We never expected to spend the summer Workamping. Our original plan was to cruise through Alaska from late May to September—fishing, sightseeing, and chasing festivals in the Midnight Sun. But when the Canadian border closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to pivot.
Instead of waiting around, we turned disappointment into opportunity. We dove into the world of Workamping—and landed our first gig working entrance kiosks at Pope and Baldwin Beaches on Lake Tahoe. Here’s how it all unfolded, what Workamping really means, and how we found a job that let us explore a beautiful part of California while earning money on the road.
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What Is Workamping?
The term “Workamping” was coined and trademarked by the founders of Workamper News in the 1980s. Here’s how they define it:
“Workampers are adventurous individuals, couples, and families who have chosen a wonderful lifestyle that combines ANY kind of part-time or full-time work with RV camping. If you work as an employee, operate a business, or donate your time as a volunteer—and you sleep in an RV—you are a Workamper!”
This includes everything from volunteering in national parks to paid gigs with Amazon, beet harvests, or private campgrounds. It’s not just for retirees. Many younger travelers and full-time RVers (like us) are funding their travels through seasonal Workamping jobs.
Why We Chose Workamping
Our Alaska dream was postponed—but we didn’t want to just sit still. We figured if we couldn’t explore Alaska, we could still have an adventure while saving money. Workamping was the perfect solution.
It gave us:
- A free campsite with full hookups
- Hourly pay to help cover travel expenses
- A chance to explore Lake Tahoe
- A deeper connection to the RV lifestyle
Workamping gave us a way to keep moving forward—even when the world hit pause.
How We Found Our First Workamping Job
We signed up for Workamper.com and created an Awesome Applicant Resume, highlighting both our skills, travel preferences, and start dates. We also added photos of ourselves, our rig, and our dogs. (Tip: Many employers appreciate seeing who they’re hiring and what kind of RV you live in.)
Next, we scoured the Hotline Ads for jobs in California, Oregon, and Washington. We applied to five listings via email—and got replies within days. Some employers even found our resume in the Workamper database and reached out to us directly.
After a few phone interviews, we had multiple offers to choose from.
Our First Workamping Job: Lake Tahoe Beach Kiosks
We landed a job working at entrance kiosks at Pope and Baldwin Beaches in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Here’s the setup:
- Job: Collecting day-use fees, issuing passes, and greeting visitors
- Location: Pope and Baldwin Beaches, Lake Tahoe, California
- Hours: 32 per week (with optional extra shifts)
- Pay: $13/hour per person
- Campsite: Fallen Leaf Campground with full hookups (50 amp, paved pad, picnic table, fire pit, and bear box)
It was one of the best sites we’ve had since hitting the road!
Wildlife Encounters
From the kiosk, we spotted coyotes, weasels, and even black bears. One bear darted across the road right in front of me—too fast for a clear photo through the window screen, but thrilling nonetheless.
What the Job Was Like
The work was steady but not difficult. We collected fees, answered questions, issued day-use passes, and helped visitors navigate the beach parking rules. The pace picked up on weekends, but it made the time fly by.
We enjoyed chatting with visitors and soaking in views of Lake Tahoe’s crystal-clear water during breaks. Lisa picked up a few extra shifts here and there, but we still had plenty of free time to explore the area.
Things to See and Do
Is Workamping Right for You?
If you’re traveling full-time in an RV, Workamping is an awesome way to:
- Offset travel costs
- Stay in beautiful places
- Meet fellow RVers
- Have unique experiences
Jobs are available across the U.S. for individuals, couples, and even families. Some require a trade of hours for a site, while others offer full wages plus a site.
It’s flexible, rewarding, and opens the door to travel opportunities you might not otherwise afford.
How to Get Started with Workamping
Here’s what we recommend:
- Join Workamper News – It’s the best job board dedicated to RVers.
- Build your resume – List your skills, availability, and rig details.
- Include photos – Show your personality and your setup.
- Apply early and often – Popular jobs fill up quickly.
- Stay flexible – Being open to different locations improves your chances.
Final Thoughts
Workamping wasn’t in our original travel plans—but it turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve made on the road. We earned money, had a great time, and explored Lake Tahoe in a way most tourists never do.
If you’re a full-time RVer or planning to become one, give Workamping a try. You might be surprised where it takes you.
Our Other Workamping Jobs
Workamping: Exploring Diverse Gate Guarding Roles Beyond the Oil Fields
Workamping 5.0 Gate Guarding in Texas
Workamping 4.1 Yellowstone Camera Store, West Yellowstone, Montana
Workamping 3.0 Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park, West Yellowstone, Montana
Workamping 2.0 JCPenney Distribution Center Reno, Nevada
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Hello Rob,
When I saw that you were planning to travel to Alaska, I immediately wanted to introduce you to my dear friends who live in Juno. They have a travel agency. They’re both experts for Alaska. So if you are still planning to go there once everything opens, send me an email and I can hook you up with them. They can help you make nice travel plans, trust me, you would be pleased 🙂
I visited Juno last year and spent 7 days with my friends, and they have planned 7 days that I left full of memories.
Now, THIS IS MY DREAM COME TRUE! I wish so much to have a bus like this and travel the world, I would set it up nicely, and would even take my future kids with me!
As I read your article to the end, I understood that the workamping is actually working while camping or traveling the country. That sounds even better.
I am afraid that for something like that in the States you have to be a citizen. In Europe, you can’t really work unless you are an EU citizen, but working online and traveling or living in a little bus-house like this is my dream come true!
Thank you so much for this article and for reminding me of my dreams 🙂
Thank you for your great comments Sunny. I would love the information for your friends in Juno. We’re hoping to make it to Alaska in 2021.
I highly recommend if you’re able to travel in an RV that you do it. We have had the best time in our 16 months on the road. We’ve seen some amazing places, met some great people and had the time of our life. Live your dreams! You only have one life to live, live it to the fullest.
Rob
I have never heard of workamping but what a great idea! the world of Rving is growing massively so I think earning a living whilst doing what you love would be appealing to most. I have actually never been camping but this has made me want to try it. Thank you for the great article.
Hi Puneet, Thank you for your comments. RVing is growing in leaps and bounds in the US. So while a lot of people think of workampers as retirees there are more and more young couples and singles taking on workamping jobs to fund their lifestyle. It is a great way to travel and see the country and make a living at the same time.
Rob