Workamping 101: The Ultimate Beginners Guide

The open road, ever-changing scenery, and freedom to move about at will – the allure of the RV lifestyle is undeniable. If you’re an RV owner or renter, or even considering becoming one, you’ve likely fantasized about this nomadic lifestyle. One opportunity growing in popularity that makes this dream feasible is workamping.

In this guide, we’ll answer common questions like: “What is workamping?” “What kind of jobs do workampers do?” and “How do you find workamping jobs?” This comprehensive guide aims to cover everything you need to know to jump-start your workamping adventure.

What is Workamping?

Workamping, a portmanteau of “work” and “camping,” involves working part-time or full-time while living in an RV. It’s a lifestyle that appeals to those who value freedom, adventure, and flexibility. While workampers come from all walks of life, they share a common love for travel and exploration. 

The beauty of workamping is that it provides the means to finance your journey, making full-time RVing a viable, long-term lifestyle.

What Kind of Jobs do Workampers Do?

Workampers often find themselves engaged in a wide variety of jobs, depending on their skill sets, interests, and the demand for specific roles. These jobs are as diverse as the workampers themselves. Let’s take a deeper dive into the various opportunities workampers commonly pursue.

Campground Host

This role is a quintessential workamping job. As a campground host, your duties might include welcoming guests, answering questions, maintaining the cleanliness of the campground, handling reservations, and ensuring campers adhere to the campground rules. 

In return, campground hosts usually receive free or discounted camping, along with other amenities such as WiFi, laundry, or even a small stipend. This job is perfect for people who enjoy customer service and the great outdoors.

Seasonal Jobs

These are prevalent in areas that experience a significant influx of tourists during a particular season. For example, ski resorts hire extra hands during the winter months for roles such as ski lift operators, instructors, or customer service staff. 

Similarly, in summer, beach towns or national parks may need additional help to manage the tourist crowds. These roles often pay hourly wages and sometimes offer additional perks like free access to facilities.

Retail Jobs

Major retailers, especially those with high seasonal demand, have been known to hire workampers. For instance, Amazon’s CamperForce program recruits workampers during the holiday season to assist with fulfilling orders. They offer competitive wages, bonuses, and even a free campsite, making it a lucrative option for workampers.

Craftsmanship and Art

If you possess a knack for creating, this can be a fulfilling and profitable avenue. From handmade jewelry to personalized RV accessories, there is a wide market for artisanal products. These can be sold at local markets, craft fairs, or even online platforms like Etsy. This workamping job allows you to flex your creative muscles and build a business around your craft.

Freelancing/Remote Work

The digital age has made it possible to work from anywhere, including the comfort of your RV. If your skill set aligns with digital work – think writing, graphic design, consulting, programming, or virtual assistance – the world is your oyster. 

Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer connect freelancers with clients who need their services. This workamping job provides the most flexibility since you’re not tied to a physical location.

Ranger and Conservation Work

For those who love nature, working as a seasonal ranger or in conservation can be a fulfilling choice. These roles involve guiding tours, maintaining trails, or conducting wildlife surveys. They offer an excellent opportunity to contribute positively to the environment while living and working in some of the most beautiful locations.

How Do You Find Workamping Jobs?

Finding workamping jobs is now easier than ever, thanks to various resources dedicated to this unique lifestyle.

1. Workamping Websites: Websites like Workamper News, CoolWorks, and Workers On Wheels regularly post new workamping jobs. You can filter jobs by location, type, compensation, etc., to find the perfect fit for your needs.
2. RV and Workamping Shows: These events can be a goldmine for workamping opportunities. You get to meet potential employers face-to-face, network with fellow workampers, and attend workshops on workamping lifestyle.
3. Online Marketplaces: Websites like Upwork and Fiverr offer freelancing opportunities for a wide range of skills.
4. Social Media and Networking: Join workamping groups on platforms like Facebook or RV forums. They can be excellent sources for job leads, advice, and support from the workamping community.

Embracing the Workamping Lifestyle

Workamping is more than a way to fund your travels; it’s a lifestyle that brings a sense of purpose and community on the road. It can be as diverse and flexible as you want, offering endless opportunities to learn new skills and experiences. Remember, it’s not just about the work – it’s also about enjoying your unique journey.

Preparing For Workamping

Before embarking on your workamping journey, there are a few steps to consider:

Skills Assessment: Identify your skills and how they can be applied to workamping jobs. Even hobbies or past experiences can translate into potential work opportunities.

Budgeting: Determine your living expenses and income needs. Although many workamping jobs provide a campsite, consider other costs like fuel, food, health insurance, and RV maintenance.

Research: Explore different types of workamping jobs and the expectations that come with them. Look at job reviews and reach out to the workamping community for advice.

The decision to pursue a workamping lifestyle should be informed by a thorough understanding of the potential benefits and challenges. It’s essential to keep in mind that these advantages and disadvantages can vary greatly depending on personal preferences, lifestyle choices, and the specific jobs one might undertake.

 Let’s delve deeper into the various pros and cons of workamping!

