Park Host Spotlight: Randy and Nancy Speer

For Randy and Nancy Speer, park hosting is about more than keeping a campground clean and welcoming. It’s an opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life, enjoy the outdoors and help visitors create lasting memories. With experience hosting at parks in South Carolina, North Carolina and Michigan, the couple has discovered that some of the most rewarding moments come from the people they meet along the way.

Randy, originally from Plant City, Florida, and Nancy, who grew up in Walkertown, North Carolina, now reside in Advance, North Carolina. They share their home with their dog, Kensi, and cat, Patrick, and enjoy spending their time serving others, exploring the outdoors and pursuing their hobbies.

Randy previously served as an ordained minister in several mostly rural churches before spending his final 22 years in ministry as senior chaplain at Central Prison in Raleigh, North Carolina. Although retired from full-time ministry, he continues to work at a funeral home in Winston-Salem, where he drives everything from limousines and hearses to flower vans. He describes the job as enjoyable because of the people he works with and the ministry they provide to families in need.

Nancy retired after 20 years as a paralegal at a plaintiff law firm in Raleigh. She later worked part-time at Rex Hospital’s Wellness Center before retiring fully.

Outside of their work and volunteer commitments, the Speers stay active in their church, where they co-teach a Bible Fellowship class. Randy enjoys assembling model airplanes, cars, trucks and spacecraft, as well as reading, walking, bicycling and, especially, kayaking. He also regularly donates blood to the American Red Cross.

Their park hosting experience has taken them to Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet, Tanglewood Campground in Clemmons, North Carolina, and 40 Mile Point Lighthouse in Rogers City, Michigan. Across these locations, they have found that hosting offers a unique way to serve others while learning from the people they meet.

Their responsibilities include cleaning fire pits, picking up trash, and turning off electrical breakers and water when needed. They also help campers troubleshoot problems, recommend local restaurants and stores, and point visitors to resources when they need repairs.

But for Randy, the role goes beyond the practical tasks. He recognizes that visitors sometimes arrive at a park carrying the stress of a difficult day or other challenges in life. By taking the time to listen and offer a friendly presence, park hosts can help people relax and enjoy their stay.

The opportunity to connect with visitors is one of the most rewarding parts of the experience. Randy especially enjoys meeting people from across the country and around the world, as well as seeing their reactions when they encounter wildlife or experience the ocean for the first time.

One memorable day at Huntington Beach State Park demonstrated just how unpredictable a day at the beach can be. After returning to their camper following a day of work and a trip to the beach, Randy and Nancy began hearing sirens — lots of them. Curious about the commotion, Randy walked toward the beach access and encountered an upset man who explained that he had repeatedly told his friend to stop doing something that kept resulting in rescue calls.

On the beach, Randy found several rescue crews watching a man in the water through binoculars. As he approached an emergency medical technician to ask what was happening, he heard someone on the radio preparing for a water rescue. The technician began laughing and explained the situation: The man was doing the backstroke.

As it turned out, the swimmer was an experienced long-distance swimmer who had repeatedly prompted concerned bystanders to call for help. It was certainly an unusual scene — and a reminder that working in a state park can come with a few unexpected stories.

When asked whether they would encourage others to become park hosts, Randy and Nancy enthusiastically said yes. For them, hosting provides a chance to disconnect from the daily hustle and bustle, spend time in nature and meet wonderful people. They especially enjoy seeing children and adults experience wildlife and the ocean in ways they may never have before.

Randy also offers some practical advice to anyone considering the role: Come ready to learn, support park staff and understand that hosts are there to help, not to take charge. Flexibility and a willingness to lend a hand go a long way. Being comfortable with small repairs to your own RV — and helping with campground tasks when approved by park staff — can also be useful.

Without dedicated park hosts like Randy and Nancy, providing visitors with a welcoming, enjoyable campground experience would be much more difficult. From maintaining campsites to lending a listening ear, hosts contribute in countless ways that may go unnoticed but make a meaningful difference in a visitor’s stay.

We are grateful to Randy and Nancy, along with all the volunteers who generously share their time, skills and kindness with South Carolina State Parks. Their willingness to serve helps keep our parks welcoming and creates the memorable experiences that bring visitors back year after year.

If you see a park host during your next visit, take a moment to say hello and thank them for all they do. And if you’re interested in becoming a park host yourself, contact the state park you’re interested in directly to ask about available opportunities. It could be the beginning of a rewarding adventure filled with new friendships, meaningful service and plenty of stories to share.