Life on a ranch is about as varied as it gets. While there is always work to do on a ranch, the job involves working with people to make wonderful memories in a laid-back atmosphere.
by Greg Gerber
Workampers who have spent time on a ranch often describe it as one of the best jobs they ever had.
That was certainly the case for Jim Nelson and Rene Agredano. They discovered Workamping after a campground host introduced them to the concept as a way to save money while traveling. After working several jobs, the couple accepted a position at Vickers Horse River Ranch near Lake City, Colorado.
The ranch was located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, and Jim and Rene spent 11 summers there.
“It was a working ranch, where Workampers took care of cabins, operated a horse run, gave horse rides, and helped grow hay,” Jim said. “It was really fulfilling work. I would cut down trees, mill lumber, buck hay and fix toilets. Rene helped to run the office and rent out Jeeps to guests.
“We felt like family, which is why we kept returning year after year. We ate meals with them twice a week,” he explained. “I would get to flip burgers over an open grill for the guests. On Wednesdays, we built a campfire for everyone, and they brought their own steaks to cook.”
As of 2022, the ranch no longer rents cabins to the public and its website was shut off, but it remains one of Jim’s all-time favorite Workamping jobs. Not only did he get paid for every hour he worked, but he learned a lot of useful life skills while working at the ranch.
There are still opportunities for people to find Workamping jobs on ranches. Here are a few looking for Workampers in 2025:
Dark Sky New Mexico / La Cienega Ranch
Two New Mexico ranches frequently team up to advertise openings for Workampers at their facilities in the southwest corner of the state near the communities of Rodeo and Animas.
Owned by Michael Hensley, Dark Sky New Mexico is one of the largest land-based astrophotography platforms in America featuring 57 professional telescopes operated remotely by researchers all over the world.
La Cienega Ranch is located 16 miles away. The 60-square-mile ranch, which straddles New Mexico and Arizona, is owned by Rory Cheneth. Not only does Rory raise cattle and harvests hay on his property, it also features several AirBNB rental units and hosts a facility to fabricate expensive, off-road race cars.
Both businesses are located in a remote area nearly 70 miles from the closest grocery store. It’s ideal for dark sky conditions required for astronomy, and as a vacation destination for people looking to escape the hustle-and-bustle of city life.
Workampers are needed to maintain buildings at both locations. At Dark Sky, they need high-school level computer skills to help keep the telescopes operating. For example, if a researcher cannot get a telescope to respond, the Workamper will reboot the computers connected to it. On-site professional technicians are responsible for highly-technical work on the telescopes themselves.
At La Cienega Ranch, Workampers clean the rental units and welcome new guests. They may use backhoes and Bobcats to perform typical ranch activities. But, they also help with the metal fabrication business which creates items for the racing and motion picture industries.
As a general rule, separate Workampers are hired to work about 20 to 25 hours a week at each business. However, if full-time work is desired, the schedule can be adjusted to allow the Workamper to work at both facilities.
“Work schedules are flexible, although people may not have the same days off every week depending on workload,” Michael said. “We know people get into Workamping to travel. So, we are both willing to give people time off to explore the area.”
While the season extends from October to early May, Dark Sky seeks a three-month commitment while La Cienega Ranch would like Workampers to agree to a five- to seven-month stint. However, Rory is interested in exploring long-term work opportunities, especially for someone interested in becoming a master metal fabricator.
Both employers pay $20 per hour for all hours worked, and Workampers receive free full-hookup RV sites and “robust” WiFi connections. Couples, solos, and families are welcome at both locations. Both businesses offer a $200 travel bonus upon arrival.
People with good attitudes who can work without supervision are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit www.darkskynewmexico.com.
Hunting on a Ranch
Bill Morgan owns South Texas Ranch, a 700-acre premier hunting location where enthusiasts chase after a variety of animals including axis, white tail, black buck and fallow deer in addition to hogs, oryx and red stags.
Guests stay in a lodge on the property. They can even practice their shooting skills at the target range before heading into the wilderness. Except for white-tail deer, there is no limit to the number of animals that can be hunted; however, hunters must pay for each animal they shoot.
The property has been in his family for four generations. It started as a cattle ranch, but today Bill focuses exclusively on hunting game. He has perfected the excursions to the point he guarantees hunters will be successful.
The hunting season stretches from November to April. Workampers put in about 20 hours a week in support of ranch activities, such as mowing and housekeeping. They also monitor the fence lines for any damage, make repairs and stock the wildlife feeders which attract animals to the ranch.
Workampers even set snares to capture coyotes and bobcats which would also like to catch a game animal. As far as Bill is concerned, it’s open season for predatory animals and hogs, which Workampers are allowed to hunt themselves any time.
They also assist hunters by field-dressing the animals. After a day of hunting, Workampers help to treat guests to a traditional Texas barbecue with brisket, beans, and potato salad. Visitors can also try their hand at catch-and-release fishing on the ranch’s small pond.
