For almost two decades, we’ve overnighted exclusively at the free overnight spots like Walmart, Cracker Barrel, Casinos, or highway rest-stops. Now we’ve added Harvest Hosts locations to our RV travels and it has completely changed how we travel.
A Harvest Hosts membership gives you access to a quiet overnight stay at thousands of wineries, farms, breweries, museums, and golf courses across the country.
We’re not alone. Many others like us have had memorable experiences staying at Harvest Host locations. But does Harvest Hosts make sense for you? Here’s what we’ve learned so far.
Table of Contents
What Makes Harvest Hosts Different?
1. You’re Not Just Parking
Parking lots are places where you typically pull in late and leave early. Harvest Hosts locations are intentional stops. You can sip wine at a vineyard, walk a quiet farm, or enjoy a craft beer steps from your rig.
Give it a try right now for free. Choose a location on the map and see what hosts are nearby.
2. Quiet, Safer Environments
Most Harvest Hosts locations are private properties with limited overnight guests. That usually means:
- Less noise
- Less traffic
- Fewer security concerns
Compare that to a busy parking lot with constant activity, and the difference is obvious.
3. Support Small Businesses
Your stay directly supports local businesses. While overnight parking is typically free, guests are encouraged to make a purchase. That money goes to real people, not a corporate chain.
Our most enjoyable host stays have been ones where we spent time getting to know the owners and enjoying a glass of wine together.
4. Better Views, Better Vibes
Waking up next to a vineyard beats waking up next to a shopping cart corral or idling semi truck any day. Harvest Hosts offers:
- Scenic surroundings
- Open space
- A more relaxed atmosphere
5. More Freedom with Off-Grid Capability
Some Harvest Hosts have electrical and water hookups available, but most do not. That means no shore power, water, or sewer connections in most cases.
If you rely heavily on hookups, your options will be more limited. But if you’re set up for even basic boondocking, Harvest Hosts opens up a much wider range of overnight experiences.
RVers with some off-grid capability like solar panels, a generator, lithium batteries, or efficient appliances will have far more flexibility and comfort. You can run essentials, keep your batteries topped off, and enjoy the setting without worrying about plugging in.
6. Less Risk of Getting Kicked Out
Many commercial locations have inconsistent overnight policies. One store allows it, the next doesn’t. Harvest Host locations are expecting you and want you there (with a reservation), so there’s far less guesswork.
Harvest Hosts – Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unique and memorable overnight experiences
- Quieter and more private than parking lots
- Supports small, local businesses
- Safer, more controlled environments
- There are lots of membership perks
- Predictable (with reservations)
- Extra nights are often available for a fee
- Making reservations is quick and easy
- Full featured reservation and host rating system with interactive map and route planning
Cons
- Vehicles must be totally self-contained with on-board toilets and holding tanks
- Annual membership fee required (here’s how to get a discount on Harvest Host)
- Usually no hookups (dry camping only)
- Stays are limited to one night (many hosts offer extra nights for a fee)
- Requires planning ahead (not always last-minute friendly)
- Expected to spend money at the host location
How to Get a Discount on a Harvest Host Membership
Harvest Host has agreed to give RV With Tito readers a 30% discount when you join this month. We have really enjoyed our Harvest Host stays and believe you will too. Here are the details.
No camping fee at over 9,000 farms, wineries, breweries, distilleries, and attractions.
Harvest Host Discount: Sign up today and GET 30% OFF of your annual membership (Biggest discount of the year)
Harvest Hosts Has Changed How We Travel
In our nearly 20 years of RV travel, we have been very spontaneous with our travel schedule. We don’t often stay in RV Parks, so quick overnight stops along our routes provided most flexibility and convenience. The typical overnight stops have become less appealing in recent years due to the increasing volume of commercial trucks and RVs on the road.
Harvest Host has allowed us to slow down our travels, shorten our travel days, and have a much more relaxing (and quiet) overnighting experience.
Here’s what we like about Harvest Hosts.
- We feel safer on private property, so we can let our guard down.
- There’s no need to rush out and leave early in the morning.
- Having the option to stay an extra night or two (for a small fee) has been especially convenient while waiting for a storm to pass, running errands, or adding a rest day.
- We enjoy talking to and getting to know the hosts
We still hit up a casino or quiet parking lot occasionally, but Harvest Hosts is now our go-to overnight option.
Commercial Overnighting – Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free and widely available
- Can have bathroom, shopping, and food nearby
- Great for last-minute stops
- Convenient near highways and major routes
- Some establishments (like Casinos) have large parking areas, security, restaurants, and cheap fuel
Cons
- Inconsistent rules and enforcement
- Can be noisy with frequent traffic
- Safety can vary widely
- Limited space for larger rigs
- Can feel crowded or uncomfortable
When Commercial Overnighting Still Makes Sense
Even with all the benefits of Harvest Hosts, parking lots still have their place.
1. Late-Night Arrivals
If you’re rolling in after dark and just need a quick place to crash, a commercial lot is often the easiest option.
2. No Reservation Required
You can’t just show up at a Harvest Host location without a reservation. Host approval is required and followed-up with arrival instructions, operating hours, and guidelines. In some cases, approval can happen pretty fast, but it’s better to plan ahead.
3. One-Night Travel Stops
When you’re covering serious miles and don’t want to deviate from your route, convenience wins. Harvest Host location can be several miles off the main highway.
4. Some Establishments Cater To Travelers
Casinos and some restaurants (like Cracker Barrel) invite RVs to stay overnight and use their services. Many large casinos are destinations for many and have large designated lots for RVs and commercial trucks. While there, you can enjoy the casino and a nice meal. You might even find a large gas station with discounted fuel on-site.
5. Urban or High-Demand Areas
Harvest Hosts locations may be limited or fully booked in some busy areas. Commercial parking areas can fill the gap.
The Bottom Line
Parking lots get the job done, but that’s about it.
Harvest Hosts turns overnight stays into part of the journey. It’s quieter, more enjoyable, and adds real value to your travel experience. If you’re tired of blending into a row of trucks and RVs under fluorescent lights, it’s an easy upgrade.
That said, smart RV travelers tend to use both Harvest Hosts and other overnight parking options. In our experience, it is best to have options.