Places to Shower Away From Camp
If you are not hooked up to water, these are common places to find a shower:
- Campground bathhouses: many developed campgrounds have shower buildings. Some are included with a site, while others charge extra or have limited hours.
- Gyms: national chains with many locations are popular with travelers. Memberships and guest policies vary.
- Truck stops and travel centers: some offer paid showers. Prices and cleanliness vary.
- Public pools and recreation centers: often a low-cost day pass includes a shower.
- Beaches and parks: some have rinse stations or outdoor showers. Use these as provided and avoid soap where it is not allowed.
- Friends, family, or hosts: the easy fallback.
Check hours and fees ahead of time, since they change.
Showering at a Campground
Bring flip-flops, a small bag with soap, shampoo and a towel, and a change of clothes. Showers can be busy in the morning and evening, so mid-day is often calmer. Bring coins or a card if the facility is coin-operated, and take a short shower so others get their turn.
Portable Camp Shower Kits
If you want to shower at your site, there are a few types:
- Gravity showers: a bag or bucket hung above you with a hose. Simple and cheap, with low pressure.
- Manual pump showers: pressurize a tank by hand for steadier flow.
- Battery or USB pump showers: a small pump in a bucket or bag. They give better pressure and need charging.
- Solar bags: warmed by the sun, best on sunny days.
Read reviews and compare weight, capacity and how easy it is to refill and clean. A shower tent adds privacy and helps keep wind off you.
Heating Water
Options include sun-warmed bags, water heated on a camp stove and mixed with cold, propane-powered portable heaters, or 12V heaters. If you use any fuel-burning heater, follow its instructions and keep it outdoors unless it is designed otherwise.
Sponge Baths and Wipes
When water is tight, a sponge bath with a washcloth and a small basin uses very little. Body wipes can help between showers, though they create trash. Focus on areas that matter most: face, underarms, feet and groin.
Rivers and Lakes Responsibly
Washing in natural water can harm it, even with biodegradable soap. A common guideline is to carry water at least 200 feet (about 60 meters) away from the shore, then wash and rinse there and let the water soak into the ground. Check local regulations, as some areas restrict this.
Making a Short Shower Work
- Wet your body, then turn the water off.
- Soap up and scrub.
- Rinse quickly.
- Wear shoes or stand on a mat to keep clean.
- Dry off and dress inside a tent or vehicle.
A small amount of water, a few gallons, can be enough with this method.
FAQ
How do I shower at a campground? Find the bathhouse, bring your supplies, and follow posted rules and hours.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for camping? Versions vary, but it is commonly described as driving no more than about 300 miles a day, arriving by about 3 p.m., and staying at least 3 nights. It is a loose rule of thumb for planning trips, not a requirement.
What are the essentials for camping? Shelter, sleeping gear, water, food, a way to cook, first aid, navigation, a light source, and clothing for the weather. Add shower supplies if you want them.
If you live in a van, see camper van shower ideas for options that go beyond a portable kit.