Privacy in shower facilities

[Lovingmylife]

Stupid question from a novice camper

We bought a tent and a load of camping stuff. My memories of camping as a child are not pleasant experiences.

What are the shower blocks like? How do you get any privacy? Is it open changing or does is it cubicles with space to dry in as well as shower?

All campsites I've been to in the UK/Europe have had individual cubicles/rooms that you can change and shower in.

We have ensured facilities had individual shower cubicles that you shower and dress in. Although on the site last year lots of ladies had those towel wrap dress things and would wear those back to their tents and change there.q

Yep all is fine. No communal changing.

But I have been on a few sites in Europe where there is communal shower/ changing for small children. Think lower sinks, showers and small toilets, with plenty of space for one parent to help out. But it's really for under 5/6 year olds... and every one always seems to give you enough space/ privacy.

... obviously toilets are cubicles!

Thank you for your reassurances everyone. Good to know.

Shower facitilies are really variable in my experience but they do generally have enough room to change in the cubicle, although it generally isn't quite big enough or sufficiently waterproof from the shower but that's just camping for you.

A few sites have a communal area with benches outside the showers but these are generally used by parents with smallish children to get them ready.

I know of at least one site where the showers are coin operated and the machines are outside the cubical so you have to pop out, wrapped in a towel to activate, or, if there is a queue, ask someone to set it off when you are ready. This is unusual though.

Top tip - there are rarely enough hooks so get some to hang over the door.

I much prefer to get changed afterwards in a basin cubicle if they have them, rather than the shower. It's so much more dryer and easier than staying in the original shower cubicle. Takes a bit of organisation (large bag). If more people did it this way, there would be less queuing ffor the showers too.

Most I have been to take 20p coins.

I've only seen lockable cubicles in the UK. Dresses/shorts are more convenient than trousers (and then get weather appropriate clothing on in the tent).

Best I've seen was Legoland Billund... Proper family rooms with a couple of showers, a changing table, a little playpen, toilet etc... A whole row of these, as well as individual cubicles in the men's/woman's areas.

Seems to vary as to how much space you get. One you don’t really have anywhere to even hang a towel in your private bit others are whole rooms or at least a separate space for drying to washing. All where lockable and private though.

I usually put my pyjamas back on and then get dressed in tent. Also have a hair towel thing with a button that will keep that out the way.
I also try to get a 'naice' shower gel/shampoo&conditioner. It just makes me feel a bit better!!
Oh, and rubber flip flops too!!

This is an old tip from Mumsnet - take a bag-for-life (supermarket type) to the shower. Then you can hang this large waterproof bag on the measly hook on the back of the door, and put your clothes and towel IN it rather than risking losing items of clothing onto the wet floor.

I think all campsites have private showers but the build quality varies from practically a hotel to practically a chicken shed.