Today, I am speaking with a former property manager from South Carolina who decided life was too short to spend it working 24/7. So she and her husband sold everything, bought a travel trailer and hit the road in search of a slower, more fulfilling life.

Katherine Skiles dove into the Workamping lifestyle and has held a wide variety of roles in places like Arizona, California, Michigan, the Outer Banks and Texas.

She managed RV parks, sold memberships, and even helped build a membership organization from the ground up.

But, over time, she realized that true happiness wasn’t found in running things, rather it was found in bonfires, friendships and freedom.

In this conversation, Katherine shares practical tips for other Workampers, such as how to avoid common job pitfalls, what to look for in a good employer, and why traveling light, reducing debt, and having a written agreement really matters.

She also talks about cooking pizzas over a campfire, camping through a Michigan winter, and how six surprise puppies in Death Valley taught her the importance of staying flexible.

If you’ve ever wondered whether Workamping can truly lead to a more joyful life, Katherine’s story will give you hope and a few good laughs, too.

Katherine discovered that Workamping isn’t just about finding a job, but more about building a life that gives you room to breathe, explore and connect with people.

After years of running a busy business, she chose a different path that let her cook over bonfires, make friends across the country and see the United States through her dogs’ eyes.

She reminded us how important it is to go into Workamping prepared. That means reducing debt, knowing the legal ins and outs of compensation, asking smart questions during interviews and always getting the details in writing.

Her experiences, both good and bad, have shaped how Katherine approaches each opportunity on the road and she’s happy to share those lessons with others.

If you’d like to follow Katherine’s journey or get in touch, she shares her adventures on Facebook at The Traveling Fluffies where she posts updates from her travels, often from the perspective of her dogs, Marley and Daisy.

That’s all for this week’s show. If you have been Workamping for one season or many years, we would love to hear about your adventures. I encourage you to schedule an interview with me at workampershow.com.

We’d love to hear about your Workamping experiences, how you got started RVing, and what you love and dislike about the RVing lifestyle. Help others explore all the different ways to live this great lifestyle by sharing your story.

If you are an employer of Workampers, then we invite you to be on the podcast, too. Share all of the details of your Workamping jobs in a future episode. It only costs a little bit of your time.

Schedule an interview with me today by going to workampershow.com. You’ll find the schedule buttons at the bottom of the home page.

It’s at freezing or below throughout much of the country today, so I have you bundle up and enjoy some hot chocolate. We’ll see you on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!

Today, I am speaking with a woman in her 20s who has been RVing on her own with her dog for several years and loves the Workamping lifestyle for the freedom it brings to her life.

Elana McManus is a solo Workamper who has spent the past three years traveling the country with her dog, Lily Mae.

Elana began her Workamping journey after leaving a corporate sales job and deciding she wanted more freedom, fewer commitments and a chance to explore while she was young enough to fully enjoy it.

In this episode, Elana shares what it was like to jump into Workamping with a small trailer, no bathroom and very few safety nets.

She talks honestly about her first Workamping job in a remote national forest, the mistakes she made early on and why those challenges turned out to be some of the most important growth moments of her life.

You’ll also hear about the wide variety of Workamping and volunteer roles she has held across the country, from campground hosting and resort work to front desk operations and park volunteering.

Elana explains how those experiences shaped what she wants next and why she is now looking for more mentally-challenging seasonal roles.

If you’ve ever wondered whether Workamping could work for someone who is younger, solo or traveling with a pet, Elana offers a realistic perspective on why trusting your instincts matters more than having everything figured out before you start.

Elana’s story is a great reminder that Workamping is not just about free campsites or seasonal jobs.

For her, it has been a crash course in self-reliance, decision-making and learning when to move on from situations that no longer feel right.

She shared practical advice about keeping a financial safety cushion, choosing rigs and jobs carefully and understanding that Workamping work is rarely about building wealth.

Instead, it is about funding experiences and exploration while maintaining control over your time and choices.

