When it comes to RV travel, Boondockers Welcome and Harvest Hosts are two membership programs designed to cater to the adventurous spirit of RVers. But, the question remains: “Which program is for you?”. In this Boondockers Welcome vs Harvest Hosts review, we will highlight their requirements, locations offered, and more to give you in-depth insights of these 2 programs.
What is Boondockers Welcome?
The website of Boondockers Welcome
Boondockers Welcome is a platform for RVers seeking a genuine and immersive experience in nature. This unique program connects travelers with over 3,000 generous hosts across the United States. Hosts invite RVers to park and stay on their property, creating an environment where the serenity of nature and warm hospitality collide. Whether you're planning a cross-country trip or simply need a place to sleep for the night, Boondockers Welcome app is a convenient and affordable option.
Membership in this welcoming community is open to RVers of all ages and backgrounds. Furthermore, Boondockers Welcome stands out by offering a remarkable 75% of hosts who provide hook-up options, ensuring access to water, electricity, and more. It's an RV camper's dream directory.
What is Harvest Hosts?
The website of Harvest Hosts
Harvest Hosts, on the other hand, is a membership program tailored for those who relish the idea of overnight stays at farms, wineries, and other agritourism destinations. RVers are welcomed with open arms at unique locations, often set against the backdrop of vineyards, farms, and picturesque landscapes. While the stay is typically free, members are encouraged to support the hosts by spending at least $20 at each location, contributing to the sustainability of these extraordinary establishments.
Harvest Hosts welcomes a diverse array of RV types, from Class A, B, and C motorhomes to travel trailers, campervans, and more. Eventually, this program, which raises awareness and support for the agricultural business, provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to enjoy the beauty and charm of the countryside.
Boondockers Welcome vs. Harvest Hosts: An in-depth comparison
Now, let's get on an exclusive comparison to help you determine which of these RV camping membership programs best matches with your travel aspirations and needs.
Application requirements
Regardless of your age or background, Boondockers Welcome extends a friendly gesture to you. The membership includes those with self-contained RVs, complete with necessities. These include a gray water tank built in, a functioning toilet, and a sink, which allow travelers to handle all the sleeping, eating, cleaning and sanitary needs inside their RV. This is a kind of self-sufficiency that minimizes the influence of the host’s property and develops the independence of the guest. The community’s standards demand compliance with these requirements to maintain the platform.
Likewise, Harvest Hosts must own a self-contained RV that has a water tank, indoor kitchen, and a toilet facility. The self-sufficiency characteristic of the RVs makes the guests take care of themselves without depending on other facilities. It, therefore, makes the camping experience more sustainable with respect to the surrounding. Responsible RV owners may also be asked to provide proof of liability insurance to emphasize the need for caution. These are some of the conditions that are put in place to ensure that both hosts and guests in Harvest Hosts community enjoy mutual safety and security.
Locations offered
Boondocking is currently offering more than 3,000 locations across N.A
Boondockers Welcome locations, with its vast network of private property owners, offers RVers the opportunity to stay overnight in diverse settings, including small farms and undeveloped lands. With access to over 3,000 locations across the United States and Canada, Boondockers Welcome provides an extensive array of options for your RV adventures.
In contrast, Harvest Hosts focuses on farms, wineries, museums, golf courses, and other agritourism locations. While the locations may be more specialized, Harvest Hosts boasts an impressive 4,918+ local businesses across North America, providing ample opportunities for a unique RV camping experience.
Hook ups available
Boondockers Welcome tends to be more accommodating for RV campers in need of hook-ups. Many of their hosts offer partial hook-ups for a small donation, ensuring access to essential amenities. While some locations even provide sewer hook-ups, this is a less common feature.
Harvest Hosts, on the other hand, generally does not offer hook-ups, and travelers should not rely on the availability of electrical or fresh water connections. However, some locations do permit the use of generators for RV camping.
Time spent
The duration of your stay can vary between Harvey Hosts and Boondockers Welcome.
