would like to hear from anyone who has done this for a full hook up site around the country. what was your experiene like, i know they are probably a far cry from the normal amenities found in a regular rv park or campground, but would like to hear how it went. and was there any repurcustions at tax time
We have never done it. But most National Parks have sub-contracted the operations of the campgrounds out. We are near Yellowstone, Xanterra is one of the outfits that operates here. So you are working for Xanterra. Other Nationals have done mostly the samething. I'm sure someone will chime in here with more info. In the meantime google Xanterra and you will see the info.
We have volunteered (camp hosted) twice at Everglades N.P. and once at Curecanti N.R.A. In both assignments we had full hook ups. We greatly enjoyed the experience and are continuing to camp host. Meeting and helping campers and perpetuating our national parks is rewarding time well spent. Just go to volunteer.gov/gov for all kinds of opportunities.
Clyde and Chris Simpson
2001 Monaco Diplomat
1998 Chev Tracker (toad)
Pooh Bear & Tigger (kitties)
DON-B2 wrote: would like to hear from anyone who has done this for a full hook up site around the country. what was your experience like, i know they are probably a far cry from the normal amenities found in a regular rv park or campground, but would like to hear how it went. and was there any repercussions at tax time
I volunteered from January 2007 to end of March 2008. The experience was fabulous, I would strongly suggest it to all those that can do it. The National Parks need the volunteers.
I received a full hook up site with Water, Sewer and Electric plus enough valuable experience which will get me paying jobs within the National Park Service in the near future.
There were no problems with tax time, we actually could claim deductions (as I volunteered for about 4 months before we moved onto the site) for driving back and forth. I was able to claim deductions for clothing/hiking boots that I needed to buy for the volunteering gig, plus laundry fees.
Check out our website (link below) and check out Full Timing 2007.
Amenities are what you make of them. A private campground would have the cable hookup, but close quarters. Lots of rules, maybe a bunch of amenities, but you would also get paid, and have to report at tax time. When you volunteer, it is a free site.
At the national park, we had over 2 acres at one site, a huge spot at another part of the park, and a cabin for the winter. Each place had its own amenities but we were able to hike whenever we wanted, check out the wildlife, and usually had internet (via our Sprint card - not via them.) We probably stayed healthier too. That alone is worth a lot.
bobsallyh wrote: ... most National Parks have sub-contracted the operations of the campgrounds out. We are near Yellowstone, Xanterra is one of the outfits that operates here. So you are working for Xanterra. Other Nationals have done mostly the same thing...
This is only true of the paid jobs, volunteers are still used and supervised by NPS staff and are given a free camp site.
Joe & Barb
2002 F-350,PSD,Crew Cab
2003 HH II LS 32.5 UKTG
*finally retired!*
We have volunteered at Big Bend National Park as campground hosts at Basin and Cottonwood campgrounds. Full hookups. Excellent experience. Also at Canyonlands (Needles - Squaw Flat CG), no electricity. Also excellent.
Lew
2002 Sunline Solaris T1950
2000 Ford F-150 Lariat SuperCab SB 4x4 "I left Earth three times and I found no place else to go. Please take care of it."
--"Wally" Schirra
Currently volunteering as a visitor center host. My SO & I work a total of 34 hours per week for a very nice site with full hookups and WiFi is available. Educational and most of the time is a lot of fun. Well treated by all of the staff.
We have volunteered for three different national parks, five different national wildlife refuges, the Corps of Engineers, several state and county parks, several state historic sites, a state forestry center, a state game check station, and assorted other organizations for a total of 23 volunteer tours over the past 8+ years.
We have had RV sites that ranged from staying in an RV resort at the expense of the NPS, to remote sites on wildlife refuges with mostly animals for neighbors. In most cases we have also had laundry equipment provided and usually at least some other amenities. The best I can do is to tell you that we love our lifestyle and we have had experiences that you could never have in any other way. If you want more information, I would invite you to visit the link in my signature as there is a page about each of our volunteer experiences, as well as contact information for each location.
Editing, I forgot to address your question about tax effects. As long as you are volunteering for a public park of agency of a government or some IRS accepted "non-profit" organization, there is no tax effect and no IRS-1099 is given nor income reported. The "Volunteer America" program brought into effect IRS rules that specifically exempt such volunteers from any income tax liability.
It depends on the park,refuge, National,state. Have run the gambut from no E and portable water, and outhouses, to WES and laundry,phone. Didn't worry about taxes as I was volunteering. Saw some of the best country and visited and learned from places I never would have visited. such as Polson MT or Trapper Creek AK. Go and enjoy.
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