- Plan early to secure stays
- Arrive politely during daylight
- Support hosts through small purchases
- Respect property and local rules
- Stay flexible with travel plans
The open road calls to everyone differently. For some, it’s the thrill of adventure; for others, it’s the peace of parking their RV under starlit skies with no neighbours for miles. But what if you could park your RV at a vineyard, farm, or brewery all for free?
That’s exactly what Harvest Hosts offers. It’s not your typical campground network. Instead, it’s a growing community of over 9,500 unique hosts across North America who open their gates to travellers for overnight stays no camping fees, no noisy crowds, and no concrete parking lots.
For RV enthusiasts, this membership is being called one of the most innovative travel ideas of recent years. But is it truly worth the hype? In this Harvest Hosts Reviews, Let’s explore the ins and outs of Harvest Hosts how it works, what members say, and whether it’s the perfect fit for your next road trip.
What Is Harvest Hosts?
Harvest Hosts is a membership program that connects self-contained RVers with businesses that allow free overnight parking. These hosts include wineries, farms, breweries, museums, golf courses, distilleries, and small attractions. Instead of paying for a campsite, members simply support the business perhaps by buying a bottle of wine, a few local products, or a tour ticket.
It’s a refreshing concept that blends adventure, hospitality, and community. Founded in 2010 and expanded under entrepreneur Joel Holland, the network now includes locations across the U.S., Canada, and Alaska.
Unlike traditional campgrounds, there are no electric hookups or water connections at most Harvest Host locations. The idea is to offer unique, scenic, and authentic travel experiences, not resort-style amenities.
To join, RVers pay a small annual membership fee, download the app, and start exploring thousands of verified locations. The only rule? Your RV must be self-contained meaning it has its own toilet, water, and waste systems.
How Harvest Hosts Works
Harvest Hosts is built on a simple, trust-based model that brings value to both RVers and small businesses. Here’s how it works:
- Join the Membership:
RV owners sign up on the official website and choose a plan Classic, Golf, or All Access. - Browse Hosts:
Use the Harvest Hosts app or website map to find nearby locations. Each listing includes photos, reviews, and contact details. - Request a Stay:
Contact the host through the app or by phone to confirm availability. Most stays are for one night, though some hosts allow multiple nights if arranged in advance. - Enjoy Your Stay:
Arrive during business hours, meet the host, and park your RV in the designated area. You’ll usually have a beautiful backdrop from vineyards to ranches or golf greens. - Support the Host:
Since stays are free, guests are encouraged to make a small purchase as a thank-you. It’s not mandatory, but it keeps the community thriving.
This model creates genuine human connection. You’re not just parking your RV; you’re visiting a story — every host has one, and every stay feels personal.
Types of Hosts You Can Stay With
One of the biggest charms of Harvest Hosts is the diversity of its locations. Instead of standard campgrounds, you’ll find yourself staying in places that celebrate local culture and authenticity.
1. Wineries and Breweries
Picture your RV nestled between grapevines as you sip a local vintage under the evening sky. Many wineries offer tastings, tours, and charming gift shops. It’s ideal for couples and travellers who love scenic relaxation.
2. Farms and Ranches
These hosts invite guests to experience rural life. You might wake up to the sound of roosters or enjoy fresh farm produce. Kids especially love meeting animals and learning about sustainable farming.
3. Museums and Attractions
Small-town museums, aviation hangars, and heritage centres often open their parking areas to members. This option adds an educational touch to your trip perfect for families.
4. Golf Courses (All Access Plan)
Golf lovers can park overnight on beautiful fairways and tee off the next morning. This premium feature is included in the higher-tier plan.
5. Distilleries, Markets, and Artisan Shops
These are some of the most unique hosts offering local crafts, handmade food, and cultural experiences.
Every stop feels personal, and that’s what makes Harvest Hosts so memorable. Instead of paying for a campsite, you gain an experience that tells a story.
Membership Options and Pricing
Harvest Hosts offers three main membership tiers designed to fit different travel styles:
1. Classic Plan ($99/year)
Access to thousands of wineries, breweries, farms, and attractions.
2. Golf Plan ($139/year)
Includes access to hundreds of participating golf courses across North America.
3. All Access Plan ($179/year)
Combines both Classic and Golf memberships for complete access to all host types.
Each membership grants unlimited stays for a full year. There are no nightly fees, no reservation commissions, and no long-term commitments.
For perspective, a typical RV park charges $35–$70 per night. Staying just three nights through Harvest Hosts can already offset the annual fee.
Most members save hundreds of dollars annually while enjoying far more scenic and peaceful stays than traditional campgrounds.
Real Member Experiences
The heart of Harvest Hosts lies in the stories shared by travellers. Members often describe their stays as the most memorable parts of their road trips.
A retired couple from Arizona recalled parking at a lavender farm in Oregon:
“The owner greeted us with tea made from her own lavender. We woke up surrounded by flowers and mist. It was magical.”
