Nestled in the remote rugged expanse of West Texas—sandwiched between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park—lies Lajitas Golf Resort. Known for its world-class golf course, luxury accommodations, and stunning desert landscapes, it’s a premier destination for travelers looking to escape off the grid. But what is it actually like to live and work here full-time?
Whether you’re looking for a seasonal position to fund your travel habit, an RVer seeking a unique workamping spot, or simply curious about life in the remote Chihuahuan Desert, spending a season on staff at Lajitas offers an experience unlike any other. In this guide, I’m sharing an insider’s look at working at Lajitas Golf Resort—from the day-to-day job duties and housing setups to the unbeatable perks of having Big Bend right in your backyard.
How We Ended Up Working at Lajitas
After spending three months road-tripping through Florida, Georgia, and the Smokies, Mike and I started heading west toward what we hoped would be our first seasonal job on the road. Since it was early January, we were aiming to stay south for warmer weather—and as luck would have it, winter is the absolute best time to visit the Southwest Texas desert.
We hopped on CoolWorks, submitted applications for Bartender and Massage Therapist positions at Lajitas Golf Resort, and hoped for the best. Within a couple of weeks, we got the call, packed up, and set off for one of the most remote, beautiful places we’ve ever experienced.
Lajitas Golf Resort: Quick Facts
| Key Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Lajitas, Texas (Brewster County) — tucked right between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. |
| Peak Season | Fall through Spring (October – April), when desert weather is mild and tourist volume peaks. |
| Staff Size | ~135–225 seasonal and full-time team members. |
| Housing Options | On-site employee housing options available, or full-hookup RV campsites for workampers. |
| Common Jobs | Golf & landscape maintenance, housekeeping, front desk, food & beverage, and outdoor activity guides. |
| Nearest Major Groceries/Services | Terlingua/Study Butte (~15 mins for basics), Alpine (~1.5 hours north for major supermarkets/Walmart), or Presidio/Ojinaga (~50 mins west). |
| Cell Service & Connectivity | Wi-Fi available at resort buildings; cell service varies by provider across the Big Bend region. |
About Lajitas & The Resort
If you don’t know where Lajitas is, let me tell you: this is no ordinary resort. Getting here from any major city in Texas takes hours of driving through what feels like the absolute middle of nowhere. There are no streetlights, no sprawling shopping centers, and no big grocery stores—in fact, it’s a solid 2.5-hour drive just to reach the nearest Walmart. But what makes Lajitas truly extraordinary is its location: sitting right on the Mexican border along the Rio Grande, entirely surrounded by protected, untouched desert wilderness.
At the heart of this remote oasis is Lajitas Golf Resort, a 27,000-acre property that blends frontier history with unique desert hospitality. Despite its remote location, the resort is packed with amenities, featuring:
- Black Jack’s Crossing: An 18-hole championship golf course consistently ranked among the top public courses in Texas.
- Accommodations & Dining: Luxury guest rooms, rustic boardwalk-style storefronts, an on-site restaurant, and a historic saloon.
- Resort Amenities & Outdoor Activities: Three swimming pools, an agate-inspired spa, zip-lining courses, equestrian stables, shooting sports complexes, and Maverick Ranch RV Park—featuring full hookups, a clubhouse, pool, and dog park for workampers and traveling RVers.
Living here means trading suburban conveniences for wide-open desert skies, dramatic mountain backdrops, and a tight-knit community of travelers, locals, and seasonal crew members. It is about as far off the grid as you can get in the lower 48—which is precisely what makes taking a job here such an unforgettable adventure.
Because Lajitas operates as a completely self-contained destination, the resort relies on a steady rotation of seasonal and full-time staff across nearly every department. Whether you’re a full-time RVer looking for a workamping site or a traveler wanting to immerse yourself in the desert landscape while earning a paycheck, it’s an ideal home base for a season on the road.
If you’re planning an extended road trip through the region, dive into our West Texas Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit and Hidden Gems.
