When most RVers think about Workamping destinations, Arizona, Texas and Florida often come to mind first. But California deserves a spot near the top of every Workamper’s bucket list.
At 850 miles in length, California offers an incredible variety of landscapes and experiences. In a single season, Workampers can choose to explore rugged Pacific coastlines, giant redwood forests, snow-capped mountains, scenic vineyards, high deserts, bustling tourist towns and some of America’s most famous national parks.
Whether your dream is waking up beside the Pacific Ocean, spending evenings beneath the tallest trees on Earth or helping visitors experience iconic destinations like Yosemite, Lake Tahoe or Big Sur, California offers opportunities unlike anywhere else.
Why California is Ideal for Workampers
California’s tourism industry attracts hundreds of millions of visitors every year. Those travelers need places to camp, stay, eat and explore, creating a steady demand for seasonal workers at campgrounds, RV parks, resorts, visitor attractions and outdoor recreation businesses. Combined with California’s generally mild climate, those tourism patterns create Workamping opportunities throughout the year.
Unlike many states that have one primary tourism season, California offers opportunities across all four seasons in different regions of the state. That means Workampers can often spend an entire year in California by simply moving from one seasonal destination to the next.
Best Areas to Workamp in California
One of California’s greatest advantages is the incredible variety of places where Workampers can spend a season. Whether you prefer cool mountain air, rugged coastlines, towering forests or sunny desert landscapes, there’s a destination to match almost every lifestyle.
The Sierra Nevada mountain range is home to some of California’s most iconic scenery. Visitors flock to Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks, as well as Lake Tahoe, for hiking, camping, fishing, boating and breathtaking mountain views. These areas experience their busiest tourism season during the summer months.
California’s Pacific Coast offers an entirely different experience. From the dramatic cliffs of Big Sur and the charming villages of Mendocino and Monterey to the beaches of Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, Santa Barbara and San Diego, coastal communities attract visitors throughout much of the year. Many Workampers enjoy the region’s mild temperatures, ocean views and relaxed atmosphere.
Northern California is known for its towering redwood forests, scenic rivers and countless public campgrounds. Destinations like Redwood National and State Parks and Shasta Lake appeal to outdoor enthusiasts seeking cooler summer temperatures and abundant recreational opportunities.
During the cooler months, California’s desert regions become especially popular. Palm Springs, Borrego Springs, Death Valley and communities throughout the Mojave Desert welcome winter visitors looking to escape colder climates while enjoying sunshine, hiking and off-road recreation.
California’s famous wine country also creates year-round tourism opportunities. Napa and Sonoma attract visitors with wineries, restaurants and festivals, while the San Francisco Bay Area offers an endless mix of cultural attractions, waterfront activities, historic sites and nearby outdoor adventures.
Workamping Seasons in California
California truly offers Workamping opportunities throughout the year.
SPRING – Many employers begin hiring for summer positions between February and April. National parks, lakes, mountain resorts and family attractions, like theme parks near Los Angeles, prepare for their busiest season.
SUMMER – Summer represents the state’s largest hiring season. Campgrounds, RV resorts, marinas, tourist attractions, amusement parks and outdoor recreation businesses all need additional staff. Most summer jobs begin in May and continue through Labor Day or early October.
FALL – Harvest festivals, wine tourism and pleasant weather extend the season well beyond summer. Many employers begin recruiting winter Workampers during late summer and early fall.
WINTER – Southern California experiences its busiest tourism season during the cooler months. Snowbirds arrive from colder states, filling RV parks and campgrounds from October through April. Desert communities and coastal destinations also remain busy.
Types of Workamping Jobs in California
California consistently offers one of the widest varieties of Workamping jobs found anywhere in the country but since it’s such a tourism-heavy state, outdoor hospitality jobs tend to be especially plentiful. Common positions include:
- Campground hosts
- RV park office staff
- Housekeeping
- Grounds maintenance
- Guest services
- Reservation agents
- Retail associates
- Food service
- Marina attendants
- Activity coordinators
- Tour guides
- Visitor center staff
- Shuttle drivers
- Security
- Lifeguards
- Hospitality positions at resorts and lodges
Some employers provide a full hookup RV site plus wages, while others offer site-only exchanges. Additional benefits can include laundry, wi-fi, discounts on propane and store merchandise as well as recreational opportunities.
Frequent Workamper Employers in California
Here are a few employers who have recently posted Workamping jobs in California on Workamper.com:
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Casini Ranch Family Campground
Nestled along a scenic mile of the Russian River in Sonoma County, Casini Ranch hires Workamper couples to help guests at check-in, keep the general store running smoothly, maintain a clean and welcoming environment, or to serve as camp hosts.
