Harvest Hosts Review + 9 Amazing Harvest Host Locations
With RVs, #vanlife, and general life on the road more popular than ever, self-contained camping (AKA boondocking) no longer means driving around for hours trying to find the perfect spot. Modern-day camping means you can spend the night at incredible wineries, breweries, museums, and farm campsites.
If you perked up at the thought of camping at wineries and breweries, first of all, saaaame. Second, you’re probably wondering how to actually go about doing that.
Well, great news, friends: we have the answer. Harvest Hosts.
In this Harvest Hosts review, we’ll explore how you can camp at unique, unforgettable places across North America. Choose from over 3,000 Harvest Host locations, ranging from an Alpaca farm in Washington State to a winery in the arid mountains of Baja, Mexico, and a historic fishing lodge in Alaska.
The extensive network of Harvest Host locations not only introduces you to beautiful new campsites, but also helps you form connections with passionate business owners.
Ready to learn more? Stick around as we outline the benefits of a Harvest Hosts membership, answer your questions, and take an inside look at some of the most stunning Harvest Host locations.
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Jump ahead to:
What is Harvest Hosts?
Harvests Hosts is an annual RV camping membership that allows you to stay at 3,000-plus wineries, farms, distilleries, museums, breweries, and other unique businesses across North America.
A Harvests Hosts membership includes access to an app with an extensive database of campsite locations. Campers send hosts a request for a single-night stay at least 24 hours in advance, then the host provides a safe overnight spot on their property.
An unorthodox yet genuinely useful tool for RV travelers and vanlifers, Harvest Host locations are not only less crowded than popular campsites and RV parks, but also don’t require reservations as far in advance.
Some traditional campsites, particularly near popular national parks and other attractions, book out as much as a year in advance!
Notably, Harvest Host locations are available only to self-contained RVs and other vehicles (i.e., campervans, RVs, and trailers with bathrooms, but not teardrop trailers or rooftop tents). Most host locations don’t have hookups available — although many do — but instead, offer memorable experiences and immersion into the local community.
Unlike traditional campsites, Harvest Host locations have no nightly fees; stays are “free,” but guests are expected to make a purchase at the host business as a sign of appreciation (this could be a beer, glass of wine, or locally-made artisan cheese, so it’s an easy ask!).
Harvest Hosts Review: Membership Benefits
A Harvest Hosts membership comes with many compelling perks.
- Access to nearly 3,000 beautiful camping locations spread across small businesses in Noth America
- Unlimited single-night stays at all Harvest Host locations included; no blackout dates or locations, or additional camping fees on top of membership cost
- Opportunities to sample local produce, wine, beer, and more from artisanal producers. Many hosts even offer complimentary tours, tastings, and other immersive experiences to campers!
- Intuitive, easy-to-use app with campsite details and Harvest Host location reviews
- Money-back guarantee within the first three months of membership purchase
- The Harvest Hosts + GOLF membership add-on also includes stays at over 400 golf resorts and country clubs, plus access to their spas, pools, and restaurants
Who Should Get a Harvest Hosts Membership?
Harvest Hosts is a membership program designed specifically for RVs and other self-contained vehicles. Tent and car camping are strictly prohibited, including in rooftop tents.
However, all classes of RVs and other camping vehicles are permitted at Harvest Host locations, from campervans to travel trailers to converted school buses — on one condition.
The rule is that your vehicle must have its own water holding tanks, bathroom, and kitchen. In other words, it must be entirely self-sufficient so that you don’t rely on hookups, dumping services, or other facilities at host locations.
Remember earlier, we said that most Harvest Host locations won’t provide water and electricity hookups, or other services? Some may, but you shouldn’t count on it.
Harvest Host’s aim is to provide one-night stays to campers before they continue on to another location. If you’re the type who prefers to set up camp and linger for awhile, Harvest Hosts is probably not for you.
The program is intended as a short stopover along longer itineraries; a 24-hour immersion into a small local business.
