Boondocking is Easier than Ever with Harvest Hosts
Enjoy Unique Campsites at Farms, Wineries, and More!
Image Caption: Honah Lee Vineyard Photo by Joel Holland
If you follow camping news or your favorite travelers on social media, odds are you’ve heard the term “boondocking”. It’s an increasingly popular form of travel and camping that stresses self-sufficiency, making it an enticing option for RVers.
What is Boondocking?
Most of us think of boondocking as camping out in “the boonies”. While remote locations are sought-after, the definition can be expanded to include camping without RV hookups–no water, sewer, or electricity.
Public lands – like those managed by the US Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) – are popular for boondocking. But not all states have an abundance of public lands, which is why many RVers are seeking alternative places to camp close to nature.
The good news: every RV is built for boondocking. They have all the essentials to help you enjoy the solitude of a remote camping location, at least for a few days at a time. And there’s no better way to learn your RV than to test your self-sufficiency on a boondocking adventure!
Boondocking Doesn’t Have to Be Remote
Twisted Vine Family Vineyard
Boondocking in remote areas allows you to avoid crowds and soak in nature. But if you’re a little nervous about traveling too far off the beaten path, there are opportunities to boondock that don’t require driving hours into the wilderness.
There’s a growing network of farms, wineries, breweries, museums, and other locations offering boondocking sites for RVers. Through Harvest Hosts, these sites can be reserved for a 24-hour stay with no camping fees. Members are encouraged to support the Hosts during their stay, which is a great way to support local businesses.
Notaviva Farm Brewery & Winery Photo by LisaGM
In many cases, these locations aren’t as far from civilization as traditional boondocking areas, which makes them a comfortable choice for an overnight stay on your way to a traditional campground.
In other words, say goodbye to those noisy truck stops and say hello to a peaceful stay at a Harvest Hosts location. And they also offer an experiential component that truck stops and traditional boondocking spots simply can’t match.
You’ll find sites that offer wine tasting, alpaca feeding, permaculture workshops, museum tours, and much more. As an added bonus, you’ll have the comfort and convenience of walking back to your RV after touring the grounds or enjoying a wine tasting!
Why Boondock with Harvest Hosts?
43 Ranch Olive Oil Photo by Eric Weirich
Experienced RVers know and do their best to avoid, ‘the dreaded knock’. This is when you think you’ve found a safe place to park overnight, only to be woken by a rap on the door in the wee hours of the morning, usually with a law enforcement official asking you to relocate.
With Harvest Hosts, there’s no need to fear the knock! It’s a great way to explore boondocking as a beginner, and many sites offer meals if you’re not yet comfortable with cooking in an RV.
Property owners are great resources for local recommendations and, depending on the location, you can connect with other RVers to get tips on what to do on the way to your next destination or where to stay once you get there.
The Harvest Hosts network includes more than 3,000 locations in the lower 48 states, Canada, Alaska, and Baja, California. The $99 annual membership provides unlimited access to overnight stays at Host locations, and the network is still expanding. With the Golf upgrade option, Members can enjoy overnight stays at golf courses in the network – adding over 400 more stops to choose from.
The only stipulation is that you must have a self-contained RV with a toilet, water tank, and indoor kitchen. That’s it! So, what are you waiting for?
Become a Harvest Hosts member today!
Tucker Ballister is a Technical Content Writer for Camping World and a lover of the open road. You can check out more of his adventures and outdoor advice at thebackpackguide.com.
