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Getting out in the great outdoors is a fun and fulfilling experience. But it can also be kind of, well, dirty. You can work up quite a sweat hiking the trails and climbing up mountains. The problem: how do you take a good, clean shower out in the middle of the wilderness? Fortunately, there are a number of excellent outdoor showers for camping today. To help you find the best camping showers around, I’ve compared prices and features and compiled my findings in this blog.
Portable camp showers are one of the best travel gear products available to modern-day campers. Not only is it a great way of bringing the comforts of home into the wilds, but it also promotes better health and hygiene. Camping is a great way of staying active, and hydrotherapy is a great way of recovering after working out.
Some may think that you’re not “really” camping if you’re not “roughing” it. But camping is supposed to be fun, not torture. There are plenty of little things you can do to make camping more comfortable. Investing in a portable campsite shower is one of many quality-of-life improvements that make it a lot easier to enjoy the beauty and excitement of Mother Nature.
The Best Portable Showers for Campers in 2023
Most outdoor camping showers come in one of three main types. First, there are hanging bag showers, which use gravity to create a steady stream of water for you to clean yourself with. Then there are pressurized hose showers, which are bulkier and more high-tech, and are more similar to traditional home showers. Finally, there are shower tents, which require the most work to set up but offer a greater degree of privacy and luxury.
Below, I’ve hand-picked 12 of the best camping showers of 2023. They’re divided up into the three main types of camping showers, so if you’re looking for a specific kind of shower unit, you can scroll down to the section highlighting that product type. Alternatively, if you’re new to camping showers, this is a great chance to learn a little bit more about the differences between them. Compare and contrast to find the best camping shower to fit your personal tastes.
Best Hanging Bag Showers
1. DkOvn Solar Shower Bag
The DkOvn Solar Shower Bag is the ideal shower for budget-minded campers who are looking for a traditional gravity camp shower at the best possible price. This shower is the cheapest on the list, and buying in bulk will give a significant discount.
The DkOvn Solar Shower is a 5-gallon hanging shower built for efficiency and durability. The capacity is enough for about three showers, depending on how you ration the water. Placing the bag under direct sunlight for three hours will raise the temperature of the water up to 105 °F (be careful not to burn yourself!). The bags are comprised of plastic and a PVC hose that is resistant to being deformed.
This hanging shower also has an on/off valve at the base of the hose as well as a sling to hang the shower head. The bag’s reverse side is also clear to give you an exact view of how much water is left. Overall this camp shower is a great choice for the price and can be used in combination with a shower tent.
2. Unniweei Solar Portable Shower Bag
The Unniweei Solar Portable Shower Bag is a good choice for campers who prefer the traditional gravity camp shower but want a few more features than the DkOvn offers. This camp shower is entirely made of durable PVC. It has a 5-gallon capacity and a heat-up time of three hours under direct sunlight. This is the same as the DkOvn, but it also has a temperature gauge that shows hot the water is.
The handle on the Unniweei shower unclips to hang it securely around an object, and the bag itself has two mounts for the shower head for hands-free use. This shower also features a mesh pocket on the outside to hold toiletries. The hose on the Unniweei is more robust than the DkOvn and has an on/off valve directly on the nozzle for easier access.
This bag weighs less than a pound when empty and folds for easy carrying in a backpack. It is also made of strong material, so expect it to last much longer than cheaper bags. Overall this bag is one of the best portable camping showers for travelers looking for something that is lightweight but can be reused a few times.
3. Extremus Camping Shower Bag
The Extremus Camping Shower Bag shares many characteristics with the Unniweei bag, but has a few more features and a larger capacity for a higher price. In fact, it retails for roughly the price of four DkOvn showers. The durability is better, however, and it has all the quality-of-life features of the Unniweei plus a little bit more. This is a good portable camp shower for people who plan on multiple people showering from the same fill-up.
While the previous two bag showers have a 5-gallon capacity, the Extremus is a 6.6-gallon shower. The designers at Extremus took advantage of this extra capacity by shaping the bag in a narrower, longer shape than any other shower bag we’ve seen, utilizing gravity to increase the water pressure significantly beyond that of other bag showers.