A family travelling through Maine spent the night at a blueberry farm:
“Our kids helped pick berries in the morning. It turned a quick stop into a learning adventure.”
Digital nomads have praised the network for its sense of peace:
“After a week of crowded RV parks, parking beside a quiet vineyard felt like paradise.”
Of course, there are occasional hiccups hosts who don’t respond quickly, limited availability in busy areas, or weak mobile signals in rural regions. Yet overall satisfaction remains overwhelmingly positive.
Members love that Harvest Hosts lets them discover hidden gems while supporting small businesses that make each community special.
Pros and Cons of Harvest Hosts
Like any membership, Harvest Hosts has strengths and limitations. Understanding both helps you decide if it fits your travel style.
Pros
- Free overnight parking at scenic locations.
- Access to 9,500+ verified hosts.
- Support local businesses directly.
- Safe, peaceful, and unique experiences.
- Easy-to-use app and friendly community.
Cons
- Must have a self-contained RV.
- Limited stays (usually one night).
- No hookups or water supply.
- Some hosts fill up quickly in summer.
- Rural areas may lack strong phone service.
If you’re used to full-service RV parks, the minimalist setup may take adjustment. But for those who value connection, beauty, and freedom, Harvest Hosts offers unbeatable rewards.
Harvest Hosts is a unique RV membership program that connects travellers with over 9,500 scenic locations across North America, including wineries, farms, breweries, museums, and golf courses. Members enjoy free overnight stays in exchange for supporting local businesses through small purchases.
Designed for self-contained RVs, it offers a refreshing alternative to crowded campgrounds, combining affordability with authentic travel experiences. Harvest Hosts transforms routine road trips into memorable adventures filled with local culture, hospitality, and beautiful, peaceful surroundings.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Harvest Hosts
Joining Harvest Hosts opens up a world of unique travel opportunities for RV enthusiasts from waking up at peaceful vineyards to parking near historic farms and museums. But to truly make the most of your membership, it’s important to approach each stay thoughtfully. Unlike traditional RV parks or campgrounds, Harvest Hosts relies on a sense of respect, appreciation, and connection between guests and hosts. By following a few simple practices, you can turn every overnight stop into an unforgettable travel memory.
Plan Ahead
Planning is key to having a seamless experience with Harvest Hosts. While the app and website make it easy to browse thousands of hosts, many popular locations especially wineries and farms book up quickly during weekends and holidays. To secure your spot, always reach out to hosts a few days in advance. Calling or messaging directly ensures you get confirmation and gives hosts time to prepare for your arrival. Having a flexible schedule also helps you adjust plans if a host is unavailable.
Experienced members recommend plotting your route ahead of time and saving several backup options along the way. That way, even if one host cancels due to weather or personal reasons, you can easily pivot without stress.
Arrive During Business Hours
Most Harvest Hosts locations are working businesses. Arriving during their regular hours is courteous and practical. It gives you a chance to meet your hosts, learn more about their property, and make any purchases before they close for the day. Arriving early also helps you park safely and settle in while there’s still daylight.
If you’re delayed, always let the host know. Good communication reflects well on you and maintains the trust that makes the program successful.
Show Appreciation
While stays through Harvest Hosts are technically free, the program thrives because guests support their hosts through small purchases. Buying a bottle of wine, fresh produce, handmade crafts, or local goods not only shows gratitude but also helps sustain the businesses that make your stay possible.
Think of it as an exchange your host provides a beautiful, safe place to stay, and you contribute by supporting their passion or livelihood. Many travellers even bring thank-you notes or small gifts to leave behind, building long-term relationships that make future visits even more special.
Stay Respectful
Respect is at the heart of the Harvest Hosts community. Each location is unique, and hosts open their property out of kindness, not obligation. Always follow the guidelines provided whether it’s where to park, when to arrive, or which areas to avoid. Keep noise levels low, especially when running generators, and ensure that your space is spotless before you leave.
Remember that you’re a guest on private land. Treat it as you would a friend’s home. Small gestures like greeting the host, saying thank you, and cleaning up after yourself go a long way toward maintaining good relationships and ensuring future travellers are welcome too.
Keep Flexible
Flexibility is key when using Harvest Hosts. Weather, special events, or local activities might occasionally make a host unavailable. Always have a few backup stays along your route just in case plans change unexpectedly. The app’s map feature allows you to filter by region, host type, or amenities so you can quickly find alternatives nearby.
Being open to last-minute changes can actually enhance your travel experience. Some of the best stories from Harvest Hosts members come from spontaneous detours stumbling upon a small-town brewery or a family-run alpaca farm that wasn’t even on the original itinerary.
Travel with the Right Mindset
The best advice from seasoned members is simple: “Treat each Harvest Host like you’re visiting a friend’s home, not renting a site.” This mindset fosters genuine connections, keeps the network strong, and ensures the program remains enjoyable for everyone.
