Great Summer Jobs for Retirees

2. Campgrounds

The nitty-gritty: Got a recreational vehicle (RV) and want to roll? As vacationers flock to campgrounds at theme parks, national and regional parks, marinas and resorts, RVers can work at a campground in exchange for a free or discounted campsite and full hook-ups. Jobs might include office work, guest check-in, reservations, security, restaurant, grounds keeping, maintenance, handyman work, housekeeping, running social activities and rentals, interpretive guides and retail sales. Some of these opportunities can be found at government employers, such as Alaska State Parks, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

You might work four days a week at Buffalo Bill Village in Cody, Wyo., for instance, and have three days off to explore nearby Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. Work at the Atlantic Oaks campground on Cape Cod and spend your free time enjoying the beaches, Provincetown and other seaside communities, with side trips to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.

The hours: Vary widely. Some employers might require a four-week to three-month commitment or an agreement to work eight hours a day, two to four days per week.

Median pay range: There are a variety of arrangements in this semibarter opportunity. Pay is typically $7.50 to $10 an hour, but compensation is usually a combo of campsite, hourly wages, store discounts and laundry allowance.

Qualifications: Past experience in the type of work available helps. Expect on-the-job training if necessary. Go to Workamper.com, a website and organization that promotes the concept of RVer jobs, connecting prospective employers and employees. Job site CoolWorks is one place to start your job hunt. The site has a special section for RVer jobs. Best for rambling road warriors. 10-4.

Enjoy cotton candy and rides? Get paid for reliving your youth. >>