Gualala River Redwood Park
Situated amongst the Redwoods, on the river, by the Sea, Gualala River Redwood Park hires Workampers to greet and assist campers as well as sell camping supplies, such as firewood, or other merchandise. Maintenance duties include cleaning and maintaining restrooms and campsites. Light landscaping and groundskeeping positions are also available.
Seasonal Attractions
Lemos Family Farm
Located in Half Moon Bay, Lemos Farm is a working farm and themed family destination hires Workampers as hay ride and train drivers, cashiers, pony ride attendants, and Pumpkin Patch helpers from September through early November.
Petes & Queens Trees
With multiple locations in Northern California, Petes & Queens trees hire Workamper couples to manage retail pumpkin and Christmas tree lots from September through December.
Unique Attractions
Los Altos Rod & Gun Club
The Bay Area’s premier outdoor shooting range hires Workampers to fill positions as range safety officers, maintenance and office staff.
Battery Point Lighthouse
Located along the coast of Crescent City, this 168-year-old lighthouse operated by the Del Norte County Historical Society recruits volunteer Workamper couples to serve as docents and gift shop staff.
Likely Place Golf Course and RV Resort
This beautiful golf course located in Northeastern California hires Workampers to help at the on-site clubhouse restaurant, repair and maintain golf carts and lawn mowers, and perform maintenance throughout the property.
Sagrada Wellness Yoga Retreat Center
Positioned on a majestic hilltop, surrounded by preserved land, Sagrada Wellness is a one-of-a-kind Central Coast California yoga retreat destination that hires health-conscious Workampers to prepare delicious vegetarian meals and host guests, and assist with the day-to-day maintenance, gardening and landscape care of the property.
Public Lands
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project at Stanislaus River Parks
Located just northeast of Modesto, these parks often need volunteer Workampers to open and secure entrance gates, conduct park walkthroughs, greet the public and answer questions. Hosts may also be asked to assist during emergencies and special events.
American Land & Leisure
With multiple campgrounds in the Stanislaus National Forest and at PG&E hydro-electric plants on reservoirs throughout California, there are lots of opportunities for Workampers to work as camp hosts or in heavy maintenance positions.
Workamping Opportunities at California State Parks
With 279 separate parks on 1.4 million acres, California operates one of the nation’s largest state park systems. The parks include nearly 300 miles of California coastline; 625 miles of lake and river frontage; more than 15,000 campsites; and 3,000 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails.
Seasonal employment opportunities include visitor services, maintenance, clerical support, giving tours, making presentations and other park operations. Depending on the location, some Workampers may also find volunteer camp host opportunities that include an RV site in exchange for helping visitors and assisting park staff.
Things to Consider Before Accepting a California Workamping Job
California offers incredible experiences, but it also presents unique considerations.
The cost of living is generally higher there than in many other states. Employers typically provide an RV site; however, groceries, fuel and entertainment can cost more, particularly in coastal communities.
Payroll and income taxes are higher than many other states, so consider your expected take-home pay after taxes when comparing Workamping opportunities.
Traffic can be significant around major metropolitan areas, although many Workamping locations are well outside the busiest cities and the extensive highway system makes it easy to explore nearby attractions during days off.
The weather varies dramatically by region, so research your destination before arriving. Coastal fog, mountain snow and desert heat can all exist on the same day in different parts of the state.
Wildfire season may occasionally affect travel plans in some regions during late summer and fall, so it’s wise to remain flexible and monitor local conditions.
Why Workampers Keep Returning to California
Many Workampers return to California because every season offers something different.
One year they may spend the summer beneath giant redwoods. The next year they may choose a beachfront campground along the Pacific. Another season might be spent welcoming visitors near Yosemite or Lake Tahoe. Few states offer so much variety.
Whether your goal is hiking spectacular trails, watching whales from the shoreline, exploring historic gold rush towns or simply enjoying beautiful weather while earning income, California provides nearly endless possibilities.
Find a Workamping Job in California Today
California offers one of the broadest selections of Workamping opportunities anywhere in the country. Whether you’re seeking mountain adventures, coastal sunsets, desert winters or unforgettable national park experiences, there’s a Workamping job in California waiting for you.
You can easily connect with the largest quantity and widest variety of Workamping jobs in California as a member of Workamper.com.
The job listings page allows Workamper Seeker and Pro members to search for opportunities based on job type, location, start date, whether an RV site is provided and many other criteria.
Members can also receive the daily Hotline Jobs email which compiles all the new job listings posted each day. They can even set up Job Alert emails to receive notifications when a new job is posted in California, or any other state.
Workamper Pro members can also create a Workamper resume that allows employers to discover and connect with them 24/7.
If you are ready to find a Workamping job in California become a member and begin your job search today!
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