I live in a campervan and I'm looking to property-sit in exchange for a place to park (Boulder: RV parks, house)

[Mordan]

I'm currently living in my campervan in the national forests around Salida and Gunnison. I have a solar system for power to work online. It has worked out well for me, but a downside is that I can't stay anywhere for more than 14 days without having to move. I'm also getting an itch to live in the city where I can use public transit and just barely ever move my van. I've heard of businesses hiring van dwellers to live-in on their property and provide lax security in exchange for a place to park long-term. Mainly just to call the cops if there's a break-in or trespasser. I've looked on craigslist, Indeed, etc, and I'm not exactly sure where to inquire about such a gig as it isn't very ordinary. I would be open to being paid, but wouldn't be opposed to providing a pair of eyes on a property for free if it's close to a grocery store and gym. I'm clean and quiet, very self sufficient. Anyone have any advice in finding something like this?

[Mike from back east]

Try putting Position Wanted ads in Craigslist, telling them what you're proposing here, etc. Costs nothing, might work.

[kevin_in_Denver]

Tiny House enthusiasts are trying to do this all the time.
So include the term tiny house in your searches and ads.
There are campsites in town but $750/month!!

[mapleguy]

I don't think that most home owners will be willing to do that.....


They don't know you from Captain Kangaroo. And he is dead.


Jim B.

[Mordan]

Originally Posted by mapleguy

I don't think that most home owners will be willing to do that.....


They don't know you from Captain Kangaroo. And he is dead.


Jim B.

Not a home owner, I'm more talking about a small business. Like a used car dealership or like a pawn shop, etc. Maybe some place has a problem with skateboarders. So I could be in my van in the parking lot, hear skateboarders, come out, show them the signs and tell them to go somewhere else.

[emm74]

Drive yourself around to used car dealerships and similar places that you think might want to avail themselves of your services and see what they say when you offer them. As mentioned, try Craigslist. Print out flyers describing this scenario and post them around.

I'm skeptical that there is the interest you think there would be but you won't know until you ask. But no, there is no formal service or website or whatever to do the leg work for you to find a place.

[hikenbike]

You might want to try the Boulder Elks Lodge. They have a parking area for RV's, in the past it was free, not sure what their current policy is or if they have a time limit. But it seems like the kind of place that might be happy for some help in return for parking your camper longer term.

[jamary1]

A lot of RV parks have "workampers" who put in a certain number of hours a week in exchange for a free sites and utilities and sometimes a small salary. There are websites for that. Try searching under "work camping".

[fluffythewondercat]

Try construction sites.

Theft of materials and tools from construction sites is a real problem.

[High Altitude]

I have seen used car dealerships do this in order to have someone on the lot at night as a security measure. I would stop on by lots and talk to them.