Listen to our in-depth discussion about Harvest Hosts vs. RVOvernights. This audio explains key insights and actionable tips you won’t want to miss.

Why RV Travel is Evolving

Updated December 5, 2024

RV travel continues to experience significant growth, with over 9 million households now owning an RV—a 14% increase since 2005 (RVIA Statistics). This surge in RV ownership can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which 72% of RV owners reported an increased likelihood of taking RV trips. Even as RV shipments have seen a slight decline in recent years, RVing remains a preferred choice for travelers seeking flexibility and adventure.In 2023, an estimated 67 million Americans planned to take an RV trip, with an additional 27 million expected to hit the road in the fall of 2024 (RVIA Statistics). This ongoing interest underscores the enduring appeal of RV travel as an economical and adventurous way to explore the country.For modern RVers, platforms like RV Overnights and Harvest Hosts offer cost-effective alternatives to traditional campgrounds, where nightly fees typically range from $30 to $100. These platforms cater to distinct traveler needs:
  • RV Overnights: Focuses on affordability and spontaneity, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
  • Harvest Hosts: Emphasizes unique and immersive experiences, appealing to those seeking curated stays.

This guide will provide a comprehensive comparison of these platforms, exploring their features, costs, and real-world feedback to help you decide which option aligns with your RV travel goals for 2024 and beyond.

Host Greeting Guests

A Side-by-Side Comparison

This table highlights the key differences between RV Overnights and Harvest Hosts. Use this comprehensive comparison to determine which platform aligns best with your travel preferences.
Feature RV Overnights Harvest Hosts (Classic)
Price $30/year $99/year
Total Hosts* 300+ 5,200+
Total Unique Hosts** 26 4,900+
Host Photos & Reviews From Google From Harvest Hosts Users
Member Benefits Value*** $100 $2,000
Route Planning Tools No Yes
Dump Stations 2,300+ 7,000+
Amenities Basic (no hookups) Varies by location (some with hookups or perks)
Exclusivity 26 exclusive hosts 4,900+ exclusive hosts
Community Engagement Limited Encourages members to support local businesses by purchasing goods

*Comparing the Harvest Hosts classic plan to RVOvernights. Harvest Hosts has two additional upgrade options, Golf (adds 500 locations) & Boondockers Welcome (adds 3,500 locations).

**The total unique Hosts numbers are calculated by subtracting the number of Hosts that are on both platforms from the platform’s total number of Hosts.

***Member benefits value calculates the monetary value of the discounts and freebies at partner retailers that are offered to Members.

While both platforms offer distinct advantages, the right choice depends on your travel priorities. RV Overnights stands out for affordability and simplicity, while Harvest Hosts excels in offering unique, immersive experiences and value-added features like route planning and a wider host network.

Key Takeaways

  • RV Overnights offers 26 exclusive hosts and a total of 337 locations, focusing on simplicity and affordability at $30/year. Its amenities are basic, typically without hookups, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers.
  • Harvest Hosts provides access to over 5,200 locations, including 4,900+ exclusive hosts, at a higher membership cost ($99–$179/year). Locations often feature immersive experiences like tastings or farm tours, appealing to those seeking unique and memorable stays.
  • Booking Flexibility information is unavailable for both platforms based on current data, leaving it up to users to verify host-specific policies directly.
  • Amenities at Harvest Hosts vary significantly, with some locations offering perks like events or hookups for an additional fee. These features make it ideal for RVers seeking more tailored experiences.

Choosing the right platform depends on your priorities. If affordability and simplicity are key, RV Overnights may be the better choice. For travelers who value unique, immersive experiences, Harvest Hosts offers unparalleled options.

sitting around campfire

What RVers Are Saying: Real User Experiences

Real-world feedback offers valuable insights into the strengths and challenges of both platforms, helping you make an informed decision.

Harvest Hosts: Positive Feedback

  • “We’ve been members of HH for several years and found it worthwhile, especially for unique stays like farms and wineries.”
    HighDesert, iRV2 Forum
  • “Now there is at least one almost everywhere I go.”
    Doug_T, iRV2 Forum

RV Overnights: Positive Feedback

  • “RV Overnights’ app is straightforward and useful for finding free spots. The cost makes it a no-brainer.”
    – Reddit user
  • “Out west, free spots are plenty, but HH adds charm when you’re near scenic wineries.”
    Jay D.

