If you’re traveling cross-country or boondocking and need access to a shower or a chance to stretch those stiff driving muscles, a great spot can be the local fitness clubs or gyms along the way.
Try a gym membership for “free” showers
Friends of mine routinely stay overnight in the parking lots at Life Time Fitness when traveling. With their membership, they enjoy the chance to work out, swim and take a long, relaxing hot shower. They contact the gym, make sure it is okay to park overnight and that their 24′ RV will fit.
Another option is Planet Fitness. At a mere $10 a month and an annual fee of $39, Planet Fitness provides a hot shower and workout. Some gym parking lots may be able to accommodate overnight parking, although many are located in strip malls. Call ahead and see what is available and note if there are any local restrictions. Another couple that often boondocks extensively close to cities drives to Planet Fitness for a great shower and quick workout. Some gyms even offer two- or three-day passes.
Don’t need the workout? Truck stops offer showers, too
Not a fan of exercise or buying a gym membership? Truck stops commonly have shower facilities to purchase. Loves and Pilot are popular truck stops that, while catering to professional truck drivers, do allow the general public to use the showers. The showers are generally clean and run between $12 and $15. You can check out availability by downloading their apps. You can also use their apps to locate upcoming truck stops, directions, mileage, propane service and RV lanes. Love’s Connect and Pilot Flying J apps can be very helpful.
When the campground is full, unavailable, or just not your style, there are alternatives to stay in shape and keep clean!
##RVT1036
My dd did this when they traveled in a Class B on their honeymoon. She said it was so easy – especially when in the van as they could park anywhere.
I believe that the $10 a month Planet Fitness fee is only for your local gym. To use others, the monthly fee is more than double that. Due diligence.
I’m pretty sure you’re correct. I have a PF membership and you need the black card membership to use any PF in the country. I have a black membership specifically because of this. We snowbird in FL and I use it there. Plus, with the black card, you can bring a guest with you any time. So the wife can accompany me any time and use the facilities. This is another reason to have the black card membership. I think the current fee for the black card is $25.
When I was driving truck I could get a free shower with the purchase of at least 50 gal. When I was on a route without national chain truck stops I kept a box of baby wipes in the truck.
We use Anytime Fitness for the same reason. In our truck camper, we can settle pup, go in any time of day or night, workout, catch a shower and cook a meal in the parking lot before moving on. It works well for us. They are open 24 hours and are nationwide