Is Camping at a Vineyard Overrated?
Many RVers replacing typical campgrounds with more unique camping venues. After all, with so many new RVers, it’s becoming more and more difficult to find campsites at RV parks. You may find a membership that offers camping spots at wineries, farms, museums, and golf courses is just the ticket to make RVing fun again. But, beware: Sometimes camping at a vineyard can leave a sour taste in your mouth. Let’s see why.
Why Do People Want to Camp at a Vineyard?
With more new RVers this year, it’s easy to see why many are looking for campsites off the beaten path. Here are just a few reasons RVers are flocking to services like Harvest Hosts and Hipcamp to find a vineyard campsite.
To Avoid the Crowds
Most private campgrounds and RV parks make the most of the available space, stacking RVs into small, cramped sites. Finding campsites at more remote locations can give you peace of mind about loud neighbors and tight spaces.
To Support a Local Business
We all enjoy doing what we can to make sure good businesses stick around. And by camping at a private vineyard, attraction, or farm, you’re helping them succeed. For reservation services like Hipcamp, participating businesses generate income on your camp fees while growing their product lines and services.
For the Wine (Obviously)
Even teetotalers can enjoy camping at a vineyard, relaxing in the solitude of a campsite overlooking the vines. You can take a tour or pick up a tasty souvenir.
For the Gorgeous Scenery
Who doesn’t dream about sitting outside your RV, watching the sun set over undulating hills filled with grapevines? By camping at a vineyard, you’ll never wake to find traffic or skyscrapers outside your front door. In fact, vineyards sit on some of the most scenic locations around the country out of necessity. Most are in rural areas with spectacular views.
What Are the Disadvantages of Vineyard Camping?
Believe it or not, vineyards, farms, and museums are becoming more popular places to stay. This makes getting a reservation more difficult, as most only have parking for one or two campers at a time. However, they usually only allow camping for one night, so eventually, you should secure a spot.
Another problem for campers who consider themselves wine connoisseurs is the habit of purchasing too many bottles while camping. It may be a bit difficult to store all of those magnums and splits in your RV. But you can remedy this by having your cabernets and pinot grigios shipped home.
A more direct problem may come at check-in time. Many vineyards require you to arrive before their businesses close for the day. And some prohibit camping when they’re closed. So be flexible with your arrival dates and times.
What Makes Camping at a Vineyard Overrated?
The most irritating part about camping at a vineyard is the friends who will be jealous of your campsite. Each picturesque spot is usually Instagram-worthy. Advertising for Hipcamp, Harvest Hosts, and others never prepares you for the envious responses you may get.
And because you have to be completely self-sufficient, those pictures won’t tell the whole story. Your friends on Instagram won’t see the less glamorous side of things.
How Much Does It Cost to Park Your RV at a Vineyard?
Membership services like Harvest Hosts charge a yearly fee of $99. With this, you can book an overnight stay at any of their member vineyards, museums, attractions, farms, and wineries. Your RV must be hard-sided (no tents, sleeping in cars, popup campers) and entirely self-contained. Most hosts don’t have hookups, bathrooms, or showers. You should make a purchase during your stay. Harvest Hosts charges an additional $80 per year to camp at golf courses.
Hipcamp, Campspot, and Reserve America have campsites at some local breweries, vineyards, and wineries. Property owners set their prices, and you can book a secluded campsite directly, usually for about $30 to $50.
If you’re tired of fighting for a reservation at typical campgrounds and want a more memorable campsite, consider a vineyard. You can camp with less stress and enjoy a glass of wine while you’re at it. Have you ever camped at a vineyard? Did it live up to the hype?
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