Hundreds of RVers flocked to Salt Lake City during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament last month, staying with and supporting local small businesses through an RV hosting company. These visitors used the membership program Harvest Hosts, which allows travelers to park their RVs at local businesses within cities rather than at campsites located outside city limits.
Instead of paying a campsite fee, Harvest Hosts members purchase goods from the local businesses where they are staying, which helps benefit those small businesses. Wes Clark, the COO of the company, mentioned that there was a record number of stays in March, with people traveling for various reasons such as the eclipse, March Madness, and normal travel activities.
Since its founding in 2011, the company has generated over $150 million for small businesses and is on pace to generate $50 million this year. Harvest Hosts charges users a $99 annual fee for access to a network of small businesses, without taking a portion of the sales generated. Over 5,000 small businesses across the country partner with Harvest Hosts to provide RV camping, with popular locations in Utah ranging from Santaquin to South Salt Lake.
Clark emphasized that the company’s mission is centered around helping small businesses and providing a unique experience for RV travelers. By staying with local businesses through Harvest Hosts, travelers not only get a comfortable place to stay but also contribute to the local economy while exploring new places.
