Paid to drive

Fred and Laura Ellis receive a free full hookup RV site in exchange for driving the roads of Great Smoky National Park. They are volunteers in the park whose job is to drive the park roads in order to assist motorists, hikers and other visitors with information or roadside assistance. They were also given park service uniforms to wear and a distinctive Toyota Prius to drive that makes them easy for visitors to spot. The car, emblazoned with a scene of mountain streams and wildflowers and topped with an emergency light, is one of four donated by Toyota for the park's use. You can see a photos and read the full article here.

Volunteering in a national park is not restricted to being a camphost. All sorts of jobs can be filled by volunteers. In fact, you might be able to create a position if you have a special skill or interest that could benefit the park. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

For information on Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, see RVBookstore.com.