There is also a six-gallon variant that does not have quite as much water pressure but is more affordable. It has a pocket to hold items and a hands-free mount for the shower head, as well as a shower head that controls the flow of water simply by pushing and pulling the nozzle. Overall this bag is good for camping groups looking for a shower that multiple people can use in one fill-up, and the increased pressure and extra features make it worthwhile for the price.
4. Advanced Elements Summer Shower
The Advanced Elements Summer Shower is the most expensive bag shower on this list, but has the highest build quality. This bag has all the utility features of the other bags on this list. However, that’s aside from the pressure-increasing shape of the Extremus.
This outdoor camping shower comes in four different, capacities: the standard give-gallon version, a more portable three-gallon version, a super-lightweight 2.5-gallon version, and an extra-large ten-gallon version(bear in mind this one may be difficult to lift at full capacity).
Whichever one you buy, you’ll find that the Advanced Elements shower has all the necessary elements of a quality camp shower. This includes a nozzle with an on/off switch and a pouch for toiletries. It also has a buckle for fastening the bag securely and mounts for the shower head and temperature gauge.
What sets this one apart and makes it worth the higher price is the four-layer design. This bag has an insulator panel and a reflector panel on top of the solar panel. Its design significantly increases heat retention and absorption as well as increases the durability of the bag significantly. The temperature of this bag can reach up to 110 °F under optimal sunlight, making it one of the very best hot water showers for camping.
Best Pressurized Hose Showers
5. AFISHTOUR Camping Shower Bag
The cheapest pressurized shower bag on the list is the AFISHTOUR Camping Shower Bag. This camp shower has a lot of the necessary features. For one, it is ideal for mobile camping experiences due to its collapsible nature and included carrying bag. Though affordably priced, this camp shower is ideal for campers looking to spend a little more for a shower that you don’t have to hang up anywhere. This shower is also great in combination with a shower tent.
This camp shower has a 3.17-gallon capacity. That’s smaller than some other camp showers, but the pressurization is what makes it worthwhile. This camp shower requires no electricity but still provides water pressure through the nozzle like a normal shower thanks to its air pump. Simply step on the air pump a few times every so often. Voila, you can use this pressure shower anywhere there’s water.
Leaving this shower bag in the sun will heat up the water to up to 120 °F. That’s higher than most solar shower bags. It also gives you more time with hot water and more pressure build-up inside the bag. Overall this is a good choice for campers looking for affordable campground showers that, unlike bag showers, don’t need to be hung from overhead.
6. Ridgewinder Portable Shower
The Ridgewinder Portable Shower is a pressurized shower with a more compact delivery system and easier storage than others. This shower uses a dry bag as its reservoir, which is essentially just a foldable bag. It can hold water and an electric hose with a nozzle as the delivery system.
If you are camping with access to electricity or only planning on using the hose once or twice, this camp shower is ideal. This is due to a fully charged battery pressurized spray for 60 minutes. With a small power bank, this tool can last for as many showers as you want, making it the most compact portable shower for campers while still being functional.
The Ridgewinder comes with several features that other shower bags do not have. Notably, this camp shower is ideal for washing dishes because the nozzle detaches to allow the use of a more pressurized hose. It also has more pressure in the shower head because of its use of electricity. The bag has a 2.5-gallon capacity, and the format of this shower makes it the most compact for carrying when not in use. That said, the nature of this shower’s design means it has no heating element, so that’s something to keep in mind.
7. Nemo Helio Portable Pressure Camp Shower
Looking for a similar shower to the AFISHTOUR camping shower, but you have a larger budget? The Nemo Helio Portable Pressure Camp Shower is a similar product with more features and better quality. This pressure shower, originally designed for surfers, is an all-purpose pressure washer designed for not just showering but also washing dishes, camping equipment, surfing gear, or even vehicles.
