Van Life Showers: Your Options & Do You REALLY Need One?

If you’re planning your van conversion, you’ve probably asked yourself: do I need a shower?

Van life showers are a hot topic in the community. Some people sweat by having one on board, while others (like us) feel that space can be put to better use.

We’ve lived in four different vehicles – a bus, a motorhome, and two campervans. Two of them had built-in showers that we literally never used. So when we built our 2019 VS Crafter Camper, we decided to skip it all together.

That decision raised plenty of eyebrows: But how do you shower in a van without one?

After years of figuring it out, we’ve learned that showers are much easier to come by on the road than most people think.

From gyms to truck stops to a few surprising public places, we’ve managed just fine – and even found some clever alternatives to having one built in.

So, if you’re wondering whether a campervan shower is worth the space, or looking for the best ways to stay clean on the road, let’s dive into what’s worked (and not worked) for us.

Why We Chose NOT To Install a Shower in Our Van

We spent two years living in a tiny DIY camper conversion with no AC, no toilet and no shower. Damn, we could barely stand up in it, but we learned so much about what you really need – and don’t need – on the road.

Later, we ‘upgraded’ to a six-berth motorhome for five weeks, and then a full bus conversion for a year. Both came with proper bathrooms and showers.

Honestly? They were pure luxury compared to our first van… but the showers barely saw any use. They quickly turned into storage cupboards for wet coats, muddy shoes and anything else we didn’t want laying around.

When it came time to design our VW Crafter build, skipping a shower was one of the easiest decisions we made. Here’s why:

• We already knew we wouldn’t use it
• A shower takes up a huge amount of valuable space
• Plumping increase the chance of leaks and ongoing maintenances
• Building one is expensive, both in time and money
• Water is limited on the road, and showers drain your tank faster than anything else.

For us, the trade-off just wasn’t worth it. Instead, we used that square footage for storage, more comfortable setting, and counter space – things that we use every single day.

Where To Take A Shower On The Road

If you don’t have a van shower built in, don’t worry. With a little creativity, you’ll never go too long without a proper wash. Over the years, we’ve found showers in some pretty expected places… and a few that really surprised us.

Showers at Service Stations & Truck Stops

This is one of the easiest options and one that a lot of new vanlifers overlook. Truck drivers spend their lives on the road, so service stations along motorways are usually well-equipped with showers.

Some are free, others just a few euros. You might need to ask for a key at the counter, but most are clearly signposted. They’re not glamorous, but they do the job – and we’ve often found them cleaner than we expected. Pack shower flip flops for those times where they’re not so fresh.

👉 Pro tip: early mornings are best. Showers are fresher, less busy, and you’ll avoid waiting behind a queue of truckers. 

Campsites / Aires

We’ve always loved wild camping – in Australia and across Europe – but that doesn’t mean we never use campsites. Plenty of campsites will let you use their facilities without staying overnight, usually for a small fee.

In France, Aries often include showers too, though they’re usually basic and coin-operated. Still, it’s a reliable and affordable option if you’re passing through.

Gyms & Fitness Centres

One of the best van life hacks is getting a gym membership. In the US, a Planet Fitness “black card” membership is super popular because it gives you nationwide access to Planet Fitness Showers.

In Europe, there’s Basic-Fit which give Europe-wide access with their premium membership 

Even if you’re not a member, many local gyms, pools or community sports centres will let you pay a few euros for just a shower. We’ve done this countless times, and most places are used to it.

Libraries

This one blew our minds when we discovered it in Australia. A few libraries actually had showers built into their facilities, usually in accessible bathrooms. Some were completely free, while others asked for a donation.

We haven’t come across this in Europe yet, but it’s worth asking if you’re in a community-oriented area. The library staff we spoke to were always welcoming once they understood we were living on the road.

Shopping Centres

Another surprise discovery: shopping centres. When I worked in one back in Australia, I learned that some actually have showers for staff. In a few cases, we found them signposted for public use too.

It’s not common, but if you’re desperate, it’s worth checking the maps near the toilets or asking at the help desk. Just be mindful of accessibility facilities – don’t use them unless you’re certain you’re not preventing someone who genuinely needs them.

