Work Camping Jobs for RVers and Vanlifers
- Sabrina
- Aug 13
- 10 min read
There are tons of job opportunities in diverse locations across the USA that offer work camping jobs for RVers and Vanlifers. Work campers are people who work seasonal jobs that allow them to make money while camping. There are multiple websites and companies that post entry level jobs that offer free campsites for their workers, with contracts ranging from 2-weeks to 7-months. As a work camper you could find yourself working at a resort in Florida, harvesting potatoes in Idaho, or caring for campgrounds around Yosemite National Park, all while making money and living the vagabond lifestyle. If you want to know the basics of finding a work camping job, the type of work you can do, and the volunteer opportunities out there for work campers, this post has all the information you need to get started.
Photo Credit: Farzn Dehbashi
Table of Contents
What to Know About Work Camping
What is Work Camping / Workamping
Work camping, also known as workamping, is when you are working at a location while camping. Traditionally, it was exchanging work for a free campsite/other amenities, but today it is common to find short or long-term work camping jobs that pay an hourly wage as well. Work camping enables RVers and vanlifers to support their lifestyles, continue traveling, have unique work experiences, and more.
When and Where Work Camping Jobs are Available
Work camping jobs are seasonal. Therefore, there are different types of opportunities available year-round. You can find these opportunities all across the USA at working farms, campgrounds and RV resorts, amusements parks, national and state parks, and many more locations.
Time Commitment of Work Camping
You can find work camping contracts of all lengths, it really just depends on what you are looking for. There are contracts as short as 2-weeks, 3-months, or even up to 7-months. If you find a year-round job you really love, you may even be lucky enough to find a place to set up shop and work for the year! The number of hours you work per day or week also fluctuates depending on the job/company. There are jobs that allow you to work as little as 15-20 hours a week, or some that allow you to work more than 60 hours a week if you are looking to make a good paycheck.
Requirements to be a Work Camper
There are no specific requirements to be a work camper. Each job will have it's own specific requirements (such as age, previous experience, etc...) that will be made known to you in the job posting or when you apply.
You do not need to have a specific RV type or van size to be a work camper. There will be some jobs that may not be able to accommodate the type of RV or van you have, or spots that don't work well with the kind of vehicle you have, but there are jobs out there for every size and shape RV or van. At the end of the day, you need to choose the RV or van that works best for you and your lifestyle.
How Much Money Do Work Campers Make
Your paycheck will vary depending on your job, employer, and state you are working in. You can make an hourly minimum wage, a bit less depending on the perks that come with the job, or even find a job that pays time and a half. Whatever you are offered, make sure you consider the hours worked and tasks of the job to decide if the pay is fair. Don't forget to consider the amenities and perks that are part of the contract to decide if the job is worth it to you.
Not all Work Camping Jobs Provide a Free Campsite
Depending on where you work, your employer may offer anything from a full-hook up campsites to a dry campsite. These sites may be included in your contract or you may be paying a subsidized fee to use them. There are also jobs you can do while work camping that require you to find your own campsite.
When to Apply to a Work Camping Job
For seasonal work, you should apply anywhere from 5-6 months before the start date. The jobs with the best pay, perks, and RV hookups, are the ones that fill up the fastest. Thus, applying early gives you a better chance of getting the job. However, if you find yourself in a position where you are applying later than most, don't worry too much as job openings appear all throughout the season for various reasons.
Work Camping V.S. Work Exchange V.S. Volunteering
While work camping, you can receive a standard paycheck for the hours you put in or you can volunteer your time and receive a campsite/other perks as compensation.
Usually, work exchange is known as exchanging your services (i.e. labor or a certain skill set) in exchange for room and board and/or other perks/amenities. In the work camping world, work exchange and volunteering are used interchangeably, because you are volunteering your time without being paid. Thus, most 'volunteer' positions come with a free campsite and other perks/amenities and are not usually in support of a specific cause.
Traditional volunteering is donating your time and skills in service to others or a specific cause. There are opportunities that allow you to participate in traditional volunteering while work camping that also provide you with a campsite.
What to Consider Before Applying to a Work Camping Job
When applying to a work camping job you should consider the specific amenities included in your contract. If you need a full hook up, is this something that is provided or is dry camping what is being offered? Do you need a location that offers community showers or onsite laundry? Do you have cell phone service or wifi access if that is something you rely on. Since you may be working in these locations for a full season, consider what there is to do in your area to keep you entertained. Also, is the job itself something you will enjoy and can support your lifestyle? What are the pros and cons of taking this job in the location it is in? These are just a few things to consider before applying to a work camping job.
Where to Find a Work Camping Job
Below is a list of websites that post job opportunities for RVers and vanlifers interested in work camping jobs. To find links to specific jobs and directly apply, scroll below to specific job opportunities.
Kamper Jobs: Free work camping job search website.
Workamping Jobs: Free work camping job search website.
Happy Vegabonds: Free work camping job search website.
CoolWorks: This is a seasonal job website. They have a page dedicated to jobs with RV spaces.
Workamper News: To view/apply for jobs via this website, you need a membership. The Gold membership is the cheapest and runs for $19.95/yr.
Workers on Wheels: To view/apply for jobs via this website, you need a membership. The 30-day memberships is $9.99.
Indeed: This is a general job search website that has postings for work campers.
You can also search for opportunities via forums on RV websites and job board like RV Life Pro, or on active Facebook groups such as Workampers or FULL TIME RV Work Campers.
Photo Credit: Blake Wisz
Work Camping Jobs for RVers & Vanlifers
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Working at a campground is one of the most common work camping opportunities. Campground and RV parks offer a variety of job opportunities such as; camp host, maintenance, front office, custodial, nature guide, retail, food & beverage, landscaping & lawn care, and more.
