Camper Living: Earning Money On The Road

There are many ways to make money while living out of a campervan or RV. One way is to work remotely as a digital nomad, either for a company or as a freelancer. This could involve work such as writing, social media management, graphic design, or consulting. Another option is to find seasonal work or string together different workamping jobs, such as checking in clients at an RV campground or working in a gift shop. Some people also choose to start their own businesses, such as selling products online or offering services like pet-sitting or dog-walking. With creativity and persistence, it is possible to earn an income while enjoying the freedom of life on the road.

Become a digital nomad

The digital nomad lifestyle is an increasingly popular way to make money while living out of a campervan. The rise of remote work means that many jobs can now be done from anywhere in the world, as long as you have a good internet connection.

Remote Work Options

• Freelance writing: This is a competitive field to get into, but once you have some experience, it can be a well-paid and flexible way to work remotely.
• Virtual assisting: Virtual assistants help businesses with a variety of tasks such as data entry, email management, and social media scheduling.
• Blogging: Blogging is not a get-rich-quick scheme, but if you're willing to put in the time and effort to build an audience, it can be a great source of passive income.
• Social media management: Many businesses are looking for help managing their social media presence. If you have experience with social media platforms and an eye for design, this could be a good option.
• Graphic design: Companies are always in need of graphic designers to create social media graphics, website images, and more.
• Web design: If you have web design skills, you can find work creating websites for businesses, bloggers, and sole proprietors.
• Proofreading: If you have a good eye for detail and strong grammar skills, you can find work proofreading blog posts, books, and other written content.
• Transcription: Transcription work can be a good option if you don't mind listening and typing. There are two main types of transcription services you can offer: legal and general.
• Online coaching or consulting: If you are an expert in a particular field, you can build a thriving coaching or consulting business that can be run entirely online.

Remote Work Job Search Tips

• Negotiate with your current employer: Before looking for a new job, consider negotiating a remote work agreement with your current employer.
• Freelancing platforms: There are many online platforms that connect freelancers with clients, such as Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour.
• Job boards: Remote work job boards like Remote.co, FlexJobs, and WeWorkRemotely list remote job opportunities.
• Networking: Building a network of contacts in your industry can be a great way to find remote work opportunities. Attend industry events, join relevant online communities, and connect with people on social media.
• Create an online portfolio: Having an online portfolio that showcases your skills and experience can be a great way to attract potential clients and employers.

Other Tips for Living and Working Out of a Camper

• Plan and budget: Living and working out of a campervan takes a lot of planning and budgeting beforehand. Consider things like the cost of gas, campsite fees, and any modifications you may need to make to your camper.
• Internet connection: A reliable internet connection is crucial for digital nomads. Consider investing in a mobile hotspot or a portable WiFi router to ensure you have internet access wherever you go.
• Minimalist lifestyle: Adopting a frugal and minimalist lifestyle can help lower your expenses while living on the road.
• Passive income streams: Consider creating passive income streams, such as investing in dividend-paying stocks or renting out your property, to supplement your active income.
• Time management: Working remotely can provide a lot of flexibility, but it's important to manage your time effectively to ensure you're meeting your work commitments while also making time to enjoy your travels.

Living and working out of a campervan can be a challenging but rewarding experience. With the right planning and mindset, you can successfully become a digital nomad and enjoy the freedom and flexibility that comes with working remotely.

Work remotely for a company

Working remotely while living in a camper van or RV is becoming increasingly popular. Here are some tips for making this lifestyle work for you.

Planning and Organising Your Workspace

The toughest part of working remotely in an RV or camper van is the lack of space available. Making the best use of your available space is key for successful remote work. If you don’t need a printer or scanner, don’t take them. But if you do, find a stable spot that’s out of the way to set up your essential devices.

Invest in Good Internet

Reliable and secure Internet is a must-have for any digital nomad. There are plenty of ways to save when living and working from a camper van or RV, but don’t skimp on the Internet. Sign up for a high-quality Internet plan and consider learning how to use your cell phone as a “hotspot.” A cell phone signal booster (or “wifi signal booster”) is also a smart idea.

Avoid Working from Bed

Try not to work from your bed as this can impact your productivity and mix your living and working spaces. Though space is limited, many digital nomads prefer to work from a passenger seat, dinette, or wherever they can find an ergonomically correct position that is both comfortable and productive.

