Working on the Road
There are many reasons to work while traveling in your RV. Of course, there's the financial reason but also many retirees just enjoy working part-time, or volunteering their time. There are the lucky few that have an online job and can work from anywhere but others need to travel where the work is located.
The internet is a great resource and I've listed a few below to get you started. Working in state parks is called camp hosting and the person receives their site free for 20 hours of volunteer work but companies and theme parks offer seasonal/temporary work and pay for hours worked. Federal campgrounds usually pay for hours worked and the couple must bid on the job.
Camp Hosting
This can mean anything from managing a store, collecting fees, light housekeeping, managing a small campground, providing visitors with park information, maintenance of grounds to renting canoes. It all depends on the park and what is needed. It is very important to understand what your duties are before accepting any job.
Many camps hire couples and the hours are split between them and their site is free. Other places will pay for services and their site is also free. State parks generally expect 20 hours between a couple but Federal Parks often expect three to four days on and then three to four days off. The couples we have spoken with collect fees at the gate and work 14 hour days. They love their job but this may not be the ideal situation for everyone.
Asking questions and understanding expectations is very important before committing to a job. A few questions to ask might be:
Ask yourself if this job sounds like fun and will you enjoy being at this campground. We try to talk to our camp host every where we go to get a feel for this type of work. They always tell us how much they love their job and what their duties are in the campground.
Seasonal/Temporary Work
This type of work is seasonal and temporary and you are compensated for hours worked Hours may be from 20 to 40 hours a week.
Amazon hires seasonal workers every year during the holidays and pays $9 to $10 an hour. They offer multiple positions and sometimes offer a free site at a campground. The hours may be long and you might be expected to work weekends during their hectic holiday season.
Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee offers seasonal work every year for their peak season. The work is very physical and requires long periods of standing and walking. According to the Dollywood Theme Park site "most employees work outside in the heat or cold. While most Work Campers are aware of the heat, many are surprised by the high humidity level and the amount of work that has to be performed outside."
Disney World Theme Parks also offer seasonal and temporary work. The link is below to the primary site for employment at Disney. You'll find job descriptions, including the hourly pay rates and can apply online.
Warning
Whether you are looking for temporary seasonal work or camp hosting, be sure this is the job for you and you'll have fun. A few warning signs to avoid a bad experience might be:
The internet is a great resource and I've listed a few below to get you started. Working in state parks is called camp hosting and the person receives their site free for 20 hours of volunteer work but companies and theme parks offer seasonal/temporary work and pay for hours worked. Federal campgrounds usually pay for hours worked and the couple must bid on the job.
Camp Hosting
This can mean anything from managing a store, collecting fees, light housekeeping, managing a small campground, providing visitors with park information, maintenance of grounds to renting canoes. It all depends on the park and what is needed. It is very important to understand what your duties are before accepting any job.
Many camps hire couples and the hours are split between them and their site is free. Other places will pay for services and their site is also free. State parks generally expect 20 hours between a couple but Federal Parks often expect three to four days on and then three to four days off. The couples we have spoken with collect fees at the gate and work 14 hour days. They love their job but this may not be the ideal situation for everyone.
Asking questions and understanding expectations is very important before committing to a job. A few questions to ask might be:
- How many hours will you be expected to work each week and is that per couple or per person?
- Will I work my hours in a set period of time and have days off to leave the campground?
- What does "light maintenance" mean? Will I be cleaning bathrooms and cutting grass?
- If I work extra hours, will I be compensated for those hours?
- Do you provide a vehicle to drive around the campground or will I be expected to use my own and how will I be compensated for gas and mileage.
- Will I be expected to solve problems or just keep an eye on things and call someone?
- Will I be compensated for my time or be given a free site and free amenities?
- Does this camp provide electrical, cable, water and sewer and possibly laundry for the host?
- Does this camp have overnight guests or are they full-time owners of their site?
- Where is this campground?
Ask yourself if this job sounds like fun and will you enjoy being at this campground. We try to talk to our camp host every where we go to get a feel for this type of work. They always tell us how much they love their job and what their duties are in the campground.
Seasonal/Temporary Work
This type of work is seasonal and temporary and you are compensated for hours worked Hours may be from 20 to 40 hours a week.
Amazon hires seasonal workers every year during the holidays and pays $9 to $10 an hour. They offer multiple positions and sometimes offer a free site at a campground. The hours may be long and you might be expected to work weekends during their hectic holiday season.
Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee offers seasonal work every year for their peak season. The work is very physical and requires long periods of standing and walking. According to the Dollywood Theme Park site "most employees work outside in the heat or cold. While most Work Campers are aware of the heat, many are surprised by the high humidity level and the amount of work that has to be performed outside."
Disney World Theme Parks also offer seasonal and temporary work. The link is below to the primary site for employment at Disney. You'll find job descriptions, including the hourly pay rates and can apply online.
Warning
Whether you are looking for temporary seasonal work or camp hosting, be sure this is the job for you and you'll have fun. A few warning signs to avoid a bad experience might be:
- You see the same campground advertising constantly and begin to wonder if they can keep workers.
- The campground does not require workampers to fill out a W4 or check ID for proof of citizenship.
- You do not receive promised paperwork on time before traveling to site.
- The person doing the hiring doesn't seem friendly and willing to answer your questions.
Work Resources
Amazon
Army Corp of Engineers Volunteers
Cool Works.com
National Park Service (then search for camp hosting)
Become a Camp Host
RV Park Store
Your RV Lifestyle
Workamper News
Workampingjobs.com
Amazon
Army Corp of Engineers Volunteers
Cool Works.com
National Park Service (then search for camp hosting)
Become a Camp Host
RV Park Store
Your RV Lifestyle
Workamper News
Workampingjobs.com
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” ― Helen Keller
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