Getting to Lajitas: Logistics for Seasonal Workers
Because Lajitas sits deep in the Chihuahuan Desert along FM 170 (often called the River Road), getting here is a road trip in itself. Whether you’re driving a commuter car or hauling an RV, here is what you need to know about the trek:
- Main Driving Routes: Most travelers arrive via TX-118 South through Alpine down to the Terlingua/Study Butte junction, then take FM 170 West 14 miles into Lajitas.
- Nearest Major Hubs:
- Alpine, TX (~100 miles / 1.5 hours): The closest town with Amtrak service, major medical care, and larger grocery options.
- Midland-Odessa (~245 miles / 4 hours): The nearest major commercial airport if you are flying in.
- El Paso (~300 miles / 4.5 hours): Another common airport and regional hub.
- Road Trip Tip: Fuel stops become sparse once you pass Alpine or Marathon. Always top off your tank before heading south on TX-118!
How to Get a Job at Lajitas Golf Resort
Landing a seasonal gig in the remote Texas desert requires a little bit of planning, but the process is straightforward if you know where to look and when to apply.
1. Where to Find Openings
Lajitas regularly posts their seasonal and full-time openings on hospitality job boards, but the most common platform to check is CoolWorks (which is how Mike and I found our roles as a bartender and massage therapist). You can also look directly at the careers page on the official Lajitas Golf Resort website.
2. Common Seasonal Roles
Because the resort operates everything in-house, they hire across a wide variety of departments. Some of the most common seasonal and workamping positions include:
- Food & Beverage: Bartenders, servers, hosts, and kitchen staff for the on-site restaurant and saloon.JPG
- Spa & Wellness: Massage therapists (like my role) and spa coordinators at the boutique spa.JPG
- Outdoor & Recreation: Activity guides for zip-lining, horseback riding, shooting sports, and river adventures.
- Lodging & Guest Services: Front desk agents, housekeeping, and resort operations.
- Golf & Grounds: Course maintenance, pro shop staff, and landscaping crew for Black Jack’s Crossing.
3. When to Apply
Because Lajitas’ peak season runs through the cooler months (fall through spring, roughly October through April), the hiring push usually starts late summer to early fall. If you’re looking for a winter escape or a seasonal stop for your road trip, getting your applications submitted by August or September gives you the best shot at securing your preferred role and housing setup.
Living & Housing Options: On-Site Units vs. RV Living
Because of Lajitas’ remote desert location, finding off-site housing isn’t really an option—the resort provides housing solutions directly on-site, whether you bring your own setup on wheels or need a physical place to stay.
Option 1: RV Living & Workamping (Employee RV Sites & Dino Ranch)
If you travel in a rig like Mike and I do, Lajitas offers dedicated RV setups specifically for staff. Depending on availability and assignment, options include:
- Employee RV Area: Full-hookup sites located directly within the main employee housing zone, keeping you close to coworkers and campus operations.
- Dino Ranch: A separate piece of resort-owned property featuring a handful of full-hookup sites for those looking for a bit more space and desert quiet.
- Cost & Utilities: Site fees were around $135 per month, conveniently payroll-deducted—and that rate included all your utilities (water, sewer, and electric).
- Internet: Wi-Fi isn’t piped directly to the individual RV sites, so you will need to set up internet independently (such as Starlink or a cellular hotspot setup) for reliable connection at your rig.
Option 2: On-Site Employee Housing
For seasonal staff who don’t travel with an RV, Lajitas offers low-cost, stand-alone employee housing units right on the property.
- Convenient Location: Located right in the main employee housing area, these units are an easy, short walk to the boardwalk area, resort center, and general store.
- Housing Styles: Options range from efficiency units and one-bedroom apartments to shared two-bedroom setups.
- Unfurnished Setup: A critical detail to keep in mind is that employee units are unfurnished. You’ll need to bring your own bed, cookware, and basic living setup, though rent rates are kept exceptionally low to compensate.
- Rent & Utilities: Rent is conveniently deducted from payroll, and the resort covers a portion of your unit’s monthly electric bill, with no extra charges for water or trash.
