The Best Volunteer and Work Camping Opportunities for RVing Families

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In our time on the road, we’ve met many families who enjoy volunteering and work camping while they travel. While this isn’t something we’ve ever had the opportunity to do, it didn’t take me long to realize that choosing to pick up such jobs along your route is an excellent way to make your travels meaningful. On top of that, volunteering and work camping jobs often include a campsite, utilities, and/or a variety of amenities. Some even pay cash in addition to a free place to park your home-on-wheels!

Hoping to add some volunteer work or work camping to your travels in the near future? Below are some of the best opportunities out there.

Volunteering vs Work Camping: What’s the Difference?

Honestly, there often isn’t a huge difference between work camping and volunteering, and the line between them is pretty fuzzy. Generally speaking, you will not get anything at all in return for volunteer work. That said, some volunteer gigs do include a site with utilities. Meanwhile, work camping gigs should always include a site with utilities, and some even include a bit of pay.

No matter which way you go, volunteering and work camping are both good ways to connect with others and add some meaning to your travels.

The Benefits of RV Volunteering or Work Camping with Kids

Volunteering while you travel or choosing a work camping gig can have a lot of benefits, no matter your age. That said, these experiences can be especially beneficial for kids.

While working, they will gain real world experience and learn problem solving skills, as well as teamwork skills and responsibility. Family bonds will be strengthened as you work on projects side-by-side and create lasting memories. On top of all that, kids will have opportunities to learn about the natural world in ways they might not otherwise, giving them a chance to truly connect with nature.

Honestly, I can’t think of many things that fit more perfectly with roadschooling!

The Best RV Volunteer and Work Camping Options

Habitat for Humanity’s RV Care-A-Vanners

Habitat for Humanity’s Care-A-Vanners is a fantastic volunteer program that invites RV travelers to participate in charitable building projects across the US. Volunteers assist in constructing homes, offering a meaningful way to contribute to communities during their travels.

Unfortunately, most jobs do require RVers to pay a small camping fee. Additionally, RVs must be self contained. While I have heard of teens working with this program, it would be necessary to contact Habitat for Humanity to ask if kids can be involved in a particular project.

A Year to Volunteer

Focused on RVers, A Year to Volunteer rallies volunteers nationwide to work on projects that benefit community programs of all kinds. Most jobs involve manual labor and include cleanup, restoration, repairs, and construction at locations such as living history museums, state parks, animal sanctuaries, etc.

It seems that most projects include free dry-camping sites for volunteers, but you must be totally self contained and able to boondock. I couldn’t find info about volunteering with kids, but I did see that projects can be pet-friendly.

seRV — RV With Purpose

If you prefer something that involves less manual labor, you might consider seRV. This program connects RVers with nonprofit organizations, giving them opportunities to participate in purpose-driven volunteerism. Jobs range from food pantry assistance to animal care. This is great because it gives volunteers a chance to select roles that align with their passions and skills.

I really appreciate that seRV has a search filter for family-friendly jobs, meaning you can find projects that will allow kids. Most volunteer opportunities do not include an RV site, but a few might.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Volunteer Program

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Volunteer Program offers a variety of roles for volunteers. These include serving as a park or campground host, staffing visitor centers, maintaining trails and facilities, leading tours, and more. I love that it allows campers to give back to the natural world, something most of us have a special appreciation for.

You can find Army COE volunteer opportunities at Volunteer.gov, and most jobs include a site with hookups. Unfortunately, many of these jobs will not accept families, but exceptions can and have been made, so it is worth asking about.

National Park Volunteer Programs

Many national parks offer volunteer opportunities for RVers, often in exchange for a free campsite. In most cases, this means working as a campground host and doing such tasks as ensuring everyone has paid camping fees, cleaning restrooms, and keeping the grounds clean.

We have known several families that have worked as NPS camp hosts, so I know at least some parks do allow families to volunteer rather than just couples. Of course, having very young children can make your camp host duties a little more difficult.

NPS volunteer opportunities can be found at Volunteer.gov.

Xanterra & Aramark (National Park Concessionaires)

Another way to volunteer in national parks is to go through concessionaires such as Xanterra and Aramark. These companies hire seasonal workers (often RVers) for hospitality, retail, and maintenance jobs in national parks like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Glacier.

