So You Think You Want To Be
A Campground Host!!
Camp Hosting is a lot of fun and can be a lot of work. There are specific requirements for becoming “Campground Host’s” or “Camp Host.” It varies with the type of park; local, State, County, US Forest Service, or Corps of Engineers, and private campgrounds and RV parks. The following information is BASIC, if you follow the search information on a smart-phone or internet accessible device, you can educate yourself in making a decision. Some Host’s are volunteer’s, others are paid, some are “stipend” based in exchange for services, and the variants are many. Some positions are for couples, some for singles, some for older seniors, other for “fully fit and capable” of strenuous work or long hours of standing. Some jobs allow children, some don’t, some allow pets, others do not. The point is, the options are MANY! You can work only in your area, or work worldwide! It is up to you!
Almost all of the opportunities require a self-contained “home” to work out of; camper, travel trailer, fifth-wheel trailer, or some type of motorhome that provides you with water, sewer, and power. NOTE: The newer your motorhome or RV the better, some have a 10-15 year old limitation on RV’s they will allow in their parks long-term. Many employers do provide a Full-Hook-Up site (FHU), but many have limitations, just be sure you know what you are getting into ahead of signing a contract!
Web sites you should look into:
Workamper.com
Workingcouples.com
WorkersOnWheels.com
Fulltimefamilies.com
The Caretaker Gazette
The Corp of Engineers, employee/volunteer information
The Bureau of Land Management
RV Resorts or RV Parks across the USA
National Parks Service
Volunteer.gov
Several couples and singles we have spoken to over the last couple of years are wanting to “get into it gradually” doing a 3-month, 6-month, or part time position during the summer. Some choose to still maintain a “home base”, others sell their home to purchase and fund their new RV and Adventure! Many choose to take a year between graduating from high school and going to college. Many young people will work for the Americorp or as an employee of the National Park system; just be sure you do your RESEARCH first. I highly recommend Workamper.com since they have been in the business for over 25 years, all over the USA, and have a FANTASTIC web site. You can sign up as a “Dreamer” for FREE, then if you want to do more study, in depth, you can become a Bronze, Silver, or Gold member. We researched our options for two years before we “took the plunge!” and we have enjoyed every minute of it!
You do NOT have to be retired! You do NOT have to be a senior citizen!
You do NOT have to quit your job (IF you can take it on the road with you OR take a “sabbatical”) You do NOT have to be rich or wealthy!(although it would help!)
You leave behind paying utilities in most cases, property taxes, rent in most cases, and in some places a meal or two daily may be provided! Many offer freebies like discounts or “off day” activities that you can participate in for free; hay-rides, fishing trips, use of a boat, use of a swimming pool or activity center.
In MOST cases you WILL have to pass a background check and reference checks. IF you have a felony conviction, this may NOT be a "game over" situation; just be honest and up front. IF you use recreational marijuana, or medical marijuana, some employers (government types) MAY not consider your application. Some states make an allowance for users (AZ, OR, WA to name a few)
You may have to be bonded (rarely see this)