Managing Supplies & Groceries in a Remote Area
Getting food and supplies in such a isolated location requires a bit of planning, but you have several great options:
- Lajitas General Store: Located right across from the resort village, this small shop is great for quick top-offs. They carry basic essentials, wine, beer, first-aid items, and a very limited selection of produce and frozen goods. (Employee discounts included).
- Cottonwood General Store (Terlingua): Situated about 15 minutes away in Terlingua, Cottonwood is a total gem for such a remote region. They stock almost everything you need day-to-day, including fresh produce, specialty dips and sauces, ice cream, kombucha, and unique treats.
- Misfits Market & Amazon Delivery: For fresh organic produce on a schedule, we signed up with Misfits Market and got a weekly box delivered right to our spot. We also ordered plenty of dry goods on Amazon—UPS delivered straight to your door out here!
- Grocery Runs to Alpine: Another option many seasonal staff and locals rely on is making the 1.5-hour drive north to Alpine to shop at Porter’s, a full-scale supermarket.
Work Culture, Schedules, & Expectations
Working in a remote resort setting creates a dynamic that is distinctly different from standard corporate or city jobs. At Lajitas, the unique setting builds a close-knit environment where staff members rely heavily on one another both on and off the clock.
Work Hours & Scheduling
- Full-Time Focus: Most positions at the resort are hired as full-time (typically around 40 hours per week). Peak season runs from fall through spring, meaning steady schedules during the cooler months when guest turnover is high.
- Flexible Shift Requirements: Hospitality in a destination resort operates seven days a week. Be prepared for shifts that include weekends, evenings, and holidays—especially during peak travel times like Thanksgiving, New Year’s, and Spring Break.
- Seasonal Pacing: The tempo shifts dramatically between seasons. Peak winter months bring steady guest traffic across the golf course, spa, and restaurants, while the scorching summer months slow down significantly.
What the Resort Looks For in Staff
Living and working in far West Texas requires a mindset of adaptability and self-reliance:
- Independent & Proactive: Because management oversees a massive 27,000-acre property with many moving parts, employees who take initiative, solve small problems independently, and stay productive without constant supervision thrive here.
- Community-Minded: You’ll be working, living, eating, and exploring alongside your coworkers. A positive, team-first attitude goes a long way toward building a great seasonal experience for everyone.
- Resourceful Spirit: Being 2.5 hours from a big-box store means unexpected schedule changes or resource limitations happen. Flexibility and a “can-do” approach are essential.
Perks of the Job & Employee Benefits
Working at a remote luxury destination comes with major lifestyle perks that extend far beyond your paycheck. Between resort privileges, community benefits, and instant access to world-class desert recreation, here is what makes taking a job at Lajitas so rewarding:
1. Free & Discounted Resort Amenities
- Golf Access: Playing Black Jack’s Crossing—consistently named one of the best public courses in Texas—normally costs upward of $200+ per round for guests, but employees can play for free or at steep discounts during off-peak hours.
- Discounts Across Property: Staff enjoy discounts on spa treatments, resort retail merchandise, guest room bookings for visiting family/friends, and dining options around the property.Lajitas Golf Resort
- On-Site Recreation: You get access to resort pools, complimentary employee laundry facilities, and employee fitness areas.
2. Dining Perks & Free Lunches
- Employee Cafeteria: One of the best practical perks is the employee cafeteria, which serves complimentary lunches Monday through Friday for staff.
- Low-Cost Living: Combined with low RV site fees (~$135/month including utilities) or affordable payroll-deducted housing, your monthly overhead stays extremely minimal, making it easy to save money while on the road.
3. Outdoor Adventures Right Out Your Front Door
- Big Bend at Your Fingertips: You are literally sandwiched between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. Whether you want to hike Santa Elena Canyon, soak in the natural Hot Springs, or stargaze in a certified Dark Sky Reserve, world-class outdoor exploration is right in your backyard.
- Rio Grande River Access: For water lovers, paddleboarding, kayaking, or floating down the Rio Grande is as easy as walking to the edge of the property.
