A self-contained RV is one that is set up to accommodate all functions of living (sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation) inside the RV. This means it has to be designed and built for human habitation and contain facilities for safe food storage, cooking, eating, sleeping and washing so that all functions of living can happen while inside the RV. The bed or fold-out couch/table that converts to a bed must be built-in (not a mattress on the floor). There must be ventilation, lighting, and built-in cabinets to properly secure items during transit.
Self-Contained Vehicle Requirements for Harvest Hosts Membership
Harvest Hosts requires all vehicles to meet certain self-contained criteria to ensure minimal impact on host locations. Below are the detailed requirements for your RV or camper to qualify for membership.
Interior Toilet: Your RV must have an interior toilet. Porta-potties that remain inside the vehicle at all times are acceptable, but must be dumped off-site at an appropriate facility. Portable toilets that must be set up or used externally, such as in bathroom/privacy tents, do not meet the self-contained standard and are prohibited.
Interior Sink: You must have a sink that is installed and the drain connected by plumbing to a grey water holding tank. A removable greywater tank is acceptable, but it must be secured in place and have a watertight seal between the tank and pipe or hose connecting it to the sink. See examples at the bottom of this article of acceptable and unacceptable gray water storage.
Homemade or custom conversions are acceptable but must still meet the requirement of being self-contained. Buses, cargo vans, and box trailers can be converted, but we will NOT accept tents, cars, SUVs, or pick-up trucks (RV truck campers are fine as long as they are fully self-contained). Cars and SUVs are not allowed, even if they are self-contained.
Please Note: If you are still unsure if your rig would be accepted for our memberships, please send us a photo of your rig and setup. We will review it and let you know.
Greywater Management and Sink Requirements
Effective greywater and sink systems are necessary to meet Harvest Hosts’ policy:
Your RV must have an installed sink with a drain plumbed to a greywater holding tank.
A removable greywater tank is acceptable but must be securely attached and watertight.
Portable sinks outside the RV (e.g., in a towing vehicle) are not permissible.
Dumping greywater on host properties or using unapproved facilities is prohibited.
Here are photo examples of what is and is not acceptable:
Acceptable sink installations
Unacceptable sink installations
Summary
By adhering to these requirements, members help ensure that host locations remain clean and enjoyable for all visitors. Providing self-contained vehicles supports Harvest Hosts’ mission to create sustainable RV camping experiences while respecting the generosity of hosts. For further clarification, please contact Harvest Hosts support or refer to the membership guidelines.