The Nemo Helio uses the same type of foot-pump pressurization as the AFISHTOUR. However, its system provides more pressure and with a longer seven-foot hose. The Nemo Helio’s capacity is 2.9 gallons, but a 5.8-gallon model is also available. The 2.9-gallon model has a spray time of five to seven minutes, and it has a set of feet for stability on any surface.
The unit can be folded and stowed as well as deployed quickly, and it weighs less than a pound. The Nemo Helio also utilizes solar heating and will reach peak temperatures when left under the sun for a few hours. Overall this is the best camp shower for campers and surfers. This is due to the high-quality materials that are resilient to everyday wear and tear.
8. Yakima RoadShower Portable Pressurized Water Storage
For campers who rely on their vehicles as a base of operations and are unfazed by a hefty price tag, the Yakima RoadShower is the most powerful and versatile camp shower on the market. There are four, seven, and ten-gallon variants. If you are a regular camper it is worth the price. However, it functions in a completely different way than the other pressurized showers on this list.
The RoadShower is a pressurized metal tube built to be mounted on a vehicle. Filling the tube from the top valve with a garden hose will not only add water to the RoadShower but also pressurize it up to 55 PSI. Where other camp showers use gravity or pressurize through a foot pump, which can produce limited pressure that only mimics a shower, you will be shocked at the level of real shower pressure this camp shower can produce.
The mounted nature of this water storage system is what frees it to work the way it does. Though the unit weighs a whopping twenty pounds, your vehicle bears all the weight, leaving you free to use the hose as you would use a shower head. This shower, like many others, heats up in the sun and includes a temperature gauge. Although it is not cheap, the Yakima RoadShower is without a doubt one of the best camp pressure showers on the market today.
Best Shower Tents
9. Abco Pop-up Privacy Tent
The Abco Pop-up Privacy Tent is a good choice for camp shower users in need of privacy. This tent is simple, but the least expensive on the list, and may be ideal for those who have already purchased an expensive camp shower. At only $38.99, it’s a bargain and just as functional as the others mentioned above, though a bit smaller.
This tent has no floor, allowing it to drain automatically. It also has a vent in the ceiling that can be completely opened. This allows the use of any pressurized or bag showers mentioned on this list. Pressurized showers can be used entirely within or their hoses can be fed through the hole, and bag showers can be hung from tree branches or other objects above the hole to create a private shower. The Abco is ideal for camping enthusiasts who often need to deploy quick outdoor showers for camping.
The floorless design makes it ideal for fast set up and take down, as there is no waiting to drain. This easy set-up design makes this tent Ideal as a changing room for places such as the beach as well. A compact carrying bag is included and, inside the tent, there is also a pocket for holding toiletries.
10. Vingli 6.7Ft Shower Tent
Campers looking for a more robust tent with their camp shower may be interested in the Vingli 6.7Ft Shower Tent. This tent is optimal for showering using an external shower such as the aforementioned Yakima RoadShower or bringing your own foot-pump pressurized shower inside. It is not built for use with hanging shower bags with capacities above two gallons.
This tent’s function leans more toward a combination of several possible uses. This includes a changing room or camp toilet. It is also much more spacious than cheaper shower tents and features a floor sewn into it with a built-in drainage system. This makes it feel much more like a private room than a compact camp shower tents. The tent also features pockets on the inside and the outside for storage of both toiletries and objects you need to keep dry.
This shower tent is ideal for campers braving the elements while in need of a comfortable outdoor camping shower. It has a more robust and stable design than most privacy tents, as well as a rain fly. This tent comes in slightly pricier than the average shower tent, but is worth the price for the extra space. Overall, this tent provides just the right amount of utility for campers looking for a private shower.
11. Texsport Portable Outdoor Camping Shower
The Texsport Portable Outdoor Camping Shower is the best portable camp shower for campers looking for a fully private camp shower setup in one product. First, it offers one of the most spacious and feature-packed camp shower tents you can find. What’s more, it also includes a rain fly and a 5-gallon shower bag with overhead support built to hang. The rainfly also has a set of overhead windows to allow light into the tent.
