More Than Just a Campsite

When you're a full-time RVing family, finding meaningful ways to connect, contribute, and make a little money or cover your campsite can be a game-changer. Camphosting offered us exactly that—but it didn’t come without a learning curve. The biggest challenge? Finding positions that not only allow children but embrace them.

For us, it was never just about securing a free spot to stay—it was about finding places that welcomed our whole family and saw value in our kids being involved. Fortunately, we’ve had many positive experiences along the way, and we’ve learned a lot about what makes a good fit for family camphosting.

The Heart of It All: Hosting as a Family

Our kids love being involved. Whether it's picking up trash, helping with check-ins, or hiking trails alongside us for maintenance, they thrive when they’re part of the team. We’ve always made it a point to seek out hosting gigs that allow them to participate—and when that happens, the experience becomes something truly special.



Here are some of the highlights from our camphosting journey:

Caprock Canyon State Park - Quitaque, TX : Spring 2021 & Winter 2021-2022

One of our very first camphosting experiences as a family, and still one of our most treasured. This was a volunteer position, so our work hours were exchanged for a full hookup site rather than a paycheck. That tradeoff worked really well for us at the time, and the park’s openness to families made it even better.



From the moment we arrived, the staff was incredibly welcoming - not just to us, but to our kids as well. They didn’t just tolerate children being around, they truly embraced them being part of the experience. That’s something we now look for in every camphosting opportunity.

While there were limits to what the kids could do, they weren’t allowed to ride in any park vehicles, and of course we didn’t involve them in restroom cleaning - they were still able to participate in a ton of meaningful ways. Anything that could be done on foot was fair game. They hiked alongside us for trail maintenance, picked up litter, helped check campsites, and eagerly took on small tasks that made them feel like part of the team.



The setting helped, too. Caprock Canyon is stunning, with miles of trails, roaming bison, and plenty of wide-open space. The commitment level was manageable, giving us enough structure to feel useful without being overwhelmed. For our kids, it was their first real taste of what it means to contribute to a community, even in small ways. For us as parents, it was incredibly rewarding to watch them take on responsibility and enjoy the work.

This experience set the tone for what we now value most in a camphosting job: opportunities to do the work together as a family. And for that, Caprock Canyon will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Henrys Lake State Park - Island Park, ID: Summers 2021, 2022, and 2023

Henrys Lake quickly became one of our most meaningful hosting experiences, and not just for the beautiful mountain lake views. This park turned into a second home for our family and a place where our kids were truly welcomed, not just allowed.

Our first summer at Henrys Lake, we came in as volunteers, trading our time and work for a site. The duties included cleaning campsites, restrooms, and performing general maintenance tasks around the park. As with most positions, we handled restrooms ourselves, but the kids were able to help with many of the other daily tasks. They stayed close by, safely wandering the area and jumping in where they could, sometimes that meant picking up litter or raking sites, and other times it meant walking with us as we made our rounds.

What really stood out was how the other volunteers and park staff embraced our children. It wasn’t uncommon to find one of our kids helping a seasonal staff member with a gardening project or assisting another volunteer with small, kid-friendly tasks. The sense of community here was strong, and it didn’t take long before it felt like family.



After that first summer, we returned for two more seasons, this time as seasonal staff. The paid position came with longer hours and more responsibility, but it was still manageable with our family dynamic. The park remained a safe and familiar space where the kids could explore, help, and continue learning valuable life skills through hands-on work and observation.

For three summers, Henrys Lake gave us not only a rhythm and routine, but also a community that wrapped around our family. It’s the kind of place that proves camphosting can be more than a job - it can be a lifestyle full of growth, support, and memories for everyone involved, even the littlest helpers.

Death Valley National Park: Winter 2023

Our winter in Death Valley brought a new experience: a rotating 3 days on, 3 days off schedule. It was a different rhythm than what we were used to, and while it required some adjustment, it ended up working well for our family and gave us a refreshing balance of structure and freedom.

During the first two days of each shift, we were required to stay on-site and be available to campers throughout the day. We made three regular loops around the campground, once in the late morning to check that guests had departed by checkout time, once in the evening to greet and check in new arrivals, and one final round just before quiet hours to ensure everyone was settling in respectfully. It was a peaceful job with clear expectations, and we appreciated the simplicity.

The third day of each rotation was our favorite. While still “on duty,” we were free to leave the campground to work on projects elsewhere in the park. We often chose to hike the trails, pick up trash, hand out water, or simply chat with visitors to answer questions and share about the area.

The best part? Our kids were fully involved. They could ride in the park truck with us, help with trail cleanup, and participate in nearly everything we did. The park staff was incredibly welcoming, and our children were treated as valuable members of the team.



The only real challenge during our time there was the distance to groceries and supplies, but after years of full-time RV life, we were well-practiced at planning ahead and stretching our pantry.

Overall, Death Valley gave us a peaceful winter, a meaningful volunteer role, and a whole new appreciation for the desert landscape. It may have been a one-time experience for us, but it’s one we’ll never forget.

Snow Canyon State Park - Ivins, UT: Winter 2024

Snow Canyon was a beautiful place to spend the winter - with red rock views, miles of trails, and plenty of sunshine. This was a volunteer-only position, and while it came with its share of challenges, it also offered us some calm and stability during the colder months.

The campground itself was a bit of a tight fit, especially after we transitioned to our fifth wheel during our stay. Our site barely accommodated our new rig, which added a layer of logistical difficulty right from the start.



In terms of duties, there was a mix of site cleaning, frequent tree and bush trimming, and occasional office work and money handling - the latter of which naturally limited opportunities for the kids to be involved. Park rules also didn’t allow the kids to ride in the vehicles or ATVs, which meant they couldn’t tag along in the usual ways we’d grown used to at other parks.

