Harvest Host

For those of us in Colorado who love the open road and the freedom of RV travel, but are also always seeking out unique experiences beyond traditional campgrounds, a program like Harvest Hosts offers an exciting alternative. While it's not a single physical campground in La Plata County, CO, "Harvest Host" refers to a dynamic membership network that connects self-contained RVers with thousands of extraordinary overnight parking spots at local businesses across North America, including a diverse array of options right here in our beautiful Centennial State.

Harvest Hosts redefines the camping experience by inviting RV travelers to stay overnight at farms, wineries, breweries, distilleries, golf courses, and various other attractions. Instead of a sterile parking lot or a crowded campground, you get to wake up surrounded by vineyards, alpaca farms, or scenic golf greens, all while supporting local entrepreneurs. This model provides an intimate, often tranquil, and always memorable way to explore Colorado's hidden gems and vibrant local economy. This article will delve into how Harvest Hosts works for us, the adventurous RVers of Colorado, highlighting its unique approach to camping, the types of experiences it offers, and why it's such a valuable asset for local travel.

Harvest Hosts isn't a fixed campground with a single address like "La Plata County, CO 81301." Instead, it's a vast network, and La Plata County, like many other counties in Colorado, serves as a region where numerous Harvest Hosts locations can be found. This means that within La Plata County and across the broader Colorado landscape, you can discover a multitude of unique overnight stays.

The accessibility of Harvest Hosts locations varies widely, which is part of its charm. You might find a winery just off a major highway in Palisade, or a serene farm tucked away on a county road near Durango (which is in La Plata County). Members use the Harvest Hosts app or website to locate and request stays with hosts. The platform allows you to filter by host type, rig size, and even amenities like electric hookups (where available for an additional fee).

For Coloradans, this means unparalleled flexibility in planning RV trips. Whether you're exploring the Western Slope's wine country, the rural farms of the Eastern Plains, or the mountain valleys, there's likely a Harvest Host nearby. Most locations are easily accessible by RV, though some may require navigating smaller roads. It’s important to note that arrival typically needs to be during business hours to allow for check-in and engagement with the host. The convenience lies in escaping crowded traditional campgrounds and finding unique, often peaceful, overnight parking that aligns with your travel route and interests.

• Unlimited Overnight Stays: As a member, you gain unlimited overnight stays at thousands of participating host locations across North America, including a wide array within Colorado. The initial overnight stay is typically free of charge, with the expectation of supporting the host business.

• Access to Diverse Host Types: The core service is providing access to a unique network of businesses including farms, wineries, breweries, distilleries, golf courses, museums, and other attractions, offering diverse camping backdrops.

• Support for Local Businesses: While not a direct service to the RVer in terms of amenity, the program facilitates a direct connection between travelers and small businesses. Members are encouraged to make a purchase (typically a minimum of $30 is suggested) from their host as a show of appreciation, turning a "camping fee" into a unique product or experience.

• Optional Amenities for a Fee: Some Harvest Hosts locations may offer additional amenities like electric hookups or allow for extra nights (beyond the initial one). These additional services are typically available for a small fee paid directly to the host.

• Digital Platform for Booking: Members access the network through a user-friendly app and website, allowing them to browse hosts, view availability calendars, request stays, and communicate directly with their hosts.

• Community and Networking: Harvest Hosts fosters a community of like-minded RVers. Reviews from members often highlight the opportunity to meet interesting people, both hosts and fellow travelers.

• Route Planning Tools and Filters: The platform offers features like route planning tools and filters to help members find hosts that fit their travel style, rig size, and desired amenities, making trip planning more efficient.

• RV Dump Station Directory: For overall RV travel convenience, the Harvest Hosts platform also includes a comprehensive directory of dump stations, which is a crucial resource for self-contained RVers.

• Unique, Non-Traditional Camping: The most significant highlight is the opportunity for RVers to stay at places far more interesting than typical campgrounds or parking lots. Imagine waking up surrounded by vineyards, an alpaca farm, or even a historic museum.

