Everything but the plumbing

[Morgana]

Apologies if this has been discussed at length already; I didn’t see a similar question/thread, but I could have missed it.

If somebody wanted to stay in places that offered showers (hot or cold) and toilets (pit or flush) what would be the cheapest options? I’m new to even thinking about this, and I’ve seen websites for RV parks that cost more than I’m used to paying for motel rooms. Also, do you have to have a proper RV (as opposed to, say, a small SUV like mine) to get into RV parks? I gather from some posts I’ve read that there are parks you can stay in long-term as well as short-term, is that right?

If the answer is “it depends,” feel free to provide whatever scenario interests you to talk about. I’m totally at the brainstorming stage, so the more varied the better!

Many thanks.

 

[highdesertranger]

Lots of depends here,

With most private RV parks, Yes you need an RV. A few allow tents but they usually don't include Power with tent sites.

Government campground(Federal, State, County, etc.) for the most part don't care what you drive.

Staying in any campground 24/7 gets expensive. If you are a senior you can get a lifetime Pass that lowers the rates at many government campgrounds.

Paying for showers on the road is getting down right expensive weather you do truck stops or gyms or whatever. Many of us boondock and have a variety of ways to shower/clean up, sponge bath, solar shower, weed sprayer(me) and more.

For me I am going to install a shower in my trailer, Showering outside in the winter is just plain too cold, Brrrr.

Highdesertranger

 

[jacqueg]

Check out the Personal Hygiene subforum on this very forum.

Yes, truck stop showers are now running $15. Of course a decent motel will run you $100.

You don't say where you are or are planning to go, but here on the west coast, many state and county parks offer showers to non-campers, usually for less than truck stop showers. You'll have to call and ask.

Before the virus caused so many closures, lots of folks signed up for athletic club memberships just for the showers.

RV parks are all over the map. Usually, their website/yellow pages ad will specify whether they offer tent sites as well as RV sites. And - I'd never hesitate to call and ask if they offer showers to non-campers. After all, many offer propane and dumping services to non-campers.

 

[Tony's Dream]

I will be converting my van to include RV hook ups so I can stay at RV camps every couple of days to get everything charged up and use shore power for a day. I have always taken advantage of showers in the state or national parks, it's cheaper.