By Sam Suva
Whether it is a premium spot or laundry credit, the perks of work camping can make or break a gig. As mentioned last week, hourly compensation is important, but the details can leave your wallet gasping, needing an intravenous shot of funds. Let’s keep on discussing what’s available and how to negotiate for those important extras.
Storage
Do you have a boat? A classic vehicle? A cargo trailer? A utility trailer for a golf cart or motorcycle? You will most likely need a spot other than your campsite to store it for a long period of time. Storage space is at a premium, with outside rates going for $35 and inside storage for $75 or more! Make sure to ask if you would need a storage space for your extra “something” or if you can leave it at your site. Every little cost assumed by the campground is less out of your pocket.
Golf cart/UTV
How to get around the campground in your work camping position? You cannot use your personal vehicle, especially if you camp in a motorhome or have a 1-ton dually crew cab long bed pickup! You need transportation while working. It can get ugly if multiple staff members need the same cart, so get it in writing that you will have a campground vehicle at your disposal to use at any time while working at the campground. If you need to share a vehicle, try to get a spot close to where you will be working so that the effort to get to work does not outlast the stamina you have to do the work. 🙂
Store credit
Does the campground have a retail store that sells camp supplies, maybe knickknacks and groceries? How about a monthly stipend to spend in the store? If you don’t ask, they can’t say “yes.” You could also work this perk into the laundry or propane perks.
Propane
Most campers use propane, or LP, for the furnace, water heater, cooking stove, outside grill or LP fire pit. Work campers consume LP. If the campground sells LP, getting an amount each week or month allocated to your needs is one less item you will need to go get elsewhere. LP bottles can be filled at a campground filling station – most tanks for a camper are larger than the kiosks at retail stores. Of course, motorhomes will need to be driven to the LP fueling station, but not having to pay full price, or any price, will make de-camping less of a hardship.
It is a great deal to keep up with, to be sure. Campgrounds have more to offer their guests than just a comfortable or quiet place for their camper, so it is important when considering a work camping position to include these creature comforts in your planning.
This is Part 2 of an extensive look at possible benefits for work campers beyond hourly compensation. Here’s a link to Part 1, in case you missed it. Is there something we missed, or is there something you have personally used to get a better work camping package? Let us know in the comments below. I look forward to hearing from you and sharing in your successful work camping experiences.
See you down the road,
Sam
Sam Suva and his wife are work campers. They began work camping more than 10 years ago and have spent a lot of time working as they traveled. In this new weekly feature, they will share their experiences with you, with an emphasis on how to incorporate work camping into a full time RV lifestyle.
We have worked in county parks, state parks and private parks. Since we are seldom alone, and work with others, we just accept their offer if we want the job. I won’t ask for a benefit that is not extended to all staff members (volunteer or paid). That can create major problems when comparing notes with fellow employees. The benefits are usually put forth plain and simple, and we have enough experience to know a good deal when we interview. Government camp hosting is usually a volunteer position with no pay and no substancial benefits. Suits us fine if it’s a beautiful area. Hard to beat free rent. Unfortunately, government campgrounds are often-times mismanaged, often due to budgets.
(continuing)…Private campgrounds can offer more amenities because they have them available. My wife and I were paid $10 each per hour. We worked 25 hrs a week, got a 25% discount on propane and store items, but we also had to pay rent. Bottom line after deductions resulted in about $800 per month. Sweet deal. HOWEVER…..
(continuing again)….once one gets experience, and monitors the help-wanted ads, you can score fantastic opportunities. We are starting a new gig in a great location, getting paid $15 hour each, free rent, free electricity, free propane, and free laundry for about 30 hours a week. So if one hustles, keep alert to opportunities, you can end up in a great situation. Ya just gotta be flexible.
Absolutely! Anytime a potential work camper has experience and can seamlessly integrate with current staff, they become more valuable! Well done Sherman’s!