I must admit, other than a mention in the movie Nomad-land, or a video I saw the other day about the sugar-beet harvest in North Dakota/Minnesota, I had never really heard of this world of work camping or workamping as it is sometimes spelt. The nomadic side of me likes the sound of this to be honest. I remember once while out with the event crew, I was fantasizing of an idea. I could call it 50at50: A year of Nomadic Employment. A different job every week for 50 weeks (with a 2 week vacation. Or better yet … 50 at 50 at 50. 50 weeks, 50 jobs, at 50 years old! Seemed like a cool idea …
When I turned 50, the notion of an epic adventure had definitely taken root, but it wasn’t until a decade later that I truly embraced the idea. After resurrecting and refining my original plan—this time eliminating the random job element—I’ve embarked on a new chapter I’m calling “50at60.” My goal is clear: to visit all 50 states in a single year as I celebrate turning 60. I talk alot more about the research, planning, and will eventually be documenting it all over here on the 50at60 site! The only metric to meet … to spend 36 hours in that state. I am sure that will be easy to surpass though.
This journey isn’t just about marking milestones however; it’s about creating memories and travel stories that will define this significant decade of my life, as well as meeting others that are on similar paths. It’s also about giving myself the time to explore my deeper thoughts about where I want to take my life as I pivot in life. In addition to that, perhaps a second location to live or perhaps even to move to in the future might be in the back of my mind as well. So much to see, so much to ponder.
This work camp idea though … seems kind of intriguing the more that I think of it. Lets explore that. Seems like a great topic for my virtual assistant 🧐
“Welcome to the Open Road: Starting Your Journey in Work Camping”
Discover the exciting world of work camping, a lifestyle choice that merges the freedom of the open road with the fulfillment of meaningful work. Tailored for individuals in their golden years, especially those like you, in your late 50s and considering semi-retirement, work camping offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the vast landscapes of the country while staying active and engaged. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the ins and outs of work camping, from understanding the basics to discovering the best opportunities across the nation.
What is Work Camping?
Work camping, often spelled ‘workamping’, is a lifestyle adopted by individuals or couples who choose to live in a recreational vehicle (RV), van, or other nomadic dwellings, and take on temporary, often seasonal jobs as they travel. This unique blend of work and travel is particularly popular among the semi-retired community, who find in it a perfect balance between leisure and labor.
The Appeal of Work Camping
The allure of work camping lies in its flexibility and diversity. Work campers enjoy the freedom to move from place to place, often with the changing seasons, experiencing new landscapes, cultures, and communities. The work itself varies widely, from camp host positions in national parks to seasonal retail jobs in tourist hotspots. This lifestyle not only provides financial benefits but also fosters a deep connection with nature, local communities, and fellow travelers.
Getting Started with Work Camping
Before hitting the road, it’s essential to prepare both your home-on-wheels and yourself for the journey ahead. Here are some key steps to get you started:
Choosing Your Home on Wheels
Your choice of vehicle—be it an RV, camper van, or another mobile home—will significantly impact your work camping experience. Consider size, comfort, reliability, and budget. Many work campers prefer vehicles that offer a balance of mobility and living space, allowing for easy travel without sacrificing the comforts of home.
Planning Your Journey
While spontaneity is part of the charm, some planning is necessary, especially when it comes to finding work. Research potential destinations, keeping in mind the seasons, job availability, and any specific places you’ve dreamt of visiting.
Finding Work Camping Jobs
The heart of the work camping lifestyle is, of course, the work. Here are some popular avenues for finding work camping opportunities:
National Parks and Campgrounds
Many work campers find seasonal positions as camp hosts, maintenance workers, or visitor center staff in national parks and private campgrounds. These jobs often include a free or discounted campsite, making them a popular choice.
Harvest Work
Participating in harvests can be both lucrative and rewarding. From picking fruits in California to working in the cranberry bogs of Wisconsin, these positions offer a unique way to experience the agricultural heartland of America.
Seasonal Retail and Tourism
Areas with seasonal tourism booms often seek extra hands during high seasons. Jobs can range from retail positions in gift shops to guiding tours in local attractions.
Remote Work
For those with skills that can be leveraged remotely, options abound. Freelancing, consulting, and remote company positions can provide a steady income without tying you to a specific location.
Navigating the Challenges
While work camping offers a wealth of opportunities, it’s not without its challenges. Adapting to small living spaces, dealing with unreliable internet connections in remote locations, and managing the logistics of constant travel are all part of the lifestyle. However, with flexibility and a positive attitude, these challenges can be transformed into rewarding aspects of the adventure.
Resources for Work Campers
To help you dive deeper into the world of work camping, here are some resources to explore:
- Workamper News: A comprehensive resource offering job listings, advice, and a community of fellow work campers.
- CoolWorks: Specializes in connecting people with seasonal and outdoor jobs in great places.
- Campendium and AllStays: Useful for finding campgrounds and RV parks, often with reviews from fellow travelers.
Embarking on Your Adventure
As you consider embarking on this remarkable journey, remember that work camping is more than just a way to travel; it’s a lifestyle that embodies freedom, exploration, and the joy of discovery. Whether you’re drawn to the tranquility of nature, the thrill of new encounters, or the satisfaction of seasonal work, work camping offers a unique path to fulfill your retirement years with adventures and stories to last a lifetime.
