Staying fresh and clean while traveling in a camper van helps you enjoy your trip. A little research, relying on specific resources, and chatting with locals go a long way. Here are some tips and the best options for how to shower on the road.
Places You Can Shower on the Road
1. Solar Shower
A solar shower is the ultimate freedom; it allows you to take a warm shower right at your campsite! So, what exactly is a solar shower? It’s a portable shower bag that soaks up the sun’s rays during the day, heating the water inside to a toasty temperature. When you’re ready to freshen up, hang it from a tree branch, turn it on, and voilà! You’ve got yourself a hot shower; no plumbing required. We love them so much, we decided to offer them as a standard, included item for every rental. Skip the long search for a shower and opt for a solar shower.
2. Public Swimming Pools & Recreation Centers
Community swimming pools and recreation centers are the perfect places to find a hot shower on the road. One-day passes at gyms can be pricey. If you’re on a budget, many public pools and rec centers cost only $4-$8 for a day pass. Nicer facilities are sometimes more expensive, so it’s a good idea to search for the best option for what you need. Some centers even have saunas and hot tubs!
3. Campgrounds
Even if you’re not staying at a campground, many privately owned campgrounds will let you purchase a day pass to shower. These showers are often between $5 and $10, depending on the place. Typically, campgrounds in national and state parks are stricter about day passes for showers.
4. Hostels
Hostels in both cities and small outdoorsy towns generally offer showers for a small fee, even for people not staying there. Shower prices vary, so it’s best to call around and ask.
5. Truck Stops/Gas Stations
Truck stops are an easy and common option along many road trip routes. Generally, these shower facilities average around $10, but some places charge up to $20. You’ll have a private shower with a toilet, sink, and shower. Many even provide towels. You don’t have to be a truck driver to shower at a gas station. Some popular gas stations include Pilot’s, Love’s, and Flying J’s.
6. Public Beach Showers
If you’re traveling along the coast, many public beaches have showers for free! Of course, these aren’t private, and they are typically cold water, so you’ll need to shower in your bathing suit and make it snappy. Coastal beaches are the most common option with free public showers, but some river and lakeside beaches also have free showers.
7. Gyms
Gyms are a great option for showering on the road. Many gyms offer rates with affordable day passes so you can work out and shower. Some gyms even offer free one-day passes! If you’re spending time in more populated cities and towns, consider a gym membership at Planet Fitness or 24-Hour Fitness. For as little as $25 a month, you’ll have access to their nationwide network of gyms with warm showers. If you’re based in one location and prefer regular showers, research the local gyms for the best option. Also, keep in mind the gym hours—the more flexible, the better. Additionally, some climbing gyms will let you pay for a shower without using the climbing facilities.
8. Boat Marinas
Boat marinas sometimes have public showering facilities for a fee. Many boat marinas offer shower facilities for the marina guests only, so be sure to ask if the restroom and shower facilities are available to the public.
9. Lakes, Streams, and Rivers
This isn’t always the warmest option, especially if you live in the mountains, but fresh water sources are a great option to rinse off and feel clean! And they’re free! If you use these freshwater sources, it’s important to keep them pristine. Avoid using any soap in the water; if you must use soap, check that soap is permitted in the area and use environmentally friendly soap. Many areas require washing at least 100 feet from any water source. This is common in high mountainous areas with freshwater alpine lakes. However, in desert areas like those along the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, it’s preferred that you wash directly in the river. Read regulations before you bathe in a natural water source.
10. Friends
Hit up friends for a shower when passing through their town! And remind them that you don’t need a place to stay because you have your camper van – but maybe buy them some chocolate or a 6-pack. Or make friends while on the road! Many people, especially those also familiar with campervan travel and showering on the road, are especially open to letting you stop by for a shower.
11. Ask Around for Tips for Showering on the Road!
It never hurts to ask locals for tips about showering on the road. Some of the best advice comes from people working at used gear shops, campgrounds, and even from National Park employees.
Final Tips for Showering on the Road
The longer you spend on your road trip, the more you’ll learn about showering on the road. Here are a few tips to help your camper van showering experience go smoothly.
- Use camping apps to find shower locations. Camping apps like iOverlander, The Dyrt, and Campendium are awesome resources for finding campsites nationwide. Many people also mark public shower locations.
- A quick Google search is also a great option. Reddit pages usually have information about showering on the road in a small town.
- Staying clean helps you stay warm. Sweat cools you off, so the less you shower, the colder you’ll be, especially in the winter. Showering regularly helps you sleep better.
- Don’t expect all showering experiences to be incredible. Sometimes the water pressure is great; sometimes it’s AWFUL. Some showers have a time limit for hot water or don’t warm up much. Some facilities are dirty. You often get what you pay for, so keep that in mind when showering on the road.
