GREEN BAY − Harvest Hosts connects RV campers with businesses all over the country, helping them find a place to spend the night while on long road trips.
The company, based in Vail, Colorado, offers a membership program that allows recreational camping travelers find unique locations — farms, wineries, breweries, museums and more — around the United States and Canada.
Joel Holland, CEO of Harvest Hosts, is, himself, a traveler, and said he discovered while traveling with his wife that it wasn't that easy to find spots to camp.
"RVing — as it became more popular it became harder to find places to stay," he said.
He discovered the company back in 2018 and decided to buy it after realizing how good the concept was. He said the company was really small and had 600 locations, but not a lot of registered members.
"They had enough to give me a head start," he said. "We now have almost 10,000 (locations) and about a quarter million members."
In Wisconsin alone, he said there are 300 locations with 30 just over an hour from Green Bay.
Trading a purchase at a establishment for a one-night stay
Travelers can login to Harvest Hosts' website or app and pay for a membership fee of $100 a year to find camping locations all over the country.
Holland said users then request a date to stay at an establishment, and only need to support the business by purchasing something. Businesses do not pay anything for being part of the program.
"If you are going to Badger State Brewing, then you know, do a tasting, buy some beer," he said.
Holland said members this year will spend over $50 million directly with businesses nationwide.
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Increased tourism and revenues for cities and business owners
There are several businesses in the Green Bay area that are part of the program and allow campers to stay one night.
Larry Strange, owner of Bay Beach Mini Golf, a camper and traveler as well, said he's met people from all over, even Alaska and Canada, through this partnership. At his property, he allows one large camper at a time, or two if they are smaller.
"We provide a secure place for them here so they can enjoy their time in Green Bay," he said.
Strange said he has been a host for one year now and the experience has been very good.
"(Campers) have been very good, very polite and quiet," he said.
Strange has made exceptions to let some campers stay two nights, he said it's good for the tourism and the city.