We invite you to join Harvest Hosts, a select group of vintners, growers and producers who invite self-contained RV owners to visit their businesses and allow them to stay overnight (no longer than 24 hours) on their property for free.

There is no cost for you to join as a Host.  Based on extremely successful programs in Europe, this is an opportunity to open your business to a huge market of new potential customers who are interested in learning about your products and your way of life.  The goodwill generated by allowing RV owners to stay for free motivates them to make purchases: a survey of overnight customers who park at large retail stores for free concluded that they tend to spend an average of $29 per visit.

The Harvest Hosts program promotes a positive, mutually beneficial relationship between the Hosts and the RV owner guests.  Harvest Hosts guests are courteous and travel in self-contained vehicles so you do not need to provide any services. 

They are good guests and know how to make the smallest of impacts during their overnight stay.  They are also more than just tourists, they are consumers of local products who appreciate rural communities and are eager to learn about your business and lifestyle.

Why should you become a Harvest Host? 

• There is no cost for you to become a Host.

• According to a University of Michigan study, approximately 8.2 million American households own an RV - this translates to one in every 14 households.  People aged 35-54 are the largest segment of RV owners, while among people aged 50 to 64, one in 10 households own an RV.  Every day another 11,000 people turn 50 and by 2015, all baby boomers will be over 50.

• The average RV owner has an annual household income of $68,000, higher than the national average.  

• Today, people over 50 control more than:

  • 7 trillion dollars in personal wealth
  • 50 percent of all discretionary spending
  • Nearly 80 percent of all leisure travel

• In 2010 the RV industry celebrates its 100th anniversary.  Through booms and busts the RV lifestyle has endured.

• For the property owner, the interaction with Harvest Hosts members can result in fulfilling encounters with interesting people.  Harvest Hosts can generate additional traffic for your business and can lead to lasting relationships with new loyal customers.  Let Harvest Hosts members be your ambassadors of goodwill as word of mouth travels fast in the RV community.  

Become the destination, not just another stop!

RV owners would like to visit your area but not all wineries, farms and orchards are able to accommodate RVs.  Partner with Harvest Hosts to make your business known as the RV friendly destination in the area.  RV owners will know that, not only can you accommodate RVs; you will provide a free night of parking just for stopping by.  The RV owner will likely reciprocate by making purchases at your business.  

We recommend that Harvest Hosts property owners provide space for a maximum of 4 RVs.  However, it remains the discretion of the property owner as to the total number of spaces you may want to offer as well as the location of the parking spaces.  A simple, flat, easily accessible site is all that is needed.  

Harvest Hosts guests are provided with the Host Directory, a Personal Identification Card,  a Vehicle Identification Sticker and a Code of Conduct.

The Harvest Hosts Code of Conduct is summarized as follows:  

• Always be a courteous guest.  Call ahead to confirm space availability.
• Report your arrival and your departure: a simple "Hello" and "Goodbye, see you soon" are always appreciated.
• Arrive at the Hosts location during business hours and never at night.
• Arrive with a full fresh water tank and empty waste water tanks.
• Ask your Host where he/she would like you to park.
• Use any facilities on these properties in moderation, and only if you are invited to use them. 
• If a pet is accompanying you, ask permission from your Host before letting them out on a leash and always pick up after them.  Farm dogs may be present.
• Avoid making any nuisance noises (shouting, barking, generator ...)
• No awnings or BBQs please.  Remember that these sites are not campgrounds. 
 

Please see Code of Conduct page for full details.

Avail yourself of this huge potential market.  Join the Harvest Hosts network now.