| Tuesday, February 9, 2010 |
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Work camping, often referred to as "workamping," is how thousands of full-time RVers sustain their life on the road.
Circumstances vary, but in most cases, folks with their own recreational vehicles offer their labor in exchange for a free camping site plus wages.
"There are so many different jobs available to RVers," says Jaimie Hall, a longtime work camper and author.
Hall lists more than 350 moneymaking opportunities in her recently updated book, "Support Your RV Lifestyle: An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road."
Work camping appeals to more and more RVers because of rising fuel prices and campground fees, says Hall from her home base in Pine, Ariz.
"By staying in one place, RVers can save money on travel expenses," she says.
Another reason for work camping is seeing new sights.
Cheryl and Earl Robinette of Halfway, Ore., were camp hosts last year at a Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest campground in Western Washington.
"I had been driving a school bus and wanted a change," writes Cheryl Robinette in an e-mail, "and Earl had his right knee replaced and was unable to do any work."
The Robinettes found a camp hosting assignment through Recreation Resource Management, who contracts with the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service.
When the campground closed for the season in September, they accepted a host position for the winter at Wine Country RV Park in Prosser, Wash.
"I work two days a week (60 hours a month) in exchange for our site," says Cheryl Robinette.
Other opportunities"There are a lot of fun things to do," says Hall, who has family in the Inland Northwest.
Jobs in the hospitality and tourist industries include groundskeeping on resort golf courses, driving a stagecoach at a theme park, directing traffic at NASCAR events and selling souvenirs at Yellowstone National Park.
One of Hall's favorite paid seasonal jobs was working at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway, Alaska.
"I dressed in period costume and did a program on women of the Gold Rush," says Hall. "It was really fun and I was able to share the information I learned."
More recently Hall spent last winter at the Big Bend National Park in Texas where her partner, George Bruzenak, was working as a volunteer in the Castolon Visitor Center.
One of the great benefits of work camping at public parks and reserves is the opportunity to explore an area and really get to know it.
"There are a variety of jobs involving important tasks that are vital to maintaining the parks," says Hall.
"It is a nice way to give back," she says, "and participate in saving these national treasures for future generations."
Information• Jaimie Hall's Web site is www.rvhometown.com. "Support Your RV Lifestyle: An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road," 2nd edition, (Pine Country Publishing, $19.95, 400 pages, paperback, 2006). It's reference "bible" for anyone wishing to work while traveling in an RV, completely updated and revised with new jobs, latest technology for staying in touch and additional resources.
There is a companion CD-ROM with appendices and resource section, plus 13 articles and printable forms. Cost is $14.95 separately, $10 when ordered with book.
• Workamper News, a magazine with job listings for RVers, is available online at www.workamper.com, by writing to 709 W. Searcy St., Heber Springs, AR 72543-3761; or calling (501) 362-2637. An annual subscription is $25.
• Cool Works, of Gardiner, Mont., specializes in seasonal jobs "in some of the greatest places on Earth."
The Web site (www.coolworks.com) lists a special section for those who consider themselves "Older & Bolder." If you are looking for seasonal work, there are "employers interested in you. Keep in mind, each has varied accommodations; some have RV spaces and those that don't are more flexible about accommodating older workers."
• Jobs information with Recreation Resource Management is online at www.work-camping.com.
• Walt Disney World Resort is having an RVers and Work Campers Job Fair on Monday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Eastern Time; call the job line at (407) 828-1000 or go to www.disney.go.com/DisneyCareers/wdwcareers/hourly.
