Global lodging franchisor Choice Hotels International has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Harvest Hosts, the premier private RV camping membership network in North America, in an all-cash transaction valued at $130 million. The strategic acquisition expands Choice’s footprint into the rapidly growing outdoor travel and RV sector, unlocking direct access to value-minded road trip enthusiasts across the continent.
Under the terms of the transaction, Choice Hotels will purchase a 100% equity stake in Harvest Hosts from growth equity firm Stripes and other shareholders, funded via existing cash reserves and revolving credit facilities. The deal is expected to close on 1 October 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, and will not impact Choice Hotels’ existing 2026 financial guidance or share repurchase plans.
Expanding Beyond Traditional Lodging into Asset-Light Experiential Travel
Harvest Hosts connects RV travelers with unique, overnight stays across a curated network of more than 11,200 local host sites, including wineries, breweries, farms, golf courses, and museums. Operating on an asset-light, subscription-based business model, the platform allows members to stay overnight at partner destinations without paying traditional camping fees, generating incremental revenue for local small businesses.
Following the closing of the deal, Harvest Hosts will continue to operate as a standalone business unit under its existing brand identity. Chief Executive Officer Joel Holland will remain at the helm alongside his current executive team, with all Harvest Hosts employees transitioning to Choice Hotels. The acquisition also encompasses Harvest Hosts’ broader portfolio of outdoor travel brands, including Boondockers Welcome, Escapees RV Club, CampScanner, and Brit Stops.
Strategic Alignment with Value-Minded Travelers and Choice Privileges
The transaction reflects an ongoing trend among major hotel operators expanding into outdoor hospitality, positioning Choice Hotels to capture a broader share of consumer travel spending during road trips. Choice Hotels highlighted significant demographic overlap between its existing Choice Privileges loyalty base and North American RV travelers, creating cross-promotional opportunities to market traditional hotel stays and experiential outdoor camping.
By integrating Harvest Hosts into its corporate structure, Choice Hotels strengthens its digital direct-to-consumer relationships while providing Harvest Hosts access to Choice’s extensive enterprise scale, technology infrastructure, and marketing capabilities.
Executive Insights
“The heart and soul of Harvest Hosts is the unique connections we have built between our members, hosts and employees. We share a love of the open road and the communities that make every journey memorable. Joining forces with Choice Hotels gives us an incredible opportunity to bring that experience to more people and accelerate our mission of creating millions of happier campers and communities.”
— Joel Holland, CEO, Harvest Hosts
“At Stripes, we believe the best businesses start with amazing products that customers genuinely love, and Harvest Hosts is a great example of that. Joel and the team have built a differentiated experience that makes RV travel more memorable, accessible and rewarding… we believe Choice is an exceptional home for Harvest Hosts as it enters its next chapter of growth.”
— Chris Carey, Partner, Stripes
Key Highlights & Performance Metrics
- $130 Million All-Cash Acquisition: Choice Hotels acquires 100% of Harvest Hosts from Stripes and private shareholders.
- 11,200+ Host Locations: Expands Choice’s ecosystem with access to private wineries, farms, breweries, and golf courses.
- Standalone Operational Structure: Harvest Hosts retains its brand identity, led by CEO Joel Holland and the existing team.
- Expanded Portfolio Inclusion: Acquires complementary platforms including Boondockers Welcome, Escapees RV Club, CampScanner, and Brit Stops.