Campers Can Rent Property Thanks To These New Platforms To Stay Away From Large Crowds

I opened my eyes and peeked out the window of our Ford Transit camper van just in time to see the sun rising above the rows of grapevines, grabbing my phone to snap a photo before the light changed.

My partner and I had spent the night under the stars at Ponderosa Valley Vineyard & Winery on the outskirts of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Though we love all kinds of camping, we wanted to stay away from the huge crowds at traditional campgrounds and RV resorts during the coronavirus pandemic. At the winery, it was just the two of us, plus the owner’s three huge friendly dogs.

We were able to have the nearly private experience because campsites are popping up in new places these days, thanks to platforms like Hipcamp and Harvest Hosts, which allow landowners to rent out their land to campers for a nightly rate or through an annual membership fee.

For these small businesses, like wineries, farms, distilleries, and breweries—many of which have had to modify their offerings lately—it's a chance to bring in some extra income. In recent months, Harvest Hosts has added more than 100 new locations where self-contained RVers can reserve stays, all included with their $80 annual membership fee (you'll also need to pay the fee to browse Harvest Hosts' listings). Additionally, campers are expected to spend at least $20 per night at the host’s business and limit their stay at any particular location to one night unless they get permission from their host to stay longer.

For the full article from Conde Nast Traveler click here.