Buzz
Life seems to follow a subscription-based model nowadays, with ever-increasing costs. Rents are sky-high compared to just a few years ago, and buying a house seems impossible without some form of supernatural intervention or a trust fund. Yet, when times get tough, people get inventive. More individuals are turning to RV or Van Life as a viable alternative.
While living in an RV full-time can be more affordable than renting or buying a house, it still comes with its own set of expenses. You’ll need to purchase an RV or camper, and pay for campsite space—ranging from free options (on federal land, with no utilities or amenities) to nearly $15,000 annually at commercial campsites.
Although this is still cheaper than most rents, if you’re experiencing a serious financial crunch, you could eliminate housing and utility expenses altogether—and even make a bit of extra cash. If that sounds appealing, you might want to explore camp host positions.
What exactly is a camp host?
A camp host, also known as a park host, is someone responsible for overseeing a campsite, whether it's at a national or state park, or a private campground. When campers arrive with their RVs, the camp host welcomes them, helps them settle in at their designated spot, and ensures they have access to necessary utilities such as water and electricity, if available. In addition to this, the host usually has various other tasks, such as:
Maintenance. A camp host is typically tasked with light maintenance, including cleaning public restrooms and other communal spaces, as well as carrying out minor repairs when needed.
Rule enforcement. Each campsite generally has rules covering what is permitted, noise restrictions, and other camp-related behaviors. The camp host is expected to address any issues, such as rule violations or complaints from campers.
Information. Camp hosts should be well-versed in general camping practices and the specifics of the campsite they are responsible for. They are expected to assist campers with any questions they may have, though they aren’t necessarily required to be experts about the entire park.
Camp hosts typically reside directly at the campsite they oversee. The requirements for becoming a camp host are generally straightforward: applicants must be at least 18 years old, own an RV (with size restrictions that may apply depending on the site), and pass a basic background check. In addition to these, having outdoor skills and familiarity with RV camping is essential.
Camping products to explore:
LuminAID Solar Camping Lantern ($29.95)
LifeStraw Personal Blue 4 Pack ($38.49)
Walkie Talkies with 22 FRS Channels ($31.99)
Advantages and drawbacks
For RV owners who embrace the nomadic camping lifestyle, becoming a camp host can be a great way to reduce living costs. These positions often come with free parking for your RV and access to utilities like water and electricity. That means you could live without paying rent or utilities for as long as you hold the position, and you won’t need to constantly fill up your RV’s gas tank either.
While most camp host positions are voluntary roles, where free parking, hookups, and Wi-Fi are your only perks, some positions do offer a salary—up to $66,000 annually. However, most camp host jobs pay at or near minimum wage, depending on state or federal guidelines. You’ll need to commit to a set period of service, which can range from just a couple of weeks to a full year. It’s also possible to piece together multiple short-term roles to secure free accommodation for the entire year. Even if the role doesn’t offer pay, it remains an excellent way to save money and minimize living expenses.
Naturally, there are a few potential drawbacks to keep in mind:
The job can be quite messy, especially when it comes to cleaning bathrooms.
You're essentially always on call; if campers encounter an issue in the middle of the night, you’re the one they’ll come to for help.
It’s a physically demanding job, and at times it can get dirty. You’ll also need to be prepared to work in all kinds of weather conditions.
Utilities can differ depending on the campsite. A common challenge for many hosts is the lack of laundry facilities—some campsites offer laundry as part of the camp host benefits, while others don’t, so you’ll need to figure out how to wash your clothes.
After considering all of these factors, if you think this could be the ideal way to live on a budget and perhaps even make some extra money, the next question is: how do you land a camp host job?
How to find camp host positions
Finding a camp host role is not much different from finding any other kind of job. Here are some ways you can search for these positions:
Job boards. Much like any other position, you can search for camp host jobs on sites like Indeed. There are also specialized job boards for campers, such as Kamper Jobs and CoolWorks, and campsite operators like Vista Recreation regularly post camp hosting opportunities for their sites.
Parks. Both State and National Parks are consistently looking for camp hosts, both volunteer and paid. You can find a wealth of information by browsing through various state park websites, or by reaching out to the National Park Service or Forest Service.
If you've chosen to take on a camp host role, here are some key things to keep in mind:
Plan ahead. These volunteer or low-wage positions may not be as easy to land as you think. It can take months from the time you apply for a camp host job until you’re selected, so be sure to do your research, pick your ideal location, and get started as early as possible.
Be adaptable. With so many parks and campgrounds scattered across the country, you may need to travel if you’re aiming to save money. You might even need to line up multiple positions to turn this into a full-time job. Moving around to find new spots with free hookups can also require some planning and logistics.
Be sure. The RV camping lifestyle is not for everyone. If you're new to it and mainly motivated by budget constraints, consider trying out a camp host position temporarily before making a long-term commitment.
If you already own an RV, camp hosting could offer a nearly free living experience. If you think the camping lifestyle could be a good fit for you, it's certainly worth exploring.
