An RV can get pretty dirty as it rolls down the road and keeping it clean is part of good maintenance. Allowing dirt, salt, and grime to build up on your rig can lead to black streaks, rust, scratches, a dull finish, and overall aging. We’ve written posts on keeping RVs clean (since we clean ours a lot!), but is washing an RV at a campground an option? In this post, we answer that question AND give you some great tips for keeping your RV clean no matter where you travel.
Is Washing RVs at Campgrounds Allowed?
While some RV parks and campgrounds allow RV washing on individual campsites (or at a dedicated washing location in the park), many others strictly prohibit washing your rig anywhere on the property. If you want to wash your RV while camping, your best bet is to call the RV park in advance and ask about their policy. At some locations, there may be a fee to cover water usage (and probably to discourage too many campers from washing their rigs), while at other locations, washing your rig right at your campsite may not be allowed, but you may be able to move it to a wash bay or specific area where washing IS allowed.
Over 20+ years of full-time RVing, we always tried to keep our rig as clean as reasonably possible. We washed it in more RV parks and self-service car washes than we could possibly count. One time, we actually washed our motorhome in a cul-de-sac in an industrial park, using our onboard water supply. Needless to say, we were not heading to a boondocking spot at the time. 😁
Now that we’ve taken delivery of our first brand new rig in over 18 years — an Outdoors RV Creekside 19MKS Titanium Series towed by a new GMC Sierra turbodiesel pickup truck— the excitement of “NEW!” has us washing more often again.
After getting especially dirty driving most of the way across the country in just three days, we called this lovely campground in Wisconsin to ask if they allow RV washing. When they said “Sure” we made our reservation and promptly got to work as soon as we arrived. There’s something about a brand-new rig, sparkling clean after a fresh wash, that makes us gearheads smile extra big. It’s also good maintenance to get the grime off the finish.
How to Clean Your RV If Washing Is NOT Allowed At a Campground
If you can’t wash your rig at a campground or RV park, there are other ways to keep your rig looking good as you travel:
Do-It-Yourself Car Wash With High or Outdoor Bays
As many campgrounds prohibit RV washing, it’s sometimes easiest to do the job at a location specifically dedicated to vehicle washing. Many car washes have at least one or more tall bays that can accommodate an RV. Others have an open-air wash lane at the end of the building that can accommodate vehicles of almost any height.
If you’re going to pull into one of these locations, you’d better be well aware of your RV’s height. If you don’t already know how tall your rig is, consider our finger officially wagged at you, and get up on your roof to figure it out ASAP. Not sure how? Watch our video:
We’re not embarrassed to say that we’re pretty obsessed about keeping our RVs and vehicles clean. It’s that meticulous attention to detail that kept our Mountain Aire in great shape for so many years. We’re not about to change gears now that we have a new RV, and we’ve been enjoying the simple pleasure of washing the brand-new finish on both our truck and RV whenever they need tidying up.
PRO TIP: Car washes with signs that say “No Bucket Washing” don’t work for us most of the time. When we want to get our rig really clean, a bucket & brush wash is the only way to do that. We prefer places with “No Bucket Washing When Others Are Waiting“ signs, and we try to go during off-hours so we can comfortably take all the time we need without feeling rushed.
Check out our post on “how to find an RV wash near me” so that you can get your rig clean on your way to or from your camping trip.
What a great name for a car wash—Spiffy! We often stop at a DIY car wash with tall bays when we’re eager to get our rig clean, but finding a nearby campground that allows RV washing is our preferred method.
Meguiar’s Ultimate Quik Detailer — When Your Rig Isn’t TOO Dirty
One of our favorite cleaning products is Meguiar’s Quik Detailer. When your rig needs a spot cleaning or isn’t TOO dirty, you can clean and shine it all at once with this quick easy-to-use option. We’ve been using it on our RV and car for years, and can’t overstate how much we love it.
- New polymer chemistry provides an easier wipe off and slicker finish
- This quick spray detailer safely and quickly removes dust and surface contaminants between washings
California Duster — For Cleaning/Dusting Between Washes
If your rig has gotten dusty or full of pollen and you’re not at a campground that allows washing, we recommend keeping a California Duster on hand. We’ve used one on our car and RV for years and love how well it works.
A California Duster has been one of our favorite ways to keep our RV dust free BETWEEN washes!
A California Duster works best if the surface has a nice coat of wax on it, but it will improve the appearance of any dusty vehicle. Please note that it’s best used only if you haven’t driven in the rain since the last time you washed your rig. As the name implies, it’s for dusting, not washing.
