Hello all!

After traveling across the country in the van, in my opinion, we found one of the biggest game-changers for campers/van-lifers. There is a subscription called, ‘Harvest Host,’ people can join and (quoted from their site) they have, “…unique, safe, and convenient RV Camping. Get unlimited overnight stays at 9,652+ farms, wineries, breweries, golf courses, community hosts, and more.”

Gwyn and I had talked to a friend of ours that had recommended we look into the subscription last year, but until we were on the West Coast, we didn’t actually check into the app like we should have. Now that we have subscribed to the application, we’ve stayed at a few different spots on the weekends while we’re exploring around Oregon.

It’s easier if you’re planning ahead (even a few days ahead of time) that way you can request a stay at the venue, and if they don’t have the space, you can look into alternative stays. Some places have specific check in’s/out’s like a campground or a hotel, but others are open for slower mornings for their guests.

So far in Oregon, Gwyn and I have stayed at a ranch, a funeral home (yes it is a registered Host), a hazelnut farm, and a cheese/wine farm. Each place has their own unique charm, even if it’s just knowing there’s a safe space to stay overnight. For example, while we were at the hazelnut farm, we were given a gift bag with home-made cookies, and we bought a pound of fresh hazelnuts before heading out. It works because most places are businesses, and it’s a mutual gain for the campers as well as the business owners to have the influx of customers.

I think taking weekend trips, traveling around the states, and experiencing places we’d otherwise overlook is definitely worth the yearly subscription (in all honesty, 4 nights with a harvest host has already cost less than 2 nights at most campgrounds we’ve come across). Another thing to keep in mind is that most of the venues allow 1-2 night stays, and after one night, there is sometimes a fee. We have read about a few on the app that allow up to 4 days, but those seem to be few and far in-between.

If you’re thinking about travel life, at least take a look into the opportunities of joining the group. If it doesn’t work for your lifestyle, that’s cool too. The more you know!

Over and out,

Whit