Harvest Hosts typically allows members to stay for just one night, not exceeding 24 hours from the time of arrival. While guests are not permitted to request longer stays, hosts are free to invite members for additional nights based on their discretion. The amount of interaction you have with your hosts may vary, depending on factors such as the type of business, the season, and the host's hours of operation.
Boondockers Welcome, on the other hand, is more generous with time. Members can request to stay for up to five consecutive nights or even longer, offering ample opportunity for extended RV camping. Hosts in this community often relish the chance to share their travel stories and offer valuable local insights, enhancing the overall experience.
Rules and etiquette
Boondockers Welcome puts forward key principles that should be observed in order to preserve the integrity of the community. The guests should also respect their host and be as careful as they would be with their own property. More so, guests should respect the host’s neighbors’ privacy and peace and be considerate towards the environment, minimizing the negative impact. One must abide by any rules or regulations set out by the host and treat the host’s property with respect. The guests should be environmentally conscious, and it should be a reminder to leave the area as pristine as they came in. These guidelines help create a good atmosphere for both hosts and guests making friends in the Boondockers Welcome community.
Conversely, Harvest Hosts has a code of conduct that the members must adhere to. It is a must to have a self-contained RV with a water tank, indoor kitchen, and toilet. It is illegal to cook outside or in a tent. Members should notify hosts at least 24 hours prior to the arrival date, inform the host of the sizes of their RV’s, as well as ask for special instructions in case of being late. An overnight stay should not last more than a night unless the host invites an extended stay.
Additionally, members need to monitor the kids and pets and cleanliness. It is proper that they give thanks for the free stay, for example by purchasing a bottle of wine or supporting the host’s business.
Pricing
Harvest Hosts prices on their website
Harvest Hosts provides three membership options: Harvest Hosts Classic for $99 per year, Harvest Hosts + Boondockers Welcome for $169 per year, and the All Access membership for $179 per year, providing access to over 8,000 different locations. Similar to Boondockers Welcome, Harvest Hosts offers a three-month satisfaction guarantee. It's worth noting that neither program offers lifetime memberships.
Boondockers pricing plans on their website
On the flip side, how much does Boondockers Welcome cost? Well, a membership fee is priced at $79 per year, granting members unlimited access to over 3,550 host locations. With the average cost of campgrounds often exceeding $25 per night, the membership pays for itself in just a few nights. Additionally, Boondockers Welcome offers a three-month satisfaction guarantee.
Customer care
Both programs offer accessible customer care options. Harvest Hosts can be reached via phone at (970) 361-3314, or members can search for specific topics in the "Got Questions?" search box for prompt assistance.
Boondockers Welcome provides customer support through [email protected] and maintains a blog on their website to keep members informed.
Reviews from other customers
Boondockers Welcome reviews on their website
One of the invaluable aspects of both Boondockers Welcome and Harvest Hosts is the opportunity to read reviews from fellow travelers. Firsthand experiences are really invaluable, and so, both Boondockers Welcome and Harvest Host appreciate the significance of member feedback in making the RVing experience even more meaningful.
Boondockers Welcome enables travelers to write extensive reviews about their experiences, which can serve as invaluable recommendations for future visitors at this site. Boondockers Welcome review is a way of giving a hint of the hospitality offered by hosts and what the visitors may expect at the destination. Many guests share narratives of warm receptions, peaceful ambiance, and authentic bonds formed among them. This makes the platform more realistic, as one can read about other RVers’ adventures. One thing mentioned in Boondockers Welcome reviews is the security that travelers have felt. Many have pointed out that this platform is far safer than the traditional free RV camping options. Some solo travelers, including single women, have reported that they had a peaceful and safe time when staying with Boondockers Welcome’s hosts. Travelers also benefit from the recommendations left behind by previous guests that allow them to select hosts with positive feedback, enabling them to stay comfortably and safely.
