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Jess
Jess

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A person in a green tracksuit kneels on a grassy field under a pink and blue sky. Overlay text reads "Rating EMPLOYEE HOUSING At all of our seasonal jobs And how much it cost."
A black cabin with yellow trim windows and a screen door, labeled '16', in Glacier National Park. Text indicates it cost $15 a day, rated 8.5/10, had no bathroom, and a broken heater.
A rustic green cabin with a small porch in Yellowstone National Park. Text states it cost $15 a day, rated 8.2/10, was very rustic, had a broken heater, and a tiny private bathroom.
A person sits inside a Coleman tent on a grassy lawn, with a building in the background. Text clarifies the housing was the building, not the tent, costing $80 a week, rated 7.3/10, rustic, not soundproof, with a private bathroom on an Arizona dude ranch.
A small brown cabin with a white roof in a snowy, wooded area. Text indicates it was free, rated -2.3/10, off-grid with no power or bathroom, three hours from town, leading to quitting after two days.
A person waves from the porch of a rustic wooden cabin in Sequoia National Park. Text describes it as disgusting, dirty, old, with no bathroom, costing free, and rated 4.2/10 due to its location.
A white two-story house with multiple windows and an external staircase, surrounded by trees. Text states it cost $120 every 2 weeks, rated 5.2/10, was old, moldy, had a tilted floor, was not soundproof, but had a private bathroom on Lake Champlain.
Modern-style buildings under a vibrant sunset sky in a desert landscape. Text indicates it cost $85 a week, rated 10/10, was brand new, had a private bathroom, kitchen, and EDR, located on the same Arizona ranch.
A large house with multiple levels and balconies, surrounded by trees and a grassy lawn, with water views in the distance. Text states it cost $95 every 2 weeks, rated 8.8/10, had bugs/mold, water views, a community kitchen, private bathroom, and screened outdoor space in Everglades National Park.
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Rating employee housing at all our seasonal Jobs

Hi I'm Jess and I'm a seasonal worker. That means I work contracted jobs in the hospitality sector. Usually these jobs only operate from 3-6 months at a time.

All the jobs I do provide housing and some provide meals. Others you have to either cook or "figure it out". I've worked in 8 different places so here's a rating of the employee housing and how much I paid to live there!

2025/1/5 Edited to

... Read moreAfter working eight different seasonal jobs, I've seen it all when it comes to employee housing. It's truly a mixed bag, and what might be a 10/10 for one person could be a -2.3/10 for another – trust me, I've been there! If you're considering seasonal work, especially in places like Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, or even an Arizona dude ranch, understanding the housing reality is key. One major takeaway from my experiences is that 'housing provided' doesn't always mean luxury. I've stayed in everything from rustic cabins with no bathroom and a broken heater (yes, even in places where it gets cold!) to brand-new, modern units with a private bathroom and community kitchen. The range is huge. For example, some places in national parks might offer basic, older accommodations that are still fantastic because of the unbeatable location, like that cabin in Sequoia National Park that was a bit dirty but had an amazing view. Others, like the off-grid cabin with no power or bathroom three hours from town, quickly become unsustainable. Cost is another huge factor. Sometimes, housing is free, but it often comes with significant trade-offs in comfort or amenities. Other times, you're paying anywhere from $15 a day to $120 every two weeks, as I did near Lake Champlain. You really need to weigh the cost against what you're getting. Is a slightly higher weekly fee worth a private bathroom and a soundproof room, or are you happy saving money and dealing with a not soundproof older unit? For me, the Arizona dude ranch housing, though $85 a week, was brand new and had everything, making it a 10/10 value. Here are a few tips I've picked up for navigating seasonal worker housing: Ask Specific Questions BEFORE You Arrive: Don't just assume. Ask about bathroom facilities (private vs. shared, in-unit vs. communal), kitchen access, laundry, internet, and heating/cooling. Is it a dorm, a cabin, or an apartment? What are the typical costs? Pack Smart: Expect the unexpected. Bring a good sleeping bag, even if they say beds are provided, especially for rustic settings. A headlamp is crucial for places with unreliable power or shared bathrooms. Earplugs are a godsend if your housing is not soundproof. Be Flexible and Adaptable: Seasonal living often means making do. You might find yourself dealing with moldy conditions in humid environments like Everglades National Park or unexpected bugs. A positive attitude goes a long way. Connect with Other Workers: Your fellow seasonal employees are your best resource for local tips, shared rides, and support. They've likely dealt with similar housing quirks. Understand the Trade-Offs: Often, fantastic locations (like being inside a national park, e.g., similar to what you might find for Yosemite employee housing) come with older, simpler housing. If proximity to nature is your priority, you might overlook a few inconveniences. Ultimately, seasonal jobs with housing offer incredible opportunities to live and work in unique places. My journey has been filled with both challenges and unforgettable memories, highlighting that while housing can be tricky, the experience is often worth it.