Mistakes Made Using Campground Showers
Campground showers. Love them or hate them, whether you’re having traumatic flashbacks to summer camp as a child, there are a few unspoken rules” to making the experience as comfortable, safe, and considerate as possible.
So what exactly is a camp shower and what can you expect if you’re a newbie?
Many campgrounds, private or government run, contain public restrooms and shower facilities. However, the quality, size, cleanliness, and general environment will vary depending on the campground. Some will do a better job of maintenance than others.
No Bull Tip! Google reviews are a great way to see what others are saying about the facilities at each campground.
Typically, these facilities are mostly used by tent campers, or smaller rigs that may not have a full bathroom. They’ll usually be a first-come, fist-serve set-up. Like many recreational buildings like gyms or pools, many times the shower will function on a timer to converse water and only run for 30 to 60 seconds. Other campgrounds will have facilities more similar to a residential shower. However, you may come across campgrounds where you’ll be required to pay, usually in quarters, for a few minutes of water.
Does that mean I have to shower differently?
Short answer: Yes.
Unlike at home you’ll have to pack up everything you’ll need in and out of the shower, there and back (shower caddies and water proof gym bags are highly recommended!). Depending on the campground the shower building(s) could be individual shower rooms or gender divided bathrooms with shower stalls. No matter the layout, be sure to remain considerate of other campers and shower as efficiently as possible so you don’t waste water or take up more time than necessary.
No Bull Tip! If you can, do part of your shower routine at camp: like washing your face, brushing your teeth, or shaving.
How Clean?
How clean a camp shower is will greatly depend on location, but can be inconsistent even within the same area. Some are spa worthy, others haven’t been upgraded in decades so no matter how deep a clean it gets regularly it can still be pretty rough looking.
So what Mistakes should you avoid:
Number 1: Going Barefoot
Always wear shower shoes in public showers. Don’t walk around barefoot on surfaces that may or may not have been cleaned recently. Even then, you have no way of knowing the person who showered before you didn’t have something nasty growing on their feet.
Not wearing shower shoes is a quick way to get bacterial or fungal infections like athlete’s foot, ringworm, and staph/MRSA infections. Some people just wear flip-flops in public showers, however you want to ensure they won’t slip off your feet while also providing grip on slick surfaces so you won’t fall.
Number 2: Busy Shower Times
With campground showers working on that first-come-first-serve basis, being picky about when you shower can be an advantage. Typically those busy times will land in the evening, wit everyone cleaning off the day. Trying to shower during these times will likely end with you waiting in line and feeling rushed during your shower.
To avoid these crowds as best you can, shower early. Instead of waiting until after dinner, send as many of your campers to clean up while dinner is cooking. Only one person is needed to mind the stove/fire typically after all. Early cleans mean a less chaotic evening, sit around the fire after dinner, clean up and don’t worry about getting your shower in.
Number 3: Taking Forever
Stay considerate of other campers waiting for the showers. Like we said, a line can quickly build during peak times and you don’t want to be the cause of others waiting longer than necessary so try and be as efficient as possible. Short showers will also help conserve water, just because you’re not footing the bill doesn’t make it free after all. Particularly in privately owned campgrounds, the revenue from campers helps them maintain the property and pay bills, helping them save a bit of money and here and there means they can keep that campground in top shape for your enjoyment!
Number 4: Leaving Your Stuff
We’ve all been there, we’ve all seen it; walking into a public shower or bathroom whether it’s your local gym or the Lions Campground, orphaned shampoo and conditioner or soap left behind. For health and safety, leftover shower supplies aren’t collected to be used by others but tossed by facility cleaners or even other campers, so not only is it wasteful but you just have to re-buy those things for yourself. Invest in a shower caddy or water-proof bag to hold your gear so you won’t leave anything behind.
Number 5: No Change
It may seem old-school but what about camping isn’t, free or even timed showers are not always the standard in campground showers. Some will require you to pay to use them, having quarters on hand is always a good idea if you come across this. Keep a small change purse in your shower gear with a good selection of coins. Costs will vary depending on your location, but quarters are pretty standard (it won’t hurt to have a couple toonie or loonies as well). This is also where efficient showering will be important, or you might end up spending a small fortune just to shampoo your hair!
Do you have any campground shower tips or think of anything we missed? Drop us a comment!