If you’re concerned that a California Duster could scratch your car or RV, it might help put you at ease to know where we first heard of them — being used to keep Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and other exotic cars looking their best at several of the many auto shows we’ve attended. If they’re safe for use on expensive luxury cars, they’re safe for your rig, too.
- The Original California Car Duster standard model has an easy to use plastic handle and wax treated cotton mop. The California Car Duster signature...
- The wax treated cotton mop quickly and easily removes dust without scratching. Gently sweep the car duster across your vehicle’s surface to lift and...
Clean Your Windshield, Windows, and Mirrors
It’s important to keep your windshield and mirrors clean. Washing the rest of the rig may be (mostly) cosmetic, but being able to see clearly while driving is a safety issue. That goes double when traveling East in the morning, or West late in the day, when sunlight can make a dirty windshield especially difficult to see through.
If you’re in a place where you can’t thoroughly wash your entire RV, you can almost always give your windshield and windows a good cleaning without violating any campground/park rules. Here’s our video on how to clean RV windows and mirrors quickly without needing any window cleaner.
Commercial Truck/RV Wash?
In the past, we’ve discussed using truck washes that also clean RVs. However, we won’t specifically recommend or condemn them here. We’ve had some very good experiences at truck washes, but we’ve also had some subpar situations.
Our best professional washing experience was at a large motorhome dealer. Watching someone ELSE put all the elbow grease into getting our home-on-wheels sparkling clean was worth every penny!
All it takes is one aggressive jerk worker with a long-handle brush who doesn’t care about your rig to leave a bad taste in your mouth. ‘Nuff said. Not saying we’d never go to one again, but read reviews, use your judgment, and go with what makes you comfortable. Caveat emptor.
How to Wash Your RV At a Campground
When RV washing is permitted at a campground or RV park, it’s great to be able to take advantage of it, especially when you travel full-time. We’ve washed our rig in many parks, and we’ve got some guidelines to follow to ensure you’re a good neighbor while you’re doing it:
Be Respectful of Others
This includes not only your neighbors at the campground but the campground owners and staff. When park policy allows you to wash your RV on-site, it’s essential to consider the impact on nearby neighbors, water usage, and the environmental impact of the products you choose. Because soap and other washing supplies generally end up on the ground, we use biodegradable options whenever possible. We also want effective, high-quality products that deliver the results we need. That’s why Meguiar’s is one of our go-to brands.
Washing your RV can be fun for the whole family. However, please ensure that you’re also respectful of your neighbors.
When it comes to neighboring sites and RVers, you may want to avoid washing your rig at a campground where you’re packed in like sardines. Spraying water and soap into your neighbor’s campsite isn’t likely the definition of a “good neighbor.”
If the park doesn’t have a dedicated wash bay, it might be a nice idea to wait until your nearby neighbors are away from their site for the day, if possible. Choosing not to wash your rig at a campground at all unless you have appropriate space is even better.
Use a Dedicated Wash Bay Where Applicable
If there’s a dedicated wash bay/area for RVs at a campground where you’re staying, be sure to do your washing in that location. Even at parks with a wash bay, it’s essential to follow their rules and be mindful of your actions as you perform the task.
There may be restrictions, such as using an automatic shut-off nozzle at the end of the hose to prevent excessive water use. Remember that people who disregard the rules are the reason we all lose privileges like these. It’s no different than RVers who ignore proper etiquette when overnighting at a Wal-Mart, causing them to ban overnight RV stays. Bad behavior affects all of us. Be a good RVing citizen.
Have the Appropriate Cleaning Products On Hand
No matter where you wash your RV, you’ll want to have items on hand to get it nice and clean without scratching. After more than 20 years on the road full-time, we’ve accumulated lots of favorite cleaning gear. Here are a few must-haves for washing your rig at a campground… or anywhere else.
Biodegradable Washing Soap
In our post on the 5 best RV wash and wax products, we highlighted our all-time favorite car and RV washing soap, Meguiar’s Gold Class. Not only does Meguiar’s do a fantastic job (as noted by the condition of our motorhome after more than 18 years on the road full-time), but it’s also biodegradable.
- LONG-LASTING RADIANT LOOK: Say goodbye to dull and faded paint and hello to the ultra-rich paint conditioners; Meguiar's Gold Class foam car wash...
- THE PERFECT PROFESSIONAL CLEAN: Experience the ultimate clean with this eco friendly car wash soap for foam cannons; its biodegradable formula forms...
In addition to a good biodegradable car wash soap, the following items will make washing your rig easier, whether at an RV park, a car wash, or even at your home.
