Work Camping

There is a whole sub-industry for work campers.  Work camping may range from simply getting a free RV or tent space for managing a public campground to paid positions at commercial establishments.   KOA has its own WorkKamper organization with classes and registration for opportunities within the KOA network.  For more information on work camping see Workamper News.  It can be quite an interesting experience getting paid to spend the summer at a resort or campground.  My wife and I worked at an ATV resort in southern Utah one summer.  Sometimes the tasks are mundane, but the scenery is beautiful and the people we worked with were outstanding. I worked as an ATV mechanic and it was quite a thrill to test drive our rental units after we worked on them and realize I was actually getting paid to ride!

Before you consider work camping, think about whether you would enjoy or even be able to tolerate living in your RV or tent for several weeks or months.  It may take some adjustment so be prepared.  For our first work camping experience, my wife and I were living in our Holiday Rambler Imperial Limited 38.   It is an older motorhome (circa 1986) but is in good condition and is well equipped.  We soon learned that the washer and dryer, that had seen little prior usage,  both needed work, but for the most part we were very comfortable in our home on wheels and found the work camping experience very enjoyable.  As is often the case with recreational equipment, disuse can be more damaging than regular use.

Sometimes the prerequisites are minimal but the more desirable and lucrative positions will require relevant skills and experience.  Volunteer positions for public campgrounds are usually the most lenient -- and offer the least compensation.   Some positions may only offer a campsite discount. Commercial campgrounds will most likely be seeking experienced employees and will sometimes offer a free site plus a modest salary.  Any experience in hospitality services (hotel/motel) may be helpful.   Knowledge of RVs and camping equipment are always useful.  In some places having good handy-man skills will be an asset.  In almost all cases the ability to deal with the public in a helpful and friendly way will be essential.  Special knowledge about local events, attractions, flora, fauna, history and geology is also useful.

If you are interested in developing opportunities for work camping, start by researching needs at local public campgrounds.   Places that solicit volunteers are most likely to have the least demanding requirements and will let you log some history and experience.  It will also let you find out if it is something you REALLY want to do.   Most people have reasonable expectations going in but sometimes you might discover there are responsibilities or tasks you either don't have the proper training and experience to handle or things you simple don't want to do.  Better to find out before you make any long-term commitments.  Maintenance positions often involve all round handyman work and may include mundane and unpleasant tasks such as hauling garbage or unclogging stopped up toilets.   Housekeeping jobs in resorts with rooms for rent will be more involved than those for campgrounds where the housekeeping focuses mainly on cleaning the restrooms and the office.

Personal specialties may make you an especially good candidate for certain jobs.  If you happen to be a Civil War buff your expertise and passion may uniquely qualify you for certain historical sites. Having knowledge of other local events or geological or ecological aspects of an area will enhance your marketability and your appeal to potential employers.  If you are into hiking, seek campgrounds that are near popular trail heads and familiarize yourself with the local trails.   Expertise in fishing, boating, horseback riding, bicycling, and off road activities can also be leveraged by focusing on relevant locations.   Make sure your application matches the needs of the location.   For example, don't promote your off-road skills at hiking and backing packing locations where nature and survival skills would be more appreciated.  Skill with computer and wifi networks often comes in handy, especially as more and more campgrounds offer Internet services to their guests.  Marketing and merchandising experience is highly prized by many commercial campgrounds.

Get to work!