A Side-by-Side Comparison
Imagine exploring America’s hidden gems—secluded vineyards, historic farms, and charming rural towns—all while saving money on your RV travels. This dream is entirely possible thanks to platforms like RV Overnights and Harvest Hosts.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into these two popular options, comparing their benefits, costs, and unique features. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or just starting out, we’ll provide the insights you need to choose the perfect platform for your next adventure.
We’ve consulted industry experts, sifted through countless reviews, and stayed up to date on the latest trends in RV travel. Our goal is to give you actionable advice and address common concerns so you can enjoy a seamless and enriching experience.
Understanding RV Overnights and Harvest Hosts: A Closer Look
RV Overnights and Harvest Hosts are both platforms that offer alternative overnight options for RVers, but they cater to slightly different needs.
- RV Overnights is known for its flexibility, offering access to a wide variety of locations—ranging from private property to farms and wineries. It’s great for travelers looking for spontaneity and convenience.
- Harvest Hosts focuses on unique stays at farms, wineries, and museums, providing more immersive and exclusive experiences. It’s the go-to platform for RVers who enjoy off-the-beaten-path destinations and interacting with local communities.
RVers using these platforms typically seek:
- Unique experiences: Exploring new and culturally enriching locations.
- Cost savings: Lowering travel costs by avoiding traditional campgrounds.
- Flexibility: Finding spontaneous and last-minute overnight options.
Detailed Comparison:
| Feature | RV Overnights | Harvest Hosts |
|---|---|---|
| Membership Costs | $29.99/year | $99/year for Classic, $179/year for All-Access |
| Number of Locations | 337+ locations (91% overlap with HH) | 8,000+ locations across the U.S. and Canada |
| Unique Hosts | 26 exclusive hosts | Over 5,000 unique farms, wineries, breweries, and museums |
| Free Spots Availability | More frequent free spots, some host overlap | Fewer free spots, suggested purchase from hosts ($20) |
| Types of Stays | Farms, private properties, breweries, museums | Primarily farms, wineries, museums, golf courses |
| Amenities | Varies widely (basic amenities, fewer hookups) | Scenic locations, some hosts offer perks like tastings and events |
| Additional Benefits | Access to 2,300+ dump stations and propane fill locations | Perks like discounts, community-building events, and exclusive host experiences |
| Booking Flexibility | Same-day booking and more filters (pet policy, generator use, etc.) | Booking in advance required, mostly single-night stays |
| Host Engagement | More flexible in terms of length of stay and interaction | Hosts prefer one-night stays and purchasing from their businesses |
Key Takeaways and Pros/Cons
RV Overnights offers a budget-friendly membership at $29.99 per year, giving you access to over 300 locations. Many of these locations overlap with Harvest Hosts, but it’s better suited for travelers seeking flexibility, spontaneous booking, and cost-saving options. RV Overnights also includes useful features like access to dump stations and propane fill locations.
- Pros: Lower cost, flexibility with same-day booking, access to more free spots, and additional features like dump stations.
- Cons: Fewer unique experiences compared to Harvest Hosts, and many locations overlap with their platform.
Harvest Hosts is a premium service costing between $99 and $179 annually. With over 8,000 locations, it provides more exclusive stays at farms, wineries, and museums, emphasizing immersive, community-driven experiences. Although the membership is more expensive, the value lies in the unique nature of its stays and the interactions with hosts.
- Pros: Unique, immersive experiences, strong sense of community, and access to scenic, often exclusive locations.
- Cons: Higher membership fees, fewer total locations, and often the expectation of making a purchase or donation at the host site.
By considering factors like budget, location variety, and desired level of engagement, you can determine which platform aligns with your travel needs. RV Overnights is great for travelers focused on affordability and flexibility, while Harvest Hosts is ideal for those seeking more curated, one-of-a-kind experiences.
Membership Benefits and Costs
Harvest Hosts Features
Unique Stays
Harvest Hosts offers RVers access to more than 5,200 locations across North America, including farms, wineries, breweries, museums, golf courses, and other unique spots. Each stay provides a distinct experience—whether it’s camping at a blueberry farm in Michigan, a vineyard in Napa Valley, or a historic farm in the Catskills.These unique locations are perfect for those looking to escape traditional campgrounds and experience something off the beaten path.
Exclusive Events and Discounts
While staying at Harvest Hosts locations, members often get access to exclusive events like wine tastings or farm tours. Hosts frequently offer discounts on their products, encouraging RVers to support the local businesses they visit. This is a cornerstone of the platform, with members spending over $100 million annually supporting small businesses.
Community
Harvest Hosts fosters a strong sense of community among travelers and hosts. With over 500,000 stays annually, RVers form connections with like-minded travelers and local hosts, making each stay a more personal and engaging experience. Travelers often share stories and experiences with their hosts and other members, creating lasting relationships across North America.
Optional Hookups
Although most Harvest Hosts locations focus on boondocking and self-contained RVs, some hosts offer additional services like water and electrical hookups. These amenities are available at select locations for a nominal fee, and members can filter by hosts offering these services through the app or website.
RV Overnights Features
Affordable Membership
RV Overnights offers an affordable annual membership for $29.99, providing access to over 300 host locations. These include farms, wineries, breweries, museums, and more, making it a budget-friendly option for RV travelers. Members also receive $1,000 worth of partner discounts and access to a variety of useful RV-related services like dump stations and propane fills.
Nationwide Host Network
RV Overnights continues to grow its host network, with locations spread across the United States. Although many locations overlap with Harvest Hosts, the platform offers exclusive hosts as well. The membership includes access to over 2,300 dump stations and 1,800 propane fill stations, ensuring that members have essential resources wherever they travel.
