:For years, Harvest Hosts has been one of our favorite RV memberships. The program gives RVers the chance to spend the night at unique locations like wineries, breweries, farms, golf courses, and even museums. With over 6,000 host locations across North America, Harvest Hosts has become a go-to option for adventurous travelers looking for memorable overnight stays.
In this week’s episode of The RV Atlas Podcast, Jeremy sat down with Bill Zhang, longtime Chief Marketing Officer and now “Chief Retirement Officer” of Harvest Hosts. Bill has been with the company since Joel Holland acquired it, helping build the host network and expand the membership model. He’s also recently become an RV owner himself, buying a Forest River Wolf Pup toy hauler at the Hershey RV Show to make RV travel more accessible for his daughter who uses a wheelchair.
Bill joined us to talk about his personal RV journey and to share six exciting new features Harvest Hosts has rolled out. These updates are designed to reduce “travel anxiety” and make the experience smoother, easier, and more rewarding for members.
1. Hookups and Extra Nights
One of the biggest changes at Harvest Hosts is the addition of hookups and extended stays.
- Extended stays: More than 2,000 hosts now allow members to stay for extra nights (often for a small fee, around $30–$35). Instead of just being a one-night stopover, Harvest Hosts locations can now become weekend destinations.
- Hookups: Around 1,300 hosts now offer electric hookups (20, 30, or 50 amp), and some even provide sewer hookups.
This evolution broadens the audience for Harvest Hosts. While traditional members enjoyed the off-grid experience, these new options welcome travelers who need a little extra power in hot weather or who simply prefer more comfort.
As Bill explained, these changes have transformed Harvest Hosts from a pass-through stop into a potential destination.
2. Host Profile Improvements
Harvest Hosts has also upgraded its host profile pages to give members clearer information and reduce “arrival anxiety.”
- Reviews now include photos, so members can see exactly how big rigs fit into a space.
- Parking instructions are accompanied by pictures of RVs parked onsite, making it easier to visualize where you’ll be.
- Key policies (like generator use or hookup availability) are now displayed more clearly.
- Host response times are visible, helping members know when to expect approval. About one in five hosts also offer auto-approval, streamlining the process.
These updates make planning less stressful and ensure that RVers know what to expect before pulling in.
3. Escapees Integration
In 2023, Harvest Hosts acquired Escapees RV Club, one of the oldest and most respected membership organizations in the RV world.
This integration brings Escapees’ events, discounts, and community resources into the Harvest Hosts ecosystem. The “All Access” Harvest Hosts plan now includes an Escapees membership, giving members access to both programs under one umbrella.
For those new to Escapees, the group is known for its events, affinity groups, and advocacy efforts. Bill highlighted that this merger is about building community for RVers — giving members more ways to connect both online and in person.
4. Campground Partnerships
Harvest Hosts has also expanded its campground discount program. Originally offered through “Campers Card,” this program has now been merged with Escapees’ campground discounts.
- Members now have access to over 1,000 campgrounds across the United States offering discounts of 10–50%.
- Bill shared his own story of using the discount at a Jellystone campground in Virginia, saving money while giving his kids an unforgettable trip.
This added benefit makes a Harvest Hosts membership even more versatile, covering both unique overnight experiences and traditional campgrounds.
5. Search Filter Improvements
With over 6,000 host locations, searching can feel overwhelming. To make it easier, Harvest Hosts has rolled out new search filters, including:
- Cell coverage information
- Dump station availability
- Travel date filters
- Hookups and extra night filters
These filters make it simpler to find hosts that fit your rig, your trip style, and your specific needs. As Bill noted, the goal is to reduce “travel anxiety” and make the process of choosing a host location easier.
6. RV Trip Wizard Integration
Finally, Harvest Hosts has partnered with RV Trip Wizard to integrate host locations into the popular trip-planning platform.
Now, members who use both services can see Harvest Hosts locations while mapping out their RV-safe routes. This eliminates the hassle of switching between multiple apps and helps RVers spot unique overnight options along their journey.
Bill described his own “aha moment” while planning a trip to Virginia Beach: instead of toggling between apps, he could view all the Harvest Hosts options directly within his route planning tool.
Harvest Hosts: A Unique (and growing!) Membership for RVers
Harvest Hosts has come a long way from its early days as a small membership program. With over 6,000 hosts across North America and major new features like hookups, extended stays, campground discounts, and RV Trip Wizard integration, it’s quickly becoming an all-in-one resource for RV travelers.
For longtime members, these updates make the program more flexible and user-friendly. For new RVers, they expand the possibilities of RV travel even further.
To learn more or to sign up, visit HarvestHosts.com. And you can also check out some of our previous Harvest Hosts recommendations here.
With these new features, Harvest Hosts is making it easier than ever to reduce travel anxiety, discover unique destinations, and create memorable RV adventures.
See you at the Harvest Hosts!
Stephanie + Jeremy