The flame retardant walls are secured to the removable floor with rust-resistant chains and poles. Meanwhile, the included stakes will keep the tent secured to the ground. This tent is fitted with the most features for use as a shower of any tent. The inside shower rack pocket is by far the largest of any tent on the market. Meanwhile, the outside comes equipped with a towel bar within reach of the window for when your shower has concluded.
The windows can also be used as an access point for a pressurized shower hose if you prefer. This tent is also ideal for pressurized showers from high-capacity units like the ten-gallon Yakima RoadShower. Why? Because of its floor design. The floor can either be completely fastened or it can be reconfigured to have four large floor vents for optimal drainage.
12. AMM Double Shower and Changing Tent
The most expensive privacy tent on the list is the AMM Double Shower and Changing Tent. This a unique entry because it is built as two privacy pods side by side. This shower is ideal for campers who may find most privacy tents’ single-person capacity annoying or parents camping with children too young to shower by themselves.
Note that this shower tent has no vent that can be completely open to the outside. This means it will not work with bag showers, only pressurized showers that you can bring into the tent with you. That makes the AMM Double Shower Tent a great choice is you have one and want to be able to use it simultaneously with another person to maximize water efficiency. You can also unzip the middle divider and make use of the whole room for yourself.
Either way, this large shower tent is one of the best portable showers on the market. The tent comes equipped with an adjustable rainfly and mesh zip-down windows as well as a pouch for soap or toilet paper in each pod, and the pods also both have their own personal towel bar. The floor is also built for easy drainage as well as removal.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about portable showers
If you’ve never used a portable camping shower before, you might have a few questions about how they work. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions I get about the best camping showers today, along with my answers. I hope it helps you prepare for a truly unforgettable camping vacation.
What is the best shower option for camping?
When it comes to camping, finding a good shower option can greatly enhance your outdoor experience. The best shower option for camping is a portable camping shower. These compact and lightweight devices are designed to provide you with a refreshing shower right at your campsite.
Portable camping showers come in different types. This includes solar-powered bags or battery-operated pumps, each offering convenience and ease of use. Simply fill them with water, hang them in a suitable spot, and enjoy a refreshing shower in nature. Portable camping showers allow you to stay clean and rejuvenated during your camping adventures. They add an extra level of comfort to your outdoor journey.
Are the best camping showers really better than public showers?
First, it’s important to note that public showers aren’t always an option. Depending on where you choose to go camping, there may be public showers available. But there also may not be.
Even when there are public showers, chances are you’ll be sharing them with other campers in the area. Consider the ratio of showers to campers. Then consider how busy your chosen campground is at any time of year. Knowing that, may be difficult to actually get access to the public showers when you need them.
These are just a few reasons why you may prefer using a portable camping shower rather than a public shower. There’s also the fact that a portable unit can be taken with you. This means you can shower anywhere you want, even on the go. Finally, there’s the fact that public showers don’t offer much in the way of privacy. If that’s important to you, the best camping showers in this blog are a much better option.
What camping shower has the best water pressure?
Looking for a camping shower with good water pressure? Let me introduce you to the crown jewel of camping showers—The NEMO Helio LX Pressure Shower 22L. Prepare to be amazed as this portable shower unleashes a torrential downpour that rivals even the mightiest waterfall.
The secret behind the NEMO Helio LX’s extraordinary water pressure lies in its ingenious design. This beast of a camping shower utilizes an innovative foot pump system, allowing you to build up pressure and unleash a forceful jet of water that will leave you feeling invigorated and refreshed. With its impressive 22-liter capacity, it ensures you have an ample supply of water for a luxurious shower experience.
Imagine standing beneath the Helio LX, feeling the exhilarating rush as water cascades down upon you with unmatched intensity. Every droplet rejuvenates, washing away the remnants of your outdoor adventures and reviving your senses. It’s a transformative shower experience that will make you forget you’re in the great outdoors.
