About
Boondockers Welcome is a peer-to-peer RV hosting community that lets traveling RVers find free overnight stays on private property across North America. Rather than paying for crowded commercial campgrounds, guest members can browse 3,675+ host locations throughout the US and Canada, contact hosts along their route, and arrange stays that are quieter, more scenic, and more personal than traditional campgrounds. Hosts are fellow RV enthusiasts who open their property — driveways, land, or dedicated RV spaces — to traveling guests. Over 70% of hosts provide electrical and/or water hookups, making boondocking more comfortable than the name suggests. In return, guests leave a genuine thank-you and a host review; no money changes hands. Guest membership is an affordable annual subscription (roughly the cost of one campground night), while hosts who list their property receive their membership for free. The platform is part of the Harvest Hosts family, and members of both programs can search across both networks from a single mobile app available on iOS and Android. Boondockers Welcome is ideal for full-time RVers, weekend warriors, solo van-lifers, and anyone looking to stretch their travel budget while experiencing authentic local hospitality. Hosts double as local guides, offering tips on nearby restaurants, attractions, and hidden gems. The community has earned enthusiastic reviews for its safety, friendliness, and money-saving potential.
Key Features
- 3,675+ Host Locations: Access an expansive network of private RV hosts across the US and Canada, with new locations added regularly.
- Hookups at 70% of Sites: The majority of hosts offer electrical and/or water hookups, making stays comfortable without sacrificing the boondocking experience.
- Direct Host Messaging: Contact hosts directly through the platform to arrange stays, ask questions, and get local tips before you arrive.
- Mobile App Access: Search host locations, request stays, and communicate with hosts on the go via the Harvest Hosts mobile app on iOS and Android.
- Hosts-Get-Membership-Free Model: Property owners who list their land as a host location receive their annual guest membership at no cost.
Use Cases
- Full-time RVers looking to dramatically reduce nightly accommodation costs while traveling across the US and Canada.
- Weekend road-trippers seeking quiet, private alternatives to crowded commercial campgrounds.
- Van-lifers and solo travelers wanting authentic connections with local RV communities.
- RV owners with property who want to meet fellow travelers and earn a free membership by hosting overnight guests.
- Snowbirds and seasonal travelers planning long routes who need reliable, affordable overnight stops along the way.
Pros
- Significant Cost Savings: An annual subscription costs roughly one campground night, yet unlocks thousands of free overnight stays throughout the year.
- Unique, Peaceful Experiences: Private property stays are quieter and more scenic than commercial campgrounds, often with stunning natural surroundings.
- Authentic Local Connections: Hosts are fellow RV enthusiasts who share insider knowledge about local restaurants, sights, and hidden gems.
- Comfort-Friendly Boondocking: With 70% of hosts offering hookups, members rarely have to sacrifice comfort for the freedom of boondocking.
Cons
- Requires Advance Planning: Guests must contact hosts ahead of time to arrange stays, making spontaneous last-minute stops less practical.
- Host Availability Varies: Not all geographic areas have dense host coverage, so remote or less-traveled routes may have limited options.
- Annual Subscription Required for Guests: Traveling members must pay an annual fee to access host listings, unlike fully free alternatives such as public land camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Boondockers Welcome guest membership cost?
The annual guest subscription is roughly equivalent to the cost of one night at a commercial campground. Hosts who list their property receive the membership for free.
Do hosts charge money for overnight stays?
No. Hosts do not accept payment. The expectation is a genuine thank-you and a positive host review on the platform.
Do I need hookups to use Boondockers Welcome?
Not at all — many members are fully self-contained. However, over 70% of hosts do offer electrical and/or water hookups for added convenience.
Is there a mobile app?
Yes. Boondockers Welcome is part of the Harvest Hosts family, and members can search locations, request stays, and message hosts through the Harvest Hosts mobile app on iOS and Android.
Can I be both a host and a guest?
Yes. Many members both host travelers on their property and travel as guests. Hosting earns you a free guest membership, giving you full access to all host listings.
