Choice Hotels Has Acquired Harvest Hosts
The hotel chain entered the outdoor lodging market by purchasing the network of 11,200 RV host locations.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Camping
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Choice Hotels has finalized a $130 million deal to purchase Harvest Hosts, a membership-based network for RV travelers. The acquisition connects the hospitality giant with a community of 500,000 RVers across the United States.
Why it matters
Choice Hotels identified that its existing loyalty program members frequently engage in RV travel, driving this strategic expansion into the outdoor lodging sector. This shift marks a significant move by a major hotel franchisor to integrate the specialized camping market into its broader hospitality footprint.
The acquisition represents a 3.5x valuation increase over the company's 2021 sale price. While the membership network currently spans 11,200 locations with $200 million in member spending recorded since 2010, the long-term impact on loyalty program participation remains under investigation.
The players
Choice Hotels
A major global hospitality franchisor that manages brands including Comfort, Quality Inn, and Econo Lodge.
Harvest Hosts
A membership-based network that connects RV travelers with host locations for overnight lodging.
Joel Holland
The chief executive officer of Harvest Hosts who will continue to lead the company following the acquisition.
The details
Choice Hotels funded the transaction using a combination of cash and its existing revolving credit facility. Despite the change in ownership, Harvest Hosts will continue to operate as a standalone brand under the leadership of CEO Joel Holland. The network functions by connecting RVers with host locations for overnight stays, facilitating direct economic support to small businesses within the outdoor community.
Timeline
2010: Harvest Hosts members began spending at host businesses.
2021: Stripes purchased the Harvest Hosts company for $37 million.
September 30, 2026: Choice Hotels announced the completion of the $130 million purchase.
Health Landscape
This acquisition mirrors the broader trend of major hospitality brands expanding into non-traditional outdoor lodging to capture the growing demographic of RV travelers. It represents a pivot toward diversifying travel options that integrate with established loyalty ecosystems.
If you are an RVer, you may eventually see changes to how your hotel loyalty status interfaces with your camping membership. It is worth monitoring official member communications to see if new perks or benefits emerge from this merger for your future travel plans.
The takeaway
The outdoor lodging market is becoming increasingly integrated with traditional hotel chains as companies compete for the travel loyalty of RV owners. Travelers should keep an eye on their membership accounts for any potential updates to cross-brand benefits.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving trends in outdoor recreation, visit the United States Camping section.
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