Elana also talked about navigating safely as a solo traveler, building friendships on the road and why volunteer positions have often felt more rewarding to her than paid Workamping roles.

Her experience highlights how different this lifestyle can look depending on your age, goals and expectations.

If you’d like to follow Elana’s travels or reach out with questions, you can find her on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube under the name Lana and Lily Explore.

If Elana’s story helped you think differently about what’s possible with Workamping, be sure to share this episode with someone who might be considering life on the road.

Today’s episode was sponsored by Workamper News. Creating a resume can be a cumbersome, intimidating task – especially if you haven’t written a resume in many years.

The unique Workamper News Resume Builder takes you through a step-by-step process to build a complete resume with all the information Workamper employers are looking for when reviewing applications.

Once complete, your resume can be emailed to anyone, and the software tracks when and who you have sent it to. You can print out the resume or make it into a PDF which can then be uploaded or emailed.

Some employers NEVER ADVERTISE, not via Workamper.com or anywhere else. They find all of their applicants just by searching the Workamper News resume database. If you don’t have a resume in the Workamper.com database, you will be missing out on some great opportunities.

To open the door to more Workamping jobs, become a Workamper member today by visiting www.workamper.com.

That’s all for this week’s show. Next week, I will be speaking with another Workamper who found her ideal job through her Workamping network. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thank you for listening.

Today, I get to talk with the organizer of one of the largest RV shows in America, which starts this week in Tampa, Fla.

Dave Kelly is the executive director of the Florida RV Trade Association and the organization behind one of the most talked-about RV events in the country, the Tampa RV SuperShow.

It opens today at the Tampa Fairgrounds and runs through Sunday. If you can’t make this one, there are five other shows planned around Florida this spring.

Dave has been involved with the SuperShow for nearly four decades, and he offers a behind-the-scenes look at what makes this event such a draw for RVers, Workampers and people just beginning to explore the RV lifestyle.

We talk about the sheer scale of the show, from the number of RVs on display to the thousands of attendees who come through the gates each year.

Dave also explains why the SuperShow is such a valuable stop for people who are shopping seriously, including the opportunity to compare models, talk directly with dealers and manufacturers and even trade-in an RV on site.

He shares what’s new this year, including hands-on towing education, expanded exhibitor space and entertainment designed to keep the experience fun and family friendly.

If you’ve ever wondered whether an RV show is worth your time, Dave offers practical insights that can help you plan smarter and get more value out of the experience.

It’s clear that the Tampa RV SuperShow is more than just a place to look at RVs. It’s an opportunity to learn, compare options and immerse yourself in the RV lifestyle, whether you’re a longtime RVer or just starting to explore the idea.

If you’re planning to attend the Tampa RV SuperShow or any of the other Florida RV Trade Association events, Dave strongly recommends doing a little planning ahead of time.

Interactive maps, show layouts and ticket options are all available online to help you make the most of your visit and avoid feeling overwhelmed once you arrive.

For complete details about the Tampa RV SuperShow and the other Florida RV shows happening throughout the spring, visit the Florida RV Trade Association website at frvta.org.

There, you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit and to get a jumpstart on your next RV adventure.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.

A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.

If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!

That’s all for this week’s show. Next time, I will be interviewing a woman in her 20s who decided to jump into the RV and Workamping lifestyle while she was young enough to truly enjoy all that it offers.

I’ll have that interview on the next episode of the Workamper Show. If you enjoy these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.

During this week’s show, we are addressing an issue that has sometimes frustrated Workampers for the last several years, and that is limitations of the Workamper website. Fortunately, all that changed just a few weeks ago and we’ll show you what the enhanced website means for members.

Today, I am featuring Luke Duquette, who is one of the owners behind Workamper News and the newly rebuilt Workamper.com website.

Luke takes us behind-the-scenes of a massive multi-year effort to completely rebuild the Workamper website from the ground up.

This was not a simple redesign. It was a full rethink of how the platform works for Workampers, employers and staff.