Bring a Larger Monitor

Consider bringing along a larger computer screen than your laptop. Staring at a small screen, hunched over for hours on end, isn’t going to aid in your productivity. It’s also a good idea to have a lamp near your computer as lighting sources in RVs and camper vans can be lacking.

Keep Your Computer Well-Maintained

Make sure your computer is up-to-date and in good condition. Whatever you choose, make sure the computer is reliable and sturdy enough to be handled and moved every day. Life on the road isn’t always easy for technology.

Set a Work Schedule

It’s important to have a routine—not just for you, but also for your clients, customers, and employer. Designate a start time and end time, then shut your computer down and walk away.

Have a Dress Code

It helps to get dressed (preferably in clean clothes) and be presentable, as you never know when a coworker or customer may want to video chat. This simple act of changing clothes also puts you in a mindset to work and helps differentiate between your work and life outside of work (which is especially important when you work and live in the same space).

Get Rid of Distractions

Working from home can be challenging due to the many distractions waiting to pull your attention away from work. Turn off anything that’s going to beep, ping, chime, or alert you to something that isn’t work-related.

Avoid Moving on a Work Day

Try to set realistic travel and work expectations. For instance, most remote workers don’t recommend trying to conduct business on the same days you travel. Having dedicated driving days allows you to separate these two major aspects of your nomadic lifestyle.

Be Transparent About Your Lifestyle

Don’t be afraid to be upfront with your supervisor, coworkers, and clients that you work full-time from an RV or camper van. Once they see your good productivity and strong work ethic, they won’t think twice about you working remotely.

Keep Track of Your Time Zone

When travelling in a camper van or RV, you may frequently cross time zones. Make certain you know where you are within North America’s four time zones (six if you are in Canada).

Stay Light

Keep your loads and weights in mind. You don’t want to overload your camper van with non-essential or heavy items such as paperwork, which could be digitized. Only pack lightweight items to schlep all over the country.

Stay Longer at Each Destination

When balancing travel and work, consider spending more time in each place and less time travelling to and from various camp spots. This may be less appealing if you feel like it’s a big world with lots to see, but remember that you’ve committed to a lifestyle that allows you to take your time seeing as much of North America as you want on your own timeline.

Keep a Permanent Address

It’s a good idea to keep a permanent address on record with the post office so that you can still receive mail (personal or work-related). This is important for tax purposes, since you will be visiting different states while earning money. Having chosen a “home base” state in which you will pay taxes will help simplify your remote life.

Where to Work from Home in Your RV or Camper Van

There are plenty of campgrounds and RV parks where you can pay to stay. Many of these locations are even Internet-equipped, so you can pull up, log in, and start working first thing in the morning. There are also plenty of great, free campsites out there.

Invest in real estate

Investing in real estate is a great way to make money while living out of your camper. Here are some tips to get you started:

Understand the Basics of Real Estate Investing

Firstly, understand the different types of income you can earn from real estate: active income and passive income. Active income is revenue earned from services rendered, such as salaries, wages, commissions, and tips. On the other hand, passive income is money received regularly with minimal effort, such as royalties, income from real estate, dividends, and bonds. As a real estate investor, you can focus on generating passive income by investing in properties that will provide a steady cash flow.

Research and Planning

Before investing, it's crucial to conduct thorough research and planning. This includes understanding the zoning regulations and laws regarding RV living in your desired location. Some states, like Texas, Florida, Arizona, Colorado, and Oregon, allow full-time RV living on personal property, but others may have restrictions. Make sure to verify the regulations and obtain any necessary permits or licenses. Additionally, consider the financial aspects, such as the cost of the property, renovation or refurbishment, and potential rental income.

Strategies for Real Estate Investment

There are several strategies you can employ to invest in real estate while living in your camper:

• Buy-and-Hold: This strategy involves purchasing a property and holding it for the long term, allowing it to appreciate in value over time. You can rent out the property to generate monthly income while living in your camper.
• Fix-and-Flip: With this strategy, you buy a property, renovate it, and then sell it for a profit. This can be a good option if you have the skills or resources for renovation work.
• Real Estate Investment Groups (REIGs): REIGs are ideal for those who want to own rental property without the hassle of managing it. You can invest in a company that buys and manages rental properties, allowing you to earn a share of the rent without the day-to-day responsibilities of being a landlord.
• Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): REITs are companies that own and operate income-producing real estate. You can invest in REITs by purchasing shares on major stock exchanges, providing a more liquid way to invest in real estate.
• Online Real Estate Platforms: There are various online platforms that allow you to invest in real estate projects or loans. These platforms offer a range of investment opportunities, from residential to commercial properties, providing an accessible way to get started in real estate investing.

