5 Places to Shower on the Road
One of the biggest questions I had when I first stared road tripping was a simple one — where can I find a shower?
Staying clean over the course of a long road trip is very high up on my priority list. I have heard many people say things like “people have lived for centuries without regularly bathing.” We also used to cut ourselves open to relieve diseases. Maybe we should try that again.
Anyway, over the years I have picked up a couple of tips on how to stay clean. For the most part, I always try to find a shower. In some cases, you have to get a little more resourceful.
Laundromats
Laundromats are obviously a great place to clean your cloths on the road but many also offer patrons the ability to shower, for a fee. These are typically in the form of a bathroom and you will have a better chance if you are in a town frequented by hikers. I have utilized these a number of times when I had difficulty finding another location.
However, I will say this has become a lot more hit-or-miss in the age of COVID. During the summer of 2020, I found myself having trouble finding any available locations due to health and safety concerns.
LA Fitness/ Health Clubs
This one is a pro-tip for gym members. Especially if your gym operates in various states. I have not held a membership at LA Fitness in quite some time but when I did, I used LA Fitness to get a workout and grab a quick shower while on the road. The cost of the membership alone may be worth the monthly subscription alone.
I will say, the cleanliness of the showers will vary depending on the location you are in. I have found LA Fitness showers to be pretty hit-or-miss when it comes to that aspect.
Campgrounds
Another great option is to go to an established campground. Could be at a state park. Could be a national park. Could just be a local county park. Many established campgrounds cater to groups who may want the recreational fun of camping but also want to have some amenities such as camp showers and bathrooms.
Be aware, many of these campgrounds have coin-operated showers so bring sure to bring some change. If you have cash, you may be able to get change from a machine but the machines consistently are out of order.
RV Parks
Next up is the good ol’ RV Park. RV Parks are areas which allow RVs and Recreational Camper vehicles to park their vehicle and stay for the evening. This is typically on a reservation system and it is wise to call ahead to see if the showers can be publicly accessed. Some of these locations will only allow you to shower if you have reservations for an RV.
Truck Stops
The final location is a truck stop. I was turned on to truck stops a couple years ago as I was searching for a shower in Colorado. Truck Stops are gas stations which cater to truckers. They are usually larger than your typical gas station and have a lot of additional items for sale in the store.
I never thought about until a friend mentioned it was these truck stops also provide showers. Truckers are on the road for many days on end and the truck stops sell access to their showers. Generally by purchasing in store which reserves your shower access. The few times I have used this option, the showers were extremely clean but just to be on the safe side, you can check online for reviews of the location.
So there it is, my non-definitive list of places to look when you need to get cleaned. This was one of my biggest concerns when I first started traveling. Having the capability to get washed up is severely underrated when it comes to feeling refreshed and getting a little more comfort on the road. If you are ever out on the road and in need of a wash, look to any of these places as potential stops on your route.