Workampers receive a full-hookup RV site with utilities as well as access to laundry facilities. They also receive a stipend of $200 per month. Workampers can receive tips from grateful hunters, which can amount to hundreds of dollars per excursion.
Most Workampers at South Texas Ranch are couples, although Bill would consider hiring a solo, too. Due to the number of rattlesnakes in the area, he does not recommend families with young children apply for the job.
A love for hunting is a big plus, but Bill trains Workampers on how to process animals. He is looking for people knowledgeable about plumbing, electricity and carpentry. Bill wants people to know they must drive 10 miles on a dirt road to access the property.
Because hunters must make reservations, Bill likes to schedule Sundays off, unless it’s the only opportunity for a hunter to visit.
The ranch is located about 10 miles from the closest grocery store and 20 miles from a Walmart. On their days off, many Workampers explore the cities of Laredo, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Houston and San Antonio.
When Bill needs more help, he always publishes an ad on the Workamper News website. As soon as he does, Workampers can apply by calling him directly.
For more information about the ranch and the hunting services Bill offers, visit www.southtexashuntingservice.com.
A Taste of Country Living at M Lazy C Ranch
Situated in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountain region, M Lazy C Ranch gives people a taste of ranch life while enjoying a beautiful, outdoor setting among ponderosa pines and aspen trees.
Located on 80 acres of private land, guests can watch elk, antelope, mule deer, big horn sheep and, occasionally, a moose wander through the property. Guests can take horseback riding lessons, enjoy a guided tour or, if they own a horse, to venture out on their own.
An archery range gives children and adults an opportunity to learn how to use a bow and arrow. The ranch also rents all-terrain vehicles. Volleyball, horseshoes and campfires are daily activities.
Pete and Lucero La Barre own the 115-year-old property, which includes 26 RV sites and up to 50 beds in rental units.
The ranch is a popular destination for large groups, such as family reunions, which enjoy hayrides and even a chuckwagon dinner. A special children’s camp gives youngsters experience in caring for horses and other animals. The ranch also hosts weddings, military groups, and corporate events.
Perhaps the biggest draw for people with horses is they can board their animals at M Lazy C, and then access the 350,000-acre Pike-San Isabel National Forest right from the ranch.
Guests can enjoy hunting and fishing through Mule Creek Outfitters, which is located on the ranch but offers excursions to nearby streams to catch a variety of trout. The business has permits for five game management units.
The ranch opened Natures Haven this year. It’s a full-service event venue that blends Old West charm with modern amenities.
Workampers are involved in cleaning the cabins as well as helping with special events and cooking. They are also tasked to help with traditional ranch jobs, like maintaining fences, mowing hay, and spreading manure. Some help is needed to staff the front desk.
The ranch is open year-round, and Workampers can stay all year, if they’d like. Lucero would like Workampers to commit to spending the summer season at a minimum.
The positions are volunteer with a 20-hour weekly schedule. In exchange, Workampers get a full-hookup RV site with utilities. There may be an opportunity to earn money by cleaning the AirBnB homes during really busy times. Workampers who help with the horse rides may receive tips on occasion.
Dogs are prohibited on the property because they tend to spook the horses and mules, Lucero said.
The ranch is looking for couples and families, especially those with teenagers over the age of 15 who want to help at the ranch. Workampers with experience cooking or light construction are desired, and training is provided on how to use ranch equipment.
“We take pride in our five-star reviews. So, we expect Workampers to provide the level of service that warrants a five-star review,” Lucero said.
To apply, people can email [email protected]. Candidates are then interviewed by two team leaders, as well as a third, if they want to work around horses. When possible, Workampers are invited to take part in a workday interview to gauge their skills.
For more information about the ranch and the activities available, visit www.mlazyc.com.
Las Caraneras Canyon Ranch Near Las Vegas, NM
Las Caraneras Canyon Ranch is located on 80 acres of land near Las Vegas, New Mexico. It is operated by Meleah and Jordan Hosea, who moved to the area from California a little more than seven years ago.
Jordan has been studying and practicing natural building for 20 years, mostly emphasizing in super adobe construction using earthbags. Meleah has an extensive knowledge of medicinal plants and companion planting.
The ranch is home to horses, chickens, and migrating birds. It is completely self-sufficient and the couple grows around 50 varieties of herbs, fruits, and vegetables, along with 300 sunflowers. They have created a sustainable permaculture environment which supplies local restaurants and food trucks with organic produce.
The couple needs a Workamper to work about 10 hours a week helping with the garden and tending the animals. They also assist with some light construction activities and using equipment that creates earthbag structures.
Workampers will be building garden boxes, erecting fencing, helping with building projects, landscaping, trimming trees, maintaining a fire containment line around the property, planting trees, watering crops and, potentially, delivering produce to vendors in Las Vegas, NM.
For more information, check out Episode 219 of The Workamper Show podcast.
Thanks for reading the Gone Workamping blog from Workamper News. Join Workamper.com today to see all the new job opportunities for RVers, as well as the training and resources to confidently find the right Workamping job for you – easily and securely.
