Working at a campsite abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working at a campsite abroad like?

• At a campsite, you're immersed in everyday life at wonderful vacation spots. No rigid office, but sand between your toes, the scent of pine in the morning, and campers cycling, walking, and driving back and forth.
• The work is varied and often practical, with plenty of contact with guests and colleagues from all over the world.
• Responsibilities depend on the season, the type of campsite, and the country, but can include:
  • Maintenance and upkeep such as mowing the lawn, minor repairs, cleaning restrooms, grounds maintenance, chopping wood, or preparing tent pitches.
  • Cleaning toilets, showers, kitchens, cabins, glamping tents, and sometimes campers.
  • Checking in and out, processing bookings, answering questions, providing tourist tips, and taking calls at reception.
  • Working in a campsite shop, snack bar, bar, or restaurant.
  • Supervising entertainment and activities such as sports tournaments, children's activities, campfires, quiz nights, or outdoor activities.
  • All-round campsite work with a bit of everything: cleaning in the morning, reception in the afternoon, and helping with an activity in the evening.
• Working conditions:
  • This is often seasonal work (spring-summer, sometimes winter campsites).
  • Food and lodging are often included (own tent, caravan, or shared accommodation).
  • The salary varies by country; sometimes it's a salary, sometimes a volunteer allowance or work-for-stay.
  • Workdays are practical and physical, often outdoors.

What are the reasons for working at a campsite abroad?

• To feel involved: Daily contact with guests and colleagues strengthens the feeling of being part of a team and a place.
• To develop self-confidence: Independently solving problems at the campsite gives you more confidence in new situations.
• To practice teamwork: The work revolves around teamwork, from cleaning to reception to entertainment.
• To improve flexibility: Unexpected tasks or sudden guest requests require constant adaptability.
• To increase environmental awareness: taking guests, local rules, and the natural environment around the campsite into account is essential.

What skills and motivations do you need to work at a campsite abroad?

• Organizational awareness: Small and large campsites each have their own structure; work effectively within these frameworks.
• Communication skills: Communicate clearly and friendly with guests and colleagues.
• Flexibility: Varying tasks and working hours require adaptability.
• Collaboration skills: Collaborate effectively with an international team.
• Stress resistance: Cope with peak periods, busy weekends, and unexpected problems.

What are the best countries and locations to work at a campsite abroad?

• Countries with a lot of seasonal work in maintenance and cleaning: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Sweden.
• Countries with a strong focus on reception, entertainment, and guest service: France, Italy, Spain, Germany.
• Countries with all-around and hospitality-oriented work: Portugal, Greece, Croatia, Turkey.
• Countries for volunteer work and eco-campsites: Costa Rica, Thailand, Bali (Indonesia), South Africa.

What are the risks of working at a campsite abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

• What are the risks of working at a campsite abroad?
  • Unsafe working environments are common: sometimes due to health risks, sometimes due to working in unfamiliar conditions.
  • Accidents frequently occur, and they can have serious consequences.
  • It's not uncommon for someone to contract a contagious or local disease, be unable to work for a period, or even have to be flown home.
  • It's not uncommon for someone to be bitten or stung by an animal in the water or on land, with medical consequences. High workloads are common, due to long hours, staff shortages, or intensive supervision.
  • Physically demanding work often involves heavy lifting, cleaning, or maintenance.
• Are you insured while working at a campsite abroad?
  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
  • Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
  • There's a risk of accidents, for example, because you're doing work with which you have little experience.
  • During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in your home country may be cancelled.
  • See the pages on: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.