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Winter Workamping Guide: Seasonal RV Jobs & Tips

Scenic snowy road through a colorful forest, combining winter snow with bright fall foliage.

When most people think of Workamping, they picture summer jobs in national parks or bustling campgrounds. But what about winter? Opportunities are fewer, the competition can be higher, and the locations more limited – yet thousands of RVers still land great positions every year.

Whether you’re looking for a paid position, a site-only exchange, or just a warm place to spend the season, here’s your complete guide to finding a Workamping job for the winter months.

Why Winter Workamping Is Different

In northern states, many campgrounds close entirely once freezing temperatures arrive. That means the available jobs shift to a smaller geographic area, primarily in the southern U.S.

In high-demand destinations like Florida, southern California, and Arizona, you’ll often find exchange arrangements requiring up to 24 hours per week per person for just a site. These jobs are competitive – and many employers have no shortage of applicants.

But with persistence and flexibility, you can still find paying Workamping positions in winter. They may take a little more searching, but they do exist – even in Florida.

Woman Organizing Pumpkins

Types of Winter Workamping Jobs

Because there are fewer campground jobs, many RVers turn to less traditional roles for the winter. Here are some options to consider:

  • Amazon CamperForce – seasonal warehouse work
  • Holiday retail & sales – Christmas tree lots, See’s Candy, or gift shops
  • Delivery support – drivers and UPS/FedEx helpers
  • Christmas light companies – installing or removing displays
  • Fall harvest jobs – beets, potatoes, grapes, or marijuana crops
  • Tax season work – preparer or support staff positions
  • Southern national parks – concessionaire or visitor services roles
  • RV dealerships & service centers – sales or technician support
  • Events & sports – spring training, races, golf tournaments, RV shows
  • Flea markets & swap meets – Quartzsite is the biggest draw in Arizona
  • Theme parks – Walt Disney World and others hire seasonal staff

If you’re open-minded, you’ll find that winter Workamping is about more than campgrounds – it’s about thinking outside the box.

Volunteer Options

If you only need a site, volunteering can be a great way to spend the season. Many state and national parks provide a free RV site, propane reimbursement, or stipends in exchange for volunteer work. These roles let you enjoy warmer climates at low cost, while contributing to a cause or mission.

Don’t Rule Out Cold Weather Jobs

Not all Workampers chase the sun. Some embrace ski resort jobs or northern opportunities in exchange for unique perks.

One couple managed an RV park near a ski area and received ski privileges. Another drove a shuttle van from the Denver airport into the mountains.

If you go this route, prepare your rig: insulate tanks, use heated hoses, and learn how to stay warm. RVs aren’t built for extreme cold, but with preparation it’s possible.

RV Parking Considerations

Many winter employers don’t provide an RV site. That means you’ll need to make your own arrangements.

  • Boondocking: Some Workampers in Quartzsite boondock all winter, using solar panels, generators, and heaters to stay comfortable. The BLM Long-Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs) offer a low-cost seasonal permit with centralized dump and water stations.
  • Mobile home parks: In certain areas, owners offer RV sites at lower monthly rates. Amenities are limited, but rates are much cheaper than daily or weekly RV park prices.
  • Local parks: Smaller campgrounds or city parks often have seasonal discounts.
CamperForce Workampers
CamperForce Workampers

When to Apply

This is where many Workampers miss out: winter jobs get filled early. Employers often start advertising in the summer or fall.

To land the best positions, start looking and applying as early as June or July. The earlier you reach out, the better your chances – especially in popular snowbird states.

Even if an employer hasn’t posted yet, it’s worth contacting them to ask about their winter hiring timeline. Touching base early keeps you on their radar.

Where to Look

  • Workamper News Jobs Listings: New postings are added daily and delivered straight to your inbox if you’re a member.
  • Featured Employers: Many employers who hire in winter list here first.
  • Networking: Keep a folder of potential winter employers you discover on the road. Visit them, ask questions, and gather details in advance. Also, check the Workamper Member Map (a benefit of paid Workamper membership) and contact other Workampers in the area you are interested in.
  • Local resources: Free employment newspapers and local ads often list temporary jobs in winter destinations.

Remember: positions in Florida, Arizona, Texas, and southern California are in high demand. Apply early and be flexible.

Tips for Success

  • Keep your resume current and ready to send.
  • Be flexible – consider both paid and exchange opportunities.
  • Confirm whether a position includes a site, pay, or both.
  • Follow up with employers – persistence pays off.
  • Treat finding a job like a job: consistent effort brings results.

The Bottom Line

Winter Workamping jobs may require more effort to track down, but they’re out there – from southern campgrounds to ski resorts and everything in between.

By starting your search early, staying flexible, and looking beyond the traditional campground role, you can find a position that supports your RV lifestyle all winter long.

👉 Want daily Workamping job listings delivered straight to your inbox? Become a Workamper News member and take the stress out of your job search.

Thanks for reading the official Workamper News blog

Want to see all the new job opportunities for RVers, find employer profiles and reviews, build your Workamper resume, and access the training and resources to confidently find the right Workamping job for you?

Jaimie Hall-Bruzenak
Jaimie Hall-Bruzenak

RV Lifestyle Expert and author of the book Support Your RV Lifestyle, Jaimie is a regular contributor to Workamper News. She spent many years actily Workamping and has been travelling since 1992. Jaimie loves sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm about the Workamping and RV lifestyle with others.

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