Searching for a job that lets you camp out under the stars?
We’ve rounded up 13 of the best jobs for people who love camping and want to earn a solid income doing it. If you’ve got a passion for the great outdoors and are looking to trade your office chair for a camping chair, this list is for you.
What Makes a Good Job for People Who Love Camping?
We looked for jobs that:
- Allow plenty of time spent outdoors
- Have a work setting close to or in nature reserves, parks, or camping sites
- Provide opportunities for adventure and exploration
- Let you work with like-minded nature enthusiasts
- Offer job tasks that involve physical activity
Best Jobs for People Who Love Camping
While some of the job opportunities on this list do require formal education, you’ll find that many don’t—and they still pay well. You’ll see that a lot of these gigs are skill-based and some might just need a couple of certifications to get you started.
Alright, let’s check out these awesome jobs for people who love camping.
1. Park Ranger
Average salary: $41,682
A Park Ranger is responsible for maintaining parks and wildlife areas, providing public safety, and educating visitors.
Job duties:
- Patrol park areas and trails
- Enforce park rules and regulations
- Lead educational programs
- Assist in wildlife management
- Conduct search and rescue operations
- Respond to emergencies and provide first aid
Job requirements:
- State or national certification
- Basic first aid and CPR certification
- Skill in public speaking
- Ability to work in varied weather conditions
- Familiarity with local flora and fauna
2. Forest Firefighter
Average salary: $54,821
A Forest Firefighter, also known as a Wildland Firefighter, battles forest fires and works on fire prevention.
Job duties:
- Suppress active fires
- Operate firefighting equipment
- Clear fire lines
- Conduct controlled burns
- Monitor fire behavior
- Maintain firefighting tools
Job requirements:
- Basic firefighter training
- Physical fitness test
- First aid and CPR certification
- Skill in operating heavy machinery
- Ability to work long hours
- Tolerance for extreme heat and smoky conditions
3. Expedition Leader
Average salary: $51,527
An Expedition Leader guides outdoor expeditions and adventure trips, sometimes going by the title of Adventure Guide or Outdoors Specialist.
Job duties:
- Plan expedition routes
- Lead groups through activities
- Ensure group safety
- Educate participants about nature
- Handle emergency situations
- Manage expedition gear
Job requirements:
- Outdoor leadership certification
- First aid and CPR-certified
- Local geographical knowledge
- Strong physical stamina
- Group management skills
- Ability to adapt to unexpected situations
4. Wildlife Photographer
Average salary: $65,011
A Wildlife Photographer captures images of animals and plants in their natural habitats, sometimes known as Nature Photographers.
Job duties:
- Take wildlife photos
- Edit images
- Scout locations
- Observe animal behavior
- Maintain photography gear
- Build photo portfolios
Job requirements:
- Photography diploma or relevant courses
- Familiarity with photo-editing software
- Knowledge of camera gear
- Patience to wait for the perfect shot
- Physical fitness for trekking
- Ability to work in diverse weather conditions
5. Camp Counselor Manager
Average salary: $53,548
A Camp Counselor Manager oversees camp counselors and ensures camp activities run smoothly, also known as Camp Supervisor or Camp Coordinator.
Job duties:
- Train camp counselors
- Plan camp activities
- Handle parental concerns
- Maintain camp safety
- Oversee daily logistics
- Review staff performance
Job requirements:
- Previous camp counselor experience
- CPR and First Aid certified
- Leadership skills
- Conflict resolution abilities
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work long hours outdoors
6. Geologist Field Assistant
Average salary: $58,698
A Geologist Field Assistant assists geologists in fieldwork, often going by the title of Geological Technician or Earth Science Technician.
