For families living the full-time RV lifestyle, workcamping can be a total game-changer. It allows you to travel more affordably, meet incredible people, and experience the country in a deeper and more meaningful way. By combining part-time or full-time work with free or discounted camping in amazing locations, workcamping becomes more than just a job on the road; it becomes a way of life.
What is Workcamping?
Workcamping usually involves exchanging your time and skills for a free campsite, utilities, and sometimes a paycheck. Many campgrounds, RV parks, farms, ranches, and even amusement parks hire workcampers to help with things like housekeeping, maintenance, guest check-ins, landscaping, serving or even hosting.
In return, individuals, couples, or families are often provided with a free full-hookup site and sometimes even additional perks like pay, laundry access, propane, and use of park amenities. It’s a great way to cut costs while still enjoying life on the road and spending time in beautiful places.
Workcamping Commitments: What to Expect
Most workcamping positions ask for a time commitment ranging anywhere from a few weeks to a full season or even longer. That might sound like a lot, but flexibility is more common than you’d think. It’s always worth applying even if you can’t commit to the full timeframe. Many places are happy to work with your schedule or bring in someone else when you leave. That’s exactly what happened to us during our last workcamping job. The listing required a six-month commitment, but we could only stay for half of that, and they were still happy to bring us on!
Some jobs come with a simple agreement or contract that outlines the hours expected, job duties, and any perks included. Be sure to ask upfront whether the position includes paid hours, what the living arrangements are like, and if there’s any flexibility with dates. Every job is a little different, so asking the right questions helps you find the perfect fit.
Why Workcamping Works So Well for Full-Time Families
Here are the top reasons why workcamping is the perfect fit for full-time families like ours.
1. Affordable Living
Workcamping can drastically reduce monthly expenses. Free or reduced camping fees free up money for fuel, groceries, experiences, or savings.
When we were searching, we focused only on positions that offered both a free full-hookup site and all hours paid. It made all the difference in staying financially stable while still enjoying the journey.
2. Flexible Scheduling
Many workcamping positions offer flexible shifts, which is ideal for families who homeschool or roadschool. Parents can alternate shifts or work together while the kids explore the campground, join educational programs, or play with other children nearby.
Since our children are a little older, we chose to work the same shift so we could have evenings free for family time. Our coworkers were also our neighbors, and many of them had kids around the same age as ours. This meant the boys had built-in friends and playmates nearby. Because we all lived close together, we were comfortable letting the kids play while checking on them throughout the day. This arrangement made balancing work and family life much easier and more enjoyable.
3. Learning and Life Skills for the Whole Family
One of the great things about workcamping is how much you can learn along the way. It’s not just for kids — adults can gain new skills too. Workcamping gives you the chance to try out different roles and help out in a variety of areas you may not have experienced before. From housekeeping and maintenance to landscaping, office work, or hosting, each position offers a hands-on way to build real-world knowledge you can carry with you into future jobs or adventures.
Workcamping also introduces kids to real-life responsibility and the value of hard work. Watching their parents contribute to a campground or ranch gives them a sense of community involvement. Some families even include older children in simple tasks like site clean-up or campground hosting, giving them a head start on life skills.
While housekeeping in Zion I had the kids help out with cleaning and making beds and allowed them to earn some money by working with me.
It’s a great way for the whole family to grow together, learn by doing, and walk away from each experience with new confidence and abilities.
4. Adventure with a Purpose
Instead of rushing from place to place, workcamping encourages you to stay longer and go deeper. Before Zion, we had never stayed in one place for more than a week or two. This was our first time slowing down, settling in for a few months, and really soaking in the area. It gave us a new appreciation for the beauty around us and helped us build real connections with others in the park.
5. Built-In Community
One of the most beautiful parts of workcamping is the friendships. You’re surrounded by like-minded people who value simplicity, freedom, and exploration.
For our kids, it meant more playmates. For us, it meant shared meals, campfires, and support from fellow families on similar journeys. It was hard to say goodbye to our Utah crew — they became more than coworkers or neighbors. They became forever friends.
6. Unique and Unexpected Experiences
Workcamping can take you to places you never expected like ranches, farms, national parks, and so many others. We had plenty of job offers to choose from, but we picked a ranch near Zion National Park. It had always been my bucket list park, and we wanted time to explore every trail. Wherever you go, the behind-the-scenes access and deeper connection to the area make each experience unforgettable.
How to Get Started
There are tons of websites and Facebook groups dedicated to connecting RVers with workcamping jobs.
We found our gig through a Facebook group and applied through CoolWorks.com. Other great resources include Workamper News and CampHost.org.
Before you apply, think about:
- What type of work you’re willing to do
- Which regions you want to explore
- Whether you want a paid position
- If you need a free full-hookup site and extra perks
Every position is different, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Our Workcamping Experience
A few months ago, we realized we needed to reset our budget. That’s when we decided to find our first workcamping gig.
We made a simple “workcamping resume” with a photo of us, our family, our rig, a list of our skills, past work experience, and contact info. After posting in a Facebook group, we got several offers.
We ended up at Zion Mountain Ranch in Utah, just minutes from the entrance of Zion National Park. I was hired as a housekeeper, and my husband worked maintenance.
The perks were amazing:
- Free full-hookup campsite
- All hours paid
- Free horseback rides and bison feeding tours
- Free daily breakfast
- Half-off meals and shop purchases
- Free national park pass
- And more
We loved every bit of it and made the most of the experience. It ended up being one of the most memorable parts of our journey so far.
What’s Next: The Unbeetable Beet Harvest
Coming up this fall, we’ll be taking on a totally different kind of workcamping gig — the Minnesota Sugar Beet Harvest. We’ve heard it called the “unbeetable experience,” and for good reason. It’s a short-term commitment, usually just a few weeks during September/October, but it comes with a big payout.
All hours are paid, with generous overtime pay, and they provide a free full-hookup site for your RV. The work is tough. We’re talking 12-hour shifts, sometimes in cold or muddy conditions. However, if you’re ready to hustle, the reward can be absolutely worth it.
We’re excited (and maybe a little nervous) for the challenge, but we’ve heard from so many other RVers who said it was one of the best financial boosts they’ve had on the road. Not to mention the awesome people you will meet working alongside you, which makes the experience even more rewarding.
Final Thoughts
Workcamping is so much more than a way to fund travel. It’s a lifestyle built on freedom, family, purpose, and community. If you’re looking to slow down, live intentionally, and find a meaningful way to explore the country, workcamping might be your perfect match. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a full-time family like us, it opens up opportunities to live and travel in a whole new way.
You might also find our Working on the Road Full-Time Guide helpful.
