Experience Southern Idaho by RVing with Harvest Hosts
As millions of Americans embrace the freedom of RV travel – whether for a weekend escape or as part of a nomadic lifestyle – there’s a growing desire to go beyond campgrounds and connect with locals, especially in places boasting beautiful landscapes.
This is where Harvest Hosts comes in. The company provides RV travelers with a unique way to explore by offering one-of-a-kind overnight stays at farms, wineries, breweries, museums and other small businesses with stunning views.
In Southern Idaho, where vast ranch land meets scenic canyons, hosts are opening up their unique and wide-open spaces to this new wave of RV travelers.
RVers exploring the region can rest their rigs at a wagyu cattle ranch with high desert vista views in Shoshone or enjoy a guided tasting at a winery in Buhl, where vines sprout from the volcanic soil. In Jerome, travelers can get a taste of the region’s agritourism by staying at an orchard and picking seasonal fruit.
These are just a few of the memorable Harvest Host locations in Southern Idaho. Ahead, find out how entrepreneurs are turning RV pit stops into unforgettable experiences and boosting their businesses along the way.
A Roost for RVers and Eagles Alike
The median age of RV owners has been trending younger in recent years, driven in part by the rise of remote work and improved access to Wi-Fi and satellite internet, making it easier than ever for people to work from the road.
At the same time, RVers are spending more time traveling: The median number of days RVs are used annually has climbed to 30, a 50% increase since 2021, according to the RV Industry Association.
These shifts are creating new opportunities in recreation-rich areas like Southern Idaho, where small business owners can cater to a growing number of RV travelers looking for places to stay and explore local offerings.
Located in Wendell, the West Point Watering Hole is a restaurant, beer bar, convenience store and RV park owned by Brandon Borrowman, who grew up visiting the store with her dad during his hunting trips to the area. She purchased the property in 2021.
This site is a popular post-adventure stop for anyone exploring nearby Box Canyon Springs, with its waterfall hikes and crisp swimming hole, and for those kayaking through the brilliant blue waters of Blue Heart Springs.
Visitors enjoy stunning sunset views over the Snake River Canyon from the four RV spots located behind Borrowman’s restaurant. But the real showstopper here is the mystery of the Eagle Tree. From November to March, the tree and surrounding ones host up to 200 bald eagles in the evening as they return to roost after their hunt. The best time to see them is at sunset, Borrowman says.
“If you’re staying here, you get to hear them talk and get unique glimpses of them in the morning, too,” she says.
The Riverside Resort Experience
Riverside Resort, a Harvest Hosts location in Burley, offers RV travelers scenic campsites along the Snake River.
The resort features a marina, allowing guests to launch boats directly into the river. It’s also home to two restaurants: the Boathouse, a go-to spot for a juicy ribeye, and Portside Pizza and Pub, where a chef with Italian roots serves creative pies, like a fan favorite topped with spicy honey and bacon. On Friday nights, locals and visitors alike gather for karaoke, adding a community vibe to the resort.
“You can really make a day out of it here and get out on the river, walk the property and enjoy some great food,” says Angelo Dagostino, operations manager at Riverside Resort.
RV ownership has surged 62% in the past two decades, with more than 11 million U.S. households now owning one at last count, according to Go RVing.
Dagostino has seen firsthand the rise of remote workers – freelance accountants, tech professionals and others untethered from traditional offices – embracing the nomadic lifestyle.
To meet growing demand, Riverside Resort plans to expand into a larger KOA RV resort.
“If there’s Wi-Fi, they can work remotely,” Dagostino says. “It’s really opened up a lot of possibilities for people of all ages to travel more.”
Explore Southern Idaho
Visit livability.com/southern-idaho to learn more about living, working and playing in the region.