Beaches & Public Toilet Blocks

This is a classic summer van life shower, especially if you’re travelling in coastal areas.

Many beaches have public facilities with enclosed showers. Some are cold water only, others even have hot water depending on the country.

After a swim, they’re perfect. In winter? Maybe less so! But still, they’re reliable and free.

How to Actually Find Showers on the Road

It’s one thing to know showers exist at truck stops, campsites, or gyms – but how do you actually find them while travelling? Here are the tools we rely on:

• Park4Night: Our go-to for finding truck stops and campsite showers. It includes reviews from other travellers, so you know in advance if a shower is clean or even working. We cover it in detail in our guide to the best road trip apps in Europe

• Wikicamps: Lists not only campsites but also community centres, and public facilities with showers. See our full breakdown in our road trip apps for Australia guide.

• iOverlander: Useful for international trips, with listings for showers, toilets and wild or stealth camping spots.

• Local Google Searches: Typing “public showers near me” or “community pool showers” can uncover some gems. 

• Ask Locals: Some of our most surprising finds (like shopping centre showers!) came from simply asking around.

👉 Pro tip: Save shower locations offline before heading into remote areas. Nothing’s worse than needing a wash when you’ve lost signal.

Van Life Shower Ideas for Your Conversion

Even though we decided not to build one, we know some people prefer to have a more convenient option on hand. Here are a few popular campervan shower solutions – and our thoughts on them

Portable Shower Pump 

If you don’t mind cold showers, or are happy with the faff of boiling water to put into a bucket, this portable shower pump is a good option for quick showers.

No set up required, you just plop it into your water source and there you go – shower on the road.

Instant Hot Water Camp Shower

You probably picture yourself having access to hot water on the road though, right? So if you don’t mind a little bit of extra installation an instant hot water camp shower like this one could be a good van life shower option.

It does require access to gas, and you’d need to be able to hook it up to your water storage or decant water into a bucket, but after that you’ll have hot showers wherever you go with minimal wait time.

Portable Van Life Solar Shower Bag

Solar showers are a classic van life accessory: essentially a big black bag you fill with water and leave in the sun. By late afternoon, you’ll have a few minutes of warm water for a quick wash.

The biggest downside is they don’t really work very well during the winter months when most places have shorter daylight hours..

👉 We like this affordable solar shower bag for summer trips

Build A Shower Room

If you’re set on building a permanent van shower, consider a recirculating shower system. It filters and reuses the same water, which is much more sustainable than a standard setup.

This takes serious planning and space, but it can be worth it for full-time van dwellers who prioritise comfort. Here’s a great examples by Self Built Stories:

Cupboard-to-Shower Conversions

Some van builds include clever “modular showers” where a cupboard transforms into a shower stall. The idea is that you can pull up a curtain or enclosure when needed, use the space, and then fold it away when you’re done.

On paper, this looks like the perfect compromise: you get an indoor shower without dedicating a whole room to it. In practice though, we’ve never been sold on them.

For us, there are a few drawbacks:

• Wet shower curtains – maybe some people don’t mind them, but the thought of a cold, wet curtain sticking to my butt makes my skin crawl. It’s also going to be hard to store once it’s been used without waiting for it to dry

• Leaks and water damage – any setup inside the main living area adds risk, especially if the seal or drainage isn’t perfect.

• Awkward to use – the novelty is cool, but it still takes up space, and you’re left packing away damp equipment after every use.

For us, the downsides outweigh the benefits. We’d rather skip it and use that storage for space for gear we’ll actually use daily. 

So, Do You Really Need A Shower in A Van?

For us, the answer is simple: no.

Showers take up too much space, too much water, and too much hassle. With all the public and portable options available, we’ve never missed having one built in.

But – if you know you’ll feel more comfortable having a shower on hand, there are plenty of solutions to choose from. Just be honest about how often you’ll use it before committing the money and space to a permanent build.

Final Thoughts

After years on the road, we’ve learned that showers don’t have to take up precious space in your van. Whether it’s truck stops, gyms, or the occasional solar shower in the sun, there’s always a way to stay clean.

Of course, showers are only half the story when it comes to van life hygiene. The other big question every van lifer faces? Toilets! If you’re wondering how to manage that side of things, check out our guide to van life toilets here!