Places acceptable to use a portable shower tent

[SoulRaven]

I have ordered a portable shower tent and am going to make a pump up shower from a bug sprayer (new and not used of course), to use when on road trips. I know that in the desert you can probably use them practically anywhere. But I was wondering that while traveling sometimes I have to stop at a campground in a state park etc, and even though they usually have shower houses, they are not always real clean. Or sometimes they don't have showers at all. So I would rather use my own portable shower tent at my campsite. Is that acceptable to do, or would they probably frown on that? I know that they don't want you dumping waste water such as from dish washing sometimes, but I would think that would be because of food particles that would attract wild life like bears and such. Also sometimes I stop at a Wal-Mart for a sleep over in my car, but now I will be using my Runaway camper. I know that I can't put up my shower tent there, but I had the idea that I could stop at a local city park, or county park to quickly set it up and take a quick shower then take it down and head to the Wal-Mart for sleep time. Does anyone else have any ideas on where it might be acceptable to use the portable shower tent where I wouldn't be hassled while traveling?

 

[Almost There]

Gray water is gray water no matter if it comes from dish water or from showering. There is no distinction made between them in law or in practice.

Personally IIWM, I wouldn't be setting up a tent whether it be for sleeping or showering in a public park where there's not any camping. That's an open invitation for the locals to call the LEO in, even if you are never actually seen naked.

When parked in W/M I use a sponge bath method inside the van that feels almost as good as a shower and is much more discreet. Gray water should be funneled back into a water jug and disposed of properly - not down a storm sewer grate. I've seen careless RVrs empty gray water down the storm sewer and they give the rest of us a bad name.

As to when I'm in a campground that has a shower building I use it. I always wear shower sandals no matter how clean it is and I never sit my bare bottom on the bench, that's what an extra towel is for. If it's that bad, I've been known to figure out when it's cleaned and be first in line after the cleanup is done...lol.

If you're using your shower tent out on dispersed camping areas and it's not specifically against regulations to dispose of gray water, then it needs to be broadcast over as large an area as you can throw it as opposed to just pouring it out. Oh, and always at least 50 to 75 yards from any water source.

If you're travelling and absolutely can't cope with a sponge bath then try hunting up a truck stop or a gym. Some travelers pay for a nationwide gym membership simply so they can shower.

 

[Seraphim]

AT pretty much covered it.

 

[LeeRevell]

Dumping bathwater from an RV or Van down a sewer is kind of humorous. It's cleaner than street runoff. But I agree it looks bad. Human pee is also sterile at the moment it exits the body, but don't let some soccermom see you dump it!

 

[highdesertranger]

and there you have it. AT and Lee said it all. highdesertranger

 

[SoulRaven]

My outdoor shower tent is a tarp strung between my open rear doors, but I've backed into parking spaces at parks many times, so my back end is over the grass, and taken showers without ever having a problem.

I wear my swimsuit so nobody has any legitimate complaints anyway as far as I'm concerned.

 

[offroad]

When you enter the public park, tell the entrance or the park officer that you are "testing and practicing" setting up a tent. Not camping. Find some really grassy area that can handle spilling a little gallon or two of water. You are likely going to be done in an hour, no big deal. You are just practicing, not camping.

Also agree that your shower water will be cleaner than rain that flows off leaves coated with dust and pollen and pollutants from the last several weeks. But don't try to convince people of that.

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

i always just wear trunks and shower at the park/beach. if water is turned off, then in the lake or river i go. They frown on this too but i dont give a hoot.
i have used truck stop in winter tho, but 13 bucks is steep. maybe stand in something like an oil drain pan and then pour it into an aquatainer and carry out with you. Dump it outside the park.

 

[VanFan]

...maybe stand in something like an oil drain pan and then pour it into an aquatainer and carry out with you.  Dump it outside the park.

We carry a large masonry tub for use in the shower tent.  (Two of those gray plastic boxes fit nicely inside, so no space is wasted in the van.)  Our "best" showers use a portable power pack, 12 volt pump/shower head combo, and a bucket of hot water.

I never discharge grey water.  The small amount used is easy enough to pour from the tub into a container and dispose of (slowly!) in a vault toilet, for example.  We carry an empty kitty litter jug with a canning funnel stuck in it for that purpose.  It also serves as a "sink" of sorts in and out of the van and can be closed with the original lid when needed.  Pairs nicely with a pump up sprayer for kitchen and grooming.

No B&B can offer better than a hot shower with a view of the sunset over an 800' river gorge out the shower shelter window!  Nothing like slipping on a fuzzy robe and sitting by the fire afterwards to watch the rest of the show!  Totally worth the fuss.

Vickie

 

[Patrick46]

I (personally) would just set it up, take my shower, and take it back down.
Don't make a big deal out of it, and it won't make a big deal outta you.

LEO's??? really??? For someone setting up a small tent for 15 minutes??

I'd also recommend using bio-degradable soap (which I use when camping)

[img=351x672]http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81nXII5gc5L._SL1500_.jpg[/img]

 

[WriterMs]

I prefer Dr. Bronner's when I use soap. Since you need to dilute that anyway, I like using an empty "foamer" hand soap dispenser (like a Dial liquid soap FOAM), adding mostly water and then the Dr. Bronner's. Shake it up. What comes out is a nice foam easy to use as it is pre-sudsed.

 

[highdesertranger]

yeah I have not had good experience with camp suds. just doesn't clean all that well imho. one of these days I have to check out that Dr. Bronner's. highdesertranger