During this conversation, Luke explains why the old system was no longer sustainable, how years of technical issues and burnout led to a hard reset for him and his wife, Jody.

Luke explains why stepping away from the business for a short time was ultimately necessary before the Workamper organization could move forward. Just taking a break renewed their enthusiasm for the Workamper program and gave them new insight on ways to improve the organization.

He also walks through what went into building a modern, custom platform, including the separation of the public website from the member portal. Luke explains why those changes matter for anyone looking to find Workamping jobs more easily and efficiently.

If you have ever wondered why Workamper.com works the way it does, or how the organization is preparing for the future of Workamping, this episode will provide important context and clarity.

Luke shared an honest look at what it took to rebuild Workamper.com in a way that supports people using the platform and the people running it.

The changes he described are designed to make it easier for Workampers to create stronger resumes, organize job searches and stay active year-round, while also giving employers better tools to connect with the right candidates.

Just as important, the new systems help the Workamper organization focus less on fixing technology problems and more on supporting members and improving their overall experience to find Workamping jobs that are a good fit for them.

If you are a current member, Luke encourages you to log in to the new site at my.workamper.com. There you can explore the new tools, update your information and share feedback so the staff can continue to improve the platform.

If you are not yet a member, be sure to check out the new website at workamper.com, and select from three membership options:

• Dreamers are always free to learn more about the Workamping lifestyle.
• Seekers who are ready to find a job pay only $5 per month or $42 per year.
• Workampers who want jobs to FIND THEM can join at the Pro level for $8 per month or $67 per year.

There are also several options for employers interested in becoming members. Get started today by visiting www.workamper.com/join.

Start the new year on the right foot by becoming a member of Workamper News. It’s the gateway to a new life of travel and adventure.

That’s all for this week’s show. I’ll have another fun interview for you on the next episode of The Workamper Show. On behalf of all of us at the Workamper organization, we wish you a happy new year as well as a fun, memorable year of adventure in 2026. Thanks for listening!

For this week’s show, we are going to dive into a topic uniquely suited for Christmas, and that’s unity. The goal is to inspire more people to engage in Workamping and outdoor recreation regardless of their backgrounds.

Today, I am joined by Earl B. Hunter Jr., the founder and president of The Unity Folks. It is an award-winning company focused on helping the outdoor and RV industries to invite and welcome people from all backgrounds.

Earl spent decades as a business executive, including time as one of the few Black executives in the RV industry, where he helped grow a company from under $1 million to nearly $20 million in revenue.

That experience shaped how he now approaches diversity, workforce development and long-term sustainability in outdoor recreation.

Through The Unity Folks, Earl works with campgrounds, state and national parks, manufacturers and retailers to help them better understand why many people, especially those from underrepresented communities, have historically felt disconnected from the outdoors.

In this conversation, we talk about generational barriers, the importance of education and empathy, and why campgrounds play a critical role in shaping outdoor culture.

We also explore how Workampers can serve as ambassadors for unity simply by the way they welcome and interact with guests.

My conversation with Earl reinforces how powerful campgrounds can be as places of connection, learning and shared experience.

Earl made it clear that inviting people into the outdoors is not about checking boxes or making symbolic gestures.

Rather, it is about understanding why some people have not felt welcome, taking the time to educate and listen, and creating environments where respect and empathy come first.

For Workampers, that means recognizing the influence you have on guests who may be camping or RVing for the first time. Simple things like explaining campground etiquette, answering questions without judgment and modeling kindness can make a lasting difference.

Earl also shared how The Unity Folks works directly with campgrounds and outdoor businesses to provide training and Unity Blaze certification to help them create more welcoming spaces for visitors and workers alike.

If you would like to learn more about Earl’s company or explore how your campground or business can get involved, visit www.theunityfolks.com or email info @ theunityfolks.com. You can also find The Unity Folks on all major social media platforms.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.

A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.

If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!

