by Lauren Lynch
Want to finance a lifestyle where you get to camp a lot when you’re still years from retirement (or supplement your retirement income)? There are a wide range of opportunities for nature-loving travelers where you can do anything from trading a few hours of work for a free campsite—to taking a career on the road. No matter what your preference is, you have the freedom to decide where, when and how long you work!
Keep in mind that you must love working outdoors and possess people skills. Those who make a good impression will often be invited back for future seasonal work, or will be given preference at other locations within a network (or a good reference for opportunities with other organizations).
You will need to apply for most of these opportunities well in advance, so plan ahead.
ARTIST RESIDENCIES IN NATIONAL PARKS
National Park Service – Arts in the Parks
Artist-in-Residence
Click locations on the online map to get more information on locations of interest. This national parks program offers artists over 50 residency opportunities throughout the country. Depending on the location, some residencies are open to photographers, writers, composers and more. Programs vary, but residencies are typically 2 to 4 weeks in length and most include lodging. Often artists are invited to participate in park programs by sharing their art with the public.
Jobs That Include an RV Camp Site
These jobs are for people who are financially stable and not relying on a seasonal job to earn a regular living. If you do find an opportunity that pays, it is often only for minimum wage and may involve duties such as cleaning restrooms or picking up litter. Most involve customer service—collecting fees, handling retail sales at camp stores, boat rentals, etc. But—if you’re just looking for a part-time job in the great outdoors that will help cover some of your travel expenses—this can be a fun way to fund an RV lifestyle!
NATIONAL PARKS & LAND
Volunteer.gov
Volunteer.gov is a one-stop recruitment internet-based website that revolutionizes the matching of volunteer interests and abilities with available opportunities in the public sector nationwide. Search for opportunities by state or interest and apply online. America’s natural and cultural resources volunteer portal offers job listings for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), National Resource Conservation Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Once you are selected for a position you and the project supervisor will sign a volunteer service agreement that describes the work, the time commitment, accommodations, and training.
National Park Service
1849 C Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20240
Email: volunteer@nps.gov
Phone: (877) 554-4550
A variety of volunteer opportunities are available through the Volunteers-in-Parks program at over 400 national park sites through the country. Find opportunities by state, job or zip code on volunteer.gov.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Volunteer Clearing House: (615) 736-7192
The Army Corps stewards almost 12 million acres of natural resources. They offer volunteer campground host opportunities in exchange for a campsite with hookups with at least 20 hours of work per week. Browse listings by state and apply online through volunteer.gov.
U.S. Forest Service / United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Phone: 801-731-0898
Email: emailbox@xmission.com
If you like people and care about our country’s natural resources, the Forest Service needs your time and talents. The U.S. Forest Service Volunteer Program has something for almost everyone. Search for campground host positions on volunteer.gov.
STATE PARKS
Alaska Department of Natural Resources Campground Hosting
550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1380, Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: (907) 269-8700
Email: dnr.pksweb@alaska.gov
Current Openings | Online Application
Specific job duties and special projects are listed on the host positions page. Many positions are filled before April 1st, so submit your application as soon as possible. Some rangers work seasonally, so you may not receive an immediate reply (especially during the winter). Applicants will receive notice within two to three weeks that the application has been received. If you have questions specific to a particular position, call the ranger or area office listed for that position. Job listings for the year are kept up to date on the website. Check the web page to see if a position has been filled. Remember that passports are required to travel through Canada.
Arizona State Parks Campground Hosting
23751 N. 23rd Avenue, #190, Phoenix, AZ 85085
Phone: (602) 542-7152
Email: bworman@azstateparks.gov
Current Openings | Online Application
The campground host volunteer’s primary responsibility is to assist park visitors. This includes greeting visitors, helping them get settled, answering questions, receiving comments, communicating park rules and regulations and possibly collecting fees. Hosts are provided with a free campsite, most often with utility hookups. The park manager will approve specific scheduled hours and other assignments. Individual or couple camp hosts are required to put in a minimum of 25 hours per individual or 40 combined hours per couple each week in the camp host position.
California State Park Campground Hosting
P.O. Box 942896, Sacramento, CA 94296
Phone: (916) 653-9069
Email: Volunteer.inparksprogram@parks.ca.gov
Current Openings | Download Application
Host duties vary by park but generally include providing visitor information, staffing visitor centers and museums, maintenance and general housekeeping. Most hosts work 20 hours a week in exchange for those services, the hosts are provided with a campsite during their stay. Most Host positions require a minimum commitment of 1 to 3 months and a maximum of 6 months. When applying, make sure the location provides a hookup appropriate to your needs. Browse the current opening listings and submit applications directly to the park.
