Updated February 12, 2023
Harvest Hosts is a membership program that allows RVers and van lifers to stay overnight at unique locations such as wineries, breweries, farms, and museums. For a yearly fee, members can access a directory of over 1,300 host locations across the United States and Canada and can stay at any of these locations for free, with some exclusions. In this guide, we will provide a detailed overview of the Harvest Hosts membership program, including the benefits and limitations, how to join, how to make a reservation, and how to be a good guest during your stay.
Benefits of a Harvest Hosts Membership
Stay overnight at unique and interesting locations: As a member, you will have access to a wide variety of host locations, including wineries, breweries, farms, and museums. This allows you to experience new and unique places while traveling in your RV or van.
Save money on overnight accommodations: Rather than paying for a traditional campsite or hotel room, members can stay at a Harvest Hosts location for free. This can help save money on your travels, especially if you plan to stay at multiple host locations throughout the year.
Support small businesses: Many of the host locations are small, independently-owned businesses that rely on the revenue generated from visitors. By staying at a host location as a member, you are supporting these small businesses and helping to sustain the local economy.
Limitations of a Harvest Hosts Membership
Limited availability: While there are over 1,300 host locations available to members, there is no guarantee that a host location will be available on the dates you wish to stay. It is recommended to book your stay as far in advance as possible to increase the chances of finding a host location that is available.
Exclusions: Some host locations may have exclusions, such as not allowing pets or having a maximum number of vehicles allowed. It is important to read the host location’s profile in the directory and contact the host directly to confirm any exclusions before making a reservation.
Overnight stays only: Harvest Hosts memberships are designed for overnight stays only and are not intended for long-term stays. Members are expected to arrive in the afternoon and depart by noon the following day.
How to Join Harvest Hosts
To join Harvest Hosts, you will need to sign up for a membership on their website. Membership options include a yearly plan for $79, a two-year plan for $149, and a lifetime plan for $449. As a member, you will receive a directory of host locations, access to member-only events and discounts, and the ability to make reservations at host locations.
How to Make a Reservation
To make a reservation at a host location, you will need to log in to your account on the Harvest Hosts website and search for available locations. Once you have found a host location that you are interested in, you can contact the host directly through the website to request a reservation. It is recommended to do this as far in advance as possible to increase the chances of finding a host location that is available.
When making a reservation, be sure to provide the host with your arrival and departure times, the number of people in your party, and any other information that may be relevant (such as pets). It is also a good idea to confirm the host location’s policies and any exclusions before making a reservation.
How to Be a Good Guest
As a member of Harvest Hosts, it is important to be a good guest and respect the host location and its facilities. Here are a few tips for being a good guest during your stay:
Follow the host’s rules and policies: Each host location may have different rules and policies in place, such as quiet hours, pet policies, and use of facilities. Be sure to follow these rules and respect the host’s wishes.
Be mindful of your impact: Remember that you are a guest on someone else’s property and that your actions can have an impact on the host and the surrounding community. Be mindful of your noise levels, respect the environment, and leave the host location as you found it.
Leave a review: After your stay, consider leaving a review on the Harvest Hosts website. This helps other members make informed decisions about where to stay and also helps the host understand what they are doing well and what they could improve upon.
Show your appreciation: Consider leaving a small gift or a thank you note for the host to show your appreciation for their hospitality. This is not required, but it is a nice gesture that can go a long way.
Conclusion
Harvest Hosts is a membership program that allows RVers and van lifers to stay overnight at unique locations such as wineries, breweries, farms, and museums. The membership offers a wide variety of host locations, the opportunity to save money on overnight accommodations, and the chance to support small businesses. To join, you will need to sign up for a membership on the Harvest Hosts website and pay the yearly fee. To make a reservation at a host location, you can search for available locations and contact the host directly through the website. It is important to be a good guest and respect the host location and its facilities while staying at a Harvest Hosts location. Overall, the Harvest Hosts membership can be a great way to add unique and interesting experiences to your travels while supporting small businesses and saving money on accommodations.
FAQ
What is the cost of a Harvest Hosts membership?
The cost of a Harvest Hosts membership depends on the length of the membership. There is a yearly plan for $79, a two-year plan for $149, and a lifetime plan for $449.
How do I join Harvest Hosts?
To join Harvest Hosts, you can sign up for a membership on their website. You will need to provide your contact and payment information and choose a membership plan.
How do I make a reservation at a host location?
To make a reservation at a host location, you can log in to your account on the Harvest Hosts website and search for available locations. Once you have found a location that you are interested in, you can contact the host directly through the website to request a reservation. It is recommended to do this as far in advance as possible to increase the chances of finding a host location that is available.
Are pets allowed at all host locations?
Some host locations may allow pets, while others may not. It is important to check the host location’s profile in the directory and contact the host directly to confirm their pet policy before making a reservation.
Can I stay at a host location for more than one night?
Harvest Hosts memberships are intended for overnight stays only and are not intended for long-term stays. Members are expected to arrive in the afternoon and depart by noon the following day.
Can I bring additional vehicles or guests to the host location?
This will depend on the host location’s policies and the space available. It is important to confirm the host location’s policies and any exclusions before making a reservation.