That’s all for this week’s show. On behalf of all of us at the Workamper organization, we wish you a happy and memorable Christmas holiday. We have a special episode planned for next week to explain some important changes and updates to the new Workamper website. It will help make 2026 your best year ever for Workamping. Thanks for listening and Merry Christmas.

Today, I am speaking with two sisters who have been RVing and Workamping together. They are having a great time on their adventures, and documenting it for others to enjoy as well.

KC and Charlie Houston are sisters who decided to turn a shared sense of humor and curiosity into a full time RV and Workamping lifestyle.

KC has been living full time in her travel trailer for three years. In September, Charlie packed up a three-bedroom house, moved into the second bedroom of that trailer, and joined KC on the road.

Together, they are currently Workamping in the Texas Hill Country at Lake Buchanan, where they serve as office assistants handling reservations, answering phones, helping in the camp store and pitching in around the campground when needed.

The women talk about what it is really like to live and work together in a small space, how they landed their first Workamping job, and the lessons they learned about evaluating opportunities by asking about work hours and compensation.

They also share why meeting people, living by the lake and experiencing new regions, like the Hill Country, have made this lifestyle so rewarding.

You will also hear about their creative side projects, which include starting a video blog and podcast.

If you are curious about getting started in Workamping, figuring out boundaries when you live and work in the same place, or just want an honest and funny look at RV life from two sisters who jumped in together, you will enjoy this conversation.

KC and Charlie prove that Workamping can be equal parts adventure, learning curve and lots of laughter.

They shared what attracted them to the Workamping lifestyle, the adjustments that needed to be made and how they continue to learn and apply practical lessons.

They also talked about learning RV maintenance as they go, from cleaning air conditioning units to figuring out what not to fix yourself, and why staying in one place for several months allows you to really experience a region.

Beyond Workamping, they are also documenting their journey through their vlog, Neighborhood to Trailerhood, which takes a humorous, mockumentary style look at everyday RV life. The videos can be found on YouTube.

Through their podcast, Adulthood as a Project, KC and Charlie explore life lessons, personal growth and the idea that adulthood itself is always a work in progress.

You can find several ways to contact KC and Charlie on their Linktree page at https://linktr.ee/adulthoodisaproject

Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.

A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.

If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!

That’s all for this week’s show. I’ll have another inspiring interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!

Today, I am speaking with a rather new solo Workamper who followed her instincts, traded an apartment for an RV, and discovered a lifestyle that finally felt right for her.

Shellie Schaffer caught the travel bug about 10 years ago, but it became real three years ago when she realized she was miserable living in apartments and needed a change.

What started as a desire to be happier turned into a full-time RV lifestyle that she says she never wants to leave.

In this episode, Shellie talks about living full time in an RV with her cat, carrying a motorcycle for day-to-day transportation, and why freedom has always been at the center of her life.

With more than 200,000 miles of motorcycle travel behind her and a background in psychology and mental health, she brings a unique perspective to the road.

She also shares what she is looking for next as she begins exploring Workamping opportunities, why being a campground host appeals to her, and what employers should know about the skills and mindset she brings to the table.

If you are curious about solo RVing, Workamping later in life, or trusting yourself enough to make a big lifestyle shift without overthinking it, then you will enjoy this conversation with Shellie.

Her story is a great reminder that sometimes you do not need years of planning or approval from others to know what is right for you.

Once Shellie realized that RV living made her happy, she committed to it fully and has never looked back.

Traveling with a motorcycle allows her to truly explore the places she visits rather than just do the touristy stuff weekend travelers often do.

With a background in psychology and mental health, Shellie understands how to work with people, resolve conflict and stay grounded in challenging situations – all of which are traits campground employers value.

Shellie also offered thoughtful advice for others considering the RV or Workamping lifestyle, especially solo travelers.

From developing street smarts to understanding your personal support systems, Shellie spoke honestly about what it takes to feel safe, confident and fulfilled on the road.

