Have you ever consider workamping as a campground host?
It took us 2 years of full-time RVing to seriously consider our first workamping experience. While getting a free campsite caught our attention, we were fully aware that it would mean hard work. And by hard work we mean unappealing. Think: early mornings and occasional late nights.
Still, the lure of a free site on a beautiful lake, abundant trees and mountain views was too much to resist. After we discussed the advantages and disadvantages, we decided to try out workamping.
In addition to a full hookup site, beautiful views, and all the firewood we could handle for 3 months, we learned a lot about being campground hosts.
Here’s our top 5 lessons learned:
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1 – Workamping doesn’t really mean “free” anything
We received our “free” full hookup campsite in exchange for providing the following services as workampers:
-Cleaning the bathhouse: men’s and ladies rooms with showers, toilets, urinals, garbage cans and sinks. Leaf blowing, cleaning the floors and walls.
-Cleaning and continuously monitoring all 36 campsites for garbage, downed branches, leaks or frozen pipes.
-Being the on-site campground points of contact for the state park rangers.
-Being the “face” of the campground and answering questions from campers, fishermen, and curious visitors.
-Contacting local police if campers or visitors got out of hand!
Of course, we did not pay a fee for our site. But some days had us rethinking the whole endeavor!
The campground wasn’t small, and the bathhouse could sometimes be a real disaster! There were times it took a lot of time to straighten up and disinfect… And let’s not forget those bad weather days. Even if the campers are inside their RVs, workamping must go on! You’ve got chores to tend to and things to check on.
Even in the freezing rain or snow.
2 – People who “love the outdoors” can be very disappointing
Evidently, many people think that a fire ring can be used as a trash can.
But who doesn’t love the smell of burning trash, picking up shards of broken glass, or handling burnt beer cans? And let’s not forget that mystery plastic! Cigarettes are apparently just as good as mulch and other landscaping decor…
While we could never think of just leaving whatever garbage we have around the campsite, you might be surprised that many people do. And it doesn’t stop there. We discovered people also use the floor of the bathroom, the street, or even their own campsites as dumpsters.
I think the nastiest trash were adhesive bandages in the showers…Yikes.
You know you went in wearing that band-aid!
So we learned there are plenty of visitors that think this stuff magically disappears. And it was our workamping job to be the magical fairies to clean it all up!
3 – On the other hand, people can be very kind
So yes, we had to clean up our fair share of garbage. But I can’t tell you the number of people that apologized for asking us questions.
“I’m so sorry to bother you!”
“Sorry for the questions but…”
No worries, people! It’s my job to answer your questions and help you. And let me tell you, answering questions was much more pleasant than cleaning up wet band-aids in the shower!
We were regularly asked what our role was and what our responsibilities were. If you’re going to try your hand at workamping as a campground host, expect that question a lot!
You can also expect “regulars.” The postman and local cyclists that came through the campground to use the facilities were always waving and smiling at us. The park rangers were also super amazing, kind, responsive and understanding. The park rangers were also super amazing, kind, responsive and understanding. Nothing like knowing you have a whole team that is there to help out..
It was really nice to have that little community during our workamp stay. There’s nothing like knowing you have a whole team there to help you out…or plunge the toilets for you.
Speaking of plungers…
4 – Plungers are a workamper’s best friend
Can you believe that before being a campground host, I had no idea how to use a plunger?
I’ll never forget that fateful day.
I was feeling happy and optimistic. It was the first busy day after two cold months of very little activity. In spite of the number of campers staying that weekend I headed to the bathhouse. I was wearing flip-flops and my volunteer shirt. I was so ready to do my job!
Then I smelled it.
It smelled like something had died…in the men’s room.
Then I saw it.
And I immediately ran back to the storage room to get the plunger… Well right after I tried to flush it down first… which of course failed. Thankfully, the toilet didn’t overflow but you know the feeling you get as you watch the level of the nasty brown water rise to the lip of the toilet bowl? Yeah, that.
