Camper Van Life: How Do You Handle Laundry, Showers & Everyday Chores?

Camper van travel sounds pretty appealing. You can explore the country, wake up somewhere new and take your home along for the ride.

But there's something people don't always think about when shopping for a camper van. How do you handle all the everyday stuff?

Laundry, showers, groceries, trash, fresh water and finding somewhere to spend the night. Those things don't disappear just because you're traveling.

We've spent years traveling in camper vans, and we've learned that managing everyday life on the road isn't nearly as complicated as it might seem. You just have to find what works for you.

Even at RV Open House, Laundry Still Needs to Get Done

During our recent trip to Elkhart, Indiana, for RV Open House, our days were packed with factory visits, new camper van walkthroughs and conversations with manufacturers.

But in the middle of all that excitement, we still needed clean clothes. So we headed to a local laundromat.

It's not exactly the glamorous side of camper van travel, but it's real life. One minute you're checking out the latest RV technology, and the next you're waiting for your laundry to finish. That's part of the experience, too.

How Do You Do Laundry While Traveling in a Camper Van?

Laundromats and campground laundry facilities are usually the easiest options. We try to combine laundry stops with other errands, and a laundromat lets us wash and dry multiple loads at once.

Our advice? Don't wait until you're completely out of clean clothes. Laundry is much easier when it fits naturally into your travel day instead of becoming an emergency.

Where Do You Shower When Traveling in a Camper Van?

We've toured enough camper vans to know that bathrooms come in all shapes and sizes. Some have wet baths, some have separate showers, and others have very limited facilities.

Even when you have an onboard shower, you might not always want to use it. Campground bathhouses and truck stops are useful alternatives. Love's offers showers at many locations, and fitness centers such as Planet Fitness and Anytime Fitness can be convenient depending on your membership.

These options are especially helpful when you're trying to conserve your camper van's fresh water. And if you're shopping for a camper van, think about how often you'll actually use its shower. That can make a big difference when choosing a floor plan.

Wondering how much bathroom space you really need? We walked through 10 different RV bathrooms so you can compare the layouts before buying: Compare 10 RV bathroom layouts on YouTube

How Do You Handle Groceries and Meals?

A camper van refrigerator and kitchen are considerably smaller than what most people have at home, so we shop more frequently and buy what we know we'll use.

We also enjoy trying local restaurants along the way. Food is part of the travel experience for us. Having a few easy meals and snacks onboard is especially helpful after a long driving day or when we're somewhere without convenient dining options.

What Do You Do With Trash in a Camper Van?

Trash can accumulate quickly in a small space. We use smaller bags and dispose of them regularly at appropriate locations. A Trasharoo exterior storage bag can also be useful for keeping certain items outside the living area until they can be properly discarded.

It's a simple thing, but keeping trash under control makes a camper van much more pleasant to travel in.

Where Do You Get Fresh Water and Dump Your Tanks?

Fresh water and waste disposal are two things every camper van owner needs to understand.

Campgrounds, RV parks and some RV service locations offer potable water and dump stations. We use travel apps to help locate facilities along our route.

How often you'll need these services depends on your tank sizes, bathroom setup and water usage. And not every camper van has the same waste system. Some use traditional black and gray tanks, while others have cassette toilets or alternative arrangements.

This is one of the reasons we pay so much attention to bathroom systems during our camper van walkthroughs. It's not just about how the bathroom looks. It's about how easy it is to use and maintain.

Where Can You Park Overnight in a Camper Van?

Sometimes we stay at campgrounds or RV parks. Other times, we're just looking for a convenient overnight stop between destinations.

Apps like AllStays, RV Parky, RV LIFE Trip Wizard, Trucker Path and Harvest Hosts help us find places to stay. We covered these and other useful resources in our article, 'RV Travel Apps We Actually Use on the Road.' It's worth checking out if you're planning your next trip: RV Travel Apps We Actually Use on the Road

Truck stops and rest areas may also be options where overnight parking is permitted. Rules vary, so we always check before settling in.

And here's something we don't mind admitting: sometimes we get a hotel room. After a long travel day, a comfortable bed and a hot shower can be exactly what we need. Having a camper van gives you choices. It doesn't mean you have to sleep in it every night.

What About Internet, Mail and Unexpected Repairs?

These are the less exciting details of traveling, but they matter.

Internet: We rely on connectivity for researching destinations, communicating and working on StrangerPalooza content. Coverage varies, so reliable access is especially important when we have work to do.

Mail and prescriptions: For longer trips, we arrange mail and package delivery around our travel plans. Prescriptions deserve special attention because refill and transfer rules can vary.

Breakdowns: A camper van is still a vehicle, and things can go wrong. Roadside assistance that covers your particular RV, along with access to chassis service, can make an unexpected problem much easier to handle.

These are also worth thinking about before buying a camper van, particularly if you plan to travel for extended periods.

Is Camper Van Life Worth the Extra Work?

For us, absolutely. Yes, we still have to do laundry, buy groceries and deal with all the ordinary responsibilities of life. But those small chores are part of a much bigger experience.

We've explored incredible places, met interesting people and had adventures we might never have experienced otherwise. And sometimes, the most memorable moments happen when things don't go exactly as planned.

The biggest lesson we've learned is that camper van travel isn't about escaping everyday life. It's about finding a different way to enjoy it.

Curious what it's actually like for two people to travel in a compact camper van? Watch our real-world test, 'Is a 20-Foot Camper Van Too Small for Two People?': Watch our two-person, 20-foot camper van test

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you travel in a camper van without an onboard shower?

Yes. Campground bathhouses, truck stop showers and participating fitness centers are common alternatives.

Where do camper van travelers do laundry?

Laundromats and campground laundry facilities are convenient options, especially when you combine laundry with other errands.

Where can you refill water and empty RV holding tanks?

Campgrounds, RV parks and designated RV service facilities often provide potable water and dump stations. Availability and fees vary.

Thinking About Buying a Camper Van?

We've walked through and compared hundreds of camper vans on StrangerPalooza, and one thing we've learned is that the best camper van isn't necessarily the most expensive or impressive one. It's the one that fits the way you want to travel.

Looking for the right camper van? Our FREE Vanalyzer helps you find the best fit for your lifestyle and budget: Find your camper van fit with the FREE Vanalyzer

And visit the StrangerPalooza YouTube channel for full camper van walkthroughs, comparisons and real-world travel experiences: StrangerPalooza camper van walkthroughs on YouTube

What everyday part of camper van travel would you find most challenging? Let us know. We'd love to hear from you.

See you down the road! Hank & Lola