Keeping clean/showering when free camping?
Keeping clean/showering when free camping?
Kind of self explanatory really.
Top tips please.
(declaration - pondered this when sorting solutions to a recent short-term domestic boiler breakdown. Have freecamped a fair bit (tents/bivi bags) but not for long enough to become a real issue)
Top tips please.
(declaration - pondered this when sorting solutions to a recent short-term domestic boiler breakdown. Have freecamped a fair bit (tents/bivi bags) but not for long enough to become a real issue)
Sweep
Re: Keeping clean/showering when free camping?
Sorry to state the obvious, but if you can find a secluded spot near a river or lake then you just jump in, assuming that it is safe etc. However if you want to use soap or shampoo it is better to carry some water well away from the water course to avoid pollution.
Re: Keeping clean/showering when free camping?
There's a previous thread called "Map Showing Public Showers in UK?" which covers similar ground.
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Re: Keeping clean/showering when free camping?
You don’t need a shower
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Re: Keeping clean/showering when free camping?
Suppose it's quite useful to have an assertive manner. Just walk onto a larger campsite, head to the toilet/shower block, have a shower, perhaps a shave and then depart. It's important to ensure you don't try it on an owner occupied/attached to farmhouse type site and obviously have the small towel, discreetly rolled up in a carrier bag.
Whilst obviously issuing a positive smile and "hello, isn't it lovely" comment to those passing by, while bending down to pat the cat Suppose I've been challenged once in the past three years, needed the toilet passing through Hawes, North Yorkshire
Whilst obviously issuing a positive smile and "hello, isn't it lovely" comment to those passing by, while bending down to pat the cat Suppose I've been challenged once in the past three years, needed the toilet passing through Hawes, North Yorkshire
Re: Keeping clean/showering when free camping?
not entirely sure how serious you are/whether you've done this much to be honest.gbnz wrote: ↑20 Jan 2022, 9:30pm Suppose it's quite useful to have an assertive manner. Just walk onto a larger campsite, head to the toilet/shower block, have a shower, perhaps a shave and then depart. It's important to ensure you don't try it on an owner occupied/attached to farmhouse type site and obviously have the small towel, discreetly rolled up in a carrier bag.
Whilst obviously issuing a positive smile and "hello, isn't it lovely" comment to those passing by, while bending down to pat the cat Suppose I've been challenged once in the past three years, needed the toilet passing through Hawes, North Yorkshire
I suppose that if the showers are paid for/coin in slot, this is less of an issue.
Sweep
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Re: Keeping clean/showering when free camping?
I tended to do 2-5 long days cycle while free camping.
Then a short day, so stopping just after lunch at campsite.
This let me have a shower and wash any kit that needed it in the "free" hot water.
Plus charge up any cache battery as needed.
luck ...........
Then a short day, so stopping just after lunch at campsite.
This let me have a shower and wash any kit that needed it in the "free" hot water.
Plus charge up any cache battery as needed.
luck ...........
Re: Keeping clean/showering when free camping?
If you think you are going to end up not having any access to proper washing facilities for a while, resorting to a "bits and pits" wash is a reasonable second best approach. But to do that you need to manage water, and I suggest a big sponge (car wash type) and plastic bowl might make things easier, along with a water container that can take a couple of litres. Then all you need is a soap of your choice, some clean water, and privacy.
Re: Keeping clean/showering when free camping?
I've done it a few times, though years ago & in the USA.Sweep wrote: ↑20 Jan 2022, 10:11pmnot entirely sure how serious you are/whether you've done this much to be honest.gbnz wrote: ↑20 Jan 2022, 9:30pm Suppose it's quite useful to have an assertive manner. Just walk onto a larger campsite, head to the toilet/shower block, have a shower, perhaps a shave and then depart. It's important to ensure you don't try it on an owner occupied/attached to farmhouse type site and obviously have the small towel, discreetly rolled up in a carrier bag.
I suppose that if the showers are paid for/coin in slot, this is less of an issue.
Now, I'd just ask first. Offer to pay for it. Most people will refuse the money & let you shower. If not, try at the next place. Or another day down the road.
I tend to pay to pitch every few days, for the facilities, so I can shower, wash clothes, etc.
“In some ways, it is easier to be a dissident, for then one is without responsibility.”
― Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom
― Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom
Re: Keeping clean/showering when free camping?
Re: Keeping clean/showering when free camping?
Obviously you are aware that theft is a crime?gbnz wrote: ↑20 Jan 2022, 9:30pm Suppose it's quite useful to have an assertive manner. Just walk onto a larger campsite, head to the toilet/shower block, have a shower, perhaps a shave and then depart. It's important to ensure you don't try it on an owner occupied/attached to farmhouse type site and obviously have the small towel, discreetly rolled up in a carrier bag.
Whilst obviously issuing a positive smile and "hello, isn't it lovely" comment to those passing by, while bending down to pat the cat Suppose I've been challenged once in the past three years, needed the toilet passing through Hawes, North Yorkshire
Re: Keeping clean/showering when free camping?
Any decent Outdoor retailer can sell you Biodegradable 'wet wipes' which are large enough for an 'in tent' clean. Finding a real toilet is obviously a bonus at times. Wild Camping is supposed to be 'wild'...
A previous thread talked about human waste and what to do with it whilst 'Wild Camping'. I did not make any comment at that time. So here it is. Please read and absorb.
Country Code, outdoor practice states bury human waste, take paper waste (yes) in a poly bag and dispose of in a sanitary place. Please do not bury toilet paper.
There were a number of people whose attitude was and most likely still is, 'ignore the rules and do what you like'. This I think is a typical response of those of lesser intelligence who do not actually Wild Camp.
I can hardly cycle anymore, but I have a Triumph Bonneville motorcycle. I am intending/hoping to go up to Scotland in a few months. Wild Camping is not an offence. I shall be hopefully making the most of it.
Happy days and Happy New year to all!
Re: Keeping clean/showering when free camping?
A flannel wash is fine for a few days, I carry some liquid soap which is usable for body/hair/dishes and clothing, but if there's no easy water supply for a good rinse I use plain water, it doesn't need a lot. Instead of a cloth flannel, I'll use J-clothes, multi purpose, light and disposable.
The idea of a daily shower is a modern concept, the weekly bath was the norm when I was a kid, everyone seemed to manage.
The idea of a daily shower is a modern concept, the weekly bath was the norm when I was a kid, everyone seemed to manage.
Re: Keeping clean/showering when free camping?
There's a network of free to use showers on the canal network - map of locations here https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-th ... nd-showers . You need a key which can be purchased from the Canal and River Trust or on Ebay - search for BWB key.
I use these facilities and also make an annual donation to the Canal and River Trust which runs them. If you're a tight ******* you can just use for the cost of the key though.
I use these facilities and also make an annual donation to the Canal and River Trust which runs them. If you're a tight ******* you can just use for the cost of the key though.
'Give me my bike, a bit of sunshine - and a stop-off for a lunchtime pint - and I'm a happy man.' - Reg Baker