Harvest Hosts’ directory (which members gain access to after joining) gives a ton of detail about each location: photos, amenities, check-in and checkout hours, whether or not it’s pet-friendly, and what, if anything, the business provides.
Of course, there’s also a detailed Harvest Hosts review section, so you know exactly what to expect before booking. In our personal experience, Harvest Host members leave much more detailed reviews (and often, better photos!) than we’ve seen on traditional RV park or campground sites.
You SHOULD sign up for a Harvest Hosts membership if you:
- Are a foodie or beer, wine, or cocktail enthusiast who also loves the outdoors and great scenery
- Like the idea of camping without neighbors in every direction
- Want the flexibility of not having to reserve a campsite months in advance
- Are comfortable boondocking occasionally (camping without hookups or access to showers, laundry, etc.)
- Enjoy meeting new people and trying new things
- Would rather support small businesses than spend your money at traditional campgrounds
Harvest Hosts Membership Code of Conduct
Another important consideration when determining whether or not to invest in a Harvest Hosts membership is the member Code of Conduct.
- All vehicles must be self-contained. Specifically, that means an interior toilet, cooking facilities, and built-in water tanks. Somewhat surprisingly, Harvest Hosts notes that Porta-potties are acceptable but must be dumped off-site.
- Carry proof of insurance.
- Stays must be pre-arranged. Contact information for all Harvest Host locations is in the app and members are expected to request a stay at least 24 hours in advance. *Note: we’ve found that calling about a week in advance seems to be the “sweet spot” to ensure availability.
- No-shows are major violations. If a member no-shows, they’ll receive a 1-star Harvest Hosts review (which, like a Yelp review, is visible to other members and hosts). After three no-shows, the Harvest Hosts membership is suspended for one year.
- Arrive only during business hours. Remember, most Harvest Host locations are small businesses (and many are the hosts’ homes!) that are only open during certain hours.
- Mention your vehicle size and type during initial contact. In some locations, you may need to use a specific entrance or unhook your tow vehicle in a particular area.
- Leave after 24 hours. The single exception is if a host extends an invite for a longer stay.
- Pack out all trash. Along the same lines, do not use a grill outside your RV and remember, you must dispose of any gray water off-site.
- Make a purchase. In lieu of nightly camping fees, members are expected to make a small purchase at Harvest Host locations. Not only does this put money directly in the pockets of small local businesses, but it also introduces you to cool new products and companies. Win-win!
- Park only in designated spaces. Understand that you’re camping on private property and the ground may not be 100% level. Also, communicate with your host about whether it’s okay to use jacks.
- Be respectful. Keep music and other noise to a low volume, and check with your host before using a generator.
What Does Harvest Hosts cost?
There are two Harvest Hosts membership plans: Harvest Hosts Classic and Harvest Hosts + GOLF.
The Classic Harvest Hosts membership costs $99 a year.
A Harvest Hosts + GOLF membership costs $139 each year.
GOLF members have the added benefit of access to over 400 golf courses and country clubs, along with their associated restaurant and spa facilities.
Both membership plans offer an unlimited number of overnight stays at more than 3,000 locations, including 700-plus wineries, over 400 breweries and distilleries, more than 1,000 farm campsites, and about 800 museums and other attractions.
There are no additional or hidden fees with a Harvest Hosts membership, beyond the expectation that guests make a purchase at the host location.
Considering the costs at most campgrounds, joining Harvest Hosts pays for itself after just 3-4 overnight stays. And of course, you’ll also be getting a memorable, invaluable experience!
Ready to sign up for an annual Harvest Hosts membership?
Use our discount code to save 15%!
9 Unique Harvest Host Locations
From a quiet stopover at a scenic vineyard to an informative experience at a quirky museum and a hands-on stay at a working alpaca farm, Harvest Host locations are often destinations in and of themselves.
Since the comprehensive location map isn’t available until you sign up for a Harvest Hosts membership, one of the biggest questions people have — understandably — is about what campsites are really like.
