Bathroom/Restroom when camping at fire stations, churches, homes, etc.

[LongTallEandM]

For those of you who get permission to pitch your tent at churches, fire stations, homes, etc. while touring, how/where do you wash up and take care of other bodily needs?

Thanks...

[John Nelson]

Most of them are willing to leave a door unlocked and let you come in when necessary.

Sometimes (rarely) they refer you to a gas station down the street.

If they don't volunteer the information, be sure to ask.

[staehpj1]

The answer varies with the location.  In general I have been offered use of a bathroom, but if not I usually do not ask.  If in town there is usually a gas station, convenience store, or fast food restaurant with a bathroom nearby.

Not to get to graphic, but the various uses of the restroom are handled as follows:

• Urination - If there is no obvious answer I just improvise.  Finding an unobtrusive spot is not usually a problem.  If you find it unacceptable to go on the ground where you are you could use a bottle and dispose of it later in a suitable location, but I have never felt the need to bother with that.
• Defecation - I usually need to do this after I am on the road so it seldom a problem for me during  impromptu camping.  The majority of the time I find indoor facilities in the morning.
• Washing up - If there is a shower or sink available I use them, but a quick wipe down with a damp cloth suffices when they are not.
• Teeth - I can get by with a few ounces of water to rinse after brushing.

[indyfabz]

Larger truck stop-like gas stations sometimes have coin-op showers in addtion to bathrooms. Same for some city parks. I recommend foot protection, like flip-flops. Used some very moldy city park showers on the Northern Tier.

[PeteJack]

I take silk pajamas to sleep in and for modesty when walking across a site to the facilities or down someone's corridor. Much easier and quicker than pulling on day clothes.