Job duties:
- Collect soil samples
- Record field observations
- Set up equipment
- Manage data entry
- Assist in geologic mapping
- Clean and maintain tools
Job requirements:
- Associate degree in Geology or Earth Sciences
- Familiarity with data management software
- Ability to perform physical labor
- Attention to detail
- Skill in basic tool use
- Willingness to travel frequently
7. Search and Rescue Worker
Average salary: $46,420
A Search and Rescue Worker finds and helps people in distressing situations, often known as a SAR Technician or Rescue Specialist.
Job duties:
- Locate missing persons
- Administer first aid
- Use rescue equipment
- Navigate rough terrain
- Coordinate with emergency services
- Document rescue operations
Job requirements:
- SAR training certification
- Physical fitness test pass
- Knowledge of first aid and CPR
- Quick decision-making skills
- Ability to work in harsh conditions
- Good communication skills
8. Fisheries Observer
Average salary: $39,529
A Fisheries Observer monitors commercial fishing activities, also referred to as a Fisheries Monitoring Specialist or Marine Observer.
Job duties:
- Observe fishing operations
- Collect data on catch
- Measure fish sizes
- Document vessel activities
- Report illegal practices
- Maintain equipment
Job requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology or related field
- Sea survival training
- Data collection experience
- Familiarity with fishing gear
- Attention to detail
- Willingness to spend long periods at sea
9. Conservation Police Officer
Average salary: $54,360
A Conservation Police Officer enforces laws related to wildlife and natural resources, often similar to a Game Warden or Environmental Police Officer.
Job duties:
- Patrol natural areas
- Enforce conservation laws
- Conduct investigations
- Educate the public
- Issue citations
- Assist in rescue operations
Job requirements:
- Law enforcement certification
- Specialized training in natural resources
- Ability to handle firearms
- Physical stamina for outdoor work
- Basic first-aid skills
- Effective communication skills
10. Travel Blogger
Average salary: $52,220
A Travel Blogger writes about travel experiences, sometimes known as a Travel Journalist or Digital Nomad.
Job duties:
- Visit different locations
- Write blog posts
- Take photos and videos
- Engage with online audience
- Manage social media
- Update website content
Job requirements:
- Strong writing skills
- Basic web development know-how
- Photography skills
- SEO knowledge
- Social media management skills
- Ability to travel frequently
11. Wilderness Paramedic
Average salary: $27/hour
A Wilderness Paramedic provides medical aid in remote or outdoor settings, sometimes known as a Remote Paramedic or Outdoor Emergency Care Specialist.
Job duties:
- Administer first aid
- Perform emergency procedures
- Stabilize patients
- Coordinate evacuations
- Stock medical supplies
- Communicate with dispatch
Job requirements:
- Paramedic certification
- Wilderness medicine training
- Physical fitness for tough terrains
- Basic outdoor survival skills
- Radio communication skills
- Ability to work in a team
12. Trail Maintenance Worker
Average salary: $41,432
A Trail Maintenance Worker maintains and repairs hiking trails, occasionally referred to as a Trail Crew Member.
Job duties:
- Inspect trails
- Clear debris
- Repair trail structures
- Install signage
- Maintain trailheads
- Erosion control tasks
Job requirements:
- Prior experience in trail maintenance
- Skill in using hand and power tools
- Physical stamina
- Attention to detail
- Navigation skills for remote areas
- Basic knowledge of local flora and fauna
13. Cave Diver
Average salary: $63,529
A Cave Diver explores underwater caves for scientific research or recreational purposes, sometimes known as Technical Divers or Cave Exploration Divers.
Job duties:
- Map cave systems
- Collect water samples
- Install monitoring equipment
- Document findings
- Maintain diving gear
- Train team members
Job requirements:
- Advanced Diver Certification
- Cave Diver Training
- Familiarity with cave mapping software
- Calm under high-pressure situations
- Good communication skills
- Physically fit for prolonged underwater activity
See, There Are Careers for People Who Love Camping!
From Search and Rescue Worker to Expedition Leader, this list is chock-full of adventurous opportunities.
Which job has caught your eye? Drop your thoughts in the comments section.