Well, friends, our comprehensive Harvest Hosts review highlights 10 locations to give you an idea of just how unique and memorable they really are.
Moonpie Farm and Creamery – Cottondale, FL
A farm filled with adorable animals set in a lovely pine forest in rural north Florida, this quaint stopover right off I-10 provides a full day’s worth of entertainment.
Animal interaction and helping with farm chores such as feeding the goats or collecting chicken eggs are encouraged. You can support Moonpie by buying (delicious!) goat milk, eggs, and other fresh farm produce.
- Location: About one hour west of Tallahassee off I-10
- Type of Harvest Host location: Farm campsite
- Standout feature: A picturesque pond, plus the ability to interact with farm animals
- Maximum RV length: 40 Feet
- Number of RV spaces available: 3
- Pet-friendly? Yes
Black Mesa Winery & Cidery – Velarde, NM
Half-hour south of postcard-worthy Taos, an overnight stop at Black Mesa lets you hike, view petroglyphs, take in the stunning scenery, and then finish it all off with award-winning wines and ciders. Try the decadent Black Beauty, a unique red infused with chocolate!
Black Mesa welcomes many visitors who come for the afternoon from Taos, but your Harvest Hosts membership entitles you to enjoy a beautiful desert sunset in solitude.
- Location: 35 minutes south of Taos
- Type of Harvest Host location: Vineyard campsite
- Standout feature: Genuinely great wines and gorgeous scenery you’ll have to yourself
- Maximum RV length: 40 feet
- Number of RV spaces available: 4
- Pet-friendly? Yes (the winery too!)
Our Red Barn Ranch – Calhoun, CO
Photo courtesy of Harvest Hosts
This Harvest Host location sits at almost 7,000 feet in elevation, offering a memorable high-altitude ranch experience — with unobstructed views of Pikes Peak to boot.
As a bonus, Our Red Barn Ranch is also just a few minutes from Paint Mines Interpretive Park, one of the most underrated places in Colorado Springs.
You’ll meet friendly, passionate owners who manage over 100 alpacas. They’ll explain how alpaca wool is sheared and sewn into hats, sweaters, and socks, all of which you can buy onsite.
- Location: About 1 hour east of Colorado Springs
- Type of Harvest Host location: Farm campsite
- Standout feature: Sunsets directly over Pikes Peak; inviting, hands-on hosts; and adjacent to the Paint Mines
- Maximum RV length: 35 Feet
- Number of RV spaces available: 3
- Pet-friendly? Cats only, because of the presence of working livestock guard dogs
Susquehanna Kayak and Canoe Rentals – Falls, PA
Located in Frances Slocum State Park on the beautiful Susquehanna River, this kayak and canoe rental company allows Harvest Host members to camp right near the riverbank.
Showing appreciation for your hosts’ hospitality is easy here; rent a boat and enjoy a day paddling on the water!
Note: this Harvest Host location is open seasonally from May 1 through October 31.
- Location: 30 minutes from Scranton
- Type of Harvest Host location: Riverfront campsite
- Standout feature: Kayak or canoe on the Susquehanna River
- Maximum RV length: 29 feet
- Number of RV spaces available: 4
- Pet-friendly? Yes
Stafford Air and Space Museum – Weatherford, OK
Photo courtesy of Harvest Hosts
Right on historic Route 66, this exceptionally well-thought-out air and space museum is an official Smithsonian affiliate. The museum displays thousands of aviation and spaceflight artifacts, as well as some military aviation memorabilia.
The museum’s Harvest Host reviews consistently rave about the experience. Several people note that they’re not even “aviation or museum people” and still had a fantastic time touring the museum!
