Ultimate Guide to RV Road Trips with Harvest Hosts
TL;DR: Turn ordinary RV trips into unforgettable adventures with Harvest Hosts. Stay at wineries, farms, and attractions for free, support local businesses, and plan like a pro.
There's something magical about RV road trips, charting your own course across scenic highways, waking up somewhere new every morning, and discovering hidden gems along the way. But the difference between a "good" RV trip and a great RV trip often comes down to where you stay. That's where Harvest Hosts comes in, transforming overnight stops into meaningful experiences.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to plan and execute an epic RV road trip using the Harvest Hosts: from trip planning and route strategy to packing, staying respectful at host locations, and maximizing your enjoyment on the journey.
What is Harvest Hosts (and Why It's a Game Changer)
Before diving into logistics, let's revisit what makes Harvest Hosts special - and why countless RVers now base entire road trip strategies around it.
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Unique overnight stays: Instead of typical campgrounds, Harvest Hosts offers access to unique RV camping locations: working farms, vineyards, breweries, distilleries, museums, and other locally owned businesses that welcome self-contained RVs.
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No nightly camping fees for one-night stays: Rather than a nightly fee, members are encouraged to support the host by purchasing their products or services (a suggested minimum is often around $30). Some Hosts may allow up to four extra nights, and they may charge fees for extra nights.
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RVs must be self-contained: To participate, your rig must have an onboard bathroom, holding tanks, etc.
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Diverse network: With thousands of host locations across the U.S. and Canada (and new hosts added monthly), there's almost always a Harvest Host option near your route.
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Community & local connection: Staying at a vineyard or farm lets you engage with local producers, learn about food, wine, and agriculture, and support small businesses.
These attributes make Harvest Hosts a compelling alternative or supplement to traditional campgrounds on your next RV road trip.
Planning Your RV Road Trip: Step by Step
A road trip is part destination, part journey - and great planning helps ensure the journey is as memorable as the places you stop. Here's how to do it with Harvest Hosts in mind.
1. Choose Your Regions & Themes
Start by deciding on the broad regions or themes you want to explore. Do you want to follow fall foliage in New England? Hit wine country in California? Explore the Southeast? Or circle the Rockies? Having a focus helps narrow down your stops.
2. Map Your Core Route & Daily Driving Goals
Decide how many miles you're comfortable driving per day (300 miles? 200? less?) and how many days you plan to travel. Plot your start and end points, and sketch in major waypoints or attractions you want to visit.
3. Layer in Harvest Hosts Stops
This is where Harvest Hosts becomes a powerful tool rather than an afterthought.
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Use the route planning tool in the Harvest Hosts app or map to see Hosts along your path.
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Some tools like RV LIFE Trip Wizard now integrate Harvest Hosts locations directly onto your routing platform.
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Filter by host types (farm, winery, brewery, attraction), RV length/size, generator/slide-out permissions, whether they accept same-day bookings, extra nights/electric hookup availability, and more.
4. Balance with Traditional Campgrounds or RV Parks
Your rig might need power, water fill-ups, and grey/black tank dumps occasionally. Plan to sprinkle conventional campgrounds or RV parks in your itinerary to ensure you can recharge and service your systems.
As a Harvest Hosts Member, the Harvest Hosts Campground Partners Program is available to you for free right in the Harvest Hosts Map, you can browse to find 1,100+ private campgrounds offering 10-50% off nightly camping fees.
5. Reserve / Request Early
While many Harvest Hosts accept same-day requests, many desirable hosts fill up or require notice. Book your festival or major stops early, and try to request stays from Hosts a few days in advance when possible.
6. Build Buffer Days & Flexibility
Weather, road closures, fatigue, or spur-of-the-moment detours can upend even the best plans. Leave spare days in your itinerary where you can slow down or adjust your route. And if you need to cancel a Harvest Hosts stay, try to give at least 24 hours notice when you can.
7. Prepare a Packing & Pre-Trip Checklist
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Confirm your RV systems (plumbing, power, tires) are in top shape.
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Download maps or offline tools in places you may lose data coverage.
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Carry Host contact info, backup options, and campground alternatives.
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Bring tools, spare parts, hoses, adapters, leveling blocks, and extra consumables.
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Prepare for Host stays: bring appropriate plumbing adapters, and sufficient grey/black tank capacity.
Harvest Hosts also offers a helpful RV trip planning guide for families, which includes safety, packing, and route suggestions. (Harvest Hosts)
How to Choose the Right Harvest Hosts Location
With many host options, selecting the "right" one for each night can make a difference. Here are the criteria to weigh:
| Factor | Why It Matters | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Operating hours / arrival deadline | Some hosts close early - arriving late might mean you may miss a chance to explore the location, or you may even be locked out of the parking area. | Business hours in the host profile |
| RV Length | If your rig is long or tall, ensure the access is suitable | Host profiles list the maximum RV length |
| Same-day booking allowed | If your schedule is fluid, you'll want hosts that accept last-minute requests | Filter by "same-day" in the app |
| Amenities / experience | Does the host offer tastings, tours, farm produce, shop, or events? | Read the host details or their reviews |
| Off-route distance | Minor deviations can be okay, large detours can ruin your day | Use the route filter to limit how much you'll go off your path |
| Generator / slide-out policies | Some hosts restrict generator use or slide-out deployment | Review the Host's rules in their profile |
| Multi-night stays | Many Hosts allow stays longer than 1 night, which is nice when you need a longer break from the road | Filter on the Harvest Hosts Map, request extra nights in your stay request |
| Tow vehicle parking | Ensure there's space for towed cars or secondary vehicles | Check the Host parking description |
Thor Industries' "Harvest Hosts 101" highlights some of the most unique stays - vineyards in Sonoma, distilleries in North Carolina, alpaca farms in Maine, and more - as examples of what to expect. (thorindustries.com)
On the Road: Etiquette & Best Practices
You're a guest on someone's property. Treat it with respect and consideration - it's essential for preserving the program's goodwill and ensuring hosts continue to welcome RVers.