From then on, I quickly mastered the plunger and it was a good thing too because I used it all week long.
5 – Alcohol prohibited means keep it out of sight
We were campground hosts at a state park in Georgia.
There were several, very clear, and unambiguous signs inside and outside of the campground prohibiting not just the consumption of alcohol, but on closer inspection of the rules, the possession of it inside camp. Yep, even having it inside of your RV was against the rules.
Most people seemed to take that as a suggestion but thankfully, there weren’t a bunch of drunk people carousing every weekend. But of course, there sure were beer bottles in the bathroom trash cans.
As campground hosts, so long as everyone was happy and got along, we didn’t have reason to look for people drinking. And actually, for an open public space like this campground was, I didn’t actually ever see anyone having a beer or glass of wine!
On the other hand, if the rangers had seen any alcohol whatsoever, they would have immediately had the offenders removed!
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Our experience as campground hosts was very educational and at times a little challenging. Even so, we definitely appreciated the experience and look forward to doing it again!
If you are interested in learning more about campground hosting, how to find openings, and more about our own experience in Georgia, check out our blog post: “Want a Free Campsite? Become a Campground Host.”
Questions about workamping as a campground host? Pop them in the comments below!
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We are Exploring the Local Life, an RVing family of four (Robert, Jessica, Daniel, and Nadia) that loves to explore the world around us. Living in our RV full time has helped us experience local life throughout the United States. We are Re-Defining the American Dream on Our Own Terms!
hello Im new to this Ive camped with and with camper toyhauler doing the 4-wheeler thing loved it because of back did have to stop that part but me and my wife love taking the camper out and we talk alot about trying out this traveling and being a camp host couple ive got 45 years in automatic and diesel and heavy equipment mechanic in field and shop so not scared of work just have to watch what i do now I really like reading about everyone experiences and likes and dislikes because anostly I think the biggest thing and problems are alot of time unless you do findout or have really done your homework its kinda like the old dont ask dont tell thing well unless your upfront asking all the right questions well they shore are not (That is alot more than you might think) that is going to just willingly tell you the bad part of any job lol they sugar coat it because they know most people once they agree to taking the jobs are not going to just just walk away And like I was saying thats not all but thanks to sites like this you can read and learn and know about it all and main thing knowing what to ask up front because bottom line yes we are wanting to see our country and yes work along the way if need be yet these owners of these campgrounds are looking and need people to come and take care of there investment and looking to pay as little as possible but yet expect so much in return because if not they are going to have to get out there and have to do something lol Have knowed the type all my life and again its not all but again thank all of you really like that people are talking about there experience and letting us a know bottom line go in all your questions and make shore your getting a ancer you understand and if your then going to try it make shore you have it all in WRITING this way bottom line your making shore your covered some might think well they are letting you stay in camp site hook ups and your going to be able to make alittle money word of mouth is good enofe hey no problem and if your fine that way and hope its all a great experience but on other hand you didn’t know about the mile long list and being at there beck and call Only saying this because had a friend that desided to just jump out there full bord sailing everything just travel and work in campgrounds lets just say Ive learned alot from what he went through at first he got short end stick for about year and half but learned and found out and ask a lot of questions and makes shore he has ever little thing in writing and finally turned things around and is finally doing good and getting it right up front lol Ive made a meany of trips to work on and help him work on his truck and camper because he was to proud to ask for help or just give it up And we say a prayer for him every night and my hat goes off to him and anyone like him I do have to say its made him really grow up fast and get smarter faster lol and he knows if he called he anytime day or night needing my help or place to go Im there no matter how far And There one thing Ive learned over 60 years you can never have to meany TRUE!! friends and yes it takes time weeding out the bad ones or like me just didn’t trust anyone long story but with God and really good people because there are good people out there and sorry for going on but again ya’ll have a good thing going hear.
Good friends are important! And some punctuation can help too 🙂 Thanks for commenting.
