Outdoor Side Hustles: 11 Ways To Live & Earn Outdoors In 2024

Last Updated on April 22, 2023 by John Cirelly

If the idea of sitting in front of a computer all day makes you cringe, well, you’re not alone. Here are 11 of the best outdoor side hustles for the outdoorsy and adventurous.

11 Best Outdoor Side Hustles For 2024

1. Pool Cleaning

Pool cleaning is one of the best outdoor side hustles, especially if you live in a warmer part of the world. If you dig working under the sun and relish physical activity, this gig’s for you.

Summer months see a spike in demand, offering ample chances to earn some extra cash. Starting a pool cleaning business is a breeze and doesn’t require big bucks or specialized skills.

Simply gear up with the necessary equipment and know-how, then spread the word to friends, family, and neighbors. Nail top-notch service and foster a solid rep, and you’re on your way to being a trusted pool cleaning pro.

2. Forest Fire Lookout

Being a fire lookout is an excellent outdoor side hustle for those who love nature, solitude, and adventure.

As a fire lookout, you’ll be responsible for monitoring and reporting any signs of forest fires in a designated area. This job typically involves spending extended periods of time in a remote, isolated lookout tower, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.

Not only is it a unique and rewarding experience, but it also pays well for a side hustle. Fire lookouts can earn anywhere from $12 to $20 per hour, and many fire lookout positions come with additional benefits, such as free housing, meals, and of course, a killer view of the forest.

Fire lookouts get to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spend extended periods of time in nature, which can be rejuvenating and revitalizing.

To become a fire lookout, you’ll need to be physically fit, able to work independently, and have a keen eye for detail. You’ll also need to be comfortable living and working in remote, isolated locations.

If you meet these requirements and are looking for a challenging and exciting outdoor side hustle, then being a fire lookout might be the perfect fit for you.

3. Car Detailing

Car detailing is a great outdoor side hustle for gearheads who relish manual labor. It’s a hands-on gig that transforms vehicles from drab to fab by meticulously cleaning and rejuvenating both their interior and exterior.

Starting a car detailing business is wallet-friendly, requiring only basic supplies and equipment like a pressure washer, vacuum, and microfiber towels. Plus, it’s a mobile gig, so you can take your services straight to your customers and save on overhead costs.

Summer months see a surge in demand for car detailing, whether it’s for a special occasion, road trip, or just keeping a ride in tip-top shape. The market is always ripe for car detailing services.

To succeed in car detailing, you need to be a stickler for detail and provide top-notch service to customers. If you’ve got these traits and crave an outdoor side hustle that lets you work with your hands and showcase your creativity, car detailing might be just the ticket.

4. Landscaping

Landscaping is a delightful outdoor side hustle for gardening enthusiasts who dig creating outdoor masterpieces. It entails crafting, planting, and upkeep of gardens, lawns, and other outdoor areas to boost a property’s overall aesthetic.

Starting a landscaping business is wallet-friendly, needing only basic gardening tools like a lawnmower, trimmer, and shovel. It’s also a mobile gig, so you can bring your services right to your customers.

Summer months see a boost in demand for landscaping services, whether it’s for a special event, to up a property’s curb appeal, or just to bask in a beautiful outdoor space. The market is always thriving for landscaping services.

To excel in landscaping, you need a keen eye for design, a love for plants and nature, and top-notch customer service. If you possess these traits and crave an outdoor side hustle that lets you unleash your creativity and work with your hands, landscaping might be just the ticket.

5. YouTube

YouTube boasts a massive audience and is always hungry for all types of content, including outdoor content. Whether it’s hiking, camping, or simply relishing the outdoors, there’s always a market for outdoor content on YouTube.

Even with millions of videos published, YouTube can still be an extremely lucrative side hustle if you’re willing to commit to your content for the long term.

To thrive on YouTube, you need a unique viewpoint, creativity, and the ability to consistently crank out high-quality content. If you’ve got these traits and crave a side hustle that lets you share your passions and experiences with the world, then YouTube might just be your cup of tea.

