Volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways to Workamp. It’s not just about saving money – it’s about giving your time and talents to an organization while experiencing incredible places. For us, volunteering has provided free RV sites, reduced living expenses, and unforgettable adventures.
Personal Experiences With Volunteer Workamping
During our first summer in Skagway, Alaska, my late husband Bill became campground host for Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Until then, we had been paying $360 a month for an RV site in town. Suddenly, we had a free site, free propane, and even a small stipend in exchange for just a few hours of camp hosting each week.
Instead of staring into our neighbors’ windows, we looked out at the breath-taking Lynn Canal. On the drive to the campground, bald eagles became part of our daily routine. We were away from the hustle of the cruise ship passengers who filled the streets of Skagway, and we had the satisfaction of keeping the campground safe and clean. Bears were a concern, so part of our job was patrolling for coolers or food left out that might attract them.
At Big Bend National Park, my husband George volunteered at the Castolon Visitor Center three days a week. On another day, he hiked trails and gave evening programs. In return, we received a free RV site, propane reimbursement, and professional training – the same program seasonal interpretive rangers complete. His training even ended with an overnight canoe trip down the Rio Grande, catered by rangers. A commercial trip like that would have cost hundreds of dollars.
My own volunteer stint at Wild Basin in Rocky Mountain National Park gave me experience that helped me later land a paid position as an interpretive ranger in Skagway.
These experiences remind me why many Workampers prefer volunteering. Agencies often treat volunteers like VIPs – and in fact, the National Park Service officially calls them “Volunteers-In-Parks,” or VIPs. State parks, federal agencies, and nonprofits couldn’t function without them.
Different Ways to Volunteer
Some Workampers choose to only take volunteer assignments. They may have retirement income or don’t want to risk reducing Social Security benefits by working for pay. For them, volunteering is about contributing while reducing expenses, since most roles include a free RV site.
Others mix paid and volunteer positions. You might work a paying job one season and volunteer the next, or even combine them – like we did in Skagway, with one of us volunteering while the other worked for wages. Volunteer roles also tend to be more flexible; many agencies allow shorter commitments, sometimes just a month or two.
Volunteering is also a great way to get experience if you’re new to Workamping, need references, or want to build your resume. For some, it even leads to paid positions.
5 Things to Know About Volunteering:
1. Volunteering vs. Exchanges
When you volunteer, you’re giving your time to a nonprofit or government agency. If you’re trading hours for an RV site with a private business, that’s considered an exchange, not volunteering.
2. Workampers Volunteer for Many Reasons
Common motivations include:
- Giving back to a cause you believe in
- Staying longer in a particular area
- Reducing expenses with a free RV site
- Adding structure to your days
- Staying active in retirement
- Enjoying perks like propane, laundry, or free admissions
- Seeking shorter commitments than a full season
- Living and working in a beautiful setting
3. Some Volunteer Positions Are Competitive
Highly desirable locations – like Southern California in winter or the Oregon coast in summer – often have more applicants than openings. Some agencies require training, like the Red Cross for disaster response. Many volunteers return to the same site year after year, so planning ahead is key.
4. There’s a Wide Variety of Roles
Volunteering isn’t just about campground hosting. Agencies may need help with interpretation, resource management, maintenance, computers, GPS mapping, photography, archaeology, and more. If you have a skill, chances are someone out there needs it.
5. Ask Questions Before You Commit
Treat a volunteer role just like a paying job. Before saying yes, ask about:
- Duties and expectations
- Hours and schedule
- RV site details (full hookups, length, size limits)
- Cell/internet availability
- Uniform requirements
- Length of season
- Perks (laundry, propane, stipends, etc.)
Why Volunteer Workamping?
Volunteering is another way to experience the Workamping lifestyle – and for many, it’s the most meaningful. Whether you do it exclusively, or mix it in with paid jobs, volunteer roles can help you achieve your RV travel goals, save money, and build lasting memories.
Agencies get valuable help, and Workampers get experiences that simply can’t be bought. For us, the rewards have been breathtaking views, unique training, and friendships we’ll never forget.
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