Camp Hosting: What You Need to Know

RV Budget

May 26

Phil and another camp host moving a fire ring. — Campsite Maintenance

Disclosure: The links below may be affiliate links that are at no additional cost to you. When you use our links, we may earn some extra beer money, but it won’t be enough for Phil’s ice cream habit or a batch of Stacy’s famous margaritas (recipe here).

Are you thinking about becoming a camp host? Have you workamped in the past? Wondering what it takes to excel as a camp host? Camp hosting has numerous benefits, especially if you’re looking to augment your income while on the road. This could be the perfect opportunity for you!

In this guide, we'll explore the ins and outs of camp hosting. We'll review essential tips to help you navigate the application process smoothly and provide expert advice to ensure your camp hosting experience is a resounding success.

What is Camp Hosting

Camp hosting offers a unique way to travel, meet new people, and earn money. Whether you’re a seasoned workamper or new to the concept, camp hosting can provide a fulfilling and adventurous lifestyle.

Camp hosting, park hosting, and workamping are all terms used to describe working while living in your RV. They include any activity in which labor hours are exchanged for something of value. It could be a paycheck or a free hookup site. The term camp host is usually used at private campgrounds, while park host is used at national and state parks.

The term workamping was created and patented by Workamper News in 1987. Here is their definition of the term:

"Workcampers are adventuresome individuals, couples, and families who have chosen a wonderful lifestyle that combines any kind of part-time or full-time work with camping. If you work as an employee, operate a business, or donate your time as a volunteer, and you sleep in an RV, you are a workamper"

What do Camp Hosts do

Cleaning the Campsite After the Camper Leaves

The responsibilities of a camp host vary from park to park and location to location. Some of the duties may include:

Greet guests
Take reservations
Landscape
Gardening
Check-in guests
Light maintenance
Trash pickup
Clean campsites
Guide campers to their site
Provide information about the park (state/national)
Provide information about the area, including local activities, restaurants, and RV services
Clean facilities, including bathhouses, laundry rooms, party rooms
Trail Cleanup
Answer questions from campers
Office work
Work in the park store
And so much more

Our 1st Time Camp Hosting

was at Fort Sam Houston, a military base in San Antonio, Texas. Check out our job requirements and what we thought about camp hosting.

Pros of Camp Hosting

There are many advantages to working as a camp host. Some may be obvious, such as a free site, but there can be many other benefits that you may not have considered.

They may include

Meeting people from all over the world.
Making new friends and building relationships with coworkers and campers
Working with and learning from park guides
Getting a behind-the-scenes look at national and state parks.
Participate in wildlife conservation, such as sea turtles
Staying in locations you could not otherwise afford
Free use of rental items such as boats and kayaks
Free laundry facilities
Free meals
Reduction of overall expenses such as fuel

Cons of Camp Hosting

There are cons to every situation, including camp hosting.

You may have to say goodbye to great friends at the end of your stay.
Money saved on your site may not be enough to cover your bills.
You may not get along with management.
You may not get along with other camp hosts.
Not all campers are HAPPY CAMPERS.
People get drunk, and fights can happen.
The job may require more work than you agreed on.
It may require more physical labor than you can handle
Poor communication from the management team
Living in the middle of your work environment may make it difficult to get away from work.

Before You Apply

There are many considerations to think about before you apply for that first job. Here are just a few things to think about first.

1. How long do you want to stay in one location?

If you have trouble sitting still for a few weeks, accepting a 12-month job might not be the best fit for you. Find the time frame that works best for you and your RV lifestyle. Positions range from 1 month to 12 months, so it is easy to find your perfect fit.

2. What is your ideal location?

If you hate the heat, a job in the Florida Keys in August may not be your ideal job. Also, consider whether the job is in a city or the boonies. What will you do on your time off? Are there activities in the park or the surrounding area? Choose your location based on your preferences.

3. What are your abilities?

Think about your current physical abilities and what you would be willing and able to tackle. Can you easily navigate a computer? Are you good at maintenance, such as light electrical or minor repairs? Do you love pushing a lawnmower or enjoy yard work? List your abilities and skillsets and any jobs you would like to avoid.

Camp Host Job Search

Now that you know what job you are looking for, it is time to begin the search. There are many websites with available camp host positions all over the country. You can choose from National parks, state parks, private campgrounds, and everything in between. Here are some places to start your search:

These are just a few. Be sure to check the websites of state parks as well.

Watch for scams

Yes, they are everywhere. Be aware of websites asking for personal information such as your social security number. Also, you should never have to pay to apply for a camp host position.

What you need to know Before Saying Yes

It is important to know what you are getting into before you accept a camp host position. Here are a few questions that may help you decide if the position is right for you.

How many hours per week are required per person/couple?
How many days per week are required?
Is there a set schedule or rotating schedule?
What is the division of labor? How many other couples/people are hosting?
What is the job description?
Is this considered a volunteer position or will you send a 1099?
Is computer knowledge required?
What are the camp host duties?
Is a uniform required? Name tag, polo shirt, t-shirt?
Where are the camp host sites located?
Will full hookups be provided?
Does the park have Wi-Fi?
Does the park have a cell signal?
Are pets allowed?
Any other perks provided to the hosts, such as free kayak rentals, free meals, discounts at the park store, free washer and dryer, special tours

We recommend getting everything in writing. If you are not given a contract with duties and expectations listed use email to get everything on paper. After the interview, send a follow up email that includes all the details that were discussed. You can use something like ‘just to confirm’ or ‘It is my understanding after our conversation that….’ This will prevent misunderstandings. It can also be used in the future if the expectations change.

Tips to Land the Perfect Camp Host Job

1. Apply Early

The best positions fill very early! If you hope for that dream position at Yellowstone or The Grand Canyon, apply at least a year out. These positions usually have a waiting list. Once people get in, they typically return year after year, so getting your foot in the door can be challenging. But don’t give up. Keep applying!

2. Be Flexible

You may not get your first or second choice, but don’t get discouraged. There is a job out there for you, so keep looking.

3. Apply to a Lot of Places

The more jobs you apply for, the higher your chance of landing a job you will love. Don’t be afraid to turn a job down to accept the perfect fit.

4. Use Your Previous Job Experience to Land a Job

Even if you have never worked as a camp host, it doesn’t mean you are not qualified. What skills did your previous jobs require? Skills such as customer service, organization, problem-solving, computer skills, construction, electrical skills, landscaping, and gardening skills are sought after by campgrounds.

After Landing the Job

1. Prepare to be Friendly

As a park host, you will meet people from all over the globe. Be prepared to put on your best smile to assist campers and answer many questions.

2. Have a Positive Attitude

You need a positive attitude. You will work in a customer service position, and not everyone you meet will be as friendly. Some campers may be rude (we will chalk it up to a long, stressful drive), but luckily this isn’t common.

3. Remember it is a Job

Even though you are not earning a paycheck, park hosting is still a job. Be professional. Do your best work. Show up on time. Be kind and courteous.

When It All Goes Wrong

Unfortunately, not all camp host positions are what they advertise. You can find plenty of stories online about negative experiences as camp hosts. If you arrive at a location and it is not what you expected:

Be professional
Discuss the issues with your supervisor
You do not have to stay if you can’t work out your differences.
If it is a situation in which you feel unsafe, do not hesitate to leave.

Our 2nd Camp Host Gig

in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. Watch the video for our job requirements and the future of camp hosting for us.

More than a job

Camp hosting isn’t just a job; it’s an opportunity to live uniquely and connect with nature and people. By following these tips and preparing adequately, you can make your camp hosting journey enjoyable and successful.