Where to apply;
KOA (chain campground)
Sun Outdoors (chain campground)
Camp Jellystone Park (chain campground)
State & National Parks / Concessions
When working at a state or national park, it is important to know that most of these federal park jobs are considered volunteer positions and are unpaid. However, if you work for a park concessionaire, it means you are working for a private company that is contracted to work in/around the parks, and therefore it is a paid gig. Both employees offer various positions such as; camp host, retail, food & beverage, welcome center and information booth, tour guide, outfitters, maintenance, landscaping, housekeeping, and more.
Where to apply for concessions;
Work exchange & volunteer with the parks;
Google any state park near you for more opportunities
Amusement Parks
Amusement parks can be a lot of fun to work at and offer a range of job possibilities such as; food & beverage, games attendant, ride operator, tickets & admission, information booth, parking attendant, performer, lifeguard, custodial, security, sales, and more.
Where to apply;
Silver Dollar City (Campsites not provided)
Dollywood (Campsites not provided)
Harvest & Agriculture
Each season brings the growth of new crops, which means workers are needed to harvest these crops. While harvesting crops can mean long hours on your feet, it also means a pretty solid paycheck. Some jobs offered in this field are; truck driver, pile operator, equipment operator, sample taker, quality control, harvester/fruit picker, and more.
Where to apply;
Sugar Beet Harvest (North Dakota & Minnesota)
Sugar Beet Harvest (Michigan)
US Department of Labor (general job search website)
Gate Guarding
A gate guard is a security role that ensures only authorized personnel are admitted beyond whatever gate they are stationed at. In the work camping world, oil gate guarding out in Texas is most popular, but there are other opportunities out there as well. It is important to note that gate guards need to be a licensed security officer (which means taking a course to obtain this certification).
Where to apply;
Animal Care
Most animal care jobs are work exchange opportunities and are unpaid. These opportunities offer various kinds of work that provide interaction with or around animals such as; dog walking, animal feeding and grooming, socializing with animals, maintenance and custodial, landscaping, office work, tours & education, and more.
Work exchange & volunteer opportunities;
Pumpkin Patches, Tree Farms, Corn Mazes, Fireworks
The changing of seasons bring a change in entertainment and sales opportunities. Work campers often take jobs working at pumpkin patches, selling and wrapping Christmas trees at farms and lots, working corn mazes or haunted houses, or selling fireworks. Each of these jobs offer possible positions in sales, customer service, cashier, custodial, and more. You can find these jobs by searching for opportunities near you, or using the work camping websites above.
Hospitality Work
There are many locations that offer positions in hospitality like golf courses, wineries, hotels/motels, tour companies, resorts, ski resorts, etc... These companies offer work positions such as; tour guide, bartender, waitstaff, housekeeping, front desk, cook, event & set up staff, rentals, and many more. You can search for these jobs via the work camping websites listed above.
Spotlight opportunity;
Albuquerque International Balloon Festival (short-term work exchange)
Photo Credit: Joel Holland
Work Exchange While Work Camping
What is Work Exchange
Work exchange is when you offer your time and skill set in exchange for housing and/or other amenities/perks. In the work camping world, many work exchange positions are referred to as volunteer positions, because you are volunteering your time.
Work Exchange VS a Paid Work Camping Job
Work exchange enables you to take part in exciting experiences and spend time in interesting locations that you may not get to do if you were taking on a paid job. It usually means working less hours, thus giving you more free time to explore the area you are living in and utilizing other provided perks. It also enables you to live in a specific location without worrying about paying for a campsite or other amenities. Some people also prefer work exchange, or volunteer positions, because not earning income means means folks who are in retirement can still have these experiences and don't need to worry about anything messing with their retirement fund.
Where to Find Work Exchange While Work Camping
Many work exchange positions will be listed as 'volunteer' and will be posted on the work camping job search websites above.
Traditional Volunteering as a Work Camper
For purposes of this post, this section is about work camping opportunities where you can volunteer your time in service of a cause/to others.
What it Means to Volunteer While Work Camping
A lot of locations will offer volunteer positions for work campers. What they usually mean is that they offer a camping spot, and possibly other perks, in exchange for you to volunteer your time. However, there are also traditional volunteer opportunities that allow you to spend your time giving back in support of local communities, non-profit organizations, or specific causes.
Where to Find Traditional Volunteer Work Camping Opportunities
You can search for volunteer opportunities while work camping via websites such as; Volunter.gov.
You can also apply to volunteer with the following work camping programs;
Finding a Campsite While Work Camping
There are some great work opportunities out there that do not provide a campsite for work campers. However, it does not mean you can't take that job. Plenty of work campers find their own campsites so that they don't miss out on interesting opportunities or higher paychecks.
Where to Find Campsites for Your RV or Van
To find a campsite near you, you can google search "campsites near me" and plug in the types of hook-ups or amenities you need. Or, use the following websites to help you search;
Find free campsite with;
Campendium (offers free and paid campsites)
Use free campsite locator apps like;
iOverland
OnX Offroad
Sekr
The Dryt
RV Parky
Boondockers Welcome (need to pay a membership)
Search for paid campsites with;
ARMY MWR (for military families)
Conclusion
Work camping is a great way for RVers and vanlifers to support their nomadic lifestyle through short and long-term work opportunities. There are various resources out there to help work campers find and apply to diverse jobs and live in amazing locations across the USA. You can also join volunteer programs and projects that support causes you are passionate about, while living in an RV or van. If you have experience work camping, please feel free to share your experience in the comments below.
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