Whether you’re embarking on a multi-day camping trip or simply craving a spa-like shower in the midst of nature, the NEMO Helio LX delivers unparalleled water pressure that will make you feel like a camping royalty. So get ready to embrace the power of the Helio LX and elevate your camping shower game to extraordinary levels. With this remarkable creation by your side, you’ll experience water pressure like never before. Prepare to be drenched in adventure and water-powered exhilaration.
Do outdoor camping showers provide hot water?
Hot water isn’t always easy to come by in the great outdoors. Fortunately, many outdoor camping showers come equipped with some kind of feature that makes it easy to heat your water. Although there are many benefits of cold showers, sometimes you just need a nice hot shower after a long day.
Some pricier higher-end portable camping showers incorporate electrical heating elements. Personally, I prefer more budget-friendly options like the Unniweei Solar Bag Shower and the Yakima RoadShower. These can be filled with water and placed in the sun. This heats the water naturally, albeit a little slowly. Nevertheless, with a little planning, you can enjoy a hot shower no matter where you are.
Are camping showers worth it?
Are camping showers worth it? Let me tell you that camping showers are like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Imagine this: after a day of exploring rugged trails and conquering nature’s challenges, a refreshing shower emerges from the depths of your camping gear. It’s a game-changer, a moment of bliss amidst the wilderness.
With a camping shower, bid farewell to feeling sticky, sweaty, and yearning for a proper cleanse. These portable wonders bring luxury to the great outdoors. They allow you to rinse away the day’s dirt and rejuvenate your spirit. Whether you opt for a solar-powered bag that warms up under the sun or a nifty pump system, camping showers transform your camping experience.
Gone are the days of hastily pouring water from a jug or awkwardly squatting under a makeshift waterfall. Camping showers offer convenience, efficiency, and the satisfaction of feeling clean in the midst of nature’s embrace. They are a reminder that roughing it in the wilderness doesn’t have to mean sacrificing basic hygiene and the simple joys of cleanliness.
So if you yearn for that extra touch of comfort and a revitalizing shower after a day of outdoor exploration, camping showers are definitely worth it. They add a touch of luxury to your camping routine. As such, it makes you feel refreshed, invigorated, and ready to conquer new frontiers. Embrace the magic of a camping shower and let it elevate your outdoor escapades to new heights.
Is there a portable shower that heats water?
You bet there is! Say hello to the magical world of portable showers with built-in water heaters. One standout in this realm of convenience is the innovative and compact Geyser Systems Portable Hot Shower. This ingenious device takes the concept of a camping shower to a whole new level by incorporating a water heating system.
Picture this: in the heart of nature, you can now enjoy a warm, soothing shower without the need for a traditional water source. The Geyser Systems Portable Hot Shower features a built-in propane heater that swiftly warms up the water as it flows through the system. This means that you can indulge in a steamy shower experience, regardless of your location.
No more shivering under a cold waterfall or struggling with temperature adjustments. With the Geyser Systems Portable Hot Shower, you have the luxury of hot water at your fingertips, offering a truly rejuvenating experience. It’s like having a personal spa on your camping adventures.
So, whether you’re camping in the mountains or exploring remote corners of the world, the Geyser Systems Portable Hot Shower ensures that you can enjoy the ultimate comfort of a warm shower wherever you go. It’s a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on the little luxuries of life. Embrace the joy of a hot, portable shower and let it elevate your camping experience to extraordinary levels.
How can I conserve water when using the best camping showers?
If you’re out in the wilderness, you may not be able to refill your camping showers regularly. If this is the case, you’ll want to be mindful of your water usage. Here are some good ways to conserve water while camping:
- Shower only when you really need to. If you just need a quick clean-up, try taking a sponge bath or using sanitary wipes instead.
- Take short showers. Try to limit your time in the shower to cut down on wasted water. Save the singing for another time.
- Don’t bother washing your hair. Wear a shower cap or keep your head out of the stream of water. Try using dry shampoo instead.
- Shower together. If you and the person you’re camping with are comfortable doing so, showering at the same time can be a great way to conserve water.
