Since April, the church has hosted 14-15 guests. Wesley UMC launched the program in November 2021 and had one guest before that winter. Two RVs at once, but they typically host one at a time. The church’s lot is also flat and level, which is an asset for those parking an RV. The rural location is quiet and allows guest to have time alone unlike a crowded campsite, Komer said. The church can accommodate The church, Komer said, offers RVers a “sense of security and a safe place for people to stay the night.” While she was not a member, Komer, her husband, and son have been RV living full time since the start of the pandemic, so this was “kind of was up my alley,” she said. Wesley UMC Trustee Sarah Komer did the initial research into the program and handles the reservations and contact with guests. Hosts do not provide water or any services other than a place to park. Harvest Hosts members can reserve a free one-night stay at one of 7,000 locations across the U.S., and in return are encouraged to make a donation to or purchase from their host. Harvest Hosts is a membership program for RVers that offers access to unique RV camping options such as farms, wineries and, yes, churches. But Wesley UMC in Hadley, MA, has done just that by becoming a Harvest Host. Look over the map of Harvest Host locations and compare it with your travel itinerary to see if joining is right for you.United Methodist churches are known for opening their doors, but perhaps less so for opening their parking lots. Or, that a host will be available during that time. While there's concentrated clumps of locations in certain parts of the USA, there's no guarantee that where you want to go will have an a host. Some areas have little to no locations: If you're planning to exclusively use Harvest Hosts to explore the whole country, think again. For someone like me, who shifted my plans depending upon my interest in the spot and constantly changed my travel schedule, looking for an available Harvest Host wasn't always easy. Even if there are host locations listed in the area you're traveling with your camper to, many times these hosts only offer limited days for stays, or are already all booked up. Spots go fast in peak season: Harvest Hosts can't be relied on to always have a spot available. While it's less than an RV park and can still help save money in the long run when you're on an RV adventure, it's not free. Stays aren't free: While you won't pay a reservation fee, campers are expected to purchase a minimum of $20 at their host's locations. Like picking your own Maine blueberries or taking a yacht ride along the coast. And while sometimes that experience is just purchasing something from the host's shop or restaurant, other times it includes a unique event completely off your travel-radar. Try new experiences: Part of doing Harvest Hosts camping involves engaging in an experience. As long as you reserve ahead of time and have set plans, Harvest Hosts is an affordable way to explore all the quiet beauty of the East via RV. Unless you're interested in the Walmart Parking lot, that is. They're great for East Coast travelers: Unlike the Western half of the USA, which has insane amounts of public land where free camping is generally allowed for all interested, the East Coast severely lacks free boon docking spots. Or, it's a great way to find souvenirs for friends and family. Spending $20 at a farm gets you a free stay and some extra groceries for your travels. Plus, its often exciting to purchase something at a host, or useful. Save money by avoiding RV parks: With RV parks costing $50 and up at most locations, even the expected purchase amount of staying with a Harvest Host is still a steep discount.
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