Some handy knowledge from Conestoga Chuck’s human:
When I first heard about work camping (getting a free camping spot in exchange for part time work at the camp ground) I imagined cleaning toilets and bathrooms and cutting grass etc and it wasn’t that appealing to me. Even tho it would help tremendously with the finances for a retiree while full time traveling. So I first explored other options with no luck on anything that appealed or was something within my skill set or physical abilities. Work from home type opportunities being one of those I explored to no avail. But then I learned about a different kind of work camping! And I have to say I love it!!! I’m hooked!
So what’s the secret? First identify what you like to do. For me it’s homemade things like spinning wheels, knitting, crochet, sewing, weaving… things that fall into the “fiber artist” category. Now how can I turn that into a work camping situation? Took me a while to figure it out but… many state, national and Army Corp of eEngineer type parks as well as some famous places like Dollywood and Pigeon Forge have what I will term pioneer villages (and they term historical areas). Cool! I love pioneer village type museums and usually go to every single one I hear about! What I didn’t know is that many of them have volunteer positions. That’s the secret! You have to go to their various web pages (where ever it is you want to visit) and check online or even email or call them and ask if they have volunteer positions for their museum/pioneer village/historic area/battlefield giving tours or doing historic demonstrations (this is where the fiber artist title comes in handy). Look at dams and lakes and nature preserves too. Broaden your scope according to your interests. If you like to fish maybe a water safety volunteer is the way to go. Teach the kids to wear life jackets. Market your skills and talents to see if they are willing to barter for a free camping spot 🙂 even if it’s dry camping in the parking lot!
You can always do the camp host, clean the toilet, mow the lawn routine if that’s your skill and interest areas… it just wasn’t mine. So look for a work camp job you will enjoy.
Be professional while on the job. Dress appropriately. No bad language. Be polite. Same as you would with a paying job (some working camp jobs pay as well as give free camping spots, like amazon for example has work camping jobs!) be considerate of your camping neighbors. Keep your campsite tidy and always always always pick up after your companion goes on a potty walk. Don’t ruin it for everyone else by creating a dog ban with your poor doggie hygiene and doggie manners routine! Carry poop bags people! And no bad doggie manners! Nuff said… Conestoga Chuck likes biodegradable bags as they are environmentally friendly but he approves of anything you decide to use to clean up after your companion… please!
Remember: your past work camping supervisors become your references for future work camping jobs. So don’t burn any bridges. Be polite at all times and don’t get pulled into any local drama or gossip.
*photos for this article contributed by my cousin Cheryl Gilbert. Photos are of myself and my cousin Ron Gilbert.
Conestoga Chuck 