Unlike NPS positions, these concessionaire positions usually include pay, as well as free or discounted RV camping. That said, the jobs are often more difficult to snag and may include more duties or harder labor.

BLM and Forest Service Volunteer Opportunities

In the same vein as national parks and Army Corps of Engineers parks, BLM lands and Forest Service lands also require volunteers. Volunteer work might include trail maintenance, working in a visitor center, or most commonly, camp hosting.

Camp hosts for BLM and the Forest Service usually receive a free campsite in exchange for their work, but the site may or may not include any hookups. As is the case with NPS and Army COE jobs, these opportunities can be found at Volunteer.gov.

State Park Volunteer Programs

Most state parks have volunteer host positions where RVers assist with campground operations, maintenance, or educational programs. We’ve known a couple of families who have volunteered in state parks, and both families had a wonderful time. The Florida State Park volunteer program seems especially perfect for RVing families.

Obviously, rules and requirements for volunteers will change from one state to the next, as will the benefits of volunteering. Many state parks do offer volunteer camp hosts a free RV campsite, and several states allow families to camp host.

National Wildlife Refuges

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offers RV-friendly volunteer opportunities in wildlife refuges across the country. Much like the jobs in the other public lands mentioned above, these volunteer opportunities might require working as a visitor center host, doing maintenance work, or assisting with conservation projects.

Much of the time, a campsite is offered in exchange for your services, and most sites have hookups. Some sites also include a propane allowance.

WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms)

If you’re interested in sustainable farming, WWOOF-USA is an excellent option! This program connects RVers with organic farms needing seasonal help. It’s a wonderful way to learn about growing food and a great way to make lifelong friendships.

In exchange for work, you receive a place to stay (often with RV parking) and meals. Many WWOOF hosts allow children to accompany their parents, so finding a job that works for your crew shouldn’t be an issue.

Harvest Hosts

While not a traditional workamping opportunity, we do need to mention Harvest Hosts. This is a network of farms, wineries, and breweries that allow RVers to stay overnight for free in exchange for patronage or volunteer work.

You do need to pay a small yearly fee to gain access to the enormous list of hosts. That said, because you receive some amazing friendships, opportunities, and places to stay in return, I think it is a worthwhile expense.

Workamping and Volunteer Job Boards

Still haven’t found a job that works for you? Several platforms specialize in connecting RVers with workamping positions.

• WorkampingJobs.com: Offers free “help wanted” ads from RV parks and campgrounds, allowing users to search for positions without registration.
• Escapees RV Club: Provides resources and listings for both workamping and volunteer positions, catering to a wide range of interests and skills.
• Volunteer.gov: This is a fantastic resource that aggregates federal volunteer opportunities across various agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service, and the Army Corps of Engineers.

Tips for Finding the Perfect Work Camping Position

When considering these opportunities, it’s essential to research each program thoroughly to ensure it aligns with your family’s ages, skills, interests, budget, and travel plans.

Define Your Priorities

• Full Hookups vs. Boondocking — Do you need full utilities, or are you okay with dry camping?
• Pay vs. Trade — Some positions offer wages, while others provide a free campsite in exchange for work.
• Hours & Workload — Do you want full-time, part-time, or minimal duties for a free stay?
• Ages & Number of Campers — Many positions will not take families with kids. Make sure your family fits the job description.

Apply Early & Network

• The best jobs often get snatched up months in advance (especially in prime locations).
• Build relationships with past employers—many of them rehire reliable workers.
• Attend RV meetups or join forums where work campers share insider tips.

Consider Unconventional Options

• Harvest Hosts/Wineries — Some offer long-term stays for workers.
• Marinas & Fishing Camps — Often need extra hands during peak seasons.
• Guest Ranches & Farms — Work with animals or crops in exchange for a site and pay.

Watch Out for Red Flags

• Overly vague job descriptions — If they don’t list duties upfront, ask for specifics.
• Unpaid “trial” periods — Some shady places exploit work campers with unpaid training.
• Too many negative reviews — Look for past work camper experiences before committing.

This video offers more helpful tips:

Yes, volunteering or work camping as you travel is a wonderful way to enrich your travels and make meaningful connections along the way. Where and how will you volunteer first?

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