6. Blogging

Blogging can be an idea outdoor side hustle for scribes who dig sharing their experiences and knowledge. Create a blog, and you’ve got the power to reach a massive audience, cultivate a following, and even monetize your content through ads, sponsorships, and product sales.

Starting a blog only requires a computer, an internet connection, and a blogging platform. Whether it’s hiking, camping, or simply savoring nature, there’s always a market for outdoor content on blogs.

To excel as an outdoor blogger, you’ll need to find and write about a niche within the outdoor topic. Finding the right keywords and helping your audience is more important than your writing skills, so don’t fret if you’re doubting your writing skills.

If you’ve got these traits and crave a side hustle that lets you share your passions and experiences with the world, then blogging might just be your cup of tea.

7. Microgreens

Selling microgreens is a newer side hustle for gardening aficionados who dig growing nutritious plants.

Microgreens are young, nutrient-rich plants harvested a few weeks after sprouting and bursting with flavor. High-end restaurants, local chefs, and farmers’ markets buy will buy your Microgreens for their dishes.

Starting a microgreen business can be done on a budget, needing only a small indoor growing space, seeds, soil, and basic gardening tools. Plus, microgreens can be grown year-round, giving you a steady stream of fresh produce to sell.

While growing microgreens is typically done indoors, you could grow your plants outside if you live in the right climate.

8. Dog Walking

Dog walking is a PAW-some outdoor side hustle for those who love furry friends and love to be active! It’s a fun and rewarding gig where you get to spend time outdoors, exercise, and make new canine friends, all while getting paid.

One of the benefits of dog walking is that it’s an easy business to start. All you need is a love for dogs, a pair of comfortable shoes, and a reliable way to get around. Plus, with the rise of dog ownership, there’s always a market for dog walking services, making it a steady source of income.

Dog walking is a flexible gig that allows you to set your own schedule and work around your other commitments. Whether you want to walk dogs in the early morning, during the day, or in the evening, you can choose the hours that work best for you.

9. Deckhand

Being a deckhand is a SPLASHING outdoor side hustle for those who love the open seas and adventure! It’s a hands-on gig that takes you on the water, allowing you to experience the thrill of the ocean and the freedom of the open sea.

From month-long crab fishing voyages, to local fishing routes, being a deckhand allows you to escape your typical 9-5, all while earning a solid income.

To be successful as a deckhand, you’ll need to be physically fit, have a strong work ethic, and be able to handle the challenges of working on a boat.

If you have these qualities and are looking for an outdoor side hustle that allows you to experience the thrill of the sea and the freedom of the open water, then being a deckhand might be the perfect fit for you!

10. Headstone Cleaning

Cleaning headstones is a meaningful and rewarding side hustle for those who love the outdoors and want to make a positive impact. It involves cleaning and restoring grave markers in cemeteries, honoring the memories of those who have passed away.

One of the benefits of cleaning headstones is that it allows you to work outside and be active, while also giving back to your community. Whether you’re working in a small local cemetery or a large national cemetery, you can make a difference by restoring and preserving the memories of those who have passed away.

To be successful in cleaning headstones, you’ll need to be physically fit, have a strong attention to detail, and be respectful and compassionate towards those who have passed away. If you have these qualities and are looking for a side hustle that allows you to make a positive impact and work outdoors, then cleaning headstones might be the perfect fit for you.

11. Homesteading

Homesteading is a fantastic outdoor side hustle for those who love independence and nature. By growing food, raising livestock, and living sustainably on land, you can turn your passion into a source of income.

Sell excess produce, eggs, and other goods at farmers markets, local restaurants, or through a CSA and cash in on the demand for high-quality, locally-grown food.

By homesteading, you also save on living expenses by producing your own food and livestock, reducing dependence on processed goods. Many farmers make money the same way homesteaders do, although you may be limited based on what you grow and how much land you have.

Diversify your income with homesteading workshops, handmade soap and candle sales, or renting out land for camping or outdoor activities. If you love living with the land, homesteading could be the perfect lifestyle business for you.

Wrap Up

This concludes our list of outdoor side hustles. Nature lovers can rejoice knowing there are plenty of opportunities to make a side income while taking in some fresh air. Do you have any favorite outdoor side hustles? Share yours with us in the comments below.