Harvest Hosts Raises $37 Million from Investors (and You’re Still Paying More)

Imagine, instead of sleeping in a Walmart parking lot, you’re gazing over farmer’s fields or a quaint winery. Harvest Hosts is an RV camping membership that allows you to do just that. It’s one of the most popular RV club memberships in years. It’s getting as much love from investors as RVers.

Of course, these days that means big money. So what’s it mean for your camping experience? Read on as we take a look. 

What Is Harvest Hosts?

Harvest Hosts is a membership club designed to help RVers and businesses make the most out of otherwise unused space. For a yearly membership fee, members can park for free overnight at thousands of farms, breweries, or other attractions.

While you won’t have RV hookups, these spots make up for it with scenic beauty and easy access to attractions. Harvest Hosts is designed as an overnight-only program.

RVers get a nicer place to sleep at no additional cost while drawing customers to willing businesses. 

How Did Harvest Hosts Raise $37 Million?

Like many growing companies, Harvest Hosts has attracted investors looking to take advantage of the post-COVID motorhome boom.

Harvest Hosts received a $37 million investment in March from Stripes, which bills itself as “NYC-based global growth investors.” 

What Is That Money Being Used For?

Harvest Hosts CEO Joel Holland said in a news release that the money would “double down” on growing the company’s host network and improving member experiences. However, the company didn’t elaborate on exactly what that would entail. 

A portion of these funds may have gone toward the recently announced purchase of Boondockers Welcome. Boondockers Welcome, another overnight and short-term camping membership, allows RVers to stay for free on otherwise undeveloped land. You’ll still need separate memberships in each, at least for now. 

This massive investment didn’t stop the company from raising prices this year. Membership went from $79 to $99 for a standard membership, a 25% increase.

But at less than $100, membership still equals roughly two or three nights at an RV park or other campground. 

What Does the Harvest Hosts Membership Get You?

The standard Harvest Hosts membership will get you free overnight parking at one of the more than 2,000 host locations. Find hosts across all 48 lower U.S. states as well as Alaska, Canada, and Baja California.

These spots are essentially just a place to park, with no electric, water, or sewer hookups. However, you’ll be on-site at exciting breweries, wineries, farms, and museums.

You’ll be able to stay with as many hosts as you want. However, individual stays are limited to one night unless the host invites you to stay longer. 

What Are the Benefits of Using Harvest Hosts?

Harvest Hosts is perfect for RVers traveling long distances who want to save money on an overnight camping spot. Typically, many RVers grab a few hours of sleep at a highway rest stop, Walmart, or Cracker Barrel.

Aside from the lack of security, these options lack benefits beyond a legal place to park. By staying with a Harvest Host, you’ll support a local business while getting safe and legal overnight parking. 

Harvest Hosts encourages you to patronize the businesses where you park. You could discover great new local wines and beers, farm products, or even educational experiences.

Those who pay the extra $40 to upgrade their membership will also have access to hundreds of golf courses and country clubs, as well as spa facilities and restaurants. It’s a perfect way to broaden your horizons, connect with a local community, and save money. 

Harvest Hosts is growing fast — and both investors and eager RVers are taking notice. Time will tell how the company uses the massive cash infusion it received this year. Hopefully, campers and hosts will both benefit from expanding the service.

Have you ever stayed with a Harvest Host?

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