Why We Chose RV Life
We chose RV life because of our passion for travel. While my husband has his own travel agency business, that’s not our main source of income. Instead, the biggest factor that makes this lifestyle possible for us is workamping.
Workamping, in the simplest terms, means traveling to where you work. In most cases, some type of housing is provided — whether that’s a free RV site, a stipend, or sometimes even a furnished apartment. In our case, we are usually given a full-hookup RV site and hourly pay. That combination makes this lifestyle both affordable and sustainable for our family.
When you consider that campgrounds can range from a few hundred dollars a month to well over $2,000 (especially in resort-style or high-demand areas), the savings from having your housing covered are enormous.
What is Workamping?
Workamping opportunities come in many shapes and sizes. Some positions are simply a trade: a few hours of work in exchange for your site, with no extra pay. Others are full-time jobs that pay hourly (sometimes up to $20/hour) in addition to covering your site.
Job types are just as varied. You might find work in:
- Campgrounds (office, housekeeping, maintenance, management, activities, etc.)
- Farms or harvest work
- Concerts and seasonal events
- National and state parks
- Retail shops or tourist attractions
- Amusement parks and resorts
For us, workamping works perfectly because it allows us to stay in the places we want to experience — without paying those high campground fees.
How to Get Started
One of the best resources to find workamping jobs is https://www.workamper.com/register-new-workamper. It’s a paid site, but at just $48 per year for your entire family, it’s absolutely worth it. You and your spouse can apply together as a couple (or solo if that’s your situation).
Workamper.com is packed with resources: resume-building tools, podcasts, employer reviews, and even the ability to post your own “seeking work” ad so employers can reach out to you. Their review system is incredibly valuable — you can read real experiences from past workampers and leave your own reviews when you’re done.
We also use Facebook groups. There are tons of workamping job groups out there, ranging from general listings to very niche opportunities. The Workamper website has its own group too.
📅 When to Apply: We usually look for our jobs 6–12 months in advance. It sounds crazy, but the best jobs get filled early. Waiting until last minute usually leaves you with less desirable options — unless you luck out and snag a last-minute opening when someone backs out.
📄 Resumes for Workamping: These are not like traditional resumes. Instead of a long job history, keep it simple and highlight your skills. If you’re applying as a couple, you can create one resume together. Always include who you’re traveling with (kids, pets, spouse) so employers know what to expect.
What to Ask in an Interview
The most important thing when considering a position is being crystal clear on what’s expected and what’s offered in return. Here are key things we ask:
- What are the job duties? How many hours per week?
- Is the site a full-hookup site? If not, how are water/power handled?
- Who pays for propane, generator fuel, or tank dumping?
- Are we working on the same grounds we’re living on?
- How close is the nearest grocery store, hospital, or town?
- What are the family/kid rules? (Some campgrounds allow flexibility, others require parents on opposite shifts if kids are at home.)
- What benefits are included? (Laundry stipend, Wi-Fi, free amenities, discounts, end-of-season bonuses, etc.)
- Will the site fit our RV? (Don’t assume!)
We learned some of these the hard way. For example, in Phoenix we accepted a job where the promised generator wasn’t delivered for 24 hours, and the water situation wasn’t sorted for two weeks — in 115° heat. That was a one-and-done mistake for us.
Another example: at the Grand Canyon we had a wonderful opportunity, but groceries were an hour away and the hospital was an hour and a half away. That worked for us, but if you have health issues or a small RV fridge, it could be a deal breaker.
What to Look Out For
Red flags in workamping include:
- Consistently poor reviews from multiple workampers
- Jobs requiring 40+ hours per week with low pay and site fees
- Hidden costs (laundry, utilities, propane, commuting)
- Lack of clear communication about duties or housing
We also avoid jobs where the site is only “partially included” or where power isn’t covered in hot climates. Utility costs can eat up your paycheck fast.
Workamper Contracts
Contracts are helpful, but not always offered. If you’re in a salaried position, always ask for one. It should outline:
- Pay terms (including what happens if you leave early or get terminated)
- Housing arrangements
- Start and end dates
- What happens in case of emergencies or natural disasters
We’ve seen firsthand how important this can be. While at the Grand Canyon, wildfires devastated the North Rim, and employees were given just 20 minutes to evacuate. At our Santa Cruz pumpkin patch and Christmas tree lot, tornadoes touched down nearby (in California of all places!). Thankfully we were safe both times, but those events reminded us how crucial it is to have clarity in your contract and a backup plan in case things go wrong.
As always when it comes to contracts I am not an attorney or paralegal and this is in no way legal advice. If you have questions about contracts, when you need one, or what it should include I always recommend seeking advice from a legal professional.
Our Workamping Experiences
We’ve been blessed with some incredible jobs:
- Jellystone, Fredericksburg, TX – Our very first workamping gig. This family-owned campground made us feel right at home. I worked in the office and housekeeping while my husband worked pool maintenance and the water park. We had access to all amenities (yes, including the waterpark!), discounts in the store, and the joy of their Wet & Wild DJ nights. A perfect start to our journey.
- KOA, San Antonio, TX – We took this one more for location than the campground itself, but we fell in love with San Antonio. The city is incredible for families, and we’d recommend it to anyone.
- Phoenix, AZ – Unfortunately, this was our least enjoyable experience. Utilities weren’t properly arranged, communication was poor, and ultimately, we left before our contract ended. It taught us the importance of asking the right questions upfront.
- Pumpkin Patch & Christmas Tree Lot, Santa Cruz, CA – A job we love so much we return every year. Our kids enjoy the pumpkin patch, petting zoos, rock climbing walls, slingshots, paintball, and more. Hard work, but incredibly rewarding.
- Grand Canyon Conservancy – One of our most meaningful experiences. We worked in retail shops and museums at the South Rim, received in-depth tours of historic sites, and became part of the canyon community. We witnessed the heartbreak of wildfires but also gained priceless knowledge and a deep love for our national parks.
Final Thoughts
All in all, workamping has been an incredible way to afford and sustain our RV lifestyle. We’ve worked jobs that paid minimum wage and jobs that paid very well, but at the end of the day, it’s not just about money. It’s about what we gain along the way — experiences, friendships, and adventures most people only dream of.
I couldn’t imagine going back to a “normal” job or a 9–5 routine. Workamping gives us the freedom to throw a dart at a map and just go. Our kids get to experience this life right alongside us, and every day is a new adventure.
For us, that’s priceless.
