Man Camps Resemble Luxury Vacation Resorts in Williston And the Oil Patch

We've all heard the stories of how difficult is can be to find quality workers in the oil patch. We've also heard the stories of outrageous rental prices and even some living in tiny tailors, sleeping in cars in parking lots and even some without living quarters.

You've heard of the man camps, the barracks-style living might imply that roughness of life. Think again! According to WCCO-TV, a number of man camps resemble luxury versions of overseas military bases and function almost like hotels. Some of these high-end camps are self-contained communities with all-you-can-eat buffets, private quarters and housekeeping sevices that lay down fresh sheets and towels.

Once a guy comes in from hard work in the oil patch, they don't have to leave again until their shift begins, for most in 12 hours. They have it all, great food buffets, gyms, cable, internet and satellite services. Speaking of food, look at the menu items on a regular evening, seafood tortellini, fried pork cutlets and cheeseburger sliders. Or workers could grab hot dogs from a convenience store-style roller, make their own sandwiches from cold cuts or skip straight to homemade cookies or soft-serve ice cream.

In Watford City, these camps resemble cabins in a suburb setting, looking more like a neighborhood. Inside the prefab cabins, you'll find a small kitchen, living room with cable TV and even maid services. While many cabins are shared with others, it still offers a level of privacy that feels more like home for many. Not to mention, shelter from the hard North Dakota winters just months, if not weeks away!.

According to Shawn Duby, who is the manager of the facility. “It’s kind of nice to come home and sit on your own couch, compared to the recreation room with 50 other guys.” We're not just bunching a bunch of guys in a small house or room.

(source- WCCO-TV)