RV Beginners Honest Review: Harvest Hosts 2024 (Pros, Cons, Pricing)
Ten weeks on the road in our RV taught us a lot about Harvest Hosts. From golf courses and farms to breweries and pumpkin patches, we’ve tried a little of everything and learned what works, what to expect, and how to get the most value. This is our unfiltered beginner’s perspective, with practical tips, pros, cons, and whether it’s worth it for your travels. Got questions? Drop them in the comments.
What Exactly Is Harvest Hosts?
Harvest Hosts is a membership program for RVers. You pay a yearly fee, then use the app to find places to stay at local businesses, not traditional campgrounds. You park overnight for free, then support the host by buying something, taking a tour, or booking an activity. You get a unique place to camp, they get customers.
- App-based booking
- Focus on local support
- Nationwide locations at farms, wineries, breweries, restaurants, golf courses, and more
Why We Love the Unique Stays
Exploring Cool and One-of-a-Kind Spots
Expect variety. We’ve stayed at wineries, breweries, restaurants, small farms, pumpkin patches, and even golf courses. Golf courses quickly became favorites. They’re quiet and well kept, and you can play a morning round as your way to support the business.
Hands-On Fun at Local Farms
Farms have been a blast. We’ve fed baby calves, petted goats, walked through chicken coops, and met turkeys. The owners often have great stories and local tips.
- Feed animals
- Take tours
- Chat with owners
If you want a second opinion on whether Harvest Hosts fits your style, this balanced guide is helpful: Harvest Hosts Review: It’s Only Worth It For This Type of RVer.
Meeting Amazing People Through Harvest Hosts
You’ll meet small business owners and farmers who know the area inside and out. They’ll point you toward a hidden trail, a diner, or a local event. About half our stays had multiple RVs parked nearby, so you can socialize during tastings, tours, or dinners if you want. Or keep to yourself. The draw here is local connections, not forced meetups.
Supporting Local Economies on the Road
Your stop helps real people. We’ve picked up beef sticks, burgers, cheeses, and eggs from farm stands, and we’ve supported restaurants and golf courses along the way. A few easy ways to give back:
- Purchase groceries or goods on-site
- Enjoy a meal, tasting, or round of golf
- Say yes to a tour or experience
How Affordable Are Harvest Hosts Stays?
There’s a $100 yearly fee, plus an expected minimum spend of about $30 per stay. Golf or special activities may cost more. It’s not free, but it’s often cheaper than campsites, especially for the views, quiet nights, and unique experiences you get in return.
Want to try it with a perk? You can get a free month of Harvest Hosts when you sign up through our link.
Electrical Hookups: A Helpful Update
Many listings now show a hookups indicator in the app. Some hosts offer electricity, which can save you from running a generator. Sometimes there’s a small fee, sometimes it’s included. Ask when you book, since details vary by location.
The New Multi-Night Stay Feature
You can now book more than one night at select locations, usually one to three nights. This update removes the awkward ask of staying longer on arrival and makes planning simpler.
- Avoids uncomfortable conversations
- Lets you extend stays at favorite spots
- Helps you schedule ahead with less guesswork
Potential Drawbacks of Harvest Hosts
Here are the Honest Downsides, based on our experience.
The Yearly Fee Reality
You’ll pay the $100 membership on top of per-stay spending. If you only use it a couple times, it may feel high. Use it consistently and it’s worth it in the long run.
Communication Challenges With Hosts
Some hosts reply fast, others take hours. That’s tough when you need a spot the same day. A few simple habits help:
- Book early whenever possible
- Follow up with a short, polite message
- Keep your plans flexible by a few hours
Crowdsourced feedback mirrors this point. This discussion is a good snapshot of real-world expectations: Harvest Hosts opinions on r/GoRVing.
Varying Quality of Locations
Some stays are bucket-list worthy. Others are a restaurant parking lot. Parking lots still beat many paid lots, since you can grab dinner or a tasting and support the host.
| Stay Type | What You Get | Why It Can Still Be Worth It |
|---|---|---|
| Unique farm or vineyard | Views, tours, animals, tastings | Memorable experiences and quiet |
| Restaurant or business lot | Basic parking | Easy food access, low cost, simple overnight |
Hookups and Generator Gray Areas
Not every location has hookups. When they do, it’s great. Generator rules can be unclear. The app helps, but some hosts only confirm by text, and replies can lag. Bring patience and plan ahead. Think about generator etiquette so you do not disturb owners or guests.
Plans and Pricing at a Glance
The Basic Plan
- $100 per year, sometimes discounted
- Access to 5,000+ Harvest Hosts locations
The Combined Plan With Boondockers Welcome
- About $160 per year
- Everything in Basic, plus 3,000+ Boondockers Welcome spots
All Access Plan: Our Pick
- About $180 per year
- Everything above, plus 400 golf courses and country clubs
- We chose this for quiet, remote stays and morning golf
Final Thoughts: Is Harvest Hosts Worth It?
If you value unique stays, quiet nights, and supporting locals, Harvest Hosts is a strong yes. It’s best for travelers who want experiences over resort-style amenities.
- Golf lovers
- Farm animal fans
- Local support seekers
If you’re ready to try it, start with a perk and get a free month of Harvest Hosts. For more RV tips and day-to-day travel, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and our travel blog.
