Harvest Hosts, a membership program giving RVers access to unique RV camping options, announced that it has exceeded 2,000 host locations on its platform. This list includes more than 575 wineries, 500 farms, 241 breweries and distilleries, 390 golf courses, and 338 museums and other attractions, all with scenic overnight RV camping options. While there is no charge for the overnight stay, Harvest Hosts members spend an average of $50 buying local goods from the Hosts they visit, which translates into more than $13,000 in additional revenue per host each year. There is never any cost for host locations to be a part of the Harvest Hosts program.
This network expansion comes on the heels of Harvest Hosts’ announcement of a $37 million growth funding round from Stripes earlier this month. It also comes at a crucial time for the RV industry, as 46 million Americans plan to take an RV trip over the next 12 months, according to the RV Industry Association. In 2020, Harvest Hosts saw membership numbers double as travelers sought more socially distant, COVID-19 safe travel alternatives. The industry’s increasing popularity during the pandemic has propelled Harvest Hosts’ growth and helped it reach this 2,000 host benchmark, which primarily includes local and family-owned businesses.
In addition to offering RVers an expanded network of high-quality places to stay, Harvest Hosts helps small businesses reach new customers while providing an additional revenue stream. Harvest Hosts’ low membership fees allow travelers to have unique, unforgettable experiences while supporting the small businesses they visit. With its network of more than 140,000 members, the businesses that partner with Harvest Hosts have seen major value. In 2020 alone, members spent more than $25 million at host locations, and that number is projected to reach $40 million in 2021.
“From the virus, we suffered a huge financial loss, but we found another revenue stream we never knew existed,” said Helen Robb from Robb Family Farm and Sugarhouse. “It saved us,” she said. “And it gave us a new appreciation for our farm.” Dr. Matthew Blais of Medina River Winery commented, “The amount of business we are getting from Harvest Hosts customers is making the difference in keeping the winery above water financially and we really appreciate it!”
Interest in RVing shows no sign of slowing down. In a January 2021 survey of 10,000 RVers, Harvest Hosts found that 76% plan to travel more this year than last, and a full 60% plan to travel more in 2021 than pre-pandemic in 2019.
“With the uptick in RV popularity and increased excitement around road travel, Harvest Hosts is thrilled to offer expanded location choices for our members,” says CEO of Harvest Hosts, Joel Holland. “We believe that small businesses are the backbone of America, and are proud and humbled that so many of these businesses see value in partnering with us. Not only are we giving travelers more amazing places to visit, but we’re also excited to be helping generate awareness and business for our incredible hosts.”
FOR RVTRAVEL.COM READERS: Harvest Hosts NEW member prices are going up to $99/year on April 15th, 2021. That means you have about one week left to save! If you buy a membership now, it’s only $67.15 a year after a 15% discount. This link will lock in this rate forever, regardless of how much the prices increase in the future; use HHFRIENDS15 at checkout. Save over $30 off the new price on a whole year of unlimited overnight stays.
For more information or to sign up click here. To learn more about becoming a host location with Harvest Hosts, click here.
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I congratulate my fellow Dutchman Mr. Holland in discovering a Gold Mine in HH. Unless I’m reading the numbers wrong it’s 140,000 subscribers times even the old $67 yearly rate is over $9M for essentially guiding people to the Candy Store. I’m a member and love it, having used it about five times in two years. I don’t like that it automatically renews, charging your CC, without telling you until it’s done. I feel bad for the Golf Courses I stay at because I don’t play Golf and it’s sometimes difficult to get there before the Restaurant closes. I appreciate it when they say in the Golf Course listing that they require a “Round”. Every Host I’ve encountered has been very hospitable! Last Vineyard I stayed at was “reviewed” as Dog Friendly so there were actually 10 dogs outside around the tasting area , most couples had two dogs but one had three. This place allowed eight RVs on their 400 Acres which I think is great! Hope the Counties, Cities and Neighbors don’t start making trouble.
Bit of a rip-off here…you advertise membership at a reduced rate and list all the various types of properties – but after registering then you are told that making the golf course properties available requires an additional $20! We are non-drinkers so will be a bit of a disappointment to any winery. We were looking forward to using the other types of locations. Now they can just give us a parking space with our sour grapes!
Linda, The golf course properties were always $20.00 more. Harvest Hosts is still a reduced rate with or without the golf course properties. Besides that you still have the farms and museums etc. to enjoy. You don’t have to drink to enjoy Harvest Hosts. Most of the wineries, breweries, and distilleries also have other opportunities to support their business.
What do you get for $99. year? Who pays the property owners insurance for lawsuits?
You should have also mentioned that Harvest Hosts new reservation systems puts them in the same category as popular campgrounds. Book your stay months before you plan on arriving if you want a spot.