This story is based on an episode of The Workamper Show podcast – new episodes release weekly! Listen on our website or wherever you stream your favorite podcasts.
After 25 years on the road – four of them full time – Don and Pat Hawes have seen more of America than most people dream of. What started as a love for camping slowly grew into a lifelong lifestyle centered around community, travel, and Workamping.
From Tent Campers to Full-Time RVers
Natives of Massachusetts, Don and Pat began their adventures the traditional way: with a tent. Over the years, they upgraded to a popup, then a travel trailer, and eventually settled into their 32-foot Jayco Class C motorhome—now both home and highway companion.
They chose a motorhome for its all-in-one convenience and the ability to quickly move between job sites without the need for towing.
For two decades, the couple balanced Workamping winters in the southern U.S. – from Florida to Arizona – with summers back home in New England, enjoying time with their children and grandchildren.
Workamping Before They Knew It Had a Name
Long before they’d heard the term “Workamping,” Don and Pat were already doing it. About 20 years ago, they volunteered at a seasonal RV park in New Hampshire, helping in the kitchen and organizing special events in exchange for a free campsite.
Since then, they’ve held a variety of campground positions – office work, housekeeping, groundskeeping, maintenance, and even a season on a farm. Each role, they say, taught them something new.
One of their most memorable stops was at Texan RV Park in Athens, Texas – the future home of the National RV Training Academy (NRVTA). They were the first Workampers ever hired there, helping to build new RV sites and establish many of the park’s early processes that are still used today.
Lessons From the Road
Through 25 years of travel, Don and Pat agree the biggest reward has been the people – both fellow Workampers and campers they’ve met along the way.
They’ve experienced rural solitude and bustling resort parks, worked in remote areas of Arizona and near major cities, and learned that every destination offers something to love.
Their advice to new Workampers:
- Be transparent about what you can and can’t do physically. Honesty builds trust and long-term relationships.
- Stay open to learning. Each job challenges you to pick up new skills and solve new problems.
- Seek education first. The more you know about RV systems and maintenance, the smoother life on the road becomes.
“Every place is different, but each one has something to entice you – something that makes you regret leaving,” Don said. “That’s how positive memories are built.”
Prepared for Anything
Before going full-time, Don and Pat did their homework – listening to podcasts, joining online groups, and attending RV education classes. That preparation gave them confidence when things inevitably went wrong.
Today, as they slow their travel pace for Don’s upcoming shoulder surgery, they’re even exploring remote, online jobs that let them stay connected without the physical strain of on-site work.
They don’t Workamp for the money – it’s about the experience, the people, and the freedom.
Education Keeps the Dream Rolling
Don and Pat’s story reinforces the value of ongoing education for RVers.
- Workamper News helps new and experienced travelers find jobs, community, and resources for success on the road.
- The National RV Training Academy (NRVTA) teaches RV owners how to fix common issues themselves or even start mobile businesses as certified technicians or inspectors.
The NRVTA’s one-week live or home-study course covers how to repair about 80 percent of the most common RV problems, with advanced training available for those wanting to go professional. Learn more at NRVTA.com.
Listen to the Full Interview
Hear Don and Pat’s full story in The Workamper Show podcast episode: “25 Years of RVing with Don & Pat Hawes.“
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