Volunteering at Fishhook: A Rewarding Experience 

Imagine spending your days surrounded by the stunning beauty of Lake Sacajawea on the Snake River surrounded by thousands of acres of Washington State’s Apple trees. As a volunteer at the Fishhook Campground and Day Use Area, we had the privilege of doing just that. Nestled within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ expansive park, Fishhook offered a tranquil escape for visitors from all over.

Fishhook Campground and Day Use area on the Snake River in Washington State has a climate very different from the coast. This area is arid and gets very little rain in the summer. We experienced a lot of sunshine during the day and cool weather in the evening. Located about 40 miles from the Tri cities in southeastern Washington the quiet and solitude was a welcome experience from the bustling city life. 

Our days as volunteers at Fishhook Campground and Day Use area of beautiful Lake Sacajawea on the Snake River, were filled with a variety of tasks, each contributing to the overall upkeep and beautification providing visitors a place to relax and enjoy themselves. 

• Groundskeeping: From the manicured lawns to the winding trails, we help maintain the park’s pristine condition. Tasks included mowing, weed-whacking, and irrigating the grounds with self tappers. 
• Visitor Assistance: We very much enjoyed interacting with visitors, answering their questions about the campground, local attractions, and the park’s unique features. Including water safety by organizing loaner life jackets at the jacket station.  
• Water Quality Monitoring: To ensure the safety of campers we  assisted in checking water quality by testing chlorine levels.
• General cleanup: We Removed litter and debris in the campground, boat launch, and day use areas ensuring a smooth and clean environment for the guests

Volunteering at Fishhook Campground was an incredibly rewarding experience. Beyond the satisfaction of contributing to the preservation of a beautiful natural area, we also had the opportunity to:

• Connect with Nature: Immersed ourselves in the serene beauty of Lake Sacajawea and the surrounding landscape.
• Meet New People: We interacted with visitors from diverse backgrounds and shared stories and experiences. We still correspond with the fine people we volunteered with at Fish Hook Campground.  
• Learned New Skills: Gained practical experience in groundskeeping, providing excellent customer service, and helped with environmental monitoring.
• Gave Back to the Community: Contributed to a local park that provides recreational opportunities for countless individuals.

If you’re looking for a fulfilling volunteer experience, I highly recommend considering the Fishhook Campground. It’s a chance to give back to the community, make a difference, and create lasting memories.

• Free campsite: Enjoy the convenience of on-site RV camping with full hookups.
• Financial Compensation: The Corp sometimes offers monetary compensation for those that travel a particular distance. Check with the website to see the particulars. 
• Training and support:  If you choose to take on this fun project you will receive all the necessary tools and guidance for a positive experience.
• A sense of accomplishment: Knowing you’ve helped to beautify a beloved recreational area.

If you’re interested browse the Volunteer.gov website for a variety of volunteer opportunities with various National and state organizations. 

• You will need to create an account
• Check the various positions open for volunteers 
• Complete an application form 
• We recommend an updated résumé and cover letter
• Follow all instructions to apply 

Good Luck!