Colorado Parks & Wildlife Camp Hosting
1313 Sherman Street, 6th Floor, Denver, CO 80203
Phone: (303) 297-1192
Email: cpw.volunteer@state.co.us
Current Openings | How to Apply
Camp host duties include light maintenance and cleaning, upkeep of the campground, greeting and checking in guests, answering visitor questions, and assisting with educational and interpretive programs. Most sites are looking for camp hosts during the summer, but some sites need hosts year-round. Typical seasons are summer (May – October), fall (September – November), winter (November – March), and spring (March – May). Camp hosts volunteer about 20-25 hours per person for teams of two (or up to 40 hours for a single host) for 3-4 days a week and commit to 6-16 weeks of service. In return, hosts receive a free campsite, a Colorado State Parks pass, training and uniforms.
Florida State Parks Campground Hosting
3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000
Phone: (850) 245-2157
Email: OOP_Volunteers@dep.state.fl.us
Current Openings | Online Application
Campground hosts answer questions, help with maintenance and are available for late-night emergencies for a minimum of 20 hours per week, per campsite. In return, a campsite is provided in return at no charge (for a maximum stay of 16 weeks). Parks without campgrounds may also have resident volunteer opportunities. Apply early. Parks may book winter volunteers as far as 1-2 years in advance. Browse volunteer opportunities. To be considered for a specific opportunity, create a profile and submit an application for a specific opportunity.
Georgia State Park Campground Hosting
2600 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge, GA 30281
Phone: (770) 389-7262
Email: rachael.rupe@dnr.ga.gov
Current Openings | Host Agreement | Volunteer Manual
Hosts assist visitors, collect fees, distribute information, perform light maintenance and cleaning and other duties as appropriate to each park. In exchange for a free campsite and utilities for your RV or motorhome, hosts serve the park and the public from 2-6 months with a minimum of 24 hours per week per couple. All participants in the hosting program must pass background checks.
Maine State Parks Campground Hosting
107 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0107
Phone: (207) 624-6080 – Southern Region or (207) 624-6080 – Northern Region
Email: gary.best@maine.gov or mike.leighton@maine.gov
Current Openings | Download Application
Be a “resident” volunteer that assists visitors at our State Park campgrounds. Whether you’re interested in photography, history, art, maintenance work, public relations or office work, the MVP program can provide you with a meaningful volunteer experience.
Missouri State Parks Campground Hosting
P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (800) 334-6946
Email: moparks@dnr.mo.gov
Current Openings | Download Application
Campground hosts serve as an ambassador for the park, setting an example by being model campers, practicing good housekeeping and obeying all rules and regulations. Host duties vary by park. A host campsite is provided in exchange for your service. Campground hosts are asked to serve up to 40 hours per week for a minimum of one month. This time commitment can be split between spouses. Submit an application for the following year beginning in October. Applications are processed in November. Each person hosting must fill out a separate application.
Montana State Parks Campground Hosting
PO Box 200701, Helena MT 59624
Phone: (406) 444-3750
Email: jnaiman-sessions@mt.gov
Current Openings | Online Application
Hosts assist visitors by providing information about the park, answering questions, and explaining rules. A host may perform light maintenance work around the park or make minor repairs. Other duties may be assigned according to the needs of the park and the skills of the volunteer. Hosts are needed throughout the camping season from May through September and need to be available for a minimum of four weeks at most state parks. A two-week minimum may be applicable at some remote sites. Consideration may be given for both longer and shorter periods of service. Generally, hosts provide 24-32 hours of volunteer service time per week to park tasks, but this can vary depending on individual park needs. You may contact the park manager of the park you are interested in to get more information. Days off will be taken during weekdays. Hosts will be considered “on-call” at all times of the day and night. Some areas have full hookups, phone, and pads. Some have none. Some sites are close to communities with stores, laundromats, and other services. Others are miles away from such services.
Nevada State Parks Campground Hosting
901 S. Stewart Street, Suite 5005, Carson City, Nevada 89701
Phone: (775) 684-2770
Email: stparks@parks.nv.gov (request a volunteer packet with application)
Campground hosts will provide general services such as greeting the public, providing information, cleaning the campground/facilities, fee system compliance checks, reporting any problems to the park rangers and other related duties. The Campground Hosts receive an RV campsite close to the campground entrance in exchange for volunteer services.
