Public Showers For Campervan Life
Van life can bring immense joy, but it has its challenges too – like needing regular showers. If you’re looking for public shower options while living in a campervan, you’re in luck: there are many places to get clean when you’re on the move.
Knowing where to find public showers is an essential part of van life. Sometimes, you’re on a cross-country road trip or just looking for somewhere to freshen up after a long day of hiking and camping. Body wipes are just not enough sometimes, and there are plenty of options out there – if you know where to look.
Personally…I put a shower and hot water heater in my Ambulance Recreational Vehicle Conversion so that I could go stealth camping or boondock without having to go into town. Oh, how I agonized over the trade of extra space versus the inconvenience of having to find a private shower with REAL shower stalls. My wife was the deciding factor…we have a built-in shower now, but I still have the notes I compiled in preparation.
In this blog post, we will explore all the different ways that you can find public showers for your campervan. Put on your shower shoes, and let’s look at all the ways you can keep clean while living the van life!
Public Showers Locations
One of the easiest ways to find public showers when living in a campervan is to log into The Public Showers Directory.
Providing detailed information about public showers in the United States and Canada, the Public Shower Directory is a comprehensive, online resource. It includes data on the type of shower, its location, hours of operation, cost, and reviews from users who have used the showers. You can get an idea of what to expect before you go.
It’s easy and convenient to use…access the directory from any device with an internet connection. The Public Shower Directory makes a great tool for anyone looking for public showers while traveling or living without access to home plumbing.
RV Parks And Campgrounds
RV parks and campgrounds are facilities that offer spaces for RVs to park and camp. They often have hot showers available for campers or RVers to use. Usually, these showers are located in a separate building or area within the park or dispersed in individual campsites.
To find RV parks and campgrounds, use an online directory or search engine, such as Campendium or RV Park Reviews. These websites list campgrounds and RV parks by location and provide details about available amenities, such as showers. You can also use a GPS device or smartphone app, such as Google Maps, to locate campgrounds and RV parks along your route.
In addition to online resources, you can also ask friends or family for recommendations. Check with your local park and recreation department for information on facilities in your area. Some state and national parks also offer campsites with showers for RVers, so you may want to consider these options as well.
Call ahead to confirm availability and make a reservation at your RV park or campground. Some facilities may have limited space or require advance booking, especially during peak season.
Truck stops
Truck stops are a common sight along highways and interstates in the United States and Canada, and they usually have showers available for truckers to use. These showers are often located in a separate building or area within the truck stop, and they may be open 24 hours a day.
Use an online directory or search engine, such as Trucker Path or Allstays, to find travel centers and truck stop showers. These websites list truck stops by location and provide details about available amenities, including showers. Use a GPS device or smartphone app, such as Google Maps, to locate truck stops along your route.
To find truck stop showers, you can use an online directory or search engine, such as Trucker Path or Allstays. These websites list truck stops by location and provide details about available amenities, including showers. You can also use a GPS device or smartphone app, such as Google Maps, to locate truck stops along your route.
If you prefer, you can also ask other truckers or transportation professionals for recommendations. Truckers and other professionals who travel often may be familiar with truck stops that offer good showers or other amenities.
Before traveling to a truck stop, call to confirm showers are available. Some truck stops may have limited hours for showers or may have a certain number of stalls available, so it’s best to check ahead.
Recreation Centers And Community Pools
Recreation centers and public pools also offer public showers for RVers. It is common for these facilities to have showers and changing rooms.
Online searches or recommendations from friends and family can help you locate recreation centers and public pools. For information on local facilities, contact your local park and recreation department.
Public And Private Campgrounds
Many campgrounds, whether they are public or private, have showers available for campers or RVers to use. These showers are located in a separate building or area within the campground, and they may be open seasonally or year-round depending on the location.
Public campgrounds are campsites owned and operated by federal, state, or local governments located in public parks or forests. Campground shower facilities are available for campers to use, and the availability and amenities of these showers may vary depending on the location. Some public campgrounds may have showers with private stalls, while others may have showers with multiple stalls that are open to the public.
Private campgrounds are campsites owned and operated by private individuals or companies, located near popular recreation areas or attractions. Private campgrounds may have showers available for campers to use, and the availability and amenities of these showers may vary depending on the location. Some private campgrounds may have showers with private stalls, while others may have showers with multiple stalls that are open to the public.
To find public or private campgrounds with showers, you can use an online directory or search engine, such as Campendium or RV Park Reviews. These websites list campgrounds by location and provide details about available amenities, including showers. You can also use a GPS device or smartphone app, such as Google Maps, to locate campgrounds along your route.
Public Beaches
If you’re near a beach, you may be able to find public shower facilities there.
