Proven Ways to Make Money on the Road: Real Jobs from Real RVers (Including Workamping, Remote Work & More)
- Kayla Mathieu
- May 29
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 13
Living a life of freedom and exploration is incredibly rewarding—but how do people actually fund it?
If you're wondering how to make money while traveling full-time, you're not alone. As full-time RVers ourselves, we’ve met countless individuals and families who support their road lifestyle in a variety of creative and sustainable ways. This blog post isn’t just theory—it’s based on the real people we’ve met across the U.S. who have made location independence work for them.
Whether you're just starting out, downsizing into vanlife, or simply dreaming of ditching the 9-5, here's your in-depth guide to real ways people make money on the road—plus where to find these jobs and how to build your own mobile-friendly career.
1. Remote Work: The Backbone of Location Independence
Thanks to modern technology, remote work is more accessible than ever. Many jobs that were once office-bound can now be done from your RV, a cozy cabin, or a shaded picnic table with Wi-Fi.
Common Remote Roles:
Online university professor: Several of my close friends work in higher education remotely. Platforms like Canvas and Blackboard allow them to manage students, host discussions, and grade papers entirely online.
Digital marketing specialists
Customer support agents
Bookkeepers
Freelance writers and editors
Tech professionals (developers, IT support, QA testers)
We’ve met families whose income comes from remote jobs like these—and they’re thriving. Remote roles offer flexibility, steady income, and long-term career potential, making them a popular choice among full-time travelers.
2. Workamping: Work in Exchange for Stays or Pay
Workamping is a blend of “work” and “camping” where individuals work in exchange for a free campsite and sometimes additional pay.
We've met several RVers doing this—retired couples running check-ins at campgrounds, younger families helping with maintenance, and even solo travelers staffing lodges in national forests.
Examples of Workamping Jobs:
Campground hosts
Maintenance crew
Office/front desk staff
Harvest and farm labor
Tour guides and park rangers
We were once offered a workamping position at a campground in New Hampshire. Although it didn’t align with our plans at the time, it was an eye-opener into how many opportunities are out there. These gigs can be seasonal or year-round and often come with free utilities and great community perks.
3. Construction & Skilled Trades: High-Demand, Well-Paid
Among the many RV families we've encountered, construction work is one of the most common sources of income—especially among spouses who take on seasonal or contract work.
Electricians, plumbers, welders, general contractors, and handymen can find opportunities all over the country, particularly in high-growth or disaster recovery areas. The great thing about construction work is that it tends to pay well and often allows for breaks between projects, giving families time to travel.
4. Content Creation, Blogging & Affiliate Marketing
One of the most visible (and misunderstood) ways to make money on the road is through content creation. But this career path is far more diverse than just posting pretty pictures on Instagram.
Real Examples We've Seen:
One friend of ours runs a successful affiliate marketing blog focused on outdoor gear.
Another friend is a podcast host with brand sponsorships and paid advertising.
We've met YouTubers, travel bloggers, and course creators who generate income through ads, brand partnerships, and product sales.
With persistence and a clear niche, you can turn your voice into a business. The key here is diversifying income streams and maintaining authenticity.
Common Monetization Options:
Affiliate links (Amazon, ShareASale, etc.)
Sponsored content
Ad revenue (YouTube, blog)
Membership platforms (Patreon)
Selling digital products or merch
5. Becoming a Digital Entrepreneur: Starting a Business from Your RV
One of the most empowering ways to fund your travels is to build your own business—something that grows with you and aligns with your strengths.
That's exactly what I did. I transitioned from traditional employment to launching a Virtual Assistant business, tailored to help other business owners grow—no matter where I am on the map.
What is a Virtual Assistant—and Why You Might Want to Become One (Or Hire One)
A Virtual Assistant (VA) is a remote professional who supports small businesses and entrepreneurs with various tasks, such as:
Managing email and calendars
Handling social media and content creation
Building and updating websites
Setting up email marketing campaigns
Organizing workflows and systems
Why This Job is Trending:
Low start-up costs: You can start with a laptop and internet connection.
Flexibility: You set your hours and choose your clients.
In-demand skills: Businesses increasingly rely on remote help to stay agile.
Why Businesses Need a Virtual Assistant:
Many business owners are burning out trying to “do it all.” A VA provides targeted support that frees up their time, allowing them to focus on revenue-generating tasks or enjoy a better work-life balance.
My Role as a Virtual Assistant
I work with travel, wellness, and health-based brands—but my services extend beyond these niches. With over a year of hands-on experience, I specialize in:
Email & digital marketing strategies
Blog writing and SEO optimization
Website creation and ongoing maintenance
Content planning and social media management
If you're overwhelmed trying to grow your business or need reliable support while scaling your brand—I'm here to help.
👉 Check out what I offer at Virtual Assistant Services | Wandering Past Limit. Whether you're launching something new or just need an extra set of hands, I’d love to help you succeed.
Where to Find These Jobs: Remote, Seasonal & Contract Work
You don’t have to scroll job boards aimlessly—here are go-to platforms to discover remote-friendly and RV-compatible jobs:
For Workamping:
National Park Service Jobs
For Remote Work:
For Online Teaching:
Rewriting the Rules: Your Life, Your Work, Your Freedom
If there's one thing we've learned from three years on the road, it's this: there is no one-size-fits-all career path. We've met construction workers and campground hosts, remote professors and affiliate marketers, podcasters and VAs—and each of them has found a unique way to make this lifestyle sustainable.
You don’t need to be rich. You need to be resourceful.
With the right tools and mindset, you can earn a living that supports your love for adventure, discovery, and freedom. Whether that means taking on seasonal work, building a brand, teaching online, or stepping into the world of virtual assistance—your future is wide open.
👉 Curious how a Virtual Assistant can support your journey—or how you can become one yourself?
Visit Virtual Assistant Services | Wandering Past Limit to learn more and take the next step in your remote work journey.
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