What is Workamping?
Workamping is more than just a clever combination of "work" and "camping"; it's a lifestyle that blends employment with the freedom of living on the road.
For RVers, Workamping represents a unique opportunity to travel, connect with like-minded adventurers, and reduce living expenses while earning supplemental income.
Whether you're a retiree seeking a new adventure, a full-time RVer looking to balance life on the road with work, or simply curious about how to make the most of RV living, Workamping offers something for everyone.
At its core, Workamping involves taking on temporary jobs while living in your RV. The types of jobs available are as diverse as the people who embrace this lifestyle.
Camp hosting, where you serve as the face of a campground, welcoming guests and helping with light maintenance, is one of the most popular options. Other roles include retail and customer service positions at parks or attractions, maintenance and groundskeeping at campgrounds, and corporate programs like Jackson Hewitt, which hires Workampers during tax season.
Workamping opportunities can also be found at amusement parks, travel centers, breweries, farms and ranches, and gate guarding companies. Some RVers participate in large produce harvests, such as The Unbeetable Experience, which hires RVers for seasonal work at receiving stations during the sugar beet harvest.
For those who prefer remote work, Workamping can also involve online jobs or freelance gigs, allowing you to earn an income without leaving the comfort of your RV.
Volunteering for governmental agencies and non-profits in exchange for perks such as free hookups and access to amenities is another flexible option for embracing this lifestyle.
The Benefits of Workamping for RVers
The benefits of Workamping for RVers are many. Financially, it's an excellent way to reduce or even eliminate camping costs. Many positions include free RV sites with full hookups as part of the compensation package, and some also offer hourly wages or other perks.
Beyond the financial aspect, Workamping allows you to experience new locations in a way that few others can, immersing yourself in local communities and forging connections with fellow travelers.
The 3-6 months typically spent at a Workamping job provides the unique opportunity to truly explore the attractions, savor the local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the culture of a place. Unlike a brief vacation, this extended stay lets you form a deeper connection with the area and create lasting memories.
The social aspect is often one of the most rewarding parts of Workamping, as it provides a chance to meet people from all walks of life who share your love of adventure. Many Workampers form lifelong friendships with the people they work for or alongside, creating a sense of community that extends far beyond the job itself.
Additionally, Workamping keeps you active, engaged, and learning new skills, making it an ideal option for those who want to stay busy and purposeful.
How to Get Started Workamping
Getting started with Workamping is simpler than you might think. Begin by exploring our website and becoming a Workamper Dreamer member with us.
Workamper.com offers a wealth of job listings tailored specifically to RVers. Campgrounds, RV parks, and other businesses all around the United States post opportunities directly on our website, and we send those jobs out every weekday to our members.
We typically get anywhere from 5 to 35 new job listings every day on our site and even as a free Dreamer member, you can access the Workamping jobs for free via our daily Hotline Job Listing emails - although, as a Dreamer, those jobs will be two weeks old.
For current job listings posted daily, consider upgrading to a Workamper Seeker or Pro membership. A small investment in membership offers great benefits for when you’re ready to take a Workamping job.
However, a Dreamer membership is a fantastic way to start seeing the types of jobs available. You'll be part of the community and gain access to a wealth of articles and information to help you get started.
Learn more about Workamper membership options here.
When applying for Workamping jobs, tailor your resume to highlight skills relevant to the roles you're interested in, such as customer service experience or handyman abilities.
It's also essential to have a clear understanding of what's expected in terms of hours, duties, and the length of your stay before committing to a position.
For those new to Workamping, starting with a short-term role can be a great way to test the waters and decide if the lifestyle is right for you.
Contract and Volunteer Workamping Opportunities
Workamping opportunities come in all shapes and sizes. Some RVers choose to volunteer their time for non-profits, while others look for paid or contract positions that offer higher compensation. Whether you’re seeking flexibility, purpose, or a paycheck, there’s a Workamping role to fit nearly every lifestyle.
Volunteering is a great way for new Workampers to “test the waters” and for experienced travelers to enjoy more freedom than traditional jobs allow. Volunteer roles typically involve shorter commitments and fewer hours, with most providing a free RV site with hookups instead of wages.
For those seeking paid seasonal work, organizations like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offer contract opportunities that include campsites and compensation. Workampers can submit bids for these positions, and if selected, their bid amount becomes their pay for the season.
Learn more: Workamping with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Workamping Challenges to Consider
Of course, Workamping is not without its challenges. Adjusting to new work environments and balancing responsibilities with the desire for leisure can be tricky.
Some jobs, especially those that involve physical labor or long hours, may be demanding. It's important to manage expectations and ensure that the arrangement works for you, whether that means negotiating hours or ensuring that the perks align with the time and effort required.
Planning ahead and researching potential roles thoroughly can help mitigate these challenges, allowing you to find positions that suit your needs and preferences.
How Much Money Can I Make as a Workamper?
Understand that most Workamping jobs won't match typical career incomes. Compensation varies widely depending on the employer and job type. Many employers offer an RV site in exchange for a certain number of hours worked, while others provide an RV site plus wages or just wages.
Some positions offer perks like WiFi, propane, and laundry. Wages can range from minimum wage to $30+ per hour. You'll want to evaluate each job's value by considering the provided campsite and perks.
Check out our detailed post on determining a Workamping job's value: Doing the Math on a Workamping Job.
Tips for Success in Workamping
Success in Workamping often comes down to preparation and attitude. Clear communication with employers about expectations and needs is crucial to avoid misunderstandings.
Flexibility is another key trait, as every job and location brings its own set of challenges and rewards. Finally, planning ahead is essential, especially for popular seasonal positions that may fill up quickly.
By embracing these strategies, you can ensure a positive and fulfilling Workamping experience.
Why Workamping is Perfect for RVers
For RVers, Workamping is a perfect fit because it aligns so well with the freedom and mobility that define RV living. It allows you to travel with purpose, discovering new places while contributing to the communities you visit.
From working at bustling RV parks to enjoying remote assignments in tranquil settings, the opportunities are as varied as the landscapes you’ll encounter.
Many RVers find that Workamping enhances their journey, turning routine stops into meaningful experiences and fostering a sense of community on the road.
Workamping Resources
For those ready to dive into the world of Workamping, numerous resources are available to guide you. Workamper News is an excellent starting point, offering job listings, tools, guides, and a supportive community of RVers.
Podcasts, like The Workamper Show, can give you greater insight into Workamping opportunities and the RV lifestyle in general.
Platforms like Volunteer.gov provide additional opportunities, particularly for those interested in volunteering in exchange for perks.
Networking with other Workampers can provide valuable advice and open the door to new opportunities. Local RV clubs and associations, as well as online groups and forums allow you to learn from others who have embraced the Workamping lifestyle.
Conclusion
Workamping is more than just a way to offset the costs of RV living; it's an enriching lifestyle that combines adventure, community, and personal growth.
Whether you're looking to explore new destinations, meet interesting people, or simply make life on the road more sustainable, Workamping offers a path to all these goals and more. So why not give it a try? Your next great adventure could be just around the corner.