If you would like to connect with Shellie, ask her questions or potentially discuss Workamping opportunities, feel free to email her at shelscha43 @ yahoo.com.

This episode is sponsored by Workamper News. If you have more questions than answers when it comes to the Workamping and RVing lifestyle, then Workamper News can help.

Listen to their free Workamping Q&A videos to get your questions answered. Each video answers questions submitted by folks, just like you, who are learning about the RV lifestyle, just getting started, or have been Workamping for a while.

The videos cover topics like what kind of Workamping jobs are out there, what do these jobs pay, tips for writing your Workamper resume, questions to ask an employer, what type of RV is best, how to get your mail as an RVer, and much more!

Listen to detailed answers now by watching the videos at workamper.com/answers.

In the description of each video, you’ll find a list of questions that were answered so you can quickly jump to the answers you want to hear.

Check out the free Workamping Q&A videos to get your questions answered today.

I hope this conversation encourages you to explore what kind of freedom and fulfillment might be waiting for you on the road. I’ll have another fun interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!

This week, I am interviewing a couple who has been RVing for nearly five years, and they have some great advice on ways people and companies can help make the RV lifestyle more inviting to all people.

Vicky Childers and Lamont Landrum have been RVing for nearly five years after deciding they wanted to build a different kind of life together.

When they first started dating, both felt the pull to travel. Vicky was already working remotely and Lamont wanted to find a way to see more of the world.

They bought their first RV in 2019 and hit the road without even knowing Workamping existed.

When the pandemic brought Lamont’s handyman business to a halt, they discovered Workamping through friends and realized it was the perfect way for him to work while they traveled.

Since then, they have held a variety of jobs across the country. Lamont’s early positions included maintenance work at Buffalo Bill Village in Cody, Wyo., followed by multiple seasons at the beet harvest, which later promoted him to assistant foreman.

He has also done volunteer work and boardwalk support at an Audubon preserve in Florida, maintenance and infrastructure upgrades in Texas, site support on Mackinac Island in Michigan, camp hosting in Colorado, and even served as an area manager for a campground company.

Along the way, they upgraded their RV, explored new regions, and built a lifestyle centered on adventure, discovery and meaningful work.

They shared what they love about this lifestyle, including the chance to live in beautiful locations for entire seasons, explore mountains, coastlines and national treasures at their own pace.

Doing so allows them to enjoy a sense of freedom that traditional jobs rarely allow.

Lamont also emphasized how rewarding it has been to work for employers who recognize effort and integrity. That’s especially true during the beet harvest, where his hard work led to increasing responsibilities year after year.

Vicky and Lamont also spoke about how Workamping can be made more inviting to minorities, especially people who may not see themselves represented in outdoor spaces.

They noted that many people simply don’t know this lifestyle is an option or doubt they would be welcomed.

Lamont and Vicky suggested that employers and the industry can reach more people by helping newcomers “dip their toes in” to the Workamping lifestyle. They can do that in several ways, such as:

• Offering employee housing instead of requiring everyone to have an RV.
• Creating opportunities for people to simply visit campgrounds and ask questions.
• Sharing stories showing that most travelers are welcoming and supportive.

They stressed that negative encounters do happen, but they are rare. The overwhelming majority of places they have visited have been friendly and accepting.

If you would like to connect with Vicky and Lamont, you can find Vicky on Facebook and Instagram under the name Victoria Childers.

That’s all for this week’s show. Would you like to be featured in an upcoming episode of The Workamper Show? I encourage you to schedule an interview with me at workampershow.com.

We’d love to hear about your Workamping experiences, how you got started RVing, and what you love and dislike about the RVing lifestyle. Help others explore all the different ways to live this great lifestyle by sharing your story.

If you are an employer of Workampers,we invite you to be on the podcast, too. Share all of the details of your Workamping jobs in a future episode. It only costs a little bit of your time.

Schedule an interview with me today by going to workampershow.com. You’ll find the schedule buttons at the bottom of the home page.

I will have another fun interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!