Hello, I am a retired Deputy Sheriff and Police Officer. I am a camp host in Florida with 12 rv sites 30, 50, and 110 water and a centralized dump station. There are also 13 primitive sites, two 15 or more sites for primitive camping (scouts) and 1 large 30 or more primitive site.
I have been here ALONE for 1 season, no help, no pay, and work my tail off. I have met some outstanding people and some outright trash! To defecate in a urinal or shower is beyond disgusting! To throw diapers onto the trails when a few steps more the trash 🗑 is in view! I have been threatened (3) and burglarized once . Personally I detest alcohol and our park saids NO, however a cup or cozies is acceptable. God sometimes I wish I had arrest powers again?
Rewards are meeting great people and living outdoors so to speak. Slobs will always be with us in life just carry on!!
Paul,
So sorry to hear about your bad experiences. I don’t understand why folks litter and don’t take care of our camping areas better. It makes me very sad! You said it though, we must carry on and try to make things better. Thank you for all you are doing to make a difference.
How do you go about finding host jobs in different states.
Do many campground host jobs require smaller RVs? I noticed on some of my inquiries it says not suitable for a big rig (or something like that). We are considering purchasing an RV that is 36 feet. We would really like to campground host at National and State parks, so I want to be sure that we do not purchase an RV that would be too big for many of these parks.
Thanks,
Kathy
Kathy,
Sorry for the delay in responding. No, Some areas allow larger campers. The trick for some areas is just whether you can get a larger rig into the area based on the route. For instance, some National Parks do restrict RVs that stay in the park based on the roads. State Parks tend to be easier in my experience, but I am sure there are some that are restrictive. This would be a great question to post on our Facebook group or Forum to get other folks who have more experience give you feedback. I am sure they would say, it just depends on the Park. 36foot would certainly be the largest I would suggest. You certainly have more flexibility as you get smaller.
Can someone in a wheelchair be a camp host
Look for office jobs as maintenance and landscaping duties might prove difficult to wheel around. Especially during bad weather. Some RV parks are all concrete and paved roads, others are diet roads and grassy or diet sites. There are also paces that have guard shacks at the entrance and this would be to check in residents, seasonal, workmen etc. Don’t limit yourself, but consider the challenges.
I like this advice, Dorothy!
We have camphosted in three separate Parks over the last two years. Mowing lawns, cleaning restrooms, office work, equipment breakdowns…….all seem to go with the territory. Actually, each can be rewarding work.
Our big challenge has been working alongside Parks Rangers who just don’t care about doing a good job. Some just truly hate their job, and take it out on their associates. That really becomes defeating.
We r fortunate that bathrooms at current campgosting job are contracted out. So we clean sites and cabins as well as provide information, post reserved sites, etc. The work is not bad at all. The worst thing for us in hottest part of summer cleaning sites and cabins (no water/elec) in hottest part of day (near 100)) because folks can’t seem to get their butts out by checkout time! I would love to be able to go to their door as hotel housekeeping does and shout “Housekeeping!” Lol
Brenda, you are lucky about getting the bathrooms outsourced but yeah… I vote “housekeeping” rights! haha
Would anyone mind telling their ages? What about health insurance?
The people that wrote this are in their 40s and work remotely as well. They have health insurance through their companies. Hope that helps Laura! Sorry for the delayed response.
Hubby and I are 73 and 67. Summer Weekend and holiday crowds can be a little tiring but weekdays make up for that usually.
We are going down to Texas. To work at a small RV park outside of Fredericksburg. We onlybhavecto work 20 hours a week. 10 for our site and played over $10 an hour after that. We know the camp host and they are great people. My wife will have clean 5 cabins and three Rv’s that they rent out. I, myself will help with some of the maintenance and care of the resort. Looking forward to spending an other winter in Texas.
I just bought another travel trailer this year after I sold my other one. Is there any way that I can join you guys in Texas for the month of August? I sure don’t mind working. Please let me know is sending me an email to loverules33@ymail.com, thank you.
