Harvest Host: An Endorsement of a Spectacular RV Resource
Our first Harvest Host stay
Fear of the unknown challenges me to try new experiences, especially in a 40-foot RV. Due to my own anxiety, I postponed making reservations with Harvest Host (HH) on our first couple outings, but when we set out a few days ago, I scheduled two nights using their service.
Harvest Host has created a network of small businesses that provides RVs to park and stay a night at their facilities for no cost beyond the annual membership fee.
Our first night, we stayed at The Dalles Country Club. After requesting a space online, we were contacted by phone by Casey, the property manager, who informed us of some changes in the golf schedule a couple days prior to our arrival. It didn’t cause any problems, and we appreciated their professionalism and attention to details.
When we arrived, Casey met us with a smile and a wave and provided two choices of where to park. We chose a large open space near the entrance to the parking lot.
He explained what was available in the area and encouraged us to enjoy a round of golf. In our case, we arrived about 4 p.m. leaving time for 9 holes. It provided us an opportunity to get some exercise and enjoy the beautiful environment.
I cooked dinner while Randy set up the rig and an hour later, we grabbed our clubs and played a round. If we hadn’t been guests, it would have been too late to play, but Casey gave us a cart, showed where to replace it when we finished, and said he would see us in the morning, jokingly adding, “I know where to find you.”
After golfing, we enjoyed a quiet evening with little traffic on the nearby road and plan to return in the future.
If our experience prompts your interest in Harvest Host, I have a list of Frequently Asked Questions from the HH website. Below that link are my insights of our experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions about Harvest Hosts FAQ
How to schedule
It was easy. Members simply open the HH website and type their destination. A map displays all possible accommodations near the selected location. Icons display the different options.
When a location if found that appears appropriate to your needs, you complete Request a Stay form that includes some information pertinent to the business. Highlight the date to request, answer a few questions about the length of your rig and number of people in your party, then submit. We had a response within a few hours in our email inbox.
Advantages of Harvest Hosts
Inexpensive
There is no fee for overnight stays with HH. There is an initial enrollment cost of $79.00 or if golf courses are desired $99.00. We purchased the golf course alternative. When staying at any of the small businesses, it is requested you support them with a purchase. Since we played golf we did so and found this to be a win-win opportunity.
Accessibility
So far when we have used HH two times. We left our home in Idaho headed to Newport, Oregon and stayed two nights with HH. There was not any problems with finding a place in the direction of our destination. I expect this resource to be most valuable when we are in route from one long-term stay to anothe as there were numerous options available. However, because a reservation is required, planning is required.
For us this has been a positive. Since we are retired, we are learning to enjoy the trip instead of taking the direct route from point A to point B. HH allows us to explore areas we might otherwise miss, shorten the length of each day’s drive, and enjoy new experiences.
Friendly hosts
The hosts met us when we drove up. They were inviting, making us feel welcome. A highlight for us has been the personal touch and the ability to ask questions and get recommendations for sights and tastes of the area.
Quiet Environment and beautiful scenery
Our second stay was at an alpaca farm. We strolled around the farm observing the chickens, horses, goats, and alpacas. At the end of the work day, the host gave us a person tour.
Tailored to visitor’s interests
Traveler’s interests vary immensely so it is nice to have choices. Golf courses are a huge draw for my husband. I would even suggest to anyone who does not golf to consider this option because many clubhouses offer great meals as well as beautiful vistas. Also, my husband is looking forward to the breweries and wineries while I am excited for the museums and farm tours.
What’s the gimmick?
Some readers are now asking what is the gimmick as a free parking space seems to good to be true. The businesses do ask that visitors purchase something but we felt no pressure. At the country club we golfed at the farm we purchased a dog bed for our Yorkie. A great items since I forgot hers at home.
Please be aware there is not water, sewer or electricity but in our case we are self sufficient. What the hosts offered was enough to compensate for what they could not offer.
Endorsement
Our first two experiences have sold us on the Harvest Host experience.
As my husband drives, I write. Would love to have you join us on our adventures by reading more stories at RVing in Retirement on Medium.
Or follow us on our Facebook page.