Flexibility and Features
RV Overnights provides members with the flexibility to book stays at a wide variety of locations, including private properties. It also offers filtering options for finding hosts with specific amenities like electrical hookups, Wi-Fi availability, or pet-friendly policies. The app makes it easy to filter locations by rig length, type of stay, and same-day booking options, ensuring a smooth, customizable experience for RVers.
Easy-to-Use Tools
With its mobile app and website, RV Overnights provides members with convenient tools for planning their trips. Members can view hosts on an interactive map, check average response times, and even use Google Street View to preview locations. These features help ensure that RVers find the perfect spot for their needs with minimal hassle.
Note: Membership fees and benefits are subject to change. Always check the official websites for the most up-to-date information.
Cost Analysis
The cost of membership and return on investment for both Harvest Hosts and RV Overnights varies depending on several factors:
- Frequency of Use: For frequent travelers, both platforms provide significant value. RV Overnights, with its $29.99 annual fee, is ideal for budget-conscious RVers who frequently need quick, no-fuss overnight stops. In contrast, Harvest Hosts memberships range between $99 and $179 per year, offering more premium, immersive experiences at unique locations like farms, wineries, and museums. Frequent use of either platform will quickly offset the membership cost compared to traditional campground fees.
- Hidden Costs: Harvest Hosts encourages members to support local businesses by making a purchase—typically around $30—at host locations. While this isn’t mandatory, it’s highly recommended to show appreciation for the hospitality and can add up depending on how often you stay. RV Overnights, on the other hand, generally offers more frequent free stays without an expectation of purchasing goods or services from the hosts, making it more cost-effective for travelers who prioritize affordability.
- Savings: Both platforms provide substantial savings compared to traditional campground fees, which typically range from $30 to $100 per night. With RV Overnights costing only $29.99 per year, the savings start after just a couple of nights. Although Harvest Hosts has a higher membership cost, the unique experiences and the ability to stay at scenic, off-the-beaten-path locations often justify the price for travelers seeking more curated, memorable stays.
Actionable Guidance: Choosing the Right Platform
- Consider Your Travel Style: If you’re an adventurous traveler seeking unique, immersive experiences, Harvest Hosts is likely a better fit, offering stays at over 5,000 one-of-a-kind locations. However, if you prioritize flexibility and affordability, RV Overnights provides more budget-friendly options with fewer expectations for purchases, making it ideal for spontaneous trips.
- Evaluate Your Budget: RV Overnights is the most budget-conscious option, with a low annual fee of $29.99. This makes it an attractive choice for RVers looking to save money on frequent, quick overnight stays. Harvest Hosts costs more, but the premium membership includes access to unique stays and even golf courses.
- Review Testimonials: To further inform your decision, check reviews and participate in online forums. Many RVers have shared their experiences with both platforms, often highlighting the hospitality of Harvest Hosts locations or the convenience of RV Overnights for budget-friendly travel.
RV Etiquette and Additional Tips
RV Etiquette
- Respect Host Rules: Always adhere to the specific rules and guidelines provided by your host. This ensures a positive experience for both the guest and the host, fostering goodwill for future RVers. Be sure to confirm rules regarding things like generator use, arrival times, and site-specific protocols when booking.
- Minimize Environmental Impact: Practice responsible camping by properly disposing of waste, conserving water, and limiting noise. As most stays are in natural, rural settings, following the “Leave No Trace” principles ensures these locations stay beautiful for everyone.
- Support Local Businesses: Supporting small, local businesses is a cornerstone of Harvest Hosts. While purchases aren’t mandatory, it’s highly encouraged to buy products or services (typically around $20) to show appreciation for the hospitality provided. RV Overnights locations may have fewer opportunities for this, but if applicable, support is always appreciated.
- Communicate with Hosts: Whether communicating through an app, phone, or email, always be courteous and clear when interacting with your hosts. For Harvest Hosts, you’ll typically need to reach out directly to confirm availability and arrival details. Make sure to thank them for their hospitality and follow any specific check-in/check-out procedures.
Additional Tips
- Book Stays in Advance: While some hosts allow same-day bookings, it’s wise to plan ahead, especially during peak travel seasons. Popular locations—especially those on scenic routes—can fill up fast, so early reservations ensure you secure your spot.
- Be Flexible and Adaptable: Whether due to weather, availability, or location logistics, plans may change. Flexibility is key, especially when traveling to more remote or rural destinations where options may be limited.
- Take Advantage of Membership Benefits: Make sure you’re making the most of your membership perks. RV Overnights offers features like dump station access and propane fill locations, while Harvest Hosts provides unique discounts and exclusive local experiences like tours and tastings. Filtering host locations by specific needs (e.g., pet-friendly, hookups, etc.) will also enhance your trip.
Summary and Key Takeaways
Both RV Overnights and Harvest Hosts offer valuable benefits for RVers, though they cater to slightly different needs. RV Overnights is ideal for those prioritizing flexibility and affordability, offering a wider variety of locations with minimal expectations for purchases. Harvest Hosts, by contrast, provides more immersive, community-oriented experiences, allowing RVers to connect with small businesses at unique venues like farms, wineries, and museums.
Choosing the best platform comes down to your travel preferences, budget, and desired experiences. Whether you choose RV Overnights or Harvest Hosts, always remember to practice good RV etiquette and take advantage of the unique opportunities these platforms provide.
We encourage you to explore both platforms and share your experiences with the RV community!