We hope this guide inspires you to take the leap into the work camping lifestyle. Embrace the open road, the diverse work opportunities, and the vibrant community of fellow nomads. Here’s to your new adventure on the horizon – where every turn brings a new opportunity and every sunset promises a new dawn.
Creating a detailed, month-by-month guide of work camping opportunities across the United States is a fantastic way to offer value and direction to those interested in this lifestyle. Here’s a curated list of three seasonal opportunities per month, highlighting the diversity and timeliness of each job:
Hi, it’s me again! Hope that was helpful and a little eyeopening. I must say, it was for me! To wrap this up and put a little more clarity and direction to the subject and article here, I asked a follow up question to my AI assistant so we could have a little resource list to do some further research from. A starting point if you would. I will try to link to as many of these resources as I can when it makes sense. Here’s a curated list of three seasonal opportunities per month, highlighting the diversity and timeliness of each job:
Also, check out the video at the very end of the post. Lost of great ideas there also!
January
- Quartzsite RV Show, Arizona: Participate in one of the largest RV shows in the world by helping with setup, operations, or sales.
- Ski Resorts, Colorado: Many ski resorts hire extra help during the winter season for roles in hospitality, ski instruction, and maintenance.
- Citrus Harvest, Florida: Assist in the harvesting of citrus fruits during peak season in various locations throughout the state.
February
- Mardi Gras, Louisiana: Work in event support, security, or concessions in New Orleans during this high-energy festival.
- Date Farms, California: Help with the harvest and packing of dates in the Coachella Valley.
- Ski Resorts, Vermont: Continue opportunities for work in hospitality and support at ski resorts during the peak ski season.
March
- Maple Syrup Harvest, Vermont: Assist in maple syrup production—collecting sap, processing, and packaging.
- Spring Training Baseball, Florida and Arizona: Work in concessions, ticketing, or merchandising as baseball season kicks off.
- Golf Tournaments, Various States: Opportunities in catering and event management at high-profile golf tournaments across the country.
April
- Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington D.C.: Support with event logistics, tour guidance, and vendor operations.
- Tulip Time Festival, Michigan: Help at one of Michigan’s celebrated flower festivals with setup, operations, or as a tour guide.
- Wine Country, California: Assist in the wine regions with tours and tastings as the tourist season begins.
May
- Fishing Resorts, Alaska: Start of the fishing season with roles in guest services, boat handling, and fish processing.
- Campground Hosts, National Parks, Various States: Begin the summer season by managing campground sites and providing visitor information.
- Music Festivals, Various States: Work in setup, security, or concessions at various music festivals around the country.
June
- Beet Harvest Training, Minnesota: Prepare for the beet harvest later in the year with training sessions offered by agricultural companies.
- Outdoor Adventure Guides, Colorado: Guide visitors on hiking, rafting, and camping trips in the Rocky Mountains.
- Cherry Harvest, Washington: Assist in the harvest and packing of cherries in central Washington.
July
- Independence Day Events, Various States: Support local festivities with setup, fireworks display assistance, or concessions.
- Blueberry Harvest, Maine: Help with the harvesting and packing of blueberries.
- Summer Camps, Various States: Roles in management, kitchen staff, or maintenance in children’s summer camps.
August
- Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, South Dakota: Work in vendor booths, event management, or security in one of the biggest motorcycle rallies.
- Peach Harvest, Georgia: Engage in harvesting and selling peaches in the peach state.
- Wildlife Tours, Alaska: Assist in tour operations and guest services during the peak wildlife viewing season.
September
- Apple Harvest, New York: Harvest and package apples in the orchards of upstate New York.
- Fall Foliage Tours, New England: Guide tours or work in hospitality as tourists flock to see the autumn colors.
- Sunflower Harvest, North Dakota: Participate in the harvesting operations during the peak season.
October
- Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes, Various States: Work in family-friendly seasonal attractions with roles ranging from ticket sales to guiding visitors.
- Cranberry Harvest, Wisconsin: Assist in the harvest and packing of cranberries.
- Halloween Events, Various States: Opportunities in event setup, operations, and scare acting.
November
- Sugar Beet Harvest, North Dakota and Minnesota: Peak season for sugar beet harvesting, requiring many temporary workers.
- Wine Harvest, California: End of the wine grape harvest season with opportunities in vineyard work and event hosting.
- Thanksgiving Events, Various States: Work in holiday-themed events or in culinary roles preparing for Thanksgiving celebrations.
December
- Christmas Tree Farms, Oregon and North Carolina: Assist in cutting, baling, and selling Christmas trees.
- Holiday Events, Various States: Work at holiday markets, festivals, or as part of light show installations.
- Ski Resorts, Various States: As ski season hits full swing, work in hospitality, instruction, or maintenance.
This list provides a starting point for those interested in exploring work camping opportunities that align with seasonal events and regional specialties throughout the year. It’s recommended to contact the respective employers or event organizers well in advance, as these positions can be quite competitive and often require early applications. As always with AI, it is best to followup with additional research and verification. Again, hope this page helps you if this is what you are looking for! Make sure and book mark this. Feel free to reach out with any suggestions you have for work camp opportunities in the comments!
“This post, it’s itineraries, and the accompanying artistic images were crafted with the assistance of AI technology, blending human creativity with artificial intelligence to explore new possibilities in travel and visual storytelling. While these images evoke the essence of their real-world counterparts, they are the result of artistic imagination, designed to transport you to places both familiar and fantastical. For a deeper understanding of our use of AI in creating these elements and its implications, please refer to our comprehensive AI statement linked here.”