Harvest Hosts

Question 1

How long can I stay?

Accepted Answer

With your Membership, you are guaranteed unlimited overnight stays with no camping fees at all of our host locations. However, some of our Hosts allow you to stay up to four extra nights, often for an extra fee. You can now filter to find Hosts that offer extra nights on the Harvest Hosts platform.

Question 2

What type of vehicles are allowed?

Accepted Answer

All classes of RV's or self contained vehicles are allowed (Class A, Class B, Class C) including motorhomes, fifth wheel trailers, travel trailers, toy haulers, camper vans, truck campers, pop-ups, and schoolies. Vehicles towed behind RVs are also allowed at our Host locations.

Prohibited: Tents, such as ground tents or car rooftop tents; sleeping in cars, or trucks; overlanding in jeeps, bikes, or ATVs.

We do allow hybrid (expandable) travel trailers where only the bed areas pop out, but the rest of the trailer is composed of four rigid sides. We allow camper vans where the bed area at the top of the van pops up (but again, the rest of the van has four rigid sides). We allow clamshell and teardrop trailers, but their outdoor cooking facilities may not be used while on Host properties (see below). Important: All camping vehicles must be fully self-contained.** Your RV must have an interior toilet and built-in holding tanks or bladders for waste water. Porta-potties that remain inside the vehicle at all times are acceptable, but must be dumped off-site at an appropriate facility. The dumping of gray water on Host properties is prohibited. You may only use your RV’s indoor cooking facilities at Host locations; the use of any outdoor cooking facilities is expressly prohibited.

Question 3

Are there vehicle size restrictions?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 80% of the Hosts can accept vehicles of any length.

You can filter locations by sizes of 29 foot, 44 foot, or more than 45 foot in total length. These lengths INCLUDE any trailer or towed vehicle. If you are comfortable with disconnecting your tow, then you can classify your vehicle by the length of only the RV.

Question 4

Do the Hosts offer electricity, water, or sewer hook-ups?

Accepted Answer

Electric, water, and sewer hookups are not guaranteed at any of our Host locations, although Hosts may offer them, and may charge you a small fee to use them. You can now filter to find Hosts that offer electric hookups within the Harvest Hosts platform.

Question 5

Can I use a generator?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as allowed per local regulations. However, please be courteous and ask beforehand so that the Host can park you where no one will be disturbed by it. If you are parked near the Host's neighbors or other HH Members, please use your generator sparingly.

Question 6

Are Hosts open all year?

Accepted Answer

Most of our Hosts are open year-round but some farms and vineyards may have seasonal operations. Hosts in locations that are affected by winter weather might be closed during those times. Each of our Hosts has an information page that lists their hours of operation. You can check the Host's website and social media accounts in the event they may have changed their hours. When you contact the Host, verify your approximate time of arrival to ensure they will be open when you arrive.

Question 7

Can I arrive unannounced?

Accepted Answer

You must request a stay ahead of time.

Most of our Hosts use our Request-A-Stay system and their availability is displayed on their Host information page. Once your stay is approved by the Host, you can use our internal messaging tool to update them on your arrival. Some of our Hosts prefer calls or texts and they are clearly marked on their Host information page.

By requesting ahead, you can ensure that the Host: (1) is open and can accommodate you, (2) can tell you if there is a special entrance, and (3) can be specific about where you should park when you arrive.

Question 8

Can I arrive after business hours?

Accepted Answer

Not only do you need to request ahead to arrange your visit, you must arrive during business hours, unless the Host says otherwise. Interacting with the Hosts and supporting them with a purchase is an integral part of the Harvest Hosts program. Arrive early enough to enjoy your visit, and make new friends. If a Host lets you arrive after hours, be sure to purchase something the next morning before you go.

Question 9

How do you get a reservation?

Accepted Answer

Log in to your account to search the map and find Hosts. When you click on a Host, you'll be taken to their Host profile which will show their preferred method of contact. Most of our Hosts use the online Request-A-Stay system. Others may prefer a phone call or email instead.

Question 10

How far ahead should I contact the Hosts?

Accepted Answer

Most of the time, we suggest a 24-hour to 2-week period of contacting the Hosts for requests to stay. There are some exceptions:

1) Most of our Hosts use our online Request-A-Stay system. Those Hosts will allow you to see availability from 90-180 days (depending on the Host).

2) If you know further in advance, you can contact the Host just to make sure the Host will be open during that time and doesn't have an event. We recommend you contact the Host again the week that you plan to arrive to ensure that nothing has changed.

3) If your plans change and you need a place to stay the same day, you can contact the Host but please be understanding if they cannot accommodate you.

4) A few of our Hosts don't require advance notice. The Host information page will let you know that.

Question 11

What if my plans change and I can't make a stay?

Accepted Answer

If your plans change, please contact the Host as soon as you can to either change your requested date or cancel your stay. Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled stay.

Hosts work hard to create a unique experience for Members, and they lose business if Members do not show up on their requested date. Other Members also lose out when unused spaces are not available. Everyone loses when Hosts leave the program due to excessive cancellations.

Please adhere to the Harvest Hosts violations policy below:

The first, and subsequent no-shows or cancellation with less than 24 hours' notice, will result in an automatic 1-star Member review for that stay.

