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If you don't have a shower in your vehicle due to space or cost constraints, there are more places to shower than you might think! This includes campgrounds, truck stops, gyms, and more, usually for a fee. When using public showers, it's a good idea to wear shower shoes to reduce your exposure to Athlete's Foot (tinea pedis) and similar problems.
A gym membership is a popular option for getting showers; you aren't required to work out in order to take a shower, and other amenities may be present like massage chairs and relaxation areas.
Truck stops often have showers available for purchase. These amenities are designed for truck drivers but are available for anyone. Couples can generally shower together for the same price. Pilot/Flying J have rewards programs where every 14 gallons of fuel accrues credit toward a shower.[1] Love's has a similar program but it requires 50 gallons of diesel, so it will not apply to many nomads.[2]
Some folks check into a hotel for a night every once in a while to take a long hot shower, sleep in a "real" bed, use the microwave, etc.
Many private campgrounds and some public campgrounds have shower buildings. A Campground Day Use pass may allow you to use showers without booking a campsite for the night.
Recreation centers (YMCA, public rec centers, etc.), public swimming pools, have showers that you can usually use for the price of a day pass. Some centers may offer free showers for the homeless; if you live in your vehicle you may qualify for that benefit. Athletic centers at universities may offer a day pass to non-students.
Marinas may have public showers, though they may be limited to those who are members.
Many public beaches have showers or spigots for people to wash off sand before leaving. Many of these are not enclosed or do not have proper drainage, so using them for hygiene showers may not be possible.
Free mobile showers
If you consider yourself to be unhoused or otherwise unable to afford a paid shower, you can take advantage of free shower services that are available in some cities. These services often towels to use and free hygiene products. Some also offer laundry services.[3]
- Atlanta, GA - Hope thru Soap
- Chattanooga, TN - ShowerUp
- Chicago, IL - ShowerUp
- Huntsville, AL - ShowerUp
- Los Angeles, CA - The Shower of Hope
- Memphis, TN - ShowerUp
- Nashville, TN - Shower The People, ShowerUp
- Tampa Bay, FL - ShowerUp
- Wichita, KS - ShowerUp