Harvest Hosts Review | Everything You Need To Know

Are you wondering what Harvest Hosts is and if the annual membership is worth it? Jake and I have now had our Harvest Hosts membership for 4+ years while living on the road. The program connects us with unique stays all across the USA and Canada.

If you happen to like any of these attractions: wineries, breweries, distilleries, farms, museums, golf courses, or other unique attractions then Harvest Hosts might be perfect for you.

And in 2021, Harvest Hosts acquired Boondockers Welcome, a program that allows you to park for free in people’s driveways or on their property. Thus expanding the variety and number of camping locations to over 8,500 hosts!

Let’s dive into all the burning questions you might have in this in-depth Harvest Hosts Review. 

This post may contain affiliate links. Disclosure policy.

What Is Harvest Hosts?

Harvest Hosts is a network of wineries, breweries, distilleries, farms, museums, golf courses, and other attractions that allows self-contained RVs, campervans, or similar to park overnight.

While there is an annual membership fee, there are no additional camping fees to stay at any Harvest Host locations. However, it is highly encouraged that you spend at least $30 at each business. This is the only compensation they receive for volunteering as hosts. So it’s a vital part of the program that supports the hosting businesses. Often times you can find things that you already spend money on anyway, so it is a win-win.

This ultimately helps out both you and the business, because they are getting customers and you are getting a place to stay for the night.

And Boondockers Welcome is now a part of Harvest Hosts as well. But Boondockers Welcome is slightly different. It’s basically just regular folks who volunteer to host people in their driveway or on their property. And unlike Harvest Hosts, there is no obligation to buy anything or pay additional camping fees. (Read our complete Boondockers Welcome Review).

Harvest Hosts Membership Rules & Regulations:

There are a few rules you must follow to become a Harvest Host member. The main rule that Harvest Hosts requires to become a member is your RV or camper van needs to have a toilet, and onboard waste water holding. You are not required to have inside cooking facilities. But it’s highly recommended since cooking outside your vehicle is prohibited at most HH locations.

The Most Common Types Of Vehicles Allowed

• Motorhomes (Class A, B, & C)
• Fifth wheel trailers
• Travel trailers
• Toy haulers
• Camper vans
• Truck campers
• Pop-ups
• Schoolies

Insurance Requirement:

Additionally, members must possess liability insurance for their RV, Camper Van, or similar.

Certain Vehicles & Tents Prohibited:

Host properties do not allow tent camping, including roof-top tents. Pop-up trailers and sleeping in vehicles like trucks, minivans, jeeps, etc is also prohibited.

Maximum Stay Limit:

Traditionally, Harvest Hosts was only for single-night stays. But recently they added the option for hosts to allow up to 5 nights. This information is listed on the profile for each host on the website and on the app.

Purchase Requirements/Minimum Spend At Harvest Hosts Locations:

It is common courtesy to spend a minimum of $30 at each business you stay at. Hosts don’t receive payment for their hosting services, so if they don’t generate sales from Harvest Hosts members, their motivation to accommodate members on their premises declines.

Money-Back Guarantee: 

If you buy a membership and find that it doesn’t suit your needs within 3 months, Harvest Hosts will refund your entire annual membership fee.

Pets Rules:

Most Harvest Hosts locations welcome pets unless the Hosts page specifies otherwise. This is one of the search filters. Be aware that they may have certain guidelines regarding pets, especially if there are other animals on the property.

Generator Rules:

While generators are usually permitted, it is kindly requested that their usage be kept to a minimum, out of consideration for other guests and hosts.

RV-Hookups:

Some locations offer RV hookups like electric and water for an additional cost. 100% of the cost goes directly to the hosts. Information should be listed in the description, but you may need to inquire for more information.

Canceling A Stay & Rules Against No-Shows:

The guideline is to promptly inform the host if you’re unable to reach your Harvest Host location as planned. This proactive communication allows the host to potentially offer the spot to another member in need.

Failing to notify the host and subsequently being a no-show can lead to certain consequences for your membership.

Upon the first instance of a no-show, your membership will receive a 1-star review. In the event of a second no-show, a Representative will contact you to emphasize the importance of notifying hosts to prevent a third occurrence.

If a no-show takes place for the third time, your membership will be suspended without any refund.

This policy benefits members by ensuring that spaces aren’t wasted on no-shows.

If you have any other questions you can always visit the FAQ’s on Harvest Hosts Website. 

Where Can You Stay With Harvest Hosts?

Right now, Harvest Hosts has 5000+ different locations and is continuously growing. Plus nearly 400 more locations if you opt for the golf plan upgrade.

The Harvest Hosts locations are spread all over North America, in various locations around the United States and Canada.

But I would say many of the hosts are in more remote areas rather than big cities and towns. 

Different Types Of Harvest Hosts Memberships:

Harvest Hosts Classic

There currently are several different memberships you can choose from when purchasing a Harvest Hosts Membership. The most common membership is the Harvest Hosts Classic which allows access to 5000+ different locations. Locations on a classic membership are wineries, breweries, distilleries, farms, museums, and other attractions.

Harvest Hosts +Golf

There is also the option to upgrade to Harvest Hosts +Golf, which includes the 5000+ locations plus nearly 400 different golf courses, golf clubs, and golf resorts. You also get access to spas, inside the country clubs, and restaurants at some of the golf course locations.

