Easiest ways to shower when car camping

Are you wondering how to easily shower when car camping? Are you worried about the price? Do you want to know the best practices and some great hacks for free showers? Then keep on reading!

A shower shouldn’t be expensive or hard to find. That’s why I’ve written this article, I want to show you, from my own experience, how to get good and cheap showers when car camping.

Campgrounds

This may be the most obvious, but campgrounds almost always have free showers for their customers. If you’re going to a camp in a popular camping region, then this might be your go-to.

But campgrounds are often first come, first serve, meaning that they might be full most of the peak season.

What I’ve done a couple of times that usually works is to call campgrounds and ask if I can use their showers. Sometimes, they’ve let me in for free to shower and then be on my way, and sometimes I’ve had to pay $5-$8 to use the shower. Either way, it’s always worth a shot to call them or roll up and ask!

Public campgrounds can also have showers, usually larger ones at popular camping regions.

DIY car camping shower setups

If you’re looking for a way to skip the public or pay showers, then creating your own DIY shower setup is the way to go. In this next section, we’ll explain how to make the most popular portable shower setups.

First off, showering in nature or at your car is hard to do with some privacy. If you’re not out in the wilderness or at a secluded place away from other people, then you might not feel so comfortable when showering.

A fix is, of course, to have your swimwear on, but an even better solution is getting a shower tent. This tent is easy to set up and doesn’t cost much at all. You can check them out right here.

Shower bags

Shower bags are simply bags filled with water, often combined with a hose and a showerhead. They’re cheap and easy to use, requiring only that you position them over your head to get water flowing onto you.

Most shower bags come with a handle so you can hang them up in branches. They’re really easy to use and flexible. You can also put them in the sun before showering if you want a warm shower!

Battery powered shower and a bucket

A battery-powered showerhead is one of the most convenient setups you can get when car camping. Combine this with a shower tent, and you have a luxurious shower with privacy.

But what’s a battery-powered showerhead? Well, it’s simply a normal showerhead combined with a hose and battery-powered pump.

I’ve always used this setup, and it’s super easy to use: Put the pump in a bucket of water and turn it on.

A tip is to get a collapsible bucket to save space in your car camping setup!

Most also come with changeable showerheads, making them flexible and multi-usable.

Pump sprayers

Using a pump sprayer isn’t the best method, but it’s simple, easy to use, and gets the job done. Get a pump sprayer with quite a big water reservoir, then spray your body as if it’s your showerhead.

You’re not going to get the same “shower” feeling as having a faucet above your head, but when you combine it with a shower sponge, you’ll feel clean and fresh afterward.

Recreational or Aquatic centers and gyms

Going to a recreational or aquatic centers and gyms is a popular way to shower while car camping. They always offer clean showers, changing rooms and sometimes saunas. And while you’re at it, why not get a workout in?

First, gyms require memberships and, depending on how much you’ll use them, it might not be worth it. But that’s where test periods come into play, especially at local and smaller gyms. You simply need a photo ID and an e-mail address to get a test period, giving you free showers for said time.

If you plan to pay for a membership, then do your research first. Look up the cheapest and most spread-out gym chains. That way, you can travel around and always be close to a shower!

Most gyms and recreational centers have lockers requiring padlocks, so always bring one to keep your valuables secure!

Recreational centers are usually way cheaper than paying for a day at the gym, so if you can’t get any test days at the gym, go to a rec center instead. Aquatic centers especially have very clean and well-maintained showers.

Rest stops, truck stops and gas stations

Stopping by the side of the road and popping into a rest stop or gas station could be the most convenient way to shower, depending on your car camping journey.

Most gas stations, rest stops, and most definitely truck stops have showers. They usually cost about $10-$20, depending on the chain and where you are.

Out of these three choices, truck stops have always been my favourite. They’re always well maintained and the cleanest.

Natural water sources

If you’ve no access to DIY or normal showers, then a dip in a natural water source helps. A lake or river might not be the cleanest water to “shower” in, but the water will rinse you of sweat and body oils, making you feel refreshed.

Bathing once a day is a great way to feel fresh and clean!

You can also bring soap and shampoo, as long as they’re environmentally friendly and the local rules allow it.

Remember that biodegradable soap/shampoo isn’t always environmentally friendly. Do your research before using!

Beaches can have showers

Large, public beaches can also have free showers made for people to rinse off sand and saltwater after a day at the beach. This is a perfect little hack for us car campers. A free shower with basically no people, especially during the off-season? Yes please!

If you know about a free beach-shower nearby, use it to your advantage!

Hostels / hotels if you want to treat yourself

If you feel like treating yourself, then opt for a night at a hostel or hotel. A long, warm shower and a real bed might be exactly what you need from time to time.

You might also get away with asking if you can borrow one of their showers. They might charge you a fee or they’re nice enough to let you for free!

No access to water or showers? Do this!

If you have no access to water or showers, then there are still ways to freshen up.

What I usually do is use baby wipes and dry shampoo. It’s a rather inefficient way to freshen up, but it works. I often do this during long periods between real showers, just to not reek and feel a bit clean every day.

Use deodorant regularly and try to stay in cooler weather, away from the sun and its humidity.

Also, wearing loose clothes will help your skin breathe better, reducing sweat and body oils.

Changing clothes regularly also helps. Keeping the same clothes on is going to build up sweat and not breathe correctly, resulting in odor.