New Hampshire State Parks Campground Hosting
172 Pembroke Road Concord, NH 03301
Phone: (603) 271-3556
Email: nhparks@dncr.nh.gov
Online Application
Opportunities are available across the state for a variety of projects and roles.
New Mexico State Parks Campground Hosting
1220 South St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone: (888) 667-2757
Email: janice.krish@state.nm.us
Current Openings | Online Application
Hosts provide information to visitors and collect fees. Other tasks may include facility maintenance, checking comfort stations for cleanliness and supplies, assisting staff with projects such as park surveys and reservation system procedures. Duties are subject to change based on park specific needs. Camp Hosts receive a free campsite with hookups (where available) in exchange for a minimum of 24 hours of volunteer service per week. Hands-on training is provided by experienced park staff. A two-month term of service is strongly encouraged, but schedules are flexible based on the parks needs and volunteer availability.
North Carolina State Parks Campground Hosting
121 W. Jones Street, Mail Service Center 1615, Raleigh, NC 27699-1615
Phone: (919) 707-9300
Email: state.parks@ncparks.gov
Current Openings | Apply
Campground hosts set an example by being a “model” camper, practicing good housekeeping, and observing all North Carolina State Park rules. The campground host will interact with campers by occasional patrols of the camping area, issuing camping permits, and by being available at the host campsite. To ensure contact with the majority of the park’s campers, hosts will be required to work weekends, holidays and evening hours. Electricity, water, and an RV campsite are provided in exchange for campground host duties.
Oregon State Parks Host Assignments
725 Summer Street NE, Suite C, Salem, OR 97301
Phone: (800) 551-6949
Email: park.info@oregon.gov
Current Openings | Download Application
Hosting assignments range between 30-120 days in length and vary in hours by park need or volunteer preference. Workers must be able to pass background and driver’s record checks and have a self-contained RV.
South Carolina State Parks Campground Hosting
1205 Pendleton Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 734-0156
Apply directly to the park of choice.
Hosts serve as a park representative, providing information and assistance to park visitors. The host also assists with other duties, as necessary. The host will be required to provide a minimum of 20 hours per week. This program usually runs around March through November. Park/campground hosts must be in good health and physical condition and must be able to deal tactfully and cordially with the public. Completed applications should be submitted directly to the park manager at park of choice (park finder).
Tennessee State Parks Campground Hosting
312 Rosa L Parks Avenue, 2nd Floor, Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: (615) 532-5249
Email: tnstateparks.volunteer@tn.gov
Current Openings | Download Application
Hosts duties vary by park and will include camper check-in, light maintenance, campground housekeeping, and providing campers with information. Hosts may serve one to nine consecutive months per year at one park and must work a minimum of three days per week for a minimum of 20 hours per week per person. Exact work times and days are determined by the park management and will most likely include weekends and holidays with 24-hour availability for their scheduled days. Campground host receives a campsite in a high visibility area at no charge along with electric, water and, where available, sewer hook-ups.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Campground Hosting
4200 Smith School Rd., Austin, TX 78744
Phone: (512) 389-8674
Email: Volunteer@TPWD.Texas.Gov
Hosts provide visitor information on park facilities, resources, park rules and attractions. Duties vary from park to park and may include litter collection, light maintenance, office duties, and fee collection. In exchange for volunteer service hours, the park provides an RV site during their stay. Host sites include water and electrical hookups and many also have sewer hookups. Hosts usually serve from one to six months (this may be extended with the approval of the park superintendent) and will receive training from park staff.
Utah State Parks Campground Hosting
1594 W. North Temple, Suite 116, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
Phone: (801) 538-7220
Current Openings | Apply Online
Hosts greet park visitors, provide information about the park and surrounding areas, collect user fees, and assist with maintenance, cleaning and general upkeep of the campground. Most of our parks have full hookups for hosts in exchange for 30 or more hours a week of volunteer efforts. For more information, contact the individual park where you’d like to be a host.
Vermont State Parks Campground Hosting
1 National Life Drive, Dewey 2, Montpelier, VT 05620
Northwest: Rob Peterson (802) 279-8329, robert.peterson@vermont.gov
Northeast: Susan Bulmer (802) 476-0181, susan.bulmer@vermont.gov
Southwest: Rick Hedding (802) 786-3854, rick.hedding@vermont.gov
Southeast: Lesley Porter (802) 505-8328, lesley.porter@vermont.gov
Current Openings | Apply
Camping volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum 6-week stay. Volunteers work 30 hours per week, per site (for instance, a couple staying on one site works a total of 30 hours between the two) and receive free use of a campsite with hookups (most have water, electric and sewer), propane refills, free admission to State Parks, and discounted or free admission to many Vermont tourist attractions. Duties can vary from park to park but may include providing information, collecting fees, cleaning campsites, and staffing concessions.
