Disclosure: Senior Affair may earn a commission if you join through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Prices were checked in November 2026 and can change; confirm the current rate at checkout.
What Is Boondockers Welcome?
Boondockers Welcome started as a community of RVers who opened their driveways, acreage and farms to fellow travelers. It is now part of the Harvest Hosts family, and members book stays through the same app. The network has thousands of hosts across the U.S. and Canada.
Where Harvest Hosts is about businesses like wineries and farms, Boondockers Welcome is about people. Your host might be a retired couple with a big lot outside Tucson or a family farm in Vermont. Many guests say the conversations are the best part.
See Boondockers Welcome Memberships
How It Works
- Search the map for hosts along your route and read their notes on rig size, access and pets.
- Send a stay request through the app and wait for the host to approve.
- Arrive at the agreed time, park where your host directs, and follow their house rules.
- Leave the spot as clean as you found it and post a review.
Because hosts are private homeowners, stays are by request, not instant booking. Planning a few days ahead gives you the most options.
Cost and Membership Options
| Option | Annual Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Boondockers Welcome only | $79 | RVers who want private-property stays |
| Harvest Hosts + Boondockers Welcome | $169 | Travelers who want both networks |
| Harvest Hosts All Access | $179 | Frequent travelers; adds golf hosts and Escapees RV Club |
Hosts can join free. If you own land and enjoy company, hosting is a nice way to meet travelers between your own trips.
Why Retirees Like It
- Multi-night stays. Many hosts allow more than one night, which gives you a rest day instead of driving every morning.
- Optional hookups. Some hosts offer water or electric for a modest fee, helpful in hot or cold weather.
- Safety and comfort. Parking on a vetted member’s property can feel more secure than a rest area or big-box store lot.
- Local knowledge. Hosts often share the best diner, pharmacy or mechanic in town.
Things to Know Before You Join
- Your RV should be self-contained. Most hosts do not offer bathroom access.
- Some driveways cannot fit large Class A rigs or long fifth wheels. Check size limits first.
- Hosts can decline requests, so have a backup plan on busy travel days.
Boondockers Welcome or Harvest Hosts?
If you want wine-country nights and farm stands, start with Harvest Hosts. If you prefer quiet residential stops and the option to stay two or three nights, Boondockers Welcome is the better match. Many retirees end up with both. Our full comparison of Harvest Hosts, Boondockers Welcome and Escapees walks through which combination fits each travel style.
The Bottom Line
At $79 a year, Boondockers Welcome pays for itself in one or two nights compared with most RV parks. For retirees who value conversation, quiet and the chance to slow down, it is one of the best-value memberships in RVing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Boondockers Welcome membership?
A standalone guest membership is $79 per year. It is also included in the Harvest Hosts + Boondockers Welcome plan ($169) and Harvest Hosts All Access ($179).
Is Boondockers Welcome free for hosts?
Yes. Property owners can join as hosts for free.
How many nights can you stay with a Boondockers Welcome host?
It depends on the host. Many allow more than one night, and each listing shows the maximum stay.
Do Boondockers Welcome hosts provide hookups?
Some do, often for a small fee. Most stays are dry camping, so plan to be self-contained.
Is Boondockers Welcome part of Harvest Hosts?
Yes. Boondockers Welcome is owned by Harvest Hosts, and members use the Harvest Hosts app to find and request stays.
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