Hey Mark! If you’re looking for workamp positions, I highly recommend checking out this interview I did with an expert on that:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXKjiuwTwpQ
You can also check her site out directly here:
https://livecampwork.com/
And for information on how to make money and RV in general, be sure to check out and sign up for this digital summit! It’s going to be great and very informative. Best of all, it’s free to attend:
https://make-money-rv-summit.heysummit.com/?sc=UjpjmA4X
Hope this helps.
I love Fredericksburg! I’ve stayed at the Jellystone there a few times!
We have work-camped for several years. This is our first camp host job. We r lucky in that restrooms are contracted. However, at our last visitor center job, we did have to backup and check restrooms., which happened to be those used by all the day use/beach folks. Definitely not the pretty side of humanity! But the biggest turnoff is the lack of PPE and tools to do a good job. One of the camphosts started buying her own items that she felt she needed and was told she could not do that…had to use the approved products (which included no soap or hand sanitizer I. Restrooms! No bleach either.
If your job includes restrooms, sake for the policy and procedures for cleaning. If they don’t have any…or u are not comfortable with thoroughness of resources provided…move on. Germs are one thing. The things transferred through body fluids are no laughing matter!
That said, the site cleanup and cabin cleaning (rustic…no water) for us is not that bad and we have great support at the current gig. But we have also learned lessons and to ask specific questions about duties.
Take s chance and enjoy the adventure…but stay safe!
Wow! I can’t believe that Brenda. How bizarre! Great advice about moving on, though.
Thanks for stopping by!
This is our first year camp hosting and we love it! We are in a primitive campground, manage 39 sites in a national Forest in California. We absolutely love it, the people are wonderful, not too many messes however I am sure we will see them.
What better job to get paid for camping and see your beautiful country we live in. We will continue to do this as long as we are able; I wish we would have been done this sooner!
I love this Donna! I hope your summer has been amazing!
I manage a Campground for the Department of Natural Resources in Capitol Forest, Washington state. This is an ORV (off road vehicle) Campground. Dry camping , 33 campsites , 4 porta potty type bathrooms. I’m also responsible for the Day Use parking lot and 2 bathroom’s. I also lock and unlock the gun Range gate., I have a John Deere Gator that was in surplus and dropped off at camp with a flat tire and not much promise but we got it going. I enjoy doing this, no nothing is free for sure and some do pay , i feel like just when I have seen and heard it all , I’m proven wrong, I was even stalked by a cougar last season, good times. This is my 3rd season.
“I was even stalked by a cougar last season, good times.” haha! I like you Amy! Congrats on finding something you like. That is all that matters in this world, I think. 🙂
Wow ! My wife and I are on our 2nd season at a koa she i the office iam maintenance we have 280 sites and 17 cabinings iam pretty sure after reading up on camp host we will be looking for a host job that would be a cake walk. Well have fun!!!!!
Good luck Jack!
My wife and I are on our third year of full timing and it second year of Park Host. We have seen and cleaned our share of nasty bathrooms but finally, we have landed the perfect Park Host job. We do no cleaning, not even fire pits that is for the employees…. We do no mowing, racking, or yard work because that is also the employees…. Or duties involve taking care of the campers…. Talking to them, getting comments and suggestions and bringing them a load of firewood and things like that…. Occasionally I will stay outside my needed area and pick up a campsite or something but an quickly told by the employees that they will do it…. Don’t think I’ll ever look for another job…. Staying here till I die lol…..
Ha! I love that Joey! I’m so glad you found a place to call “home.” What an amazing opportunity for you and your wife!
Oh…and I’m responsible for cleaning and all the logistics as well. How could I forget get that.?
Y’all need to learn to relax and enjoy life quit being so paranoid about germs
lol Matt!
Try spending part of your vacation at the urgent care with bacterial infection picked up at guess where!?
oh boy
One thing I read that stuck in my mind was the fact you were wearing flip flops. Just because I am an RN does not mean I know more, but NEVER wear flip flops while working….especially while in a public bathroom or for any kind of physical work. Working outside can be hazardous and your feet need to be totally covered with supportive speakers…as waterproof as possible..