Virginia State Park Campground Hosting
600 E. Main St., 24th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 692-0403
Email: vspcamphost@dcr.virginia.gov
Current Openings
Greet campers, answer their questions, keep up the general appearance of the building and grounds, and complete other projects and assignments based on park needs and hosts’ skills and interests. Camp for free for from 30 to 60 days at any of 23 participating parks across the state in exchange for volunteer services. Free or reduced fees for usage of park offerings, including boating, swimming, and rentals, in certain parks. (Check with park staff: Not all sites offer this benefit.)
Washington State Parks Campground Hosting
1111 Israel Road SW, Tumwater, WA 98501-6512
Phone: (360) 902-8844
Email: parks.volunteer@parks.wa.gov
Current Openings
Campground hosts represent the parks by greeting campers, answering questions, and performing light maintenance in exchange for an RV campsite with hookups. Typical host assignments are 30 days and may be extended up to 90 days at the park manager’s discretion. Hosts should enjoy working with the public and possess the willingness to learn about Washington state parks.
Wyoming State Park Campground Hosting
2301 Central Avenue, Barrett Building, 4th floor, Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone: (307) 777-3631
Email: tara.gross1@wyo.gov or stacy.sprengeler@wyo.gov
Current Openings | Apply Online
Camp hosts volunteer at a state park or historic site for two months or more in exchange for a camping spot during their volunteer service. Our season is from May 15th – September 15th. Some sites have availability in April and into October, but that is not our system standard. Hosts typically work 3-4 days per week, to include weekends and holidays, as those are our busiest times. In general, our hosts serve 20 hours per week, per person, depending on location. There are a few sites in our system that request 24 hours per week, per person. Schedules and duties vary by location.
CAMP HOSTING THROUGH PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS
CoolWorks
P.O. Box 383, Morrison, CO 80465
Phone: (406) 848-2380
Email: help@coolworks.com
Jobs with RV Spaces
Sign up for a CoolWorks user account to save searches, favorite employers and receive a heads up when new opportunities are posted that align with your interests. Browse jobs by category, state and season or search on the map for your dream destination!
Amazon CamperForce
Phone: (855) 9-CAMPER
Email: CamperForce@amazon.com
Participating CamperForce Campgrounds
Choose from seasonal assignments in a variety of locations. Responsibilities include picking, packing, stowing and receiving. All Amazon warehouse employees earn at least $15 an hour. Benefits include up to $550 a month per participating campsite paid by Amazon (not considered taxable income), assignment completion bonuses, medical and prescription coverage available after 90 days, overtime pay, a weekly pay schedule and 401(k). Seasonal assignments are limited and fill fast, but you can receive alerts when they hire in the future. This program is currently available in Arizona, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
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Do I have what it takes?
It can often boil down to a work ethic and whether or not we believe the old saying that “if a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.” Think about the workers you’ve encountered on your camping trips. Some will make an impression — for either a job well done or one done poorly. Who would you want to model your work style after?
On one camping trip, we visited a historical site at the state park. The woman behind the counter offered the usual “how are you doing?” and when we returned the obligatory question, she let loose. It was her last day of volunteering at the park and she was ready to leave (and perhaps burn a bridge on her way out). Her shoulders slumped, her eyes were glazed and I couldn’t help wondering if she was just a naturally miserable person or if the park had done something to make her so disgruntled. She had a stool to sit on and the temperature in her workspace was comfortable. I could see how sitting behind a desk in a small area during the off-season might become mundane, but I’m the type of person who will make use of downtime by brainstorming story ideas and jotting them in a notebook — so I don’t mind sitting in one place for a while, but some people will. Perhaps she had just spent one too many days behind that particular counter (RVers tend to have “itchy feet” — thus the nomadic lifestyle).
On the flip side, we’ve also encountered park staff who obviously enjoyed their work. Their cheerful responses and enthusiasm for the available amenities or features for their place of employment were contagious. They were happy to offer recommendations on their favorite aspects about the park or venue. For them, the job was a part of the adventure.
Clearly, we’re all cut out for different types of jobs, and it benefits all involved to make sure we align our skills, interests and patience levels with said job.
