups. Officials said the changes are intended to reduce barriers to participation and expand access to volunteer roles.
How the New System Works
The Conservation Volunteer system is a centralized online platform that allows residents to register, find opportunities, and log service hours in one place.
DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said the system simplifies participation while recognizing contributions.
“This new system makes it easier than ever for people to get involved, give back, and connect with the outdoors while helping us care for these spaces for future generations,” Dunn said.
Volunteers can earn rewards as they reach service milestones:
- 100 hours: one night of free state forest camping
- 250 hours: two nights of free state park camping
- 500 hours: five nights of free state park camping
- 1,000 hours: two-night, three-day state park cabin stay
Participants also receive a digital badge upon joining.
Why Volunteers Matter
State officials said volunteers are essential to maintaining public lands, supporting everything from trail repairs to campground operations.
In 2025 alone, volunteers contributed more than 56,000 hours across more than 3,300 projects in Pennsylvania state parks.
Work typically includes maintaining trails — meaning clearing debris and repairing paths to keep them safe — caring for facilities like pavilions and playgrounds, assisting with campground upkeep, and supporting conservation efforts such as tree planting and environmental education.
Economic Impact of Outdoor Recreation
The announcement comes as Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation sector continues to grow.
State data shows the industry added $1.5 billion in 2024, reaching $20.4 billion in total economic impact and supporting more than 177,000 jobs statewide. Officials said the sector is growing faster than national averages.
Community and Partner Support
Nonprofit and volunteer organizations said the program builds on existing efforts to maintain public lands.
“We are grateful to the individual volunteers and our Friends groups for their consistent, dedicate service to supporting public lands,” said Marci Mowery, president of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation.
Holly Smith, executive director of the Keystone Trails Association, said volunteers are critical to trail maintenance efforts.
“In 2025 alone, 196 dedicated individuals showed up across 27 Trail Care events, contributing 3,793 hours of service valued at $122,438,” Smith said.
How to Get Involved
Residents can sign up, view available opportunities, and learn more about the program through the Conservation Volunteer website.
A step-by-step guide is available at https://dcnrvolunteers.pa.gov/files/dl/8c16048d23fc6b2944ade32921ac33f8/.
Additional information and frequently asked questions can be found at https://dcnrvolunteers.pa.gov/volunteer-faq/.
A video overview of the program is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvaxOrrsCAw.
Officials said volunteer opportunities are open to individuals and groups and include trail maintenance, facility improvements, campground support, and environmental education programs across the Commonwealth.
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