How to get started. Where do you look for that great work camping position? While this article will by no means be the end all for information, the goal here is to get you started on the path to a focused search.
Focus on the task. What interests you? A paid position or a volunteer position provided with free camping space and a small stipend? The Internet is the primary source for finding a great position, but as you may have noticed, it is a pretty large place and can seem intimidating.
What would you like to do? This can be a hard question to answer if you are not sure what is available. Some possibilities for job fulfillment could be camp host, park volunteer, retail operation, fund-raising or recreation park operations.
Start with good information. The National Park Service has is a wonderful resource. The California State Park Website, Cooperating Associations, is also a great way to find work camp. Log on and pick a park and check out their cooperating partners.
Other good links to search for positions are:
Yellowstone Association,
Xanterra,
KOA and
Delaware North
Seasonal work-camping is offered by many of the theme parks throughout the nation, Disney included. One in particular in Iowa, Adventureland, has a campground with a bridge connecting directly to the park for the shortest commute possible.
Build Your Resume. Most parks and organizations request a resume of past experience, the make and model of your RV, and usually a few photos of you with your rig. Workamper News is a subscription service that is a valuable clearinghouse for jobs around the country. There is also resume building assistance, tips and a work camping community available. Many employers list positions or find employees here. If you are serious about the work camping life, this service is a must.
Volunteer. If extra cash is not needed but you want to limit your full-timing expenses, volunteering is the way to go. So many opportunities, but where are they? COE, or Corps of Engineers campgrounds, use both volunteer and paid positions. The duties may be 5 days a week with a free site. This is a nice way to try out this kind of job with the aim of getting a paid position.
However you find your work camping position on the open road, with the right preparation it will be very rewarding and fun experience.
Read about another RVing couple living the work camper lifestyle.