Enjoy a Laid-Back Workamping Experience Along Michigan’s White River
By: Greg Gerber
White River RV Park and Campground, located in Montague, Michigan, is a unique and scenic destination perfect for both guests and Workampers. With 300 campsites spread across 300 acres, visitors enjoy plenty of space and privacy amidst natural beauty, with the White River and Sand Creek meandering through the property. Originally purchased in 1974 by Jim and Joy Cordray, the campground has grown from fewer than 120 sites to become one of Michigan’s most spacious campgrounds.
What Makes White River Campground Unique?
Known for the large size of its campsites and its generous amenities, White River offers guests and Workampers a wide range of outdoor activities. The campground features miles of wooded trails, a swimming pool, a well-stocked store, and a laundry facility, all conveniently located near the main entrance. Guests can fish along the White River or at nearby Browns Pond, or rent canoes, kayaks, and float tubes from the nearby Happy Mohawk Canoe Livery.
For those who enjoy classic family-friendly games, White River provides plenty of options, including corn hole, gaga ball, horseshoes, volleyball, basketball, and even a radio-controlled car track. On special occasions, staff members offer wagon tours of the campground on an old John Deere tractor, giving guests a fun way to explore the beautiful grounds.
The Relaxing Atmosphere of White River
“Often, when guests arrive for the first time, they ask if we’re a state park because of the size of our campground and the natural beauty we’ve preserved,” Dave, the campground manager, said. “The White River has a sand bottom, which makes it a great place to swim or just relax with your feet in the water. Kids love it here, too—they spend hours chasing minnows and collecting bugs along Sand Creek.”
Workamping at White River Campground
Each season, White River Campground hires between six and ten Workamping couples to help with a variety of tasks. These include:
- Cleaning restrooms and shower buildings
- Cabin housekeeping and cleaning store restrooms
- Grounds maintenance, including mowing and tending flower beds
- Operating a honey wagon pump-out service
- Staffing the campground store, which involves answering phones, taking reservations, registering new guests, and handling retail sales
- Conducting nightly security and safety patrols
“Workampers do just about everything that needs to be done at the campground,” Dave explained. “We try to match tasks to each Workamper’s interests and abilities, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable experience.”
Flexible Hours and Scheduling
One of the unique aspects of Workamping at White River is the flexibility offered to employees. Dave and Jill, who oversee the Workamping program, do not require a set number of hours each week. Workampers are encouraged to work as much as they would like, with the understanding that more hours are preferred but not required. This flexible approach allows Workampers to truly enjoy their time, whether they’re working or exploring the surrounding area.
“While we ask Workampers to be available five out of every seven days, we don’t set a rigid schedule,” Dave said. “If someone needs extra time off one week, we can usually accommodate that. Some days, they may only need to work a few hours to accomplish their tasks.”
Most campsites are full-hookup sites, although the original campground section doesn’t have septic connections. The honey wagon provides pump-out services twice a week at no charge to Workampers.
Involvement in Campground Activities
While White River doesn’t have a heavy schedule of planned events, Workampers may occasionally help with activities or lead group games. “Our Workampers are involved in every aspect of the campground and often volunteer to help guests enjoy their stay,” Jill Cordray, Dave’s wife, said.
“We’re located in an area with lots of off-site activities, so there’s always something for our guests to do,” Dave added. “That allows our Workampers to focus on their roles without being tied to a packed schedule of on-site events.”
Compensation and Perks for Workampers
White River Campground offers customized compensation packages for Workampers, including:
- Salary and a free campsite
- Hourly wages and a campsite at a reduced monthly rate
- A stipend for electrical and propane usage
The package varies depending on whether a couple is working together or if a solo Workamper is involved in multiple tasks. Dave and Jill discuss compensation and work hours during the interview process, striving to match campground needs with the Workamper’s preferences and abilities.
“Many of our Workampers return each season because of the close-knit community we foster,” Dave noted. “They often become friends, spend time together outside of work, and even stay in touch during the off-season.”
What We’re Looking For in Workampers
White River doesn’t require specific skills, but Workampers with a good work ethic, initiative, and teamwork spirit are highly valued. Experience with Campspot reservation software is a plus, though the campground provides training for those unfamiliar with it. “We’re always happy to put special skills like electrical, plumbing, or mechanical experience to use,” Dave said.
Ideal candidates are self-starters who can recognize and address campground needs independently. “We appreciate people who can see what needs to be done and take the initiative to either handle it or ask for guidance,” Dave added.
Explore Michigan’s Great Outdoors
In their free time, Workampers can explore the beautiful surrounding area, which offers numerous activities:
- Biking the Hart-Montague Bicycle Trail Park
- Exploring Lake Michigan’s shoreline, just 15 minutes away
- Visiting Michigan Adventure, the state’s only amusement park, 20 minutes from the campground
- Checking out local farmer’s markets, petting zoos, and historic sites in nearby Montague and Whitehall
- For those willing to travel a bit further, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore, Traverse City, and even Chicago are all within a day’s drive.
- Workampers can also catch a ferry from Muskegon or Ludington to Wisconsin for a quick weekend getaway.
Apply Today to Join the White River Family
White River Campground enjoys a high return rate among its Workampers, but for the 2025 season, they are seeking new faces to join the team. “We typically start hiring in the winter months,” Dave explained. “This year, we’re already looking for people to start in May. We encourage interested applicants to apply early, as positions fill up fast.”
Applying is easy: email your resume to Dave at [email protected]. He will review applications and arrange interviews to ensure a good fit for the campground.
For more information about White River RV Park and Campground, visit White River Campground’s Website.
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