Wor Camping Options

[RLM]

There has not been much discussion on the website about work camping so I decided to start the topic. I am sure that there are members of the site who do work camping and some that would like to get into it. I suspect that both categories could improve the learning curve for each other.

Some ideas to respond to:

1- Who works for only a free site and who works for the money? Why do you do either?
2- What's the best way to get started?
3- Because of the lack of work camping experience and competition for jobs, does one have to accept the first offer even if it isn't suited for you?
4- How much effort and time does it take to get the idea work camper job? What is involved?
5- Is work camping in a commercial campground preferable to a public one like a national park or forest service?
6- What is your best and worst experience?
7- For those who have work camped, what is the one (one only) valuable piece of advise you could give someone considering it?
8- For those who are just getting into the work camping thing, what's the most annoying aspect of the process?

[RLM]

I gather from some of the posts that there is a definite place for those wish to work/volunteer for site only. It’s a first step for those who want to build the resume, shave expenses in visiting a new area, or accommodate an employer who only needs help a few hours a week.

It is also understandable that when some provide their labor they want to get paid for all hours worked. Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t that situation become a job as opposed to volunteering? There is nothing wrong with either.

It is interesting that almost everyone indicates that they are looking for a job that is “right for them.” It is also interesting that so many have a unique and preferred method of finding a work camping job…. or an employer has his/her own method for finding the ideal employer. Obviously, expanding the job search horizons is the way to go.

I’m inclined to side with those who might be stuck in a bad situation, but would honor their commitment. However, there has to be a point where the honorable thing to do is overcome by employers who really don’t care.

We’ve heard from camp ground owners. But, perhaps it isn’t appropriate for a camp ground owner to consider a free site as part of the compensation - with the exception of the utilities that we use while on it. If I’m on a $50/nite site, I’d suggest that only about $5 of it is utility expenses. Am I wrong in that thinking?

[westernrvparkowner]

I gather from some of the posts that there is a definite place for those wish to work/volunteer for site only. It’s a first step for those who want to build the resume, shave expenses in visiting a new area, or accommodate an employer who only needs help a few hours a week.

It is also understandable that when some provide their labor they want to get paid for all hours worked. Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t that situation become a job as opposed to volunteering? There is nothing wrong with either.

It is interesting that almost everyone indicates that they are looking for a job that is “right for them.” It is also interesting that so many have a unique and preferred method of finding a work camping job…. or an employer has his/her own method for finding the ideal employer. Obviously, expanding the job search horizons is the way to go.

I’m inclined to side with those who might be stuck in a bad situation, but would honor their commitment. However, there has to be a point where the honorable thing to do is overcome by employers who really don’t care.

We’ve heard from camp ground owners. But, perhaps it isn’t appropriate for a camp ground owner to consider a free site as part of the compensation - with the exception of the utilities that we use while on it. If I’m on a $50/nite site, I’d suggest that only about $5 of it is utility expenses. Am I wrong in that thinking?

RLm, true enough, the utilities on a given site probably do only cost %5.00 or $10.00 per day. That being said, in my park I could rent that site for $50.00 per day each day in my peak season. I sell out every day. Having a work camper in that site costs me $1500.00 in lost revenue. Also, that daily RV guest will spend much more money in the store than the average work camper, so the costs go up even a little more. Finally, not to awaken the 10,000 lb gorilla, but the IRS specifies that housing should be counted as income at fair market value, not cost. If a work camper was to work anywhere but at the campground, they would have to pay the going rate for a place to stay, so a number somewhere between cost and "the going rate" is probably fair to both parties. Just my opinion. Have a great day.

[Butch]

RLm, true enough, the utilities on a given site probably do only cost %5.00 or $10.00 per day. That being said, in my park I could rent that site for $50.00 per day each day in my peak season. I sell out every day. Having a work camper in that site costs me $1500.00 in lost revenue. Also, that daily RV guest will spend much more money in the store than the average work camper, so the costs go up even a little more. Finally, not to awaken the 10,000 lb gorilla, but the IRS specifies that housing should be counted as income at fair market value, not cost. If a work camper was to work anywhere but at the campground, they would have to pay the going rate for a place to stay, so a number somewhere between cost and "the going rate" is probably fair to both parties. Just my opinion. Have a great day.

Just a question....what is the daily pay rate per hour per work camper, and how many hours per week do you require that person to work at your establishment ?