- Location: 1 hour west of Oklahoma City on I-40
- Type of Harvest Host location: Museum
- Standout feature: Immersive museum and convenient location right off Route 66
- Maximum RV length: Any
- Number of RV spaces available: 4
- Pet-friendly? Yes, and there’s even a designated grass dog-walk area
Lost Valley Ski Area – Auburn, ME
Our Harvest Hosts review wouldn’t be complete without at least one mountain town! Offering year-round recreation, Lost Valley Ski Area is a winter wonderland when there’s snow on the ground, then morphs into a summertime playground with every imaginable type of outdoor recreation.
Best of all, the excellent Lost Valley Brewing Company is onsite. They have a full food menu, yard games, and live music nightly Wednesdays-Fridays.
- Location: About 1 hour north of Portland
- Type of Harvest Host location: Brewery camping
- Standout feature: 15-run ski resort with a fantastic brewery (order a pizza!)
- Maximum RV length: Any
- Number of RV spaces available: 5
- Pet-friendly? Yes
Teec Nos Pos Trading Post – Teec Nos Pos, AZ
A grocery store, gas station, souvenir shop, and historical landmark all in one, the Teec Nos Pos Trading Post is one of the more unique locations in our Harvest Hosts review.
Set in an old adobe building, the trading post is a convenient pit stop on your travels in Arizona and the rest of the Southwest. Making a purchase won’t be difficult here; pick up a few authentic handmade Native American crafts or stock up on road trip snacks.
- Location: 15 minutes from Four Corners
- Type of Harvest Host location: Historic Site
- Standout feature: Location, location, location — this is an excellent stop if you’re visiting Four Corners, Monument Valley, Mesa Verde National Park, or other nearby Southwest attractions
- Maximum RV length: Any
- Number of RV spaces available: 4
- Pet-friendly? Yes
Crystal Basin Cellars – Camino, CA
Photo courtesy of Harvest Hosts
If you enjoy the occasional adult beverage (or not-so-occasional…no judgment here!), you’ll want to pay close attention to this particular Harvest Hosts review.
Crystal Basin Cellars provides a relaxed environment to sample award-winning red and white wines. Even better, though, it’s within walking distance of three other wineries and a brewery! There’s also an excellent BBQ joint and on any given night, at least one of these fun establishments typically has live music.
- Location: 1 hour east of Sacramento
- Type of Harvest Host location: Vineyard campsite
- Standout feature: Excellent, laid-back winery in an adorable small town
- Maximum RV length: 30 feet
- Number of RV spaces available: 3
- Pet-friendly? Yes
Diamond P Grassroots Bison – McCammon, ID
Last but certainly not least, Emilie from Love Life Abroad shares her family’s personal experience staying at a working bison farm in southern Idaho (as well as some tips for how to find the best Harvest Host locations)!
Would you spend an overnight stay on a bison farm?
My kids and I did it last summer through Harvest Hosts and we can’t wait for next camping season to kick off to try more unique overnight RV stays!
We stayed on a bison farm at the end of our family trip to Idaho. Diamond P Grassroots Bison has a herd of bison and offers wagon rides to meet the animals (and even feed them some treats).
The owner has three spots available for Harvest Hosts members. She greets all the guests in front of the central tipi around 5PM, then tells the story of their farm and teaches fun information about bison.
Then, it’s time to jump on the wagon to go meet the bison in the field. Each guest was given homemade treats to give the bison. We could even pet them!
It was a wonderful experience, the perfect combination of fun and educational, mixed with a unique farm camping site.
If you are new to Harvest Hosts, make sure to find hosts who offers activities or local produce you enjoy. The program isn’t only about finding a cheap place to stay overnight; it’s about meeting new people and having new experiences.
- Location: About 25 minutes from Pocatello
- Type of Harvest Host location: Farm campsite
- Standout feature: Wagon rides, 10 minutes from Lava Hot Springs, and the Portneuf River and several natural springs running through the property
- Maximum RV length: Any
- Number of RV spaces available: 3
- Pet-friendly? Yes
Harvest Hosts Review FAQs
Can I bring a rental RV to Harvest Host locations?
