FAYETTEVILLE, Ohio – From ranches to wineries, from breweries to alpaca farms — thousands of RV campers across the nation have turned to a unique membership program that gives them access to some unique camping spots. 

Farmers are always looking for additional revenue streams and thousands have turned to hosting RVs on their farm as a form of agritourism. And with 11 million RV owners out there, farmers stand to make plenty of additional income.

The program is called Harvest Hosts, and it helps RV campers by providing them a safe, tranquil setting in which camp for the night. 

“We do not allow tent camping of any kind in the memberships, including rooftop tents,” said Joel Holland, co-owner of Harvest Hosts. “Our hosts have signed on to our program with the expectation they’ll only receive stay requests from travelers in fully self-contained RVs.”

Only farmers who have some type of product to sell on their farm will financially benefit from this program. The campers often purchase goods from the landowners in exchange for a free place to stay and park their RV. Most host farms have U-Pick operations, vineyards with wine tasting, farm-to-table retreats, small farm stores or other offerings to campers that benefit the hosts financially. Through Harvest Hosts, there are roughly 5,800 registered host farms participating and some have reported earning up to $30,000 from the program according to Holland. 

The RV owners can choose from three yearly plans. The basic, or Harvest Host Classic plan, is $84.15 per year and includes access to 5,179 farms, wineries, breweries and distilleries, and local attractions.

The Harvest Host Classic plus Boondockers plan is $143.65 per year and includes access to not only 5,179 farms but includes unlimited stays with an additional 3,106 hosts who offer up to five nights stay and convenient electric hookups.

The Harvest Hosts All Access plan is $152.15, and is just like the Harvest Host Classic plus Boondockers plan. However, this plan also allows access to 416 golf courses, country clubs and golf resorts.

Inspired by a similar RV/farm concept from France, Harvest Hosts was founded in 2010 by Don and Kim Greene. Mary Ashley and Joel Holland, purchased the business from the Greenes in 2018. They are avid RVers based out of Vail, Colo.

“They built an amazing company and community, and we are determined to continue the tradition of connecting our wonderful members with wonderful hosts,” Joel said. “Our hosts are very generous to allow members to park on their properties. In exchange, RV guests support these hosts by purchasing some wine, shopping in their gift shop or buying some of their produce. This way everybody wins.

“We feel that RVing provides a sense of ultimate freedom, which most people seek and not enough find. As cheesy as it sounds, we think we can help a lot of people live happier lives if we can get them off of the couch and onto the open road. After hundreds of nights spent RVing through all 48 lower states, our biggest gripe was the lack of unique RV overnight experiences. Then we joined Harvest Hosts and it changed our RV lives.”

One such RV hotspot is Tanglewood Farm in Fayetteville, Ohio. Christians Rudolf, 84, owns the alpaca farm. For four years she’s welcomed RV campers on her land through Harvest Hosts.

“Sometimes they bring children and grandchildren. I let them ride the tractor, I let them feed the alpacas, so they always have a good time,” Rudolf said.

Sixty miles up the road in New Carlisle, Ohio, Ed Evans operates Evans Family Ranch. He’s been in the cattle business for 20 years, tends to 1,500 acres and has a herd of 170 on the farm. Like Rudolf, Evans found himself enjoying the perks of hosting RV campers.

“One of our first guests came in and bought steaks for the evening for their dinner and before they left they bought $600 worth of meat,” Evans said. “So, it was very helpful, much of a blessing, and that seems to repeat itself over and over again.”

Evans offered a kids’ area, a bar and store. Visitors were able to purchase produce on the site and purchased breads that were baked fresh on the farm.

Ohio has more than 300 farms listed with Harvest Hosts.

“It’s really nice. I’ve met a lot of nice people and they always purchase stuff from me, so that’s a good thing too,” said Rudolf, as she talked about her barn full of alpaca fiber and fleece. “The people we met have been incredible. We’ve met people from California to New York and we really enjoy having them here.”

Farmers are not bogged down by fees or contracts and they don’t pay anything to be a host. 

A host RV farm in Casey, Ill., offers a 1930s barn-turned-restaurant that serves home-cooked meals. At a honey and poultry farm in New Jackson, Ohio, one can take a nature tour, stroll through a large garden or wildlife area and visit a gift shop. An RV retreat in New Pekin, Ind., offers alpaca cuddles and Amish buggies, along with a petting zoo, hiking trails, picnic area and farmers market. (The addresses of these farms and others are available only to members of Harvest Hosts).

“A big part of our program is that members, when they visit a business they usually purchase the produce, or buy the wine, or do a farm tour or some other sort of thing, and our members will spend $50 million dollars this year directly with the small businesses in our program,” Holland said.

For more information about Harvest Hosts, go to www.harvesthosts.com.