If you’ve ever wondered what is workamping, you’re not alone. This growing lifestyle trend combines work and camping, giving people the opportunity to travel, live affordably, and experience unique jobs across the country. Whether you’re a retiree, digital nomad, or seasonal worker, workamping could be the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
What Is Workamping?
Workamping (a blend of the words work and camping) is when individuals live in an RV, camper, or tent while working temporary, long term, or seasonal jobs. In many cases, workampers receive a free campsite—including hookups for water, electricity, and sometimes Wi-Fi—in exchange for part-time work. Some positions also offer hourly pay or stipends, making it possible to both earn an income and cut down on living expenses.
Types of Workamping Jobs
Workamping isn’t limited to one type of job. In fact, there’s a wide variety of opportunities depending on your skills and interests:
- Campground Hosts – Greeting campers, answering questions, and helping maintain campgrounds.
- Hospitality & Resorts – Working in hotels, lodges, or RV parks as front desk staff, cleaners, or maintenance workers.
- National & State Parks – Assisting with visitor services, trail maintenance, or educational programs.
- Agricultural Jobs – Seasonal work such as harvesting crops, selling produce, or working at farmers’ markets.
- Theme Parks & Attractions – Taking on customer service or ride operations positions at popular tourist destinations.
- Retail & Holiday Work – Filling temporary roles in stores, warehouses, or holiday sales events.
Who Becomes a Workamper?
Workamping attracts a wide range of people. Retirees often enjoy the lifestyle as it allows them to stretch their retirement income while traveling. Younger adventurers and digital nomads also choose workamping because it offers flexibility and freedom. Families sometimes workamp during summer months, while individuals seeking a slower, more affordable lifestyle find it an appealing long-term option.
Benefits of Workamping
The advantages of workamping go beyond just free campsites. Some of the biggest benefits include:
- Lower Living Costs – Reduced or eliminated campground fees.
- Flexibility – The ability to move around the country and choose different jobs seasonally.
- Adventure – Opportunities to live in scenic locations like national parks, beaches, or mountains.
- Community – Meeting like-minded travelers who share a love of the outdoors and adventure.
Is Workamping Right for You?
If you’re asking yourself what is workamping because you’re curious about new lifestyle options, the answer depends on your goals. Do you want to save money while traveling? Are you looking for seasonal income or adventure? Workamping could give you the perfect balance of work, travel, and community.
Final Thoughts
Workamping is more than just a job—it’s a lifestyle. By blending travel with flexible employment, workamping allows people to see the country, reduce expenses, and experience a life of freedom. Now that you know what workamping is, you can explore opportunities and decide if this unique lifestyle is right for you.
FAQs About Workamping
Q: What is workamping?
A: Workamping is a lifestyle where people live in RVs, campers, or tents while working temporary or seasonal jobs. Many workampers receive free campsites and sometimes pay in exchange for their work.
Q: What kind of jobs can you do as a workamper?
A: Workamping jobs include campground hosting, working at resorts or theme parks, national park services, agricultural work like harvests, and seasonal retail positions.
Q: Do workamping jobs pay money or just provide free camping?
A: Some workamping positions only cover campsite fees, while others also offer hourly wages, stipends, or seasonal salaries. It varies by employer and job type.
Q: Who can become a workamper?
A: Anyone with flexibility can be a workamper—retirees, digital nomads, seasonal workers, families, or anyone who wants to travel while reducing living costs.
Q: Is workamping worth it?
A: Workamping can be worth it if you enjoy traveling, saving on expenses, and gaining unique job experiences. It may not be ideal if you prefer long-term stability in one location.
Sources
The Dyrt – Guide to Workamping Jobs (insight into seasonal opportunities, lifestyle benefits, and pay structures)urce:
U.S. Forest Service – Campground Host & Volunteer Opportunities (explains campground host roles and benefits)
National Park Service – Volunteer with NPS (details seasonal and volunteer jobs at parks)
Escapees RV Club – What Is Workamping? (overview of the workamping lifestyle, history, and job types)
KOA (Kampgrounds of America) – Workamping with KOA (examples of campground workamping jobs and benefits)