Harvest Hosts + Boondockers Welcome

This membership includes the 5000+ Classic Hosts in addition to 3,500+ hosts with Boondockers Welcome.

All-Access (Classic + BW + Golf)

This is the most expensive tier that includes all that Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome have to offer. That is 5000+ classic locations, 3,500+ Boondockers Welcome hosts, and nearly 400 Golf locations.

Cost Of An Annual Harvest Host Membership

A Harvest Host membership is an annual membership that’s good for 365 days from the date of purchase.

• Harvest Hosts Classic = $99/year
• HH Classic + Golf = $139/year
• HH Classic + Boondockers Welcome = $169/year
• HH All-Access = $179/year
• (*as of 11/01/2024)

But with our coupon code, you can save 30% on any membership (Use code: HOLIDAYHH, valid through January 1st, 2025).

Travelers can now add even more locations with a Boondockers Welcome Membership. (Read our full review for Boondockers Welcome for all the details).

To Get 30% off your Harvest Hosts annual membership, click the link below and use code HOLIDAYHH:

How Does Harvest Host Work?

Once you purchase your membership, we suggest downloading the app right away. It’s the best way to use Harvest Hosts on the go.

Once you click on a host, it will provide you with some photos, reviews, how many spaces the location allows, the maximum length of the rig, if it’s pet-friendly, has hookups, allows extra nights, and more.

Then you will find the name of the host, the address, contact information and/or request form, hours of operation, and website.

Then they will provide you with a brief summary of what the business is and has to offer, along with additional information for either tastings/reservations/tickets, as well as parking info.

Lastly, you can find reviews from other Harvest host members. 

How To Make A Harvest Hosts Reservation?

To secure a spot at a Harvest Hosts location, you need to “reserve” your stay. It’s recommended to make this reservation at least 24 hours beforehand, although some businesses now allow same-day reservations.

Upon identifying your desired Harvest Hosts location, you can check for their availability. The open dates will be highlighted in bold, while the unavailable dates will be greyed out.

Additionally, many hosts provide an online request form, or you can alternatively reach out to them via phone call, text, or email to inquire about availability. You’ll find all their contact details on their respective page.

While the app holds your membership card, it’s also advisable to have a physical copy printed out.

Once you’ve picked a host location and initiated a stay request, you’ll receive an email confirming the submission of your request. Another follow-up email will arrive when the host approves the request. Subsequently, the host will furnish additional details regarding parking and the check-in procedure.

Upon reaching the host location with the provided information, you can check in with the host and present your membership card. This is an opportune moment to potentially purchase the host’s products, arrange for a tour, or make reservations for their offerings in exchange for a complimentary overnight stay.

Voila, you are helping out the host and they are helping you out with a camping spot for the night.

What To Spend Your Money On At A Harvest Hosts Location?

As we mentioned, it’s suggested to spend around $30 at each location. But if you like wine, beer, spirits, or fresh produce and would buy these things anyway from other locations, then it’s a win-win. Plus you will be helping small unique businesses.

And if you don’t drink alcohol, you can still usually find some other merchandise to purchase from breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Or you can always buy it for a friend or family member. They often have a gift shop or food options.

For stays at museums, an Alpaca farm, a dairy farm, or other unique attractions, buying an admission ticket is customary. The host will likely assist with ticket purchases when approved for the stay.

Our Experience with Harvest Hosts: 

Jake and I think it is definitely worth the annual fee for a Harvest Hosts membership.

People who often pay camping fees at traditional campgrounds or a traditional RV park will find the price of a Harvest Hosts membership to be a great deal.

The more times you use your membership, the easier it is to justify the annual fee. But even if you’re not traveling for months or years at a time like us, typically just using it 3-5 times per year is enough to justify the cost. *depending on the membership tier

We don’t personally spend much money on campsites, but we love breweries and wineries. Therefore, purchasing a wine tasting or local brew from local businesses for a free stay always seems like a win-win.

But in our experience, there are many more wineries than breweries that participate in Harvest Hosts. So we hope more breweries join in the future.

The best part of a Harvest Hosts membership is it leads you to some off-the-beaten-path unique locations.

Plus, most stays provide an opportunity to ask locals for some good recommendations.

Not all stays are super personal interactions, sometimes you are kind of just another customer. But other times you are welcomed like family.

And honestly, those more intimate personal interactions are probably the most valuable, but hard-to-quantify, thing about being a Harvest Hosts member. Like traveling to a completely new place where you don’t know a soul and instantly being connected with local small business owners welcoming you into their world.

So especially when factoring in the value of these unique experiences, we feel that Harvest Hosts is totally worth the money.

We do enjoy helping out small businesses when we can, so sometimes it’s more fun to stay at a Harvest Hosts location instead!

Pros & Cons Of Harvest Hosts:

A Harvest Hosts stop is great for some areas where free camping isn’t abundant or you want to visit a winery, brewery, museum, etc. anyways. That way it’s an added bonus because you get to stay there for “free”.

Plus, now you don’t have to drive after drinking or have someone be the designated driver!

But HH is always adding new opportunities and can be a great way to make new friends and try new places.

We hope this Harvest Hosts Review helps you decide if an annual membership is best suited for you! 

To Get 30% off your Harvest Hosts annual membership, click the link below and use code HOLIDAYHH:

---

Save This Post For Later