7 Cheap Hot Showers for Travelers and Vanlifers

As somewhat of a permanent road tripper, we frequently find ourselves venturing into unfamiliar territory. I have sensitive skin and skipping a daily shower has never been an option. Whether it’s a lake, river, or a simple water bottle parking lot shower , I must be clean. On our first big road adventure, we had little knowledge of life on the road. It was just us, the Pup, and a simply diy carpet kit with a sleeping bag in the back of a pick-up truck. Fast forward 4 years, and we have discovered many useful travel tips. One being, that acquiring cheap hot showers on the road, is actually a fairly easy amenity to find.

Here are a few cheap hot showers that we use, when traveling in the van.

7. $12-15 Truck Stop Showers

No class C license required! Truck stops, not only offer several gas pumps and a unique knick-knack shopping experience, they also feature hot showers. I would also like to note, the cost is per shower not per person. Bring the whole family! A perfect option for all the “in-between land” stretches of road.

6. $5-15 Casinos with RV Park

Like Rolling Hills Casino and RV Park in Corning, CA, many casinos offer RV accommodations in addition to a hotel. Typically, the luxury of a shower is available to any one passing through.

5. $1-10 Public Campgrounds

In many parks, the indoor showers require quarters. The going rate is about $0.50 for 3 min of hot water. In Colorado, this KOA offers shower access to non-campers for $10.

4. $0-20 Hot Springs

Many novelty hot springs (where there is a fee to enter) include additional amenities. This Hot Springs in Bozeman MT, actually included 9 Pools, a full gym, snack bar, and a campground! A full day pass was just $8. This Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs, CO and this one in Ouray, CO both have multiple pools, and full changing rooms with showers.

3. $2-6 Public Pools

Not to shower in of course (haha), but public pools almost always have changing rooms, with showers. This spring fed pool in Austin, TX is over 3 acres and around 900 ft long. It has a natural rock bottom like a spring, but cement siding like a pool. There is a beautiful open air bathroom and shower area. Entry is just $1-$3.

#2 $1.59 per day Thousand Trails Campground Membership

This option is awesome if you are traveling near these campgrounds. Our travels include exploring much of Oregon, and Thousand Trails offers a handful of campgrounds along the coast, and the mountains. The membership includes 2 weeks on/ 1 week off of camping, and unlimited day passes for $575 per year.

And our #1 spot to find Cheap Hot Showers is…..

1. $0 The Beach

If you are near the ocean, specifically a known surf spot, there is usually a rinse off shower hiding around there somewhere. In Pacific City, OR at the popular Cape Kiwanda, there is a hot shower located on the backside wall of the Pelican Brewery. Take a moment to people watch, and explore your surroundings. You’ll find it. This beach also has a view of Haystack rock, and our favorite Thousand Trails Campground is just up the road.

Or you can always opt for a nice ice bucket shower, like this photo below from our sweat dripping trip through Phoenix in August, with only a diy ice chest AC to keep us cool. Whew!