Criticism of Both Platforms

  • “While HH is becoming more corporate, RVO still lacks unique hosts in certain regions.”
    – Anonymous

These contrasting perspectives underscore the importance of aligning platform features with your specific travel preferences. Harvest Hosts excels in offering immersive, unique stays, while RV Overnights is favored for its affordability and simplicity.

HH vs RVO

Understanding RV Overnights and Harvest Hosts

RV Overnights: Affordable and Flexible

  • Membership: At $29.99/year, RV Overnights offers cost-effective access to 337 locations, including farms, private properties, and breweries.
  • Convenience: Same-day booking is a potential feature but cannot be verified.
  • Additional Perks: Members gain access to over 2,300 dump stations and 1,800 propane fill stations, ensuring seamless travel logistics.
  • User-Friendly App: The app provides filters for pet-friendly hosts, generator use, and rig size, making it easier to find suitable locations.
  • Exclusivity: Of the 337 locations, 26 hosts are exclusive to RV Overnights.

Visit the RV Overnights website to explore more.

Harvest Hosts: Immersive and Exclusive

  • Membership: Harvest Hosts offers two plans: Classic ($99/year) or All-Access ($179/year), which includes access to golf courses.
  • Number of Locations: The platform provides access to over 5,200 locations, including wineries, farms, breweries, and museums.
  • Unique Perks: Many hosts provide immersive experiences, such as tastings, farm tours, and discounts on their products.
  • Community Engagement: Members are encouraged to support hosts by purchasing goods, contributing to local economies.
  • Exclusivity: Harvest Hosts boasts 4,900+ exclusive hosts, significantly more than RV Overnights.

Learn more at Harvest Hosts.

Additional Insights

  • Overlap Between Platforms: Approximately 91% of RV Overnights’ locations overlap with Harvest Hosts. This redundancy could influence membership decisions for those already using Harvest Hosts.
  • Membership Scale: Harvest Hosts has around 250,000 members and has approved over 1 million stay requests to date, highlighting its popularity and broader reach.

affordable-camping

Cost Analysis: Saving Money While Exploring

Traditional Campgrounds

  • A three-month RV trip could cost $3,600 to $5,400 in nightly fees, based on average campground rates of $40 to $60 per night. These costs can quickly add up, especially for travelers relying solely on traditional campgrounds for their stays.

Harvest Hosts

  • With a one-time membership fee of $99–$179/year and suggested purchases averaging $30 per stay, Harvest Hosts offers a cost-effective alternative for unique and memorable experiences.
  • Potential Savings: While the claim of saving up to $2,000 annually depends on usage frequency and spending habits at host locations, staying at Harvest Hosts can still significantly reduce costs compared to traditional campground fees.

RV Overnights

  • With an annual membership fee of $29.99, RV Overnights provides access to free or low-cost stays at over 300 locations, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious RVers.
  • Potential Savings: While exact numbers cannot be verified, travelers who maximize free stays and avoid traditional campground fees could save between $500–$1,000 on longer trips.

Example: 10-Day Trip Comparison

  • RV Overnights: Membership costs just $29.99/year, and most locations are free, making it an ideal choice for travelers looking to minimize expenses.
  • Harvest Hosts: A 10-day trip could cost approximately $300+, factoring in the annual membership fee and suggested purchases at host locations. The exact cost depends on purchasing habits and host expectations.

By choosing platforms like Harvest Hosts or RV Overnights, RVers can potentially save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on accommodations compared to traditional campgrounds. Each platform’s value depends on usage frequency, travel habits, and personal preferences.

Solar-Panel-at-Farm

Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

Both RV Overnights and Harvest Hosts support responsible travel practices, though they contribute in distinct ways. This section explores their impact on sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Harvest Hosts: Promoting Economic Sustainability

  • Members have spent over $100 million at host locations, significantly supporting small businesses across North America
    (Source).
  • On average, travelers spend $50 per visit, generating $12,000 to $15,000 annually in additional revenue per host. This helps sustain rural businesses and local economies.
  • Many hosts, including farms and wineries, practice sustainable methods and encourage visitors to learn about sustainable agriculture through tours and other immersive experiences. This aligns with the platform’s emphasis on sustainable tourism.
  • By connecting RVers with local businesses, Harvest Hosts fosters a mutually beneficial relationship that sustains small-scale, rural enterprises.