Things to Consider Before Seeking a Position
- Personal Goals
Decide in advance whether you’re just wanting to trade for a campsite, if you’re craving social interaction, giving back to the local community, obtaining new skills, or learning something new. Knowing what you hope to gain from the experience in advance will help you choose the opportunity that’s best for your unique situation. Make a list of things you want to do while you’re in that location and determine how you can create a balance between work and enjoying the area you’re visiting. - Skills and Interests
What are you good at? What do you enjoy? What skills would you like to improve? Do you enjoy working outdoors? Knowledge of basic first aid is helpful. CPR and standard first aid certification are a plus. - Health
Are you healthy enough to perform all the required duties in a remote location outdoors? Are you fit enough to handle the terrain of the campground location? The weather? Wildlife and/or insects? - Availability
Determine in advance how many hours you’re willing to spend on work. Most of us choose the RV lifestyle to enjoy the adventures it affords. Are the perks of the job worth it? Will the opportunity still allow you to do all the things that made you chose an RV to begin with? Positions vary from a couple of weeks to several months. Be sure you are willing to cheerfully perform the full amount of time and duties before you commit. Start with smaller jobs to get a feel for the work and gain experience before diving into larger commitments. - Does it fit with your unique needs?
Does the job allow—or include a spouse? If you have children and/or pets, will they be approved to come along? Does the job include a site that will accommodate your RV? Does it provide the kind of hookup you need or want? Does it have the amenities you prefer (restrooms/showers, wi-fi, propane)? - International Requirements
Volunteering is considered work under a tourist visa. Unless your visa specifically states that you may work in the United States, you cannot apply for a volunteer position. If you have a J-1 Visa or another type of student visa, you are limited to studying and working with approved programs.
Determining goals and realistic expectations in advance will go a long way toward adventure job satisfaction.
Confirm Details in Advance Before Taking a Position
- Required duties (get specifics)
- Compensation (in exchange for a site? Full hook-ups? Laundry? Amenities? Additional perks?)
- Hours required (additional, if the park is busy? Regular schedule? Free time? Are the hours per couple or per person?)
- Check for reviews online from previous volunteers/employees.
- If possible, stay at the campground first to know what you’re getting into.
Are there any legal risks when volunteering?
Volunteers are covered under Workers’ Compensation Law in most cases (at least when working for government agencies and public parks/lands). Volunteers are also protected from personal liability claims for any actions involving their volunteer services. Confirm this with your employer and make sure it is part of your formal agreement if this is a concern for you.
Keeping Volunteer Time Records
Logging the dates/times you have provided volunteer work is important, not only for your own records but to assist agencies in tracking their need for staff and budget requirements. In some cases, there are also additional perks for hours served such as tours, museum admission, and annual park passes.
Is This Work Taxable?
The IRS allows campers to exclude of the value of employer furnished lodging from their gross income, provided the lodgings are at the same location as the work, for the convenience of the employer, and that it is a condition of employment (such as serving as a campground host).
According to IRS Publication 525
See page 7, “Meals & Lodging”
You don’t include in your income the value of meals and lodging provided to you and your family by your employer at no charge if the following conditions are met. 1. The meals are a) Furnished on the business premises of your employer, and b) Furnished for the convenience of your employer. 2. The lodging is a) Furnished on the business premises of your employer, b) Furnished for the convenience of your employer, and c) a condition of your employment. (You must accept it in order to be able to properly perform your duties.) You also don’t include in your income the value of meals or meal money that qualifies as a minimal fringe benefit.
To be safe, ask the employer for a written agreement indicating that you were required to live on site. Document the value of the site for future reference. Ask the employer if they will be reporting the value of the campsite as income or providing you a W-2 or 1099.
Get Internal Revenue Service Taxpayer Assistance
Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA)
The Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA) is a tool that provides answers to a number of tax law questions. It can determine if a type of income is taxable if you’re eligible to claim certain credits, and if you can deduct expenses on your tax return.
IRS Telephone Assistance
Helplines are open Monday through Friday. Residents of Alaska and Hawaii should follow Pacific time. Phone lines in Puerto Rico are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time. Telephone service wait times are higher on Monday and Tuesday, during Presidents Day weekend and around the April tax filing deadline.
- For Individuals (7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time)
Phone: (800) 829-1040 - For RV-related Businesses (7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time) Phone: (800) 829-4933
Taxpayer Assistance Locator Tool
Find the office closest to you then call (844) 545-5640 to schedule an appointment.
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