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Arrive on time / within the agreed window: Don't show up after hours without prior notice. Some hosts close their business operations at night.
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Support the Host: Purchase something (wine, produce, tickets, tours, merchandise) - this is how Hosts get compensated for their generosity.
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Follow Host rules: Each host has its own guidelines: generator use, slide-outs, pet policies, parking areas, etc.
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Stay one night: Unless explicitly allowed or previously arranged during your stay request, limit stays to a single night.
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Leave no trace: Clean up refuse, trash, and your grey/black waste (if permitted), and leave the site as you found it.
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Provide feedback: Leave honest reviews (positive or constructive) to help future travelers and hosts.
The Harvest Hosts for Newbies guide emphasizes this mutual respect and notes how Hosts may rate your stay based on how you treat their property. (RV LIFE)
Tools & Apps to Enhance Your Harvest Hosts Road Trip
To make your road trip smoother and more efficient, integrate the following:
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Harvest Hosts App / Website - The core tool for searching, filtering, viewing host details, requesting stays, and contacting hosts.
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RV LIFE Trip Wizard - With the recent integration of Harvest Hosts, you can see Harvest Host stops directly on your route map and plan your RV-friendly route accordingly. (Camper Report)
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Offline map apps (e.g. GaiaGPS, Avenza, maps.me) - For areas with weak cell coverage.
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FuelStop / RV fuel apps - To plan diesel stops, especially in remote areas.
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Weather apps & alerts - Especially when traveling through mountain passes or during seasons with potential storms.
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Maintenance/warranty tracker apps - To monitor your RV's system health on the go.
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Host contact documents - Always carry a PDF or print-out of host details in case the app or signal fails.
You can also check out Harvest Hosts' Resources page for free guides, seasonal camping tips, and more. (Harvest Hosts)
Advantages & Potential Challenges (and How to Navigate Them)
No system is perfect, and Harvest Hosts has both strong benefits and aspects you should be prepared for.
Advantages
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Extraordinary overnight experiences - Waking up in a vineyard, farm, or museum parking lot turns a routine night into part of the story.
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Cost savings - Because you're not paying nightly camping fees (aside from your membership), it can reduce lodging costs.
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Supporting local businesses - You help small farms, orchards, wineries, and artisans thrive.
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Flexible, off-grid options - Many hosts are off the beaten path, enabling you to explore more remote areas.
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Community & stories - You'll meet hosts, learn their stories, and feel more connected to the place.
Challenges & Solutions
| Challenge | Mitigation / Tip |
|---|---|
| Hookups not guaranteed (power, water, dump) | Around 25% of Harvest Hosts locations do offer electric hookups, but plan to intersperse nights at full-service RV parks if needed. |
| Hosts with arrival time limits | Always check host policies and plan arrival times accordingly. |
| Distance from route | Use route filters; avoid big deviations unless worth it. |
| Host being closed or not offering services during your stay | Check operating hours; don't rely on your Host being open late. |
| Overtaxed systems (battery, water) | Monitor usage, travel lighter on amenities, or carry extra storage. |
As many RV bloggers note, flexibility and backup planning are key to turning unexpected issues into minor detours rather than disasters. (The Wayward Home)
Tips to Maximize the Experience & Create Lasting Memories
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Slow down: The magic often lies in slower legs of your trip - early morning farm tours, vineyard conversations, or watching sunsets over fields.
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Engage with Hosts: Ask questions, take tours, or help with a small task if invited (with permission).
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Capture stories: Bring a journal or voice recorder to document host stories, your reflections, and unique moments.
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Mix your stays: Combine Harvest Hosts nights, campground nights, and occasional glamping stops for variety.
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Celebrate locally: If a host has a tasting room or shop, make that your nearby "restaurant" that night.
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Let spontaneity win: If you hear of a festival, fair, or local event along the way, be ready to tweak your route.
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Share your experience: Leave host reviews, share photos, and help future travelers (and hosts) understand the value of your stay.
Final Words & Next Steps
An RV road trip isn't just about getting from A to B - it's about the journey, the discoveries along the way, and the stories you collect in between. With Harvest Hosts by your side, each overnight stop becomes part of the fabric of your adventure.
If you're ready to begin:
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Sign up for your Harvest Hosts membership.
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Use the app / website and integrate with RV LIFE Trip Wizard (if you use that) to plan your route.
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Map out your core route + desired Host stays + backup campgrounds.
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Request stays, leave buffer days, and start packing with intention.
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Hit the road, stay curious, and enjoy the magic of waking up somewhere wholly unexpected - a vineyard, an orchard, a farm, or a museum parking lot - every single night.
Have more questions about the Harvest Hosts experience? Review how it works, or browse our FAQ!