Many beaches have outdoor showers available for beachgoers to use to rinse off sand and saltwater after swimming. These showers are usually located near the beach access points or in specified shower areas, and they may be open seasonally or year-round depending on the location.
Outdoor showers at the beach are usually free to use and are open to the public. Some beaches may have showers with multiple stalls, while others may have individual showers. The water pressure and temperature of outdoor beach showers may vary depending on the location and the time of year.
Some beaches may also have indoor showers available. These showers are located in a separate building or in public restrooms, and they may be coin-operated or available for free. Indoor showers at the beach may have more consistent water pressure and temperature than outdoor showers.
To find out if a particular beach has showers available, you can try searching online or contacting the beach’s management or maintenance staff. Some beaches may have information about amenities, including showers, on their website or social media pages. You can also ask other beachgoers or residents for recommendations.
Keep in mind that not all beaches have showers available, and the availability of showers may vary depending on the location and the time of year. It’s a good idea to call ahead or check online to confirm the availability of showers before you make the trip to the beach.
Gyms And Fitness Centers
Public showers can be found at gyms and fitness centers. Most gyms provide showers for members to use before or after their workout sessions. Often partitioned from the main workout area, shower stalls are typically private with an individual shower in each.
One popular gym chain that offers showers at many of its locations is Planet Fitness. Planet Fitness is a nationwide gym chain with locations in the United States, Canada, and the Dominican Republic. The company offers a variety of membership options, including a “Black Card” membership that includes access to showers at all Planet Fitness locations.
Anytime Fitness is much more popular than Planet Fitness, but it’s twice as pricey. Anytime Fitness passes cost around $40-$50/month and requires a contract.
To use the showers at a gym or fitness center, you will usually need to have a gym membership with the facility. Many gyms and fitness centers offer daily, weekly, or monthly membership options, so you can choose the option that works best for you. Some facilities may also offer day passes or guest passes, which allow you to use the showers and other amenities for a one-time fee.
Looking for a gym or workout facility with showers? Check online directories such as Google Maps or Yelp. Contact your park and recreation department to learn more about available facilities in your area. Calling ahead is recommended to check whether showers are available and ask about any membership or guest pass possibilities.
Public Rest Stops and Truck Wash Stations
When in a bind, RVers can utilize public showers at truck wash stations or select restrooms. Though not as comfortable or convenient as other choices, these facilities can serve as a possible solution in times of need.
You can look online or in a directory to locate public restrooms and truck washes. Other RVers and transportation experts can provide good suggestions, too.
Invest In A Solar Shower
Solar showers are a convenient and environmentally-friendly option for campers who need to take a shower while camping or traveling. A solar shower is a bag or container filled from a nearby water source with cold water and left in the sun to heat up. The bag or container has a hose and shower head attached, allowing you to use the somewhat hot water for a shower.
Solar showers are great for campers who do not have access to electricity or plumbing at their campsite. They also serve those who want to conserve water and energy while camping. They are also convenient for travelers who are on the go and don’t have access to a shower at their hotel or other accommodations.
To use a solar shower, you will need to fill the bag or container with water and leave it in the sun to heat up. Heat the water for at least a few hours to reach a comfortable temperature for showering. You can use it immediately if you don’t mind a cold shower.
Hang the bag or container from a tree or other support when the water has heated up. Next, use the hose and showerhead to have a portable shower. Add biodegradable soap and you’re set.
Portable camp showers constructed out of materials like PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) and canvas made to last. These items are designed to be portable and user-friendly. Features like a built-in thermometer and a pressure valve to regulate water flow comes standard on certain models.
You can find solar showers in outdoor and camping stores, as well as on the internet. You can find them in various sizes and designs to meet different requirements and tastes. Solar showers are typically budget-friendly and can be a good choice compared to other showering options.
How About A Propane Heated Shower?
Propane-heated portable showers are a convenient option for campers who need to take a shower while camping or traveling. These showers are portable units that use propane gas to heat water, allowing you to take a warm shower even if you don’t have access to electricity or plumbing at your campsite.
Propane-heated portable showers are typically designed to be lightweight and easy to use. They usually come with a tank or reservoir for storing water, a propane burner to heat the water, and a hose and nozzle for showering. Some models may also have features such as a built-in temperature gauge or a pressure valve to control the flow of water.
Conclusion
There are plenty of options for finding public showers when living in an RV. From RV parks and campgrounds to truck stops and gyms, there’s sure to fix that works for you.
Remember to prepare a shower kit to take with you, and put your favorite bar of soap, shower cap, wash rags, etc, in it because national parks and truck stops will not have these.
We encourage you to try out the different options and see which ones work best for you. And if you have any additional tips or experiences with finding public showers while living in an RV, let us know!