- Tight-Knit Community: Living in a remote location fosters an incredibly welcoming community of fellow workampers, seasonal crew members, and unique local desert characters. Bonfires, group hikes, and shared meals are everyday parts of life out here.
Meet the Official Mayor: Clay Henry: No stay in Lajitas is complete without meeting the town’s most famous resident—Mayor Clay Henry! Elected back in the 1980s as a fun local tradition, Lajitas’ official mayor is famously a goat. Located right near the Lajitas General Store, Mayor Clay Henry remains a beloved local icon. Visitors and locals alike stop by to say hello, making it one of the most uniquely charming quirks of living on property.
Off-Day Adventures: Best Things to Do in the Area
One of the biggest rewards of taking a seasonal contract at Lajitas is having world-class outdoor exploration and unique West Texas culture right in your backyard. Here are the top ways to spend your days off:
Explore Big Bend National Park: Located less than 30 minutes away, the national park offers iconic hikes like Santa Elena Canyon (where 1,500-foot limestone walls frame the Rio Grande) and the lush Lost Mine Trail in the Chisos Mountains. Don’t miss soaking in the natural 105°F Boquillas Hot Springs right on the riverbank!
Discover Big Bend Ranch State Park: Often overlooked by standard tourists, Texas’ largest state park sits right next door. Drive El Camino del Rio (FM 170)—frequently named one of the most scenic drives in America—and hike through Closed Canyon, a stunning slot canyon that leads down to the river. (To make the most of Texas’ largest state park, dive into our comprehensive Big Bend Ranch State Park: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go travel guide.)
Hang Out in Historic Terlingua Ghost Town: Just 15 minutes up the road, Terlingua is the heart of the local social scene. Grab dinner and catch live music at the famous Starlight Theatre, sit on the porch at the Terlingua Trading Company for a classic desert sunset, or grab breakfast at La Posada Milagro.
Water & Trail Recreation on the Rio Grande: Rent a kayak or paddleboard to float down the Rio Grande, or sign up for a guided horseback ride through the desert canyons at Big Bend Stables.
Take Day Trips to Marfa & Alpine: On longer stretches of time off, drive north to Alpine to stock up on supplies or head over to Marfa to check out its world-renowned minimalist art scene, historic hotels, and quirky desert installations.
What to Expect: Desert Realities & Insider Tips
Living and working in far West Texas is an unforgettable adventure, but the desert environment comes with a few unique quirks. Here are the most important things to know before packing up your rig:
1. The Weather Pacing
If you are planning a seasonal contract at Lajitas, Fall through Spring offers the most ideal weather window.
- Winter: Absolutely prime time. Nights get chilly, but days are beautifully sunny with average temperatures hovering in the 70s.
- Spring: Expect serious wind! Throughout March, wind speeds regularly exceed 20+ mph, so make sure your RV awnings and outdoor gear are secured.
- Summer: Extremely hot. Temperatures consistently surge past 100°F by May, which slows resort traffic down dramatically.
2. Infrastructure & Electricity Reliability
Power in this remote stretch of West Texas is supplied by Rio Grande Electric, and utility challenges do happen:
- Power Outages & Voltage Drops: During our 5 months on property, we experienced several power outages—the longest lasting 12 to 14 hours. During hotter months, voltage levels dropped low enough that our surge protector frequently picked up fluctuations, causing the power to flicker multiple times a day.
- Pro Tip for RVers: Having your own generator or solar/battery backup is a massive asset. While we were able to run basic power from our generator, the resort’s backup generators mainly powered the restaurant, leaving guest rooms and buildings without AC during major grid outages.
3. Living Near the International Border
Sitting right on the Rio Grande, Lajitas borders a small settlement across the river in Mexico. If you’re wondering about safety or unusual activity, our experience was completely peaceful:
- Border Patrol Presence: Border Patrol agents regularly patrol the roads and surrounding desert (I was pulled over twice during our stay for routine checks), and a local officer actually lives directly on resort property.
- Day-to-Day Vibe: We never saw or experienced anything sketchy during our entire season—just a quiet, unique border atmosphere.
