Texas is one of the top destinations for RVers – and for good reason. With its warm winters, diverse landscapes, and abundance of RV jobs, it’s no wonder tens of thousands of RVers flock south each year. Workamping in Texas offers both income and adventure, making it a favorite stop for seasonal travelers.
In this article, we’ll focus on the Rio Grande Valley – the southernmost point of Texas – where a temperate climate, vibrant culture, and an abundance of Workamping jobs make it a top destination for RVers and snowbirds alike.
Why Workampers Love the Rio Grande Valley
Stretching from the New Mexico border to the Gulf of Mexico near Brownsville, the Rio Grande Valley offers mild winters with average temperatures in the mid-70s. While summers can get hot (often reaching triple digits), the region is a haven for those escaping colder climates during winter months.
The Rio Grande River, though not as imposing as it once was, serves as a picturesque border between the United States and Mexico. While water sports are limited due to the international boundary, the river and surrounding areas boast plenty of scenic beauty and cultural significance.
Tourism is big economic driver in the Rio Grande valley, especially closer to the Gulf of Mexico. Eco-tourism is a big draw as people arrive every year to enjoy birds and butterflies as they, like human snowbirds, find the Texas climate to their liking.
Why Texas is Ideal for Workampers
1. No Income Tax: Texas doesn’t have a state income tax, nor does it impose a tax on personal estates, making it a popular domicile for full-time RVers.
2. Affordable RV Registration: Registering an RV in Texas is straightforward and cost-effective. Fees are based on vehicle weight rather than value, saving hundreds annually for many RV owners. For example, in 2024, license plates for travel trailers under 6,000 pounds cost just $45 annually, while motorhomes weighing up to 40,000 pounds cost $340.
3. Favorable Regulations: Highly-populated counties in Texas often require RV owners to have their motorhomes inspected and pass an annual emissions test in order to be licensed. The same requirement exists for tow vehicles, like pick-up trucks. But, in the Rio Grande valley, only El Paso requires emissions tests.
4. Access to Military Resources: With 59 active military bases and over 1.5 million veterans, Texas is particularly popular with military retirees, comprising 6.8% of Texas’ population. The easy access to services and benefits makes it a great option for those with a military background.
Explore the Culture and Attractions of the Rio Grande Valley
Beyond Workamping, the Rio Grande Valley offers endless opportunities to explore its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are some must-see attractions in the region:
El Paso Area Attractions
- Scenic Drives: The Rocky Mountains end in downtown El Paso. Take in breathtaking views along Scenic Drive in downtown El Paso or the Woodrow Bean Transmountain Drive on Hwy. 375.
- National Border Patrol Museum: Learn about the history of America’s border patrol, with exhibits showcasing surveillance equipment like helicopters and off-road vehicles.
- Old Mesilla, NM: Just outside El Paso, this historic district in Las Cruces is worth the trip.
Fort Davis Area Attractions
- McDonald Observatory: Tour the University of Texas-operated facility and attend an evening “star party” to stargaze in an International Dark Sky Park.
- Fort Davis National Historic Site: Step back in time at one of the best-preserved Old West Army forts, established in 1854.
- Big Bend State Park: Explore the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem, perfect for rafting, backpacking, and horseback riding.
One of the largest optical telescopes in the world, the 10-meter Hobby-Eberly telescope is located at McDonald Observatory
Del Rio Area Attractions
- Judge Roy Bean Museum: Visit the legendary “Law West of the Pecos” saloon and courthouse in Langtry.
- Whitehead Memorial Museum: Walk through a pioneer village featuring a log cabin, schoolhouse, jail, and more.
- Amistad National Recreation Area: A haven for water sports and a migration stop for monarch butterflies.
Brownsville Area Attractions
- Sabal Palm Sanctuary: Discover 557 acres of pristine natural preserve and bird-watching opportunities.
- Palo Alto Battlefield: Learn about the first battle of the Mexican-American War.
- SpaceX Starbase: Witness cutting-edge space exploration technology near Brownsville.
National Recreation Areas
- Big Bend National Park: Located along the Rio Grande River, the 800,000-acre park is well known for its imposing cliffs as well as its hot springs. Approximately 450 bird species have been spotted in the park. Despite its size, Big Bend is one of the least-visited national parks welcoming fewer than 400,000 visitors a year.
- Padre Island National Seashore: Although different from the popular South Padre Island tourist mecca, the national seashore is located on the north side of what is the longest barrier island in the world. Its beach stretches more than 65 miles. It’s a fun park from which to watch sea turtles as they come ashore to lay their eggs, and scamper into the ocean once hatched.
- Armistad National Recreation Area: The region features a reservoir created by the confluence of the Rio Grande, Devils and Pecos rivers. Although located along the Mexican border, there is enough open waterway on the American side to be popular among tourists. Armistad is a popular stopping point for thousands of migrating monarch butterflies every fall.
Workamping Jobs in the Rio Grande Valley
Workamping jobs in the Rio Grande Valley are often centered around campgrounds, RV parks, and resorts. Here’s a glimpse of the opportunities available:
- Leisure Communities (Mission, TX): Work 20-24 hours per week in positions like housekeeper, park host, or activities assistant in exchange for a full-hookup RV site, free laundry, and resort amenities.
- Alamo Rose RV Resort (Alamo, TX): Office positions require 24 hours per week in exchange for a full-hookup RV site with utilities. Duties include answering the phone, reservations, filing, and rent collection.
- Bentsen RV Park (Mission, TX): Maintenance, general construction, and housekeeping jobs are available for solos and couples, with flexible schedules starting at just 16 hours per week.
- Aramark Destinations (Big Bend National Park): Adventure seekers can work in culinary, housekeeping, or food service roles while living among stunning desert scenery.
- Lost Alaskan RV Park (Alpine, TX): Couples work two days per week taking reservations, performing office duties, cleaning, and light maintenance, and earn a full-hookup RV site with cable, Wi-Fi, and laundry privileges.
- Marathom Motel (Marathon, TX): Work full- or part-time as groundskeepers, maintenance staff, front desk helpers, housekeepers. All hours are paid and the “Sky Park” is an appealing feature for amateur astronomers.
- Trophy Gardnes RV Resort (Alamo, TX): This combination RV park and mobile home community features its own sewing room, woodshop, nine-hole golf course and gymnasium just 15 miles north of Mexico. The resort plans entertainment every weekend and hosted dances on Saturday nights. Learn more about this opportunity by listening to their interview on the Workamper Show podcast!
The Workamping Lifestyle Awaits in Texas
Those were just a few of the possible Workamping jobs in the Rio Grande Valley. Remember, you can easily connect with the largest quantity and widest variety of Workamping jobs in Texas as a member of Workamper.com.
The Workamper News Job Listings page lists the most recent help wanted ads. Workamper Seeker and Pro Members can search for jobs matching specific criteria, like whether an RV site is provided, all hours are paid, solos are considered, job start date, business type, and more. Workamper Pro members can also use the Resume Builder to create a resume that entices employers to reach out with job offers.
The Workamping lifestyle allows people to tackle their travel goals while staying in new places for longer periods of time in order to enjoy the food, culture and people while visiting local attractions, too.
There’s no reason to sit idly when options exist to travel the country to keep your mind and body active. Get started Workamping today and discover exciting, new opportunities waiting around every curve, not just in Texas, but every other state, too.
Leave a Reply