That said, they still found ways to contribute. They helped clean up brush piles, hauled trimmed branches, and pitched in wherever they could on foot. Toward the end of our season, the park started prepping some new tent sites, and that turned into the perfect opportunity for the kids to dive in with us - clearing, hauling, and lending their energy to the project.

While the position wasn’t as family-inclusive as others we’ve had, the staff was kind, and the location itself made up for a lot. We filled our off-time with hikes through the canyon, took in ranger programs, and enjoyed having so many trails just steps away from our site.



In the end, it was a reminder that every hosting opportunity is different. Some offer full family integration; others require a bit more juggling. But with the right mindset, even the tougher fits can still bring growth, beauty, and plenty of memories.

Custer State Park – Summers 2024 & 2025

Custer State Park has easily been our favorite camphosting experience, not just because of the stunning Black Hills backdrop, but because of how completely and genuinely they’ve embraced our entire family.



In summer 2024, we came in as volunteers. From day one, it was clear that families were truly welcome here. Our kids received official t-shirts, joined in on training and appreciation events, and even filled out their own time sheets. They were allowed to ride in the golf cart or park vehicles with us, but we mostly chose to walk the campground together - checking in campers, answering questions, and making evening rounds. It was simple, steady work that we could all do together, and it made the whole experience feel like a team effort.

Fast forward to summer 2025, we returned again as volunteers, but just a couple weeks in, my husband Philip stepped into a seasonal staff position within the same campground. He now works four 8-hour shifts each week, handling more hands-on tasks like restroom cleaning, campsite cleanups, and ensuring guests depart on time. It’s a bigger time commitment, and yes, the days are longer now, but it’s working well for us. I continue to volunteer, and we both still help each other out when needed.

That’s how we thrive, by doing things together as a family, even when our roles differ a bit. The flexibility here makes that possible, and the staff truly values and supports family involvement.

The volunteer work is manageable: typically 4 hours a day, 5 days a week, focused on camper check-ins, guest assistance, and keeping things running smoothly. And one of the best perks? The VIP cards we receive through the local Chamber of Commerce. These cards give us discounts and free access to many of the area’s attractions, which is a huge bonus when you’re surrounded by the adventures of the Black Hills.



Custer has given us the perfect mix of community, structure, and freedom. It’s a place where our kids are seen as part of the team, and where our family rhythm hasn’t just survived - it’s thrived.

Why Family-Inclusive Camphosting Matters

For us, camphosting isn’t just a way to secure a site or fill a season, it’s a lifestyle choice that brings our family closer together. When a park is open to children being part of the experience, it makes a world of difference. Our kids don’t just tag along, they belong. They learn responsibility, teamwork, communication, and what it means to contribute to a larger community.

The opportunity to serve alongside each other keeps our family rhythm intact. Instead of juggling shifts or separating roles, we get to work side by side - walking loops, helping guests, cleaning trails, or just being present together in the moment. Even when our duties differ, like they do this summer at Custer, we find ways to stay connected. Whether it’s a quick lunch together, helping each other with a task, or the kids riding their bikes over to check in with Dad, we’re still operating as a unit.



And that matters. In a world where families often feel pulled in a hundred directions, camphosting gives us a shared purpose. It keeps us grounded, gives our kids ownership in what we’re doing, and turns ordinary work into lasting memories. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Tips for Finding the Right Camphosting Position for Families

If you’re planning to camphost with kids, doing your homework ahead of time can make all the difference. Some positions are tailor-made for families, others, not so much. Here are 10 tips to help you find a hosting spot that supports your lifestyle and makes space for your little helpers too:

Questions to Ask During the Interview

Asking the right questions can help you gauge whether a camphosting position is truly a good fit for your family. Here are some important questions to consider asking during the application or interview process:

1) Are children allowed to be part of the camphosting experience?

2) What specific tasks are assigned to volunteers?

3) Are there any duties children cannot participate in?

4) Are there uniforms, events, or training opportunities where our kids can be included?

5) What kind of time commitment is expected each week?

6) Are there other families or full-timers working at the park?

7) Are there perks (like park passes or attraction discounts) included with the position?

8) How safe and accessible is the campground for children?

9) Are children permitted to ride in park vehicles or golf carts with their parents?

10) Is there flexibility in scheduling, especially for volunteer roles?

11) Will we have access to laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, or cell signal in the campground?

12) Is the site large enough to accommodate our specific rig size?

13) What is the park’s policy on pets, and are there any limitations?

14) How far is the nearest town for groceries, supplies, and healthcare?

15) What kind of support is available if we need help or guidance during our stay?



You don’t need to ask every single question in every interview, but having a handful that align with your family’s needs and priorities can go a long way in finding the right fit. Some answers you can uncover through a little research on your own, like checking for nearby grocery stores, available activities, or park layout. But for the things that directly impact your family’s involvement, like kid-friendly policies or scheduling expectations, it’s always worth asking upfront. A little clarity before you commit can make all the difference in creating a smooth, memorable, and meaningful hosting experience.

Final Thoughts: The Adventure Is Worth It

Camphosting with kids isn’t always easy, but it can be incredibly rewarding. Our kids have learned responsibility, teamwork, and the value of service, just by showing up and pitching in. We’ve learned to ask the right questions, seek out the right parks, and value the experiences that allow us to do life together.



If you’re a traveling family looking for more than just a place to park, consider camphosting. With a little research (and a lot of flexibility), it can open up a whole new level of adventure for the whole crew.