Pros of Workamping

1. Opportunity to Travel and Explore: Workamping allows you to satisfy your wanderlust while earning a living. Whether you love the majestic mountain ranges, sun-kissed beaches, or the peaceful countryside, you can set your course as you please.
2. Flexible Work Hours: One of the significant advantages of workamping jobs is the flexibility they offer. Whether you are an early bird or a night owl, you can often choose your working hours. This flexibility allows you to plan your leisure activities and sightseeing trips without being bound by a rigid 9-5 schedule.
3. A Sense of Community: Workampers form close-knit communities, where everyone is on a similar journey. These bonds can result in lifelong friendships and a strong support network. Being part of this community means you’ll never truly be alone on the road.
4. Reduced Living Expenses: Many workamping jobs provide free or discounted campsites, including utility hookups. This arrangement can significantly reduce your living expenses, allowing for more financial freedom.
5. Variety and Learning Opportunities: With workamping, your job can change with the season or location, leading to a wide range of experiences and a chance to acquire new skills. The variety keeps the work interesting and prevents the burnout that can come with more traditional jobs.

Cons of Workamping

1. Inconsistent Work: The workamping lifestyle can sometimes be unstable. Jobs may be plentiful in one season and scarce in the next. This inconsistency requires careful budgeting and a bit of a safety net to get you through lean times.
2. Physical Demands: Some workamping jobs, particularly those involving outdoor maintenance or farm work, can be physically demanding. Be sure to consider your physical capabilities and comfort level when choosing jobs.
3. Limited Private Time: Depending on your job, there may be a blurring of boundaries between work and personal life. If you’re working at your campsite, guests may approach you during your off-hours with questions or problems.
4. Lack of Benefits: Many workamping jobs are temporary or contract-based, meaning you may not receive the same benefits that come with traditional employment, such as health insurance, retirement plans, or paid time off.
5. Potentially Nomadic Lifestyle: While this can be a pro for many, some may find constantly moving from one place to another challenging. It’s crucial to consider if you’re comfortable with saying goodbye to familiar places and faces regularly.

Workamping and Retirees

Workamping holds particular appeal for retirees seeking a lifestyle that combines travel, adventure, and a sense of community with the opportunity to supplement their income. Let’s explore why workamping can be a fantastic option for those enjoying their golden years:

1. Exploring at Your Own Pace: Retirement provides the time to finally undertake the trips you’ve always dreamed of. Workamping allows you to explore new places at a relaxed pace, spending weeks or even months in a single location, truly soaking in the local culture and scenery.
2. Staying Active: The various jobs that workampers undertake can provide physical activity and mental stimulation, both of which are crucial for maintaining health and wellbeing during retirement. Whether it’s managing a campground or leading guided tours, these jobs keep you active and engaged.
3. Extra Income: Living on a fixed income can be a concern for many retirees. Workamping provides an opportunity to earn while you travel, helping cover travel expenses or supplementing your retirement income.
4. Meeting New People: Workamping allows you to connect with a diverse group of people from all walks of life. Whether it’s fellow workampers, campers visiting the site, or locals in the area, the social interaction can enrich your travel experience.
5. Learning and Sharing: The variety of jobs available to workampers means there’s always something new to learn. Similarly, as a retiree, you have a wealth of experience that you can share in your roles. Whether it’s mentoring younger workampers or sharing stories with campers, your knowledge becomes an asset.
6. Giving Back: Many workamping positions involve roles in national parks, conservation areas, or volunteer organizations. These jobs offer an opportunity to contribute to causes you care about, adding a sense of purpose to your retirement.

Tips for a Successful Workamping Experience

Now that we’ve covered the basics of workamping, here are some tips to ensure you make the most of your workamping experience:

Try Before You Buy: If you’re unsure about committing to the workamping lifestyle, try it out first. Take a short-term job or even volunteer at a campground. This will give you an insight into the lifestyle and help you make an informed decision.

Stay Organized: Keep track of all your job applications, resumes, and important dates. Being organized can increase your chances of landing and managing workamping jobs effectively.

Broaden Your Skillset: The more skills you have, the more opportunities you can access. Consider taking online courses or gaining new certifications.

Have a Reliable Internet Connection: Since much of the workamping job hunt (and many of the jobs themselves) happens online, having a reliable internet connection is crucial.

Keep an Open Mind: The workamping lifestyle is about adventure and trying new things. Be open to various job types – you might find enjoyment in a job you wouldn’t have initially considered.

Workamping – A Unique Path to Freedom and Adventure

Whether you’re a retiree looking to supplement your income and add excitement to your golden years, a digital nomad searching for a unique way to live and work, or a young adult seeking an alternative lifestyle filled with adventure, workamping offers endless possibilities. 

It combines the freedom of the open road with the need to earn an income, all while providing an enriching, diverse, and flexible lifestyle.

As with any journey, there may be bumps in the road and challenges to overcome. However, the rewards of workamping – new experiences, beautiful locations, and a strong community – make the journey worthwhile.

This guide provides a starting point, but the real guide is your personal experience. Your workamping journey will be as unique as you are. Embark on this adventure with RVnGO, embrace the workamping lifestyle, and create a life full of rich experiences and memorable stories.