Quality Hose Nozzle
If you want to be prepared to wash your RV anywhere, a durable hose nozzle is a must. We use the following high-quality aluminum model, which has helped us keep our rig clean on the road for years.
- Durable, five-pattern spray nozzle turns any standard garden hose into multifunction spray tool
- Engineered with aircraft-grade aluminum, stainless steel, fiberglass and comfort-grip soft rubber to withstand years of use
Soft Car Wash Brush or Mitt
Because RVs are so tall, a good soft-fiber car wash brush on an extendable pole is generally needed to wash them. We washed our 43′ diesel pusher with a setup like this (as seen in the featured image of this post) and it worked like a charm for many years.
NOTE: Some newer paints, especially on high-end motorhomes, specifically call for lambswool wash mitts, not brushes of any kind. Be sure to follow your manufacturer’s guidelines to properly care for the finish on your rig.
- RUBBER BUMPER: Prevents damage or dings to surface
- SAFE ON ALL SURFACES: Pole/Rod not included
- Includes 4-Way Swivel Pad Holder attaches directly to acme threaded pole
- 100% Pure Lambswool (recommended by Tiffin and Newmar)
Extension Pole
- Fluted fiberglass handle for a comfortable grip in any climate.
- Medium duty pole with 1-1/16-Inch diameter composite fiberglass handle.
Silicone Water Blade
This is one of our absolute favorite tips. For years, we’ve used a silicone water blade on a pole to squeegee excess water off our rig, which is particularly helpful when you’re washing in areas with hard water. The blade removes a lot of water quickly and easily, it won’t scratch the finish, and the pole makes it easy to reach high areas. We follow up with a high-quality synthetic chamois to dry the lower sections and any drips that come from the windows, awnings, etc.
There are many water blades out there, but this is the only one we’re currently able to find that comes with an attachment for use on a pole:
- Patented Y-bar edge whisks away water
- Faster than a chamois and quicker than a towel
And this is our favorite chamois by far.
- EXCELLENT ABSORBENT. Spend less time drying and more time enjoying life.
- SOFT & SAFE. Easy on your hands and easy on your car.
PRO TIP: Whenever possible, try to avoid washing your rig in direct sunlight. We often start by washing the shady side in the morning and working our way around the rig, following the shade as the sun moves across the sky. This helps to prevent the soap and rinse water from drying too quickly and leaving spots and streaks. It also keeps us from being burned to a crisp in the hot sun… and leaves a nice break for lunch at the half-way point!
While we’ve always washed our RV pretty regularly, we generally made an annual ritual of thoroughly washing and waxing it each spring. Waxing such a large area can be a LOT of work, especially if you use wax that’s hard to apply or remove.
Turning once again to Meguiar’s, we found the greatest wax an RVer could ask for. It glides on with virtually no effort and comes off just as quickly and easily. A little also goes a long way, so one bottle can easily do the largest motorhome more than once. Oh… and it does a fantastic job. If you haven’t tried it before, you’ll be super happy when you do. You’re welcome! 😄
- IMPROVED FORMULA: Experience the ultimate in automotive wax with Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax. Our formula takes car care to the next level...
- EASY TO USE WAX: Applying our liquid wax is a breeze, thanks to its easy spread-on and wipe-off application. Anyone can achieve professional results...
When we sold our motorhome last year, after traveling and living in it full-time for more than 18 years, it was still in great shape. As you can guess, we’re already working to keep our new rig just as nice.
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Tara Moore
Saturday 7th of June 2025
Thanks for the info its helped me alot. The only thing it cant correct is leaving my RV and keys on family properties were it was stolen from,wore out,used,and basically everything went from brand new to gone,broken,wore out,replaced for junk,and wound up with not much more than a trailer. But Im working on it. Happy Trails. Hahahahaha!
Gay Tacoma Travel Enthusiast
Saturday 7th of June 2025
I like the idea of having an RV park with a means to wash your RV and clean the interior. If only every RV park and campground had a means to do that.
Richard
Saturday 7th of June 2025
Try REJEX …its not a wax,used on airplanes…protects decals…excellent product..easy on easy off
Tom Wood
Sunday 8th of September 2024
How popular would it be if an RV Park had some self wash bays on the property and what would be the best number of bays to have on the property?
Thanks
John S.
Saturday 8th of June 2024
What an appropriate post to show off the new rig.*
By the way I like the "Peter John" license plate.
Take care,
John S.
P.S. *RIG is now shorthand for 'Outdoors RV Creekside 19MKS Titanium Series towed by a new GMC Sierra turbodiesel pickup truck'.
TheRVgeeks
Sunday 9th of June 2024
👍😂 "rig" is definitely shorter than the full name, that's for sure!