• Support Local Colorado Businesses: For Coloradans, this program provides a direct way to support our state's diverse local economy. Each stay encourages a purchase from the host, whether it's local wine, craft beer, farm-fresh produce, or unique artisan goods.

• Self-Contained RV Requirement: Harvest Hosts is specifically for self-contained RVs, meaning your rig must have an interior bathroom, holding tanks, and kitchen facilities. This ensures a discreet and respectful visit for the hosts, as most locations do not provide hookups or external facilities.

• Quiet and Safe Overnight Stays: Many Harvest Hosts locations offer a peaceful and secure environment for overnight parking, often more tranquil than busy campgrounds or public rest stops. Being on private property often provides an added sense of security.

• Experiential Travel: Beyond just a place to park, Harvest Hosts encourages "experiential travel." This means engaging with the host's business – perhaps a wine tasting, a farm tour, or learning about a craft. These interactions create memorable experiences and deeper connections to the places you visit.

• Flexibility for Road Trips: It's an excellent option for long road trips, offering unique and safe overnight stops that break up long driving days and add an element of adventure. Members can filter for hosts along their route.

• Wide Variety of Colorado Hosts: Colorado boasts a growing number of Harvest Hosts locations, from wineries in Palisade and distilleries in Cortez to farms and attractions across the state, offering diverse options for different interests.

• Membership Value: While there's an annual membership fee, many members find that the cost quickly pays for itself compared to nightly fees at traditional campgrounds, especially when factoring in the unique experiences gained.

Harvest Hosts is a national membership program headquartered in Vail, CO. While there isn't a specific phone number for "Harvest Host in La Plata County," you can contact the main Harvest Hosts organization for membership inquiries, support, or general information.

• Corporate Office Address: 1300 North Frontage Road, Suite 1594, Vail, CO 81657, United States

• General Phone Number: (970) 361-3314 (This may be a general business line, not direct member support.)

• Email Support: team@harvesthosts.com (Recommended for direct member support and inquiries, especially after logging into your membership on their app/website).

The most efficient way for members to get support or make inquiries is typically through the chat feature available on their website or app once logged in. For prospective members, exploring their website and FAQs is highly recommended to understand the program fully before joining.

For Coloradans, Harvest Hosts is an incredibly suitable and enriching addition to our adventurous RV lifestyle. It caters perfectly to our collective desire for unique experiences, appreciation for local businesses, and love for the diverse landscapes of our state.

Firstly, Harvest Hosts aligns seamlessly with the "support local" ethos that runs strong throughout Colorado. Instead of simply paying a camping fee at a corporate campground, we get to directly contribute to the livelihoods of Colorado's small business owners – whether it's a family farm in the San Luis Valley, a craft brewery in Fort Collins, or a winery on the Western Slope. This exchange provides a tangible benefit, turning a necessary overnight stay into a meaningful act of local economic support.

Secondly, for those of us who own self-contained RVs, Harvest Hosts opens up a world of camping opportunities that are simply unavailable elsewhere. Imagine pulling up to a picturesque alpaca farm in the mountains, enjoying a tasting at a vineyard, or even spending the night at a unique museum. These are experiences that transcend traditional camping, offering intimate glimpses into Colorado's agricultural, artisanal, and cultural fabric. It allows us to discover hidden gems and build connections with the passionate individuals who make our state so unique.

Finally, Harvest Hosts offers a refreshing alternative to crowded state parks or private RV resorts, especially during peak seasons. It often provides a quieter, more peaceful overnight experience, which is a premium for many RVers. The flexibility to find unique spots along any Colorado road trip, from the plains to the peaks, makes spontaneous adventures more accessible and exciting. For Coloradans, Harvest Hosts isn't just about finding a place to park; it's about enriching our travels, deepening our connection to our home state, and creating unforgettable memories, one unique stop at a time.

Harvest Host

La Plata County, CO 81301, USA