by Greg Gerber

For many people, the RV lifestyle offers a life of adventure, freedom and discovery of new cultures, historic places and spectacular wilderness sites.

But, for those people who need to finance their travel experiences, Workamping offers a unique way to fund that exploration with a sense of purpose.

At its heart, the Workamping lifestyle combines work with the joys of RV living. Whether they are working for just a few days, an entire season or working a little every day, no two Workampers’ journeys look the same.

Workamping offers a variety of job roles from contractor to employee, entrepreneur to volunteer. Each one can be tailored to provide a unique and memorable experience.

Let’s review some of the most common categories and explore their differences as well as the benefits each one brings to creating a fulfilling life on the road.

Employees: Stability while traveling

For many Workampers, employment provides a familiar structure while enjoying the RV lifestyle. Working directly for employers, these folks serve in positions like campground attendants, retail workers, hospitality staff, and more.

These Workampers usually trade labor for hourly wages, campsite accommodations or both. Some arrangements involve bartering by working a set number of hours in exchange for a campsite, while others include hourly pay with campsite fees deducted from earnings. If you’re lucky, some jobs pay workers and give them a free full-hookup RV site.

The regular paychecks provide a steady income stream, which makes budgeting easier.

The W-2 employee classification is the most common in Workamping assignments, since in this scenario, employers control what the Workamper will do, how it will be done, and when. These type of jobs accommodate a variety of interests and skill levels. For example, some jobs involve working indoors directly with the public, while others are outdoors working with your hands.

Employees have taxes withheld from their paychecks and, at the end of the year, they receive W-2 forms reflecting any reported income, which make it easy to file taxes.

These type of Workamping assignments are better suited for people who seek predictability and more routine in their schedules. Working as an employee is usually the entry point to a Workamping lifestyle.

Remote workers: Stability with flexibility

When COVID forced many to work from home, employers and employees alike discovered they enjoyed remote working.

Employers don’t need nearly the office space for staff to sit in cubicles working on a computer. Employees like the flexibility of working from anywhere, whether it is a desk inside their home, or a picnic table at a campground.

While some companies have started requiring people to return to the office, others have discovered they can hire excellent employees by offering remote work as a perk.

To make remote work successful, employees need to be self-disciplined to meet deadlines and provide the same level of quality work they would provide in the office.

The work provided by remote employees extends across a gamut of job duties, including writing, sales, accounting, social media management, marketing, medical billing, etc.

Remote workers may still get W-2 forms as well as the full pay and benefits of a traditional office job, but often with flexibility to set their own schedules. They can work anywhere they have electricity and an internet connection.

Volunteers: A lifestyle of giving back

Volunteers donate their time and skills to national and state parks, wildlife refuges, US Army Corps of Engineers projects, historical societies, and non-profit organizations, like Habitat for Humanity. These generous people are often essential in helping to sustain vital organizations.

Volunteers assist in maintaining campgrounds, staffing visitor centers, or participating in conservation and restoration efforts. Opportunities can range in length from a month or two, to long-term.

While these roles are typically unpaid, they frequently include nice perks, such as full-hookup RV sites and admission to other parks. It’s still a valuable benefit that offsets travel costs.

Among the benefits of volunteering is knowing you’re making a tangible contribution to a local community, the environment or an important cause. It’s always nice to see how work you’ve provided has a big impact on people or the community.

One of the best aspects of volunteering is the flexibility it offers. Many Workampers will take on a short-term volunteer project between seasonal jobs. It’s a way to meet new people and have more time to explore an area at a reduced cost.

For some people who have a passion for service and sufficient financial resources, volunteering full-time is a deeply fulfilling way to engage with the world. For others, just the ability to help out for a week or two is still a highly-satisfying experience.

Most volunteers bask in the appreciation they receive from grateful organizations benefiting from the skills and services workers provide.

Entrepreneurs: Running a business on wheels

Similar to remote working, but without the financial stability, entrepreneurial Workampers combine the freedom of the road with the challenges and rewards of running a business.

Modern technology has made this path more accessible than ever, enabling businesses to thrive from anywhere. Entrepreneurs may sell handmade goods, offer online services, or provide specialized services such as RV inspections and repair.

The big benefit of running a business on the road is the unlimited earning potential. You can work as often as you’d like or take off extended time to explore. Many entrepreneurs incorporate volunteering to help offset some travel costs with provided RV sites.

Running a business from an RV allows entrepreneurs to seamlessly blend work and travel. Want to take a sunny day off to go to the beach? Then just do your work later that night.

A key factor in making a mobile business work is to select the best domicile state for taxes, licensing and regulation.

Similar to self-employment, some Workampers with entrepreneurial spirit see contracting as a viable option. They bid on specific projects, such as maintenance tasks or facility operations for government entities, like the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Contractors agree to perform defined tasks for a set fee. This could range from managing campground facilities, cleaning restrooms, collecting gate fees or providing landscaping services. The contractor is usually responsible for covering all associated costs, including providing supplies.

Because they set their rates, contracting gives them the potential to earn more than traditional employees. But, there is usually a limit to what they can earn, and the contract comes with more responsibility.

The agency depends on contractors to fulfill their obligations in a timely manner. The last thing the government or RV park owners want to deal with are angry taxpayers upset because a facility is dirty, out of supplies, or broken.

With no boss overseeing daily operations, contractors enjoy significant autonomy – as long as the work is done as promised.

Contracting requires careful planning and financial acumen. As self-employed individuals, they must handle taxes, including self-employment taxes, and ensure their bids account for all expenses. Forgot to include the cost of fuel in bidding for landscaping services? Well, then, your client thanks you for your contribution.

Finding your path to Workamping

Workamper News provides plenty of resources for aspiring Workampers to chart paths for their adventures and help transition into the Workamping lifestyle.

Choosing the right Workamping role often depends on personal goals, financial needs and the skills you can offer. People with a strong desire to give back may find volunteering ideal, while individuals seeking financial, time or location independence might thrive as entrepreneurs.

Whether working remotely or onsite, employees benefit from stability and structure, while knowing a regular paycheck will help cover expenses.

Regardless of the path chosen, Workamping offers an enriching lifestyle that combines adventure with meaningful work. With so many opportunities, there’s a perfect fit for everyone looking to embrace the open road.