Work camping, often called workamping, combines living in an RV, camper or tent with part-time or seasonal work. Some people do it to travel on a budget, some to stay in a favorite area for a season, and some simply enjoy meeting people and staying busy. Retirees are a big part of the workamping community, but more younger travelers and families now take part too. Here’s how it works and how to find positions.
What is work camping?
In a typical arrangement, you work a set number of hours in exchange for a campsite, often with hookups, and sometimes an hourly wage on top. Some positions are fully volunteer, others are regular paid jobs. Arrangements vary widely, so the details are always worth getting in writing.
Common types of work camping jobs
Campground and RV park staff
The most common option. Duties include check-in and office work, site maintenance, cleaning restrooms, landscaping, running the camp store and organizing activities.
Campground hosts
Hosts live on site and help visitors, answer questions, keep an eye on the campground and do light maintenance. Many public land agencies use volunteer hosts.
Volunteer roles on public lands
National parks, national forests, wildlife refuges and other federal lands list volunteer positions, including camp hosts and visitor center help, on volunteer.gov. Many state parks run their own host programs.
Seasonal jobs
- Tourist attractions, resorts and marinas in peak season
- Harvest jobs in agricultural areas
- Holiday jobs such as Christmas tree lots and retail fulfillment work
- Ski areas in winter
Remote work from the road
Some workampers keep a remote job and choose campgrounds with reliable internet.
Where to find positions
- Workamping job boards such as Workamper News list openings from campgrounds and employers around the country.
- volunteer.gov for volunteer roles on federal lands.
- State park websites for host programs.
- Campgrounds directly. Contact parks where you’d like to stay. Many hire returning workampers year after year.
- Online communities and RV clubs, where workampers share leads and reviews of employers.
Positions for the next summer season are often posted in fall and winter, so this is a good time to start looking.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Saves on campsite costs
- A chance to live in beautiful places and stay longer
- Social, with coworkers and campers
- Flexible, seasonal commitments
Cons
- Hours and pay vary, and some positions don’t pay
- Work can be physical and include weekends and holidays
- Living and working in the same place can blur boundaries
- You’re committed to one location for the season
Questions to ask before you accept
- How many hours per week are required, and are they per person or per couple?
- Is the site free, and are electric, water, sewer, propane and laundry included?
- Is there an hourly wage for hours worked beyond the site exchange?
- What are the exact start and end dates?
- What will the duties be, and is training provided?
- Are there days off, and can you swap shifts?
- Is internet available at the site?
- Are pets allowed?
Get the agreement in writing, and check reviews from past workampers when you can.
Getting started
- Make sure your RV or camper is reliable and suited to the climate where you’ll work.
- Prepare a short résumé that highlights customer service, maintenance or office skills.
- Keep a budget for travel between jobs.
- Consider taxes and mail forwarding if you’re on the road full time.
- Pack basic tools, work gloves and comfortable work shoes, since many positions involve outdoor maintenance.
- Line up your next position before the current one ends to avoid gaps.
If you’re still deciding on your setup, our guide to camping in a tent or a motor home compares the options, and our guide to camping year-round covers off-season travel.
Tips for doing well as a workamper
- Show up on time and be friendly with campers. Customer service is a big part of most positions.
- Ask questions early if duties are unclear.
- Keep track of your hours, especially if a site exchange is involved.
- Build a good relationship with managers. Many workampers are invited back, and good references lead to other positions.
- Take time to explore the area on your days off. That is part of the reason to do it.
FAQ
Do work camping jobs pay?
Some do. Many offer a free campsite plus an hourly wage, while volunteer roles usually offer only a campsite.
Do you need an RV to work camp?
Most positions expect you to bring your own RV or camper, but some offer housing or allow tents.
When should you apply for summer workamping jobs?
Many employers post summer positions in the fall and winter months.
Top image: “Campground Host” by NPS / Hannah Schwalbe, Joshua Tree National Park, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.