Workamping: The Ultimate Way to Make Money While You Travel

In a perfect world, you could travel indefinitely without worrying about money. But since that isn’t realistic, you could opt for exciting workamping jobs to keep yourself afloat as you roam.

This term might be relatively new, but the concept has been around for a long time.

Today, we’re discussing what it means to be a workamper and how to score a temporary, seasonal, or longer-term position that’s right for you.

Let’s dig in!

A smiling man wearing a jacket and baseball cap standing in front of a lighthouse and talking to a group of people, like a volunteer might do during a workamping gig.

Workamping is a Versatile Way to Earn Travel Money

Most nomads who’ve spent time on the road know that even though the lifestyle can be budget-friendly, it’s wise to generate income along the way. Some folks save up over the years to afford the ultimate road trip, and others may have remote jobs that allow them to work from anywhere in the world.

However, earning cash throughout your travels is a great way to extend your vacation.

Workamping, a combination of working and camping, is essentially an informal barter system where employers offer free accommodations, a stipend, or other incentives for people willing to take on jobs around their establishment. The possibilities are endless, with opportunities in plenty of public and private industries.

Many short-term, seasonal gigs are perfect for travelers who want to move around frequently. However, you can also find jobs that don’t have an expiration date. Additionally, these positions may be open to couples as well as individuals.

Watch this video on YouTube

Workamping Positions to Consider

You’ll find many workamping jobs across the country. In fact, there’s probably someone searching for a helper with your skill set right now! Here are a few positions to consider.

#1 Campground Host

Acting as a campground host is a classic example of workamping. Public and private establishments often rely on these employees to manage day-to-day operations, ensure guests follow the rules, and help visitors check in and out. Other responsibilities may include groundskeeping, maintenance, and retail.

This position is especially popular for RVers who want to stay in one place for an entire season. Many campgrounds offer free sites with full hookups. Others sweeten the deal with a salary in addition to accommodations.

#2 Agricultural Gigs

Agricultural work is another excellent way to earn money while traveling. From small hobby farms to major names in the agricultural industry, there are plenty of possibilities throughout the year.

Depending on where you’d like to stay, you may find the most options in spring and summer when production is high. However, pumpkin patches and Christmas tree farms offer ample opportunities in fall and winter.

When taking one of these workamping gigs, expect to perform a good bit of manual labor. Duties can range from handling farm animals and heavy machinery to hand-picking fruit and processing produce. Of course, compensation varies by location, but you can expect to be rewarded with fresh food and some type of accommodation.

Looking for more ideas? Check out How Four RVers (and 1000s of others) Get Paid to Travel!

#3 Museum Staff

You might not expect museums to house temporary staffers, but folks with a love of history and a willingness to learn can make great candidates for these workamping positions.

Many locations hire couples and single travelers to act as docents, tour guides, maintenance staff, and groundskeepers. These jobs are particularly prevalent in living history museums, which immerse guests in a real-world experience. In these establishments, you might test your acting chops and don traditional costumes to embody historical figures and re-enact relevant events.

#4 Maintenance, Housekeeping, and Groundskeeping

Resorts, lodges, and historic sites often need workers to maintain the property and ensure that both indoor and outdoor spaces are ready for visitors. Duties may include mowing the lawn and trimming hedges, changing bedsheets in guest rooms, and doing odd jobs around the establishment.

Some larger campgrounds hire and house additional staff to handle groundskeeping tasks while the hosts tend to the customers.

You may not find these workamping jobs at big-name chain hotels. Instead, check out resorts that draw lots of seasonal tourists for great work exchange opportunities.

Find out How Full-Time RVers Make Money!

#5 Food and Beverage Industry

Ranches, resorts, and vineyards also look for food-savvy staff to cook meals, serve food, and tend bar. Many places seek folks with restaurant experience to stay on-site and make extra travel money by working in all facets of the service industry. Both front-of-house and back-of-house positions may be available.

As with all other workamping agreements, the conditions vary by destination. The owners might offer hookups for RVers or housing for other nomads.

Watch this video on YouTube

Platforms to Help You Earn Money While You Travel

Now that you know what kind of workamping opportunities are out there, how the heck do you find them? Here are a few great websites that can help you connect with employers.

Workamping Jobs

If you’re an RVer hoping to score a free campsite in exchange for work, start your search at WorkampingJobs.com. This platform is dedicated to helping RV campers find on-site employment at locations with amenities for recreational vehicles.

Positions range from temporary, seasonal gigs to full-time, long-term careers. Best of all, it’s completely free, and you don’t even have to register.

Cool Works

CoolWorks.com is another excellent site for folks looking to make money while they travel. Positions span the continent, including many alluring options as far north as Alaska. You can find administrative jobs at ski resorts in Colorado, gigs on international cruise ships, and work for experienced dog mushers in the Arctic.

The website also offers valuable resources for job seekers, including information on visas, logistical advice for seasonal workers, and tips for making your application stand out.

WWOOF

Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) is an international community connecting travelers with hosts. This network has been around since the 1970s and now includes employers in over 130 countries.

Despite the name, you can find jobs in the restaurant and hospitality industry, maintenance, and more in addition to the agricultural field.

WWOOF.net requires users to sign up and pay a small fee to find workamping positions. However, you’ll join a community of over 12,000 hosts and 100,000 WWOOFers worldwide.

Rethink the journey with The Art of Slow Travel: See the World and Savor the Journey On a Budget!

Workamping is the Way!

Anyone looking to earn extra travel money should consider the countless workamping opportunities available in the US and abroad. No matter your background or skill set, there are probably plenty of positions suitable for your needs.

We suggest perusing sites like Workamping Jobs and Cool Works to get a feel for the market. Before you know it, you just might have a gig and some new accommodations waiting for you!