Even when living life on the road, it’s important to keep up with your hygiene. There are many places where you can grab a shower on the road including gyms, beaches, hotels, and truck stops. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to places where you can get a refreshing shower on your travels. Let’s take a deeper look into 14 of the best places to wash the day away while living life on the road.
City Pools & Aquatics Centers
Many cities have public pools that are open to everyone. They usually have a small daily fee, but this gives you access to a clean and refreshing shower. Most of these places also have locker rooms that come with all the amenities, such as soap and shampoo.
Remember that in some cities, public pools are only open during the summer. So, if you’re traveling in the winter, this option may not be available in every city you travel through.
Truck Stops
If you’re ever driving cross-country, then you know that truck stops are located in almost every state and along major freeways. While most people think of truck stops as a place to get gas and food, they also offer clean and refreshing showers.
Most truck stops have private bathrooms that come with all the amenities you need, such as soap and shampoo. The great thing about these showers is that they’re almost always open, 24 hours a day. This shower will cost you a few bucks, but they are worth it when you need to feel refreshed and clean.
Check Into A Day Spa With A Pool
This is a great option if you want to relax and unwind. Most day spas have a pool where you can take a dip and then use their showers to get clean. The nice thing about this option is that you can usually purchase a day pass, even if you’re not getting any treatments done. This gives you access to their pool, sauna, and of course, showers. Not only is this an ideal location for a shower, but it is also a great way to relax after a long day on the road.
Check Out The Local Gym
Gyms are another great option when looking for a place to take a shower. While you may have to pay a small fee to use the facilities, most gyms have clean and private showers that come with all the amenities, such as soap, shampoo, and towels.
If you don’t want to pay a fee, then see if your gym has a day pass option. Many gyms offer passes for prospective members to try out the location before making a commitment. This will give you access to the showers as well as all the other amenities that the gym has to offer, such as the pool, sauna, and steam room.
If you like the gym option, you can consider getting a membership to a gym like Planet Fitness which has locations across the country. For a few dollars, a month you can ensure that a warm shower is never out of reach.
Stay A Night At A Campground
This is a great option if you’re traveling with an RV. Most campgrounds have showers that are available for guests to use. These showers are usually clean and well-maintained as they are part of a business. This is a great option if you need a long shower as well. You can also find many campgrounds that have swimming pools which can be a great way to cool off and relax after a long day of driving.
If you’re not traveling with an RV, you can still find campgrounds that have public showers. These are usually located near the bathrooms. You can also find campgrounds that have private showers that you can use for a small fee.
The campgrounds that are privately owned usually provide shower facilities, and some of them may even be quite luxurious with heated baths. They are not coin-operated, so use as much time as you need! However, to access the showers at a private campground, you must pay for a night of camping.
Camping at state parks may or may not include showers, so check a few out before deciding on the one that works best for you. A state map can usually be found for free from a visitor or welcome center with a list of campsites and facilities available. You’ll either have to pay for a night’s accommodation or risk getting towed away if you park outside of the campgrounds and try to use the amenities.
Fire Up Your Hot Water Tank In Your RV
RVs have a built-in hot water tank that you can use to take a shower. Most people don’t use this option because it can be difficult to heat up the water. However, if you’re in a pinch, this can be a great option.
You can usually find a campground that has a water hookup. This will allow you to fill up your hot water tank and take a shower. Other places that have water hookups include truck stops, gas stations, and rest areas.
If you are concerned about how much hot water you have, turn off the water when lathering and then turn it back on when rinsing. You can also replace your current shower head with a low-flow model that has a pause function or invest in a tankless water heater.
Portable Outdoor Shower
If you’re looking for a more private shower, you can find portable outdoor showers. These are usually made of PVC and can be set up in minutes. You can find them at most camping stores or online. These showers usually come with a showerhead, hose, and water pump.
You can also find solar-powered showers and options that include a privacy tent. The eco-friendly design is also a great option for those who are looking to be more sustainable as portable showers will use much less water than a traditional shower.
National Parks With Showers
National Parks are beautiful places to visit especially if you need a shower. Some National Parks have showers that are available to the public. Some popular National Parks that have showers are Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon.
Many of these parks have showers available for use at no charge. However, some of the parks do require a fee for using the shower facilities. There are also some National Parks that have private showers available for use. These are typically attached to campgrounds or lodges.
Public Shower Directory
If you’re looking for a shower and you don’t know where to start, you can use a public shower directory. The best website for locating public showers is https://publicshower.directory/. This is a great resource that will help you find showers near you, and it will also provide information on the type of shower, such as private or public, and the cost.
Public Beach Showers
If you’re looking for a place to take a shower and you’re near the beach, then you can find public beach showers. These are usually located near the bathrooms or closer to the parking lot. You can also find them at some of the beaches that have lifeguard stations.
There is also the beach that has private showers that you can use for a small fee. Beach showers are great for those who travel near the coast often and don’t mind showering with a bathing suit on.
Marinas
Marinas are a wonderful place to park and enjoy the ocean or lake views while getting a shower. Most marinas have public showers that are available for use, and they’re usually pretty clean. If you’re not a member, you may have to pay a small fee to use the showers.
Check the marina’s website or call ahead to find out what their policy is. You can also usually find marinas in cities, so if you’re looking for a place to shower and don’t want to pay for a hotel, this is a great option.
Enter A Hot Springs Pool
If you’re looking for an utterly unique showering experience, then look no further than a hot springs pool. These pools are heated by natural springs giving you unlimited access to hot water and they’re usually located in beautiful, natural settings. They can be a convenient place to wash off while on a hike, or you can just enjoy the relaxation that comes with soaking in a hot springs pool.
You can find hot springs pools all over the world, but they’re especially popular in Japan, Iceland, and the United States. There’s nothing quite like soaking in a hot springs pool after a long day of exploring.
Jump In The Lake
This one is for the adventurous types. If you’re traveling in an area with a lot of lakes, then why not take a dip to wash off the day? Lakes are beautiful places to take a bath, just make sure that the lake is clean and that you’re not disturbing any wildlife.
Also, don’t use any soap as this can disrupt the wildlife. Bathing in a lake can be a fun experience and it is a fantastic way to use natural resources and feel refreshed at the same time. Just make sure you don’t drink the water!
Motels & Hotels
Of course, one of the easiest ways to get a shower is to just stay at a motel or hotel. This is probably the most expensive option, but it’s also the most convenient. If you’re traveling on a budget, then you can usually find some surprisingly good deals on motels. Just make sure to call ahead and ask about the amenities that are included in your room. most motels and hotels will have at least one public shower that you can use.
Use Body Wipes
If you have access to a store, you can use body wipes to freshen up. These are great for those who don’t want to take a full shower but need to feel clean. Body wipes are also convenient because they’re easy to pack and don’t take up much space. You can find them at most convenience stores or online.
Use A Public Restroom
If you’re in a pinch, you can always use a public restroom. Most restrooms have sinks that you can use to wash your hands and face. Some even have mirrors that you can use to make sure you’re presentable before leaving. Just be aware that the level of cleanliness may vary from place to place. Use your best judgment when deciding whether this is a good option for you.
These are just a few of the places where you can find a refreshing shower on the road. So next time you’re planning a trip, don’t forget to pack your soap and towel! Happy traveling!