The second no-show or cancellation with less than 24 hours’ notice will result in a follow-up from a Harvest Host Member success representative to ensure the Member is well, understands the program, and nothing is preventing them from keeping their scheduled stays.

The third no-show or cancellation with less than 24 hours' notice will result in a membership suspension for up to one year. No refunds will be provided.

Additionally, please note that **Members are not permitted to request stays at multiple locations for the same night.** If we discover a Member who breaks this rule, we will revoke their membership.

Question 12

What are the member benefits?

Accepted Answer

Harvest Hosts is an online program.

Your membership benefits include:

• Online Directory of Hosts that will allow you access to park overnight for a suggested purchase in lieu of camping fees. Each Host has their own information page that gives you a description of the Host, hours of operation, contact information, website/Facebook locations, amenities, photos, and reviews.

• Membership Dashboard to allow you to:

◦ Use our Request-A-Stay system which allows members to see the Host calendar and make a request to stay online for those Hosts who have opted in to for this.

◦ View and make changes to your account

◦ Download your Harvest Hosts membership card and vehicle badge

◦ Upload your reviews and photos of the Hosts you visit on your travel adventures

• Interactive Host Map that allows you to:

◦ Search Hosts by State, Locations, or Route

◦ Create trips and save Hosts that look interesting to you.

• Savings of $1500+ in additional discounts through our external partnerships

• Harvest Hosts App for your mobile device

• Monthly Newsletter introducing you to new Hosts and Harvest Hosts Happenings

• Member Success Team dedicated to helping you.

Question 13

Must I buy something from the Host?

Accepted Answer

Please make a purchase to show your appreciation to your Host for the hospitality. This is their only compensation for allowing you to park overnight. You'll enjoy buying local products and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you’re helping a small business grow and thrive. If you don’t see anything for yourself, please consider purchasing a gift for a loved one or friend. Buy produce from the farm, wine from the winery, or tickets to the museum. The reason that Hosts remain in the program is to share their business with you. Without purchases, they have no incentive to remain a Host.

Question 14

How much should I spend at a Host location?

Accepted Answer

By purchasing something from your Host, you show your appreciation for their hospitality.  We suggest spending a minimum of $30 — which is still less than the average cost of a night at a campground. All the money you spend goes directly into your Hosts' business, Harvest Hosts does not take any of it.

Question 15

Are pets allowed?

Accepted Answer

95% of Hosts allow pets. Nearly all of the Hosts will at least permit pets on a leash at your vehicle. Specific instructions may be on the Host information page. Some Hosts may only allow pets in the parking area. Respect that you are on private property and do not allow your pets to run free. Please note that many of our farms have working animals and you should ask the Host what is acceptable. Your pet may be friendly but other animals may see it as a threat and react accordingly. Be sure to be a responsible pet owner and clean up after them.

Question 16

If I don't drink, can I still stay at a winery or brewery?

Accepted Answer

Most wineries and breweries have food items, local products, and gift shops with lots of interesting items available for purchase. If this makes you uncomfortable, there are hundreds of non-alcoholic venues for you to visit. If you choose to stop at a winery or brewery, choose a different type of product or consider purchasing a gift for someone.

Question 17

I will be traveling with a friend in a second vehicle, do they need to be a member of Harvest Hosts?

Accepted Answer

Each RV will need a Harvest Host membership to stay overnight at Harvest Hosts locations.

Question 18

I'm on the road or leaving soon, how do I get my membership card?

Accepted Answer

Membership cards can be printed from the member dashboard on the website or accessed directly on the Harvest Hosts App. You can also take a picture or screenshot of the membership card on your mobile device.

Question 19

Can I volunteer?

Accepted Answer

Please check with the host - if you are interested, ask when reserving your stay or upon arrival.

Question 20

What are the parking areas like?

Accepted Answer

The parking surface might be concrete, asphalt, gravel, grass, or dirt. You may be in the Host’s parking lot, or in a field, orchard, or vineyard. This will be listed on the Host information page and you can verify this by contacting the host, reading reviews from Members, or looking at the photos on their Host profile.

Question 21

Can I use leveling devices?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but please be considerate and use jack pads on asphalt as heavy weight can cause damage.

Question 22

How do Hosts benefit from the program?

Accepted Answer

While Hosts do not charge for the one-night stay, they earn revenue from Members patronizing their business - 100% of what is spent onsite stays with the business. Harvest Hosts doesn't take a cut from the onsite spending. Cool, right? We're passionate about small businesses - that's why there are no fees or commitment for Hosts to join the network

Question 23

Are memberships based on calendar year or 365 days?

Accepted Answer

All memberships are for 365 days from purchase date. Your renewal will be the following year on the same date with the exception of leap years.

Question 24

I am not from the USA – how is my card going to be charged?

Accepted Answer

Rates will be charged in USD, plus applicable sales tax.

Question 25

What type of insurance does my RV need?

Accepted Answer

Harvest Hosts requires that you insure your RV and have proof of insurance with you in your RV. Much like homeowners insurance or car insurance, RV insurance protects your home on wheels! Members acknowledge that they are insured pursuant to state or provincial laws. Members agree to take responsibility for their actions and any resulting consequences. Proof of insurance must be carried in the vehicle. The Host locations have no responsibility for damage or theft to your RV, tow car, or personal property, or for injury to you, your family or guests.

Frequently Asked Questions