Navigating Highway Checkpoints: In addition to seeing Border Patrol agents patrolling along the river, keep in mind that permanent U.S. Border Patrol checkpoints operate on all major routes heading north out of the Big Bend region (such as TX-118 toward Alpine or US-67 toward Marfa). Every vehicle coming out of the border zone is stopped briefly for a routine check. Keep your driver’s license or passport easily accessible in your vehicle whenever you head out of town for groceries or day trips.
4. Breathtaking Night Skies
Because the Big Bend region is a designated International Dark Sky Reserve, the stargazing at Lajitas is unmatched. With virtually zero light pollution, you can see the Milky Way with incredible clarity. On full moon nights, the desert washes in bright moonlight—almost like having a natural night light illuminating the landscape.
5. Vibrant Desert Plant & Animal Life
If you think the Chihuahuan Desert is empty terrain, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how lively it actually is:
- Wildlife: It’s common to spot jackrabbits, coyotes, and javelinas wandering around the resort grounds and trailheads.
- Flora: The desert bursts with prickly pear cacti and ocotillos (a personal favorite!). Watching the desert bloom after a brief rain is one of the true highlights of spending a season here.
6. Traveling with Pets
Lajitas is a very dog-friendly environment for seasonal staff and workampers, but desert living requires extra precaution for your four-legged companions:
- Watch for Desert Hazards: Spiny cacti, sharp goatheads, rattlesnakes, and intense ground temperatures during warmer months can be tough on paws.
- Paw Protection: Invest in a solid pair of dog booties and keep a comfortable dog bed off the hot ground or cold RV flooring.
- Keep Them Leashed: Coyotes and javelinas regularly wander through housing areas, so keep dogs on a secure leash when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Working at Lajitas
Do I need a 4WD vehicle to work at Lajitas Golf Resort?
No, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is not required. Main highways leading into Lajitas, including FM 170 and TX-118, are fully paved. However, if you plan to explore the primitive backcountry dirt roads of Big Bend Ranch State Park on your days off, high clearance or 4WD is a great bonus.
Is there reliable cell service at the resort?
Cellular coverage varies significantly depending on your carrier. Signals are generally decent around the main resort center and boardwalk, but coverage quickly drops off in surrounding canyons and remote stretches of highway. Having a dedicated internet or hotspot setup at your rig is highly recommended.
Can you cross into Mexico for a day trip from Lajitas?
Yes! While you cannot cross directly at Lajitas, you can drive into Big Bend National Park to the Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry. There, you can legally cross the Rio Grande via rowboat to spend the afternoon enjoying lunch and local crafts in the village of Boquillas del Carmen. Just be sure to bring a valid passport!
Is employee housing pet-friendly?
Staff RV sites fully accommodate pets, and dogs are welcome around property. However, it’s always best to confirm specific unit rules with HR prior to arrival if you are moving into stand-alone employee housing.
Is Seasonal Work at Lajitas Right for You?
Working a season at Lajitas Golf Resort is an adventure unlike any other. Like any remote seasonal position, it comes with its share of crazy moments. During our time working on property, things definitely got chaotic at times—whether we were navigating unexpected power outages, desert windstorms, or the fast pace of peak season rushes.
And, as with almost any seasonal resort job, there is a heavy “work hard, play hard” culture among the crew, complete with plenty of late-night drinking and social gatherings around the employee areas once the shift ends.
But despite the occasional chaos, it was a incredible and unique experience that you simply won’t get anywhere else. The guests visiting the resort were overwhelmingly kind, friendly, and genuinely excited to be exploring far West Texas, which made day-to-day interactions at work a pleasure.
If you go into it with an open mind, a bit of flexibility, and a sense of adventure, spending a season living on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert, stargazing under international dark skies, and building lifelong bonds with fellow travelers is something you will never forget.
Helpful Links & Resources
Ready to apply or check for open positions at the resort? Use these links to get started:
- CoolWorks: Check current job listings and seasonal openings for Lajitas Golf Resort on CoolWorks.com.
- Lajitas Golf Resort: Check out the official Lajitas Golf Resort website.
