Truckers know how important personal hygiene is on the road. A shower after a few days on the road will freshen you up for a long ride, reduce odor in your truck, and make you presentable for your next stop. The thing is, that keeping clean on the road can be a challenge - and that’s why knowing what truck stops have showers is important for all truckers planning their drives in California. 

In order to help those truckers on the road in California, we have compiled a list of all the truck stops in California, and identified whether they have showers or not. We also discuss alternatives to showering at truck stops, as all truckers should have other options in case a truck stop shower is not available.

Do truck stops in California have showers?

Not all truck stops in California have shower facilities, and in fact, a large majority of them do not. 

When you look at all California truck stops, you’ll find that only around 28% have showers - leaving 71% without them.

So you can see that if you’re a trucker in California, you’ll need to plan your drive accordingly if you’re going to need a shower on the road - or have an alternative way to shower.

Truck Stops with and Without Showers in California: The Full List

In order to help California truckers plan their trips, we have compiled a list of every truck stop in California, and dug in to see if they have shower facilities or not. So here it is, in alphabetical order, every truck stop in CA with its address and shower facility status:

So there you have it, the full list of truck stops with showers in California. You can see that if you’re really traveling in CA, you cannot rely on truck stops if you are trying to keep clean with the same consistency that you would at home. Even if you do have access to a truck stop shower, another question you have to ask yourself is - do you really want to use one?

Why You Should Avoid Truck Stop Showers

Truck stop showers may seem like a convenient option for weary travelers on the road, but there are several compelling reasons why you might want to think twice before using them. In this article, we'll explore the key factors that make avoiding truck stop showers a prudent choice.

1. Cleanliness Concerns

Truck stop showers are used by countless individuals daily, and unfortunately, not all users prioritize cleanliness. Despite regular cleaning efforts by the establishments, these facilities can still harbor germs and bacteria, potentially exposing you to health risks.

2. Limited Privacy

Truck stop showers typically offer minimal privacy. While you'll have a curtain or door for modesty, the close quarters and shared spaces can be uncomfortable for those seeking a truly private and relaxing shower experience.

3. Wait Times

Especially during peak travel hours, you may find yourself waiting in line for your turn to use the showers. Long queues can be frustrating and time-consuming, potentially delaying your journey.

4. Maintenance Issues

Truck stop showers may not always be in the best condition. Broken fixtures, leaky faucets, or other maintenance issues can detract from the overall experience and leave you dissatisfied.

5. Cost Considerations

While some truck stops offer free showers with a minimum fuel purchase, others charge a fee for access. Over time, these costs can add up, making truck stop showers a less economical choice compared to alternatives.

6. Inconsistent Amenities

Not all truck stops offer the same amenities with their showers. Some may provide towels, toiletries, and clean facilities, while others may lack these essential comforts, leaving you to rely on your own supplies.

7. Personal Security

Safety concerns can arise, especially during late-night stops. While most truck stops take security seriously, using public showers in remote locations can make you feel vulnerable.

8. Convenience of Alternatives

In today's world, many modern truck cabs are equipped with sleeper berths and even small shower facilities. This convenience means you can freshen up at your own pace, in a familiar environment, without the need for a public shower.

9. Health Precautions

In recent times, heightened health concerns, such as the spread of viruses, have made public facilities less appealing. Avoiding shared spaces like truck stop showers can reduce your exposure to potential health risks.

Portable Showers as an Alternative to Truck Stop Showers

So you can see that there’s some significant downsides to using truck stop showers. That’s why you should consider a portable shower as an alternative - so you can shower wherever you need on the road, without having to worry about making it to the next stop or the safety and health concerns that come along with using a truck stop shower.

What to Consider in a Portable Shower

Portable showers vary greatly in their form, functionality and capacity based on the brand that makes them. That’s why when researching portable showers, you should do in-depth research to figure out what kind is best for you. There are several very important factors to consider when making your decision:

• Portability and Size: Determine how portable you need the shower to be. Consider the size and weight of the unit when collapsed and when set up. Ensure it's compact and lightweight enough for your intended use.
• Water Source: Consider where you'll be sourcing water. Some portable showers require a direct connection to a water supply, while others have built-in water tanks. Choose a model that aligns with your available water sources.
• Water Heating: Think about how you want the water to be heated. Some portable showers rely on solar heating, while others have propane or electric heaters.
• Pressurization Method: You should consider how the portable shower you are researching pressurizes the water in the tank. Some require manual pumping or self-pressurization, while others use battery power to pressurize the water. Certain methods, like battery-pressurization, provide stronger and more consistent pressure - so it’s important to understand the pressurization your portable shower uses before purchasing. 
• Battery Life and Power Source: If the portable shower requires electricity for heating or operation (e.g., for a pump), consider the battery life or power source options. Rechargeable batteries or the ability to connect to a vehicle's power outlet can be convenient for longer trips or off-grid use.

Why RinseKit is the Best Portable Shower for Truckers

Truckers in the know who are looking for a portable shower should strongly consider RinseKit portable showers. RinseKit is the ultimate portable shower for truckers for the following reasons:

• Super Portable: The RinseKit PRO and Cube are both super portable and easy to transport. They are both around the size of a small cooler, with strong top handles - so they are easy to move to and from a water source and your truck.
• Water Source: All RinseKit models have built-in water tanks, so you don’t have to hook up a pump to an external water source.
• Water Heating: All RinseKit models are compatible with our propane heater, the HyperHeater. When hooked up to the RinseKit, the HyperHeater cycles water out of the RinseKit and heats it up to 110F in around 30 seconds. So if it’s a cold night, you can take a piping hot shower on the road.
• Pressurization Method: All RinseKit models utilize battery-powered pressurization, meaning that a strong AGM battery pressurizes the water in the onboard tank. This means there’s no manual pumping or hooking up to a pressure source required. You simply pour in water, press the power button and it’s good to go. This battery-powered pressure also makes it so that the pressure is strong and consistent. When you’re out on the road, you’ll be glad to have that high pressure, consistent spray without the effort.
• Super Easy to Use: As we have mentioned, due to its on board water tank and battery-powered pressurization, the RinseKit is super easy to setup and use. You simply pour in water through the top cap, hook it up to the HyperHeater, press the power button and you can have a piping hot, high pressure shower on the road.

So there you have it, a full list of all the truck stops with showers in California. As you can see, a large majority of the truck stops in California do not have showers, and even if they do, they are mostly unsanitary and unsafe. If you’re a trucker you’re better off getting a portable shower, and if you’re going to get a portable shower, you should highly consider RinseKit. Hopefully, this list helps you out on your route. Happy driving!