Quick answer
Vanlifers usually get showers at gyms (Planet Fitness lists Classic memberships from $15 a month and Black Card, which works at any of its locations, from $24.99), truck stops (Pilot Flying J says around $12), campgrounds and community showers. Water and dump stations are often at state parks, campgrounds and RV stops; some charge a small fee, and directories such as Sanidumps list them. Never dump grey or black water on the ground. Federal rules require using places provided for it.
Key points
- A gym membership with locations nationwide is a common shower plan for full-timers.
- Pilot Flying J lists truck-stop showers at around $12, varying by location.
- Many state parks let non-campers use their dump stations, sometimes for a fee.
- Forest Service rules prohibit leaving sewage or waste water; BLM rules require approved places for sewage.
- Save good water and dump stops with notes so you aren’t searching on empty.
Where can vanlifers shower?
| Option | What it costs, per the company | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Planet Fitness | Classic from $15/month; Black Card from $24.99/month; an annual fee of $49 applies | Black Card lets you use any of its 2,900+ locations; memberships may include a 12-month commitment |
| Pilot Flying J | “Around $12,” varies by location | Buy at the counter or in the myRewards Plus app |
| Campgrounds and state parks | Often included with a site; some sell day-use showers | Ask at the entrance; policies vary |
| Community and rec centers | Usually a small day fee | Often have pools, too |
| A solar or portable shower | One-time purchase | Use biodegradable soap and stay at least 200 feet from water |
Where can I fill up with drinking water?
- Campgrounds and RV parks, often for a small fee if you aren’t staying.
- State parks, at dump stations or fill stations.
- Grocery stores with refill machines, for drinking water by the gallon.
- Visitor centers and travel plazas, where potable spigots are sometimes available. Ask first.
- Use a drinking-water-safe hose and filter, and don’t fill from a spigot labeled non-potable.
Where can I empty my tanks or toilet?
RV dump stations are common at campgrounds, state parks and some travel stops. Oregon State Parks, for example, says “You do not need to be a registered camper to use the dump station,” and is piloting a $10 fee at 19 of them (Oregon State Parks (opens in a new tab)). Sanidumps (opens in a new tab) is a user-submitted directory of dump stations.
On public land the rules are clear. Forest Service regulations prohibit leaving sewage or waste water, and putting anything that may pollute in or near water (36 CFR 261.11 (opens in a new tab)). BLM regulations prohibit draining sewage or dumping waste from a vehicle except in places provided for it (43 CFR 8365.1-1 (opens in a new tab)). Cassette and composting toilets still need emptying somewhere appropriate.
How do I plan water and dump stops?
- Know your tank sizes and how many days they last you.
- Refill and empty when you pass a good stop, not when you’re empty.
- Save every reliable stop with a note: hours, fees, whether it was working.
- In the desert, carry extra drinking water beyond your tank.
How does RME help find road essentials?
Roam spot types include Camping, BLM Land, Overnight Parking, Water, Dump Station, Propane, Shower, Laundry, WiFi, EV Charging, Hot Spring, Viewpoint and Trailhead. Members add spots with a name, photos and honest notes, as Private, Friends or Public.
Turn on the spot types you need (Water, Dump Station, Shower, Laundry, Propane, WiFi) and read members’ notes before you go. When you find a good one, add it so the next traveler doesn’t have to search.
Roam spots, Trailprint, Events and Friends Map are included with a free RME account. The app shows the current plan details, so check there for anything that is still optional. Available on the App Store for iPhone and on Google Play for Android.
Frequently asked questions
Where do vanlifers shower?
Most use a gym membership, truck stops, campgrounds or community centers, plus a solar shower at camp. Planet Fitness lists Black Card from $24.99 a month, usable at any of its locations.
How much is a shower at a truck stop?
Pilot Flying J says a shower costs around $12, depending on the location.
Can I use a state park dump station without camping there?
Often yes. Oregon State Parks, for example, says you don’t need to be a registered camper, and is piloting a $10 fee at some stations. Check each park.
Can I dump grey water on the ground?
On National Forest land, regulations prohibit leaving waste water. On BLM land, sewage must go in places provided for it. Use a dump station, and check local rules everywhere else.
Sources
Sources and further reading are listed below. Research dates and any illustrative assumptions are identified in the article. Tell us at support@roammeetexplore.com if something has changed.
- Planet Fitness memberships (opens in a new tab)
- Pilot Flying J: Showers FAQ (opens in a new tab)
- Oregon State Parks FAQ (opens in a new tab)
- Sanidumps: About (opens in a new tab)
- 36 CFR 261.11: Sanitation (Forest Service) (opens in a new tab)
- 43 CFR 8365.1-1: Sanitation (BLM) (opens in a new tab)
- Leave No Trace: Dispose of waste properly (opens in a new tab)
Disclosure: RME publishes this page. We make RME. Other apps, events and tours mentioned are run by their respective organizations. Check their current details before making plans.