Tips for Living in Your Camper

While investing in real estate, you can maintain a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle in your camper:

• Downsize and Declutter: Embrace a minimalist lifestyle by downsizing and decluttering your belongings. This will make your living space more manageable and help you focus on your investments.
• Stay Organized: Create a functional and efficient living space by implementing storage solutions and organization systems. This will make it easier to find what you need and keep your camper tidy.
• Stay Connected: Ensure you have a reliable internet connection to stay connected with your investments and manage your finances online.
• Take Advantage of Camper Amenities: Make use of the amenities your camper offers, such as a kitchen, bathroom, and entertainment system. This will help you save money and make your living experience more enjoyable.
• Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adapt to different locations and situations. Living in a camper allows you to be mobile, so you can easily move to areas with better real estate investment opportunities.

Remember, investing in real estate while living in a camper requires careful planning, research, and a good understanding of the market. Stay informed, network with other investors, and continuously educate yourself to improve your investment strategies.

Become a freelance writer

Freelance writing is a great way to make money while living out of a camper van. It is one of the most common remote jobs for digital nomads and is in high demand.

Getting Started as a Freelance Writer

First, you'll need to decide what type of writing you want to do. There are many options to choose from, including:

• Blog writing
• Travel writing
• Magazine writing
• Ghostwriting
• Technical writing
• Copywriting
• Romance writing

Once you've chosen your niche, you can start pitching your work to potential clients. A good place to find blog writing jobs is on the Problogger Job Board. You can also pitch to magazines, newspapers, and online media outlets. If you're interested in travel writing, there are many publications that accept submissions, such as Backpacker magazine, DesertUSA, and Wanderlust.

Tips for Success

• Develop your skills: Freelance writing is a competitive field, so it's important to continuously develop your writing skills and stay up-to-date with industry trends.
• Build a portfolio: Showcase your best work in a portfolio to demonstrate your abilities to potential clients.
• Network and pitch yourself: Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and pitch your services to potential clients. Networking is a great way to connect with people in the industry and find new opportunities.
• Be flexible: As a freelance writer, you may need to write about a variety of topics for different clients. Being flexible and adaptable will help you succeed in this field.
• Manage your time effectively: When working remotely, it's important to manage your time effectively and meet deadlines. This will help you build a positive reputation and attract more clients.

Living the van life while working as a freelance writer gives you the freedom to work from anywhere and choose your own hours. It may take some time to build up your client base and establish yourself, but with hard work and dedication, you can successfully earn an income while enjoying the nomadic lifestyle.

Start a blog

Starting a blog is a great way to make money while living out of your camper. It's not a get-rich-quick scheme, but it is a legitimate way to make money from anywhere. If you love writing, digital marketing, email marketing, and being your own boss, this could be a great way to get started making money remotely.

Choose a Niche

To stand out in the crowded blogosphere, it's important to choose a specific niche that you're passionate about and that you can write about authoritatively. This could be travel, lifestyle, personal finance, or any other topic that interests you and that you think others will want to read about.

Select a Blogging Platform

There are several user-friendly blogging platforms available, such as WordPress, Blogger, and Squarespace. These platforms offer customizable templates, easy-to-use content management systems, and built-in analytics to help you track your blog's performance.

Create Compelling Content

Focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that will resonate with your target audience. Share your personal experiences, offer practical advice, and provide valuable insights that will keep your readers coming back for more.

Build an Audience

Growing your audience is crucial to the success of your blog. Utilize social media platforms, guest blogging opportunities, and search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to increase your visibility and attract readers to your blog.

Monetize Your Blog

There are several ways to monetize your blog, including advertising, affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and selling digital products. You can also offer online courses, e-books, or membership programs to generate additional revenue.

Remember, building a successful blog takes time and consistency. Don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate results. Focus on creating valuable content, engaging with your audience, and continuously refining your blogging skills. With hard work and dedication, you can turn your blog into a profitable venture that supports your camper lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions