Hygiene - Finding showers on the Road

One of the most common questions regarding van life is about hygiene. Where do you find showers on the road?

Here are your shower options on the road:

• Solar Shower

  •  Solar showers can provide just enough warmth and flow rate to wash with, and you can easily fashion an enclosure to protect your modesty. There are even pop-up enclosures available, which can double as a toilet cubicle. The solar shower can also be handy for rinsing dirty dishes.

• Public swimming pools

  • Who says you have to swim? Or why not take a quick dip before you shower?

• Truck Stops

  • Most truck stops have shower facilities, and they are generally really nice and clean. They have gotten pricey though, the last shower I had at a truck stop was $18. Before I had actually showered at a Truck Stop, I considered this a last resort! I was pleasantly surprised though at the accommodations!

• Community Rec centers

  • Many community rec centers have day passes. Some even have shower passes. Either pass is less than what you’d pay at a truck stop.

• Public beach showers

  • If you’ve been to a beach, you’ve likely seen a beach shower. They are generally out in the open with no enclosure and used to rinse off after swimming in the ocean. This is a great option, with a swimsuit, of course!

• Boat marinas

  • Lots of boat marinas have shower houses. If you are near a marina, check out their website.

• Campgrounds & RV Parks

  • It’s common to find shower facilities at campgrounds and RV parks. Not only can you shower, but you can also clean out your van, do laundry, and fill up your water. Prices for RV Parks can be quite high but take into consideration all the amenities they offer for a one-night stay.

• State parks or developed campgrounds

• Even if you don’t camp there, many parks have shower facilities and reasonable day use fees.

• Gyms and Fitness Centers

  • If you spend a lot of time in cities, Planet Fitness is a common membership for van lifers.  About $22 a month will get you a Planet Fitness Black Card, which gives you access to all the gyms in the US.

• Nature

  • For the more adventurous vanlifer, you can always go for a wild swim in a clean river or lake. Just remember to use natural and eco-friendly products so you don’t cause issues with the wildlife who depend on the rivers and lakes as a water source.

• Dry wash

  • Baby wipes, dry shampoo and hair wash caps do the trick for those in-between times.

With any option you use for your hygiene, you do have to have realistic expectations.

• Be ready for varied water pressure. Sometimes there is only a trickle, but it’s better than no water at all!

• Time flies, especially when you are showering! Many campground showers are paid for in quarters. The number of quarters needed varies but be sure to bring plenty and you will quickly determine how fast you can shower!

• You might not like cold plunges, but your shower may be like one! Hot water might be a luxury or limited in some places.

• Cleanliness is not next to godliness, in fact, it’s not even in the same neighborhood! This can be a tough one – getting clean in a dirty place. If you want clean, it will cost you. Your best option is for a truck stop shower since they are cleaned after each use. Even gyms and fitness centers can lack in the cleanliness area and certainly campground showers can. While there is always the exception, be ready for anything!

How long can you go without a shower?

This really depends on personal preference, your activities, your skin type and so many other factors. Everybody will be different in this category. While some can’t imagine not showering daily, (if you’re that person, you might want to reconsider if van life is for you), others can go several days, even a week or longer without a real shower.

If you are going toward the week or longer end of the spectrum, it’s always good to do a little housekeeping in between. Here’s what you can do:

1. Use wet wipes or a wet washcloth. Focus on your armpits, private areas, and feet first, and then give the rest of your body a wipe-down.

2. Use dry shampoo on your hair to keep it fresh.

3. Apply baby powder to your body after you wipe yourself down. The baby powder will leave a nice scent and absorb extra oils.

4. Use deodorant daily. Antiperspirants prevent you from sweating, whereas deodorants work by neutralizing the smell of your sweat.

5. Find a fresh scent cologne, perfume, or body spray.

6. Wear clean clothing – Did your mom used to tell you to always wear clean underwear in case you’re in an accident or was that just my mom?

Tips, Tricks, and some of the things I've discovered along the way.

I’ve found some tips and tricks that work along the way.

Tip #1

I found these disposable towels that work well in places you don’t want your bare feet to touch the floor. They work great in campground showers. After my shower, I take my feet out of my flip flops and stand on this mat, so my feet get dry and it’s easier to get dressed.

Tip #2

Sometimes it’s just too humid to get dressed in the shower house, so most of the time after my shower I simply put on a sundress, that’s it! I can then go back to my van and get dressed.

Tip #3

Scrubzz Disposable Rinse Free Bathing Wipes

Duke Cannon Cold Shower Cooling Field Towels for Face & Body

Rinse Free Body Wash Wipes

Tip #4

Lume Whole Body Deodorant

Tip #5

Quick Dry Towel

Tip #6

iOverlander is a great app to use to find showers.

Tip #7

Here are some other options that many use and love that work great for off-grid camping:

·       Big Kahuna

·       Geyser Portable Showers have a heated and unheated version

·       Weed Sprayer – Some have even used a plain, old-fashioned weed sprayer to do the trick.