By planning ahead, showing appreciation, and travelling respectfully, you’ll not only get the most value out of your Harvest Hosts membership but also enrich your journey with meaningful encounters. Each stay becomes more than just a stop it becomes part of your travel story, filled with warmth, hospitality, and unforgettable moments.
Is Harvest Hosts Worth It?
If you love open-road travel, Harvest Hosts is absolutely worth it.
It saves you money, connects you with locals, and provides unforgettable overnight experiences that no traditional campground can match. You’re not paying for a patch of gravel you’re supporting real people while enjoying authentic places.
However, for travellers who only take a few short trips a year, it might not offer full value. The membership shines brightest for:
- Full-time RVers
- Retired couples exploring the country
- Families wanting educational, memorable stops
- Digital nomads seeking peace and scenic beauty
Harvest Hosts works best as a supplement to campgrounds not a total replacement. You’ll still need RV parks occasionally for hookups and maintenance, but Harvest Hosts gives your travel rhythm a sense of discovery.
When used regularly, it transforms your journey into something deeper and more human.
Comparison with Other RV Memberships
When choosing the right RV membership, travellers often compare options like Harvest Hosts, Boondockers Welcome, Good Sam, Passport America, and KOA. Each has its own strengths, but Harvest Hosts stands out for offering experiences rather than just a place to park.
Boondockers Welcome
Like Harvest Hosts, Boondockers Welcome connects travellers with hosts who allow free overnight stays. However, most of these stays are in private driveways or personal properties, which makes them more practical than scenic. It’s ideal for friendly, low-cost overnight stops, but it doesn’t provide the same kind of cultural immersion or natural beauty that Harvest Hosts locations are known for. Harvest Hosts gives travellers the chance to stay at wineries, farms, or museums places filled with personality and charm.
Good Sam or Passport America
Good Sam and Passport America take a different approach by focusing on discounted stays at campgrounds and RV parks. These memberships are cost-effective and convenient for travellers who prefer full hookups, Wi-Fi, and modern facilities. While they deliver on savings, they lack the personal connection and adventure that Harvest Hosts brings. Staying at a farm or local vineyard offers a sense of community and discovery that simply can’t be replicated at a commercial campground.
KOA (Kampgrounds of America)
KOA is one of the most recognised RV park chains, known for its cleanliness, family-friendly activities, and reliable amenities. It’s a comfortable and consistent choice for those who like structure and predictability. However, KOA stays often feel similar from one location to another, while Harvest Hosts encourages exploration and variety.
KOA (Kampgrounds of America)
Known for comfort and consistency, KOA offers modern amenities but charges nightly rates. Harvest Hosts offers more freedom and scenery at no extra cost.
In short, Harvest Hosts focuses on experiences, not just convenience. It’s for travellers who believe that the best memories are made off the beaten path.
Final Verdict: The Future of RV Travel
Harvest Hosts redefines what it means to travel by RV. It brings back the romance of the road where every night offers something new, authentic, and beautiful.
Instead of squeezing into crowded campgrounds, you’re parked under open skies beside vineyards, museums, or farms. Instead of paying nightly fees, you’re supporting local families and artisans.
It’s more than just a membership. It’s a movement toward meaningful travel a reminder that hospitality still exists outside corporate campgrounds.
For anyone who loves the journey as much as the destination, Harvest Hosts is one of the smartest and most rewarding investments an RVer can make.
When you drive away from your first stay, you won’t just feel like a traveller you’ll feel like part of a story that’s worth telling.
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FAQs:
1. Is Harvest Hosts really free?
Yes. There are no nightly camping fees. However, guests are encouraged to support hosts by making small purchases as a gesture of appreciation.
2. Do I need a specific kind of RV?
Yes. You must have a self-contained RV with your own toilet, water, and waste system.
3. Can I stay more than one night?
Most hosts allow one-night stays, though some are happy to extend your visit if you ask politely.
4. Are Harvest Hosts locations safe?
Yes. All hosts are verified and reviewed by members, ensuring a trustworthy experience.
5. Are pets allowed?
Many hosts are pet-friendly, but policies vary. Always confirm before arrival.
6. How do I find hosts?
Use the Harvest Hosts app or website to search by location, read reviews, and contact hosts directly.
Final Words:
For those who see RV travel as more than a checklist for those who want connection, discovery, and quiet corners of the world Harvest Hosts is the answer.
It offers the freedom of the road with the warmth of genuine hospitality. Whether you’re sipping wine in California, feeding goats in Colorado, or sleeping beside a golf course in Georgia, Harvest Hosts turns every stop into a story.
If you’re ready to make your road trips unforgettable, visit HarvestHosts.com and start planning your next scenic stay.
Because sometimes, the best places to park aren’t campgrounds they’re experiences waiting to be found.
Harvest Hosts offers RV travellers free overnight stays at wineries, farms, and attractions across North America, blending adventure, community, and comfort while supporting local businesses through small, meaningful purchases.