RV Overnights: Providing Alternative Stays

  • While RV Overnights offers free or low-cost locations, the claim that it reduces overcrowding at traditional campgrounds cannot be verified.
  • The platform provides budget-friendly alternatives, which may indirectly alleviate demand on high-traffic campgrounds. However, no direct evidence supports this impact.

Environmental Responsibility

  • Neither platform explicitly references Leave No Trace principles, but RVers using these platforms are encouraged to minimize waste, conserve resources, and respect host properties.
  • Travelers should independently adopt environmentally responsible practices, such as properly disposing of waste and conserving water, to reduce their environmental footprint.
  • Both platforms have the potential to promote sustainable travel by encouraging self-contained RVers to avoid over-reliance on resource-heavy campgrounds.

While the platforms do not explicitly enforce sustainability practices, RVers can make a meaningful environmental impact by adhering to responsible travel principles and choosing hosts that prioritize sustainable operations.

Affordability Adventure Signs

Key Insights

  • Harvest Hosts:
    • Demonstrates a strong commitment to economic sustainability by encouraging members to support small businesses.
    • Members have spent over $100 million at host locations, averaging $50 per visit. This translates to $12,000–$15,000 of additional revenue per host annually, significantly benefiting rural and small-scale enterprises.
    • Many locations also provide opportunities for travelers to learn about sustainable agriculture and local practices through tours and tastings.
  • RV Overnights:
    • Focuses on affordability and convenience, offering access to 337 locations for just $29.99 per year.
    • While it may provide an alternative to traditional campgrounds, the claim that it reduces campground demand remains unverified.
    • Notably, 91% of RV Overnights locations overlap with Harvest Hosts, making exclusivity a consideration for members choosing between platforms.

By using either platform, travelers can support responsible tourism and foster meaningful connections with local communities. To further minimize their environmental impact, RVers should adhere to Leave No Trace principles and prioritize sustainable practices.

FAQs

1. Can I use both platforms simultaneously?

Yes, subscribing to both platforms is possible and provides a combination of affordable and unique travel options.

  • RV Overnights offers budget-friendly stays, while Harvest Hosts focuses on immersive, exclusive experiences.
  • The extent to which this mix enhances your travel depends on your preferences and usage.

2. Are these platforms suitable for large RVs?

Both platforms accommodate various RV sizes, but host requirements vary.

  • Always confirm length and height restrictions directly with hosts before booking.
  • Larger rigs may have fewer options, especially at smaller or more remote Harvest Hosts locations.

3. How do these platforms promote sustainability?

  • Harvest Hosts actively supports local economies by encouraging members to purchase goods at host locations. Members have contributed over $100 million in spending, with an average of $50 per visit, benefitting small businesses.
  • The claim about RV Overnights reducing campground overcrowding cannot be verified.
  • Neither platform explicitly promotes environmental sustainability practices like recycling or renewable energy use.

4. Are hookups available?

  • Harvest Hosts: Hookups are rare but available at select locations for an additional fee. Members can filter locations offering hookups through the platform.
  • RV Overnights: The platform focuses on basic, low-cost stays, and hookups are not typically available.

5. How can I ensure safety while boondocking?

  • Research Hosts: Check reviews and host profiles on the platform to gauge safety and accessibility.
  • Communicate Clearly: Confirm arrival times and host expectations ahead of your visit.
  • Be Prepared: Travel with essential safety equipment, including flashlights, a first-aid kit, and a backup power source.
  • Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid isolated or unsafe areas.

Additional Insights on Sustainability

While RV Overnights and Harvest Hosts contribute to responsible travel in unique ways, other eco-friendly RV parks are adopting sustainability practices, such as:
  • Renewable Energy Use: Solar power for lighting and charging stations.
  • Water Conservation: Low-flow showerheads and faucets.
  • Recycling Programs: On-site recycling stations for proper waste disposal.

Travelers can further reduce their environmental footprint by seeking out such eco-friendly RV parks and adhering to Leave No Trace principles during their trips.

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