Are you tired of the daily grind, the endless routine of work, sleep, and repeat? Do you dream of traveling the country full time, seeing new sights, and meeting new people? If so, workamping jobs might just be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Workamping combines work with camping, allowing you to travel while earning money at the same time. Workampers typically work in campgrounds, RV parks, or other outdoor recreation areas, performing tasks such as maintenance, office work, or hospitality services. In return for their work, they receive free or discounted camping accommodations, as well as a small stipend or hourly wage.
But how do you find workamping jobs? In this article, we’ll explore some of the best resources and strategies for finding workamping opportunities, as well as some tips for making the most of your workamping experience.
1. Start with Workamping Websites
One of the easiest ways to find workamping jobs is to start with dedicated workamping websites. These websites specialize in connecting workampers with employers, and offer a wide range of job listings from across the country. Some of the top workamping websites to check out include:
- Workamper News: The largest and most well-known workamping website, with a database of over 1,000 job listings.
- Workers On Wheels: Another popular workamping website, with job listings in a variety of categories, including campground work, RV park work, and seasonal jobs.
- CoolWorks: Not specifically a workamping website, but a great resource for seasonal jobs in national parks, resorts, and other outdoor recreation areas.
- WorkampingJobs.com: A newer workamping website that offers free job listings for both employers and job seekers.
Pros:
- Dedicated workamping websites offer a large selection of job listings in one place.
- Many workamping websites offer additional resources and support, such as job application tips and advice for new workampers.
- Signing up for workamping websites is often free or low-cost.
Cons:
- The competition for popular job listings on workamping websites can be fierce.
- Some workamping websites may require a paid subscription to access all job listings and resources.
2. Contact Campgrounds Directly
Another option for finding workamping jobs is to contact campgrounds, RV parks, and other outdoor recreation areas directly. This approach can be especially effective if you have a specific location or employer in mind, or if you’re looking for a more personalized workamping experience.
To find potential employers, start by researching campgrounds and RV parks in your desired location. Look for websites, social media pages, or online directories that list campground amenities and services. Once you’ve identified a few potential employers, reach out to them directly to inquire about workamping opportunities. Be sure to have a professional resume and cover letter ready to send, and be prepared to follow up with phone calls or emails as needed.
Pros:
- Contacting campgrounds directly allows you to tailor your job search to your specific preferences and needs.
- You may be able to negotiate job duties, compensation, or work hours directly with employers.
- Building relationships with employers can lead to repeat workamping opportunities in the future.
Cons:
- Contacting employers directly can be time-consuming and require a significant amount of research and outreach.
- Some employers may not have workamping opportunities available, or may not be interested in hiring remote workers.
3. Use Social Media and Networking
Another strategy for finding workamping jobs is to use social media and networking. By connecting with other workampers and industry professionals, you can gain valuable insights and information about job opportunities, as well as build relationships that can lead to future job offers.
Start by joining workamping groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media platforms. These groups are a great way to connect with other workampers, share job leads, and ask for advice or recommendations. You can also reach out to industry professionals, such as campground owners or managers, and ask if they know of any workamping opportunities or can provide referrals.
Pros:
- Social media and networking can help you tap into the “hidden job market” and find opportunities that may not be advertised on traditional job boards.
- Building relationships with other workampers and industry professionals can lead to ongoing job leads and opportunities.
- Social media groups and networking events can provide valuable support and resources for workampers.
Cons:
- Social media and networking can be time-consuming and require a significant amount of effort to build relationships and find job leads.
- Some social media groups may be unmoderated or unreliable, leading to inaccurate or outdated job information.
4. Attend Workamping Conferences and Events
Another great way to find workamping jobs and connect with industry professionals is to attend workamping conferences and events. These events are specifically designed for workampers and employers to network, share information, and learn about the latest trends and opportunities in the industry.
Some of the top workamping conferences and events to check out include:
- Workamper Rendezvous: An annual conference hosted by Workamper News, featuring workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities for workampers and employers.
- RVillage Rally: A large-scale gathering of RV enthusiasts, featuring vendor exhibits, social activities, and seminars on a variety of topics related to RV living and workamping.
- Escapees RV Club: A membership-based organization that hosts rallies, meetups, and educational events for RVers and workampers.
Pros:
- Workamping conferences and events provide a unique opportunity to connect with other workampers and industry professionals in person.
- Many conferences and events offer valuable resources and educational opportunities for workampers.
- Attending conferences and events can help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and opportunities in the workamping industry.
Cons:
- Attending conferences and events can be costly, especially if travel and lodging expenses are involved.
- Some conferences and events may be geared towards specific niches or types of workamping jobs, which may not be relevant to your interests or skills.
FAQs about Finding Workamping Jobs
- What skills do I need to have to work as a workamper?
The skills required for workamping jobs can vary widely, depending on the specific job duties and employer. Some common skills that are often required for workamping jobs include customer service, maintenance and repair, office and administrative skills, and hospitality and event planning.
- How much money can I make as a workamper?
The amount of money you can make as a workamper can also vary widely, depending on the specific job and employer. Some workamping jobs offer only free or discounted camping accommodations in exchange for work, while others may offer hourly wages or other forms of compensation. It’s important to research and compare different job opportunities to find the ones that best meet your financial needs and goals.
- Can I work as a workamper year-round, or only during certain seasons?
Many workamping jobs are seasonal in nature, with peak demand during the summer months. However, there are also opportunities for year-round workamping jobs in certain industries, such as oil and gas or winter sports.
Final Thoughts
Workamping can be a fantastic way to live an adventurous lifestyle and earn a living at the same time. Whether you’re a retiree looking for a change of pace or a young person seeking new experiences, there are workamping jobs out there to suit a variety of interests and skill sets. By using the strategies outlined in this article, you can find the workamping jobs that are right for you and start living your dream today.
Remember, the key to success in workamping is to be flexible, adaptable, and willing to learn new things. Workamping jobs can be challenging at times, but they can also be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. By staying positive and maintaining a strong work ethic, you can make the most of your workamping experience and create memories that will last a lifetime.