How to wash yourself in the wild by campervan?

Our campervans are fitted with an external hot shower fed by a solar water heater. Practical, private and comfortable — simply park in a discreet spot (under trees, behind a hedge) and unroll the hose.

The water tank allows several showers per day and can be refilled at any water point (taps at forest car parks, service areas). Top it up whenever you get the chance.

Réunion has plenty of free or low-cost public facilities. ONF (National Forestry Office) parks often have toilets and showers. Developed beaches (Grande Anse, Étang-Salé, l'Ermitage) offer free outdoor showers.

Municipal campsites typically charge €2 to €5 for a shower, even if you're not staying overnight — a practical and affordable option when passing through town.

Réunion has hundreds of accessible waterfalls — some perfect for a refreshing dip in the heart of nature. The natural pool on the Rivière Langevin (Saint-Joseph) is a true gem: crystal-clear water, a pebble bed and a tropical setting.

Always use biodegradable products near natural waterways. And respect any signs prohibiting swimming (risk of flash flooding).

The portable solar shower (a 10–20 litre bag with a showerhead) is the van-lifer's star accessory. Fill it in the morning, leave it in the sun — after 3 to 4 hours, the water reaches 30–35°C. Perfect for an outdoor shower in a secluded spot.

In Réunion, the sun is powerful even in the austral winter. Even on cloudy days, the UV radiation is strong enough to heat the water in a few hours.

In a campervan, go for solid, biodegradable products: solid shampoo bars, natural soap, solid toothpaste tablets. They won't leak in your bag, take up less space and are kind to the environment — crucial when washing near natural waterways.

Hand sanitiser gel is a useful addition to your wash bag for situations where water is scarce. And biodegradable wet wipes (aloe vera or calendula) are ideal for a quick freshen-up before reaching your next water point.