I am hoping to do a work camping trip, but also realize how filthy and inconsiderate humans can be. I see these bathrooms and use them only when I have to. I prefer my own germs and my own shower. However, if I do become a host my plan is to wear clothes under a full body suit like painters wear with good supportive shoes and covers. I do not expect a luxury job so I am ready for the worst. When there is a clogged toilet I’ll pull out my face mask and protective glasses. After work that bodysuit will be hung OUTSIDE my camper.
Consider bathrooms like being in an operating room except you are protecting yourself.
Coveralls sound like a great idea. That said, I have been using campground showers for 2.5 years and I haven’t gotten sick. Keep your fingers crossed that trend continues!
I hear you I’ve been using Campground showers as well as the truck stop showers while I’m on the road for decades and I’ve never got sick yet there is such a thing as being overprotective
I was a school custodian for 5 decades. You have my respect. It is not an easy job. I wouldn’t recommend that anyone be a camp host unless they can handle all of the negatives that were mentioned because they WILL happen. Good luck.
Thanks! It’s definitely not a job for everyone. Appreciate you reading and commenting, my new friend. 🙂
Thanks!
Was wondering why my comments were not posted? No foul language or any such rudeness.
Paul,
I am not sure what happened to this one, but I do see your previous post on the site.
Do you see them now? I can.
We worked as workampers for 11years. We, like you, have seen it all. Some go some bad. We worked for the Corp of Engineers in West Virginia and Texas. Good jobs. Working as workampers we got to see the states and the people. Wow!!! In all we enjoyed the jobs.
Love that Cec! I like that you mentioned that states, and the people!
My husband and I did a one month stint in south Florida a few years ago (October). While it was an interesting experience, unlike you, we do not desire to do it again. The bathrooms did us in. Be aware it is very hard work, and if you’re a “newbie”, you WILL have the bathroom/camp site duties. Actually, we didn’t really mind the campsites, and enjoyed interacting with most people, but a lot of folks….for lack of a better word….are pigs. The gross stuff left behind at the sites and in the bath houses. Yuck. Not to scare you, but just be aware. We worked two days on, two days off, sharing duties with another couple. That gave us time to site see the area.
Babd
I was going to mention in my response above about about my experience living in South Florida about
the public bathrooms that can be horrendous. The new people from countries south of the US in many cases arrive from countries with plumbing problems. It is customary for them to throw their used toilet paper and other stuff on the floor by the toilet. For us that is absolutely not acceptable. The Turnpike bathrooms are now monitored more regularly that is far different from the past. Those poor attendants who had to deal with all that sh……my heart goes out to them.
But here our piggies are not much different. I agree with you Babd there are many who are nothing but “slobs”. I believe there is a song that had that in the 60’s or 70’s. Who was that? Janice Jopin?? Yes, I was in college in the mid 60’s/70’s
I can see myself wearing a space suit and head piece while cleaning the bathrooms.
haha yes to a space suit!
Great information!! Thank you for sharing
We are currently camp hosts as a family of 4 and are loving it! We are in a primitive campground (no hookups except ours) with vault toilets and no showers so I think we have it easy! There is trash and occasionally a camp that is a little out of hand but for the most part we love what we are doing. Worst thing I’ve seen is someone dedicated in their campsite and left the soiled underwear they used to clean themselves ?. Also I think they should discontinue making the juice boxes that have the straw in the little wrapper, water and beer bottle lids, cigarette butts and small candy wrappers – just saying!
Yes Misty! I agree. Those things are just litter!!!
I cannot believe that thing about the underwear! Then again, maybe I can. People are wild for sure!
I’m glad you’re enjoying your stay as host. Where are you guys staying right now? T
Do you work 7 days a week as a camp host?
We work 7 days but different places/people do it differently. If we want to leave the campground for a day or several our team is willing to step up and take over.