YES — As long as your rental RV is self-contained and meets all the other Harvest Host requirements. Harvest Hosts membership doesn’t specify that you must own the RV you’re traveling in.
Interested in renting an RV? Check out the amazing selection from RVShare!
Do Harvest Host locations offer RV hookups?
RARELY. Most hosts are working wineries, breweries, farms, and museums and as such, they don’t typically offer hookups and other facilities. That being said, you will occasionally come across a host who offers hookups, but it’s best not to expect them.
Is there a way to see Harvest Hosts reviews for specific locations?
YES. All Harvest Host locations have a review section listed on their profile.
Do I really have to buy things at Harvest Host locations?
YES…SORTA. Harvest Hosts are not compensated in any way for opening up their properties to overnight stays. Making a purchase allows you to enjoy hosts’ products or services and support the incredible small businesses that participate in this program.
Truthfully, no one will likely enforce the purchase rule, but why would you want to jip your hosts?
Can our friends without a Harvest Hosts membership join us?
NO. Every vehicle staying at aHarvest Host locations must have an individual membership.
Are Harvest Host locations pet-friendly?
YES (MOSTLY). Almost every location allows leashed pets. If pets are not allowed for whatever reason, the host clearly states that on their profile. When staying at farms in particular, be mindful of your pet around other animals.
Bottom Line: Is a Harvest Hosts Membership Worth it?
In this Harvest Hosts review, we’ve outlined all the benefits of joining, as well as highlighted several exceptional host locations.
A non-traditional form of RV travel, Harvest Hosts is ideal for campers who are constantly on the move. With secluded, easy-to-book locations convenient to major highways, the program works best as a quick stop en route to other destinations.
However, a Harvest Hosts membership offers so much more than just a place to park overnight — locations are unique and memorable, and hosts are outgoing and welcoming.
If this sounds appealing and you can get by without hookups for a day here and there, Harvest Hosts is absolutely worth it!
Ready to sign up? You’ll save 15% on an annual Harvest Hosts membership by using our referral link below!
Thanks so much for reading! We hope you enjoyed our Harvest Hosts review and would love to hear about your experiences! Do you have any favorite Harvest Host locations? Are there any questions we can help answer?
Finally, don’t forget to save this post on Pinterest for future planning!
Lanie
I have so many friends with RVs and camper fans and hadn’t heard of Harvest Hosts before. Their membership would make a great gift!
I didn’t realize there was a farm so close to Tallahassee. I am putting that on my list for our next visit.
Taryn
LanieYes, there are sooo many farms up in northern Florida – absolutely a “hidden gem” part of the US!
Brittany
Harvest Hosts sounds so awesome! I love that there’s no fee – just an expectation to support the host’s business by buying one of their local goods. What a cool concept! I’m not sure RV travel is on my radar anytime soon, but if I ever get one, I’d love to check out Harvest Hosts. Thanks for sharing this great information!
Venaugh
OMG I love this! Seems like such a great place to meet people travelling as well and to share knowledge. Just awesome to have designated RV spots, so great to know about this!
Taryn
VenaughThe meeting like-minded people part is definitely a very cool aspect of Harvest Hosts!
Travel A-Broads
I’d never heard of Harvest Hosts, but this is seriously SUCH a cool concept! The membership is very affordable, and the access to these unique properties alone is more than worth the fee. It’s also really neat that you don’t have to pay a site fee other than purchasing from the host location. I don’t currently have an RV, but my parents do, so I will have to pass this along to them 🙂. Xx Sara
Taryn
Travel A-BroadsIsn’t it so cool, Sara? I hope your parents find it helpful also!
Marianne
I think this is an incredible opportunity for those with RVs. Between unique locations and less crowds, I would be all in if I had a camper van!
Taryn
MarianneYeah, it’s a super unique and very cool thing! I stayed at one place and the hosts actually told me they see a lot of solo female travelers; they favor it because of the safety aspect. I hadn’t even thought of that, but it’s a good point!