Harvest Hosts reviews on their website
Harvest Hosts additionally attaches a lot of importance to the member reviews. Guests often tell their stories about wineries, farms, and other agritourism venues, giving vivid descriptions of their experiences. These reviews portray the distinctness of the places with respect to product quality, ambience and hospitality received from the host. People are often grateful for a chance to support the local businesses in an aesthetically pleasant environment. Many guest reviews include the numerous Harvest Hosts spots, including vineyards, golf courses, among many others, all unique in their own way. Prospective members can imagine what it will be like to stay with hosts just by reading these reviews.
Conclusion: Which program will suit you?
Deciding between Boondockers Welcome and Harvest Hosts ultimately depends on your preferences and travel style.
|
Criteria |
Bondockers Welcome |
Harvest Hosts |
|
Requirements |
A gray water tank built in, a functioning toilet, and a sink. |
A water tank, indoor kitchen, and a toilet facility. |
|
Variety of locations |
Over 3,550 diverse locations across the US and Canada, with hosts ranging from farms to undeveloped land. |
Over 4,918 locations focused on specialized agritourism destinations, including vineyards, farms, museums, and golf courses. |
|
Hook ups |
Partial hook-ups or sewer hook-ups |
Not available |
|
Duration of stay |
Up to 5 consecutive nights or even longer. |
1 night, not exceeding 24 hours. |
|
Pricing |
$79 |
$99 - $179 |
|
Supporting local business |
While guests don't typically spend money directly on hosts, the value lies in the shared experience and camaraderie. |
Harvest Hosts encourages guests to spend at least $20 at each location, directly supporting local businesses. |
In conclusion, if you crave diversity in locations, a sense of community, and the freedom to stay for several nights, Boondockers Welcome is the ideal choice. With an extensive network of hosts offering varied landscapes and the chance for meaningful interactions, Boondockers Welcome features a rich, immersive experience for RVers seeking genuine connections.
On the other hand, if you appreciate the charm of specialized agritourism destinations, don't mind shorter stays, and are enthusiastic about supporting local businesses, Harvest Hosts provides a unique and delightful adventure. From vineyards to farms, each location promises a distinctive experience, making it perfect for travelers who appreciate the essence of local culture and products.
Boondockers Welcome discount code
For RV enthusiasts looking for an affordable adventure, Boondockers Welcome offers a unique opportunity to enhance your savings through exclusive discount codes. While Boondockers Welcome itself occasionally provides special offers directly to its members, there's an additional avenue to explore substantial discounts. Customers keen on securing a Boondockers Welcome coupon code can visit the Boondockers Welcome website, where occasional promotions and offers are shared with the community.
Additionally, savvy shoppers can turn to CouponATime, a reputable online coupon site known for curating discounts from major brands and retailers worldwide. On CouponATime, customers can search for Boondockers Welcome coupons, unlocking significant savings on their memberships. The discount codes featured on this platform are often unique, ensuring a valuable reduction in costs for prospective RV travelers.
Don't miss out on the chance to save – seize your Boondockers Welcome promo code now and make your travels both exciting and budget-friendly.
Similar to Boondockers Welcome, prospective members can find Harvest Hosts coupons on platforms like CouponATime. By leveraging these coupons, travelers can not only access the charm of agritourism destinations but also enjoy significant savings on their memberships.
FAQs
For your better insights of Boondockers Welcome legitimacy, below are some frequently asked questions.
Is Boondockers Welcome safe?
Absolutely. Boondockers Welcome provides a secure environment for RVers as hosts are vetted and have profiles, allowing travelers to make informed decisions. Guests can restrict themselves to hosts with positive reviews. Moreover, staying on a host's private property provides a level of security, with nearby help in case of emergencies.
How does Boondockers Welcome work?
To enjoy the benefits of Boondockers Welcome, simply create an account on their website. Complete your profile, including a profile picture and relevant information. Once registered, explore the map featuring available locations. Click on individual host profiles to learn about their rules, amenities, and allowed rig sizes. Upon approval, hosts will provide driving directions and additional information. After your stay, leaving a review about your experience is encouraged, contributing to the community spirit of Boondockers Welcome.