There’s nothing quite like the freedom that comes with taking to the open road for an epic adventure. But for RV and campervan enthusiasts, one of the trickier aspects of a trip can be finding a spot to settle down for the night. With that in mind, US-based company Harvest Hosts has assembled a bespoke list of unique camping experiences across the country, allowing guests to book in ahead of time to stay at vineyards, farms, breweries and historical sites.
With over 600 locations across the United States, a membership with Harvest Hosts costs $49 (€41) per year, and allows guests access to any of the sites for one night at a time. Guests are encouraged to support local economies by making purchases from their hosts, with a minimum spend of $20 (€17) suggested by the website. In turn, they get the chance to sleep at one-of-a-kind destinations, such as open-air museums, wildlife rescue facilities, lavender farms, goat and cow dairies and cider mills. Hosts do not provide RV owners with any hook-ups to water or electricity, so only fully self-contained vehicle owners are able permitted to join the site.
Similar to Airbnb, Harvest Hosts has a free app that allows users to customize host lists, as well as upload and read comments, reviews and photos on host pages. Prospective visitors can also search for available campsites through an interactive online map.
Founded in 2009 by husband and wife duo Don and Kim Greene, Harvest Hosts was recently acquired by Joel Holland. Feeling the pressure of working life, Joel began taking road trips in his RV, and found that campsites could be overcrowded, noisy, and lacking privacy. Researching alternative options, he learned about the company and wanted to get involved. “Harvest Hosts unlocks the hidden gems and small businesses of America, providing new opportunities to explore and enjoy the RVing lifestyle. Each host experience is different. From sleeping under the stars at a vineyard in California to enjoying a picnic at an alpaca farm, members can travel from coast to coast having wonderful experiences,” Joel told Lonely Planet Travel News.
More information on Harvest Hosts is available at the official website.
