One of the most important aspects of any camping trip is getting a good night’s sleep, and that usually means showering. Whether you’re in a tent or your RV, staying clean is key to feeling refreshed and ready for the next day.
Camping showers come in many different shapes and sizes with varying features. In this article, we will explore all of the best portable camping showers on the market today.
Table of Contents
Quick Recommendation
| RANK | PICTURE | NAME | RATING | SHOPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall |  |
Nemo Helio
|
 |
|
| Best Budget |  |
Coleman 5-Gallon
|
|
|
| Editor Choice |  |
NEMO Helio LX
|
|
|
| Best for Car |  |
Yakima RoadShower
|
|
|
| Best Pump |  |
Ivation Portable Camping
|
|
Nemo Helio Portable Pressure Camp Shower
Price: 95.5$
Capacity: 11L
Heating: Solar
Weight: 1.3 lbs
What we Like: Horizontal design with 4 solid support legs, 7 feet long tube, Maintain good pressure, Durable, Pressurized spray nozzle
What We Don’t Like: Can be a little difficult to use at first
Review: The Nemo Helio is a great portable camping shower that utilizes solar heating to provide a consistent flow of hot water. The horizontal design with four solid support legs makes it very stable, and the seven-foot tube ensures you can reach all areas of your body. The pressurized spray nozzle provides an invigorating shower experience and the durable construction ensures it can handle most camping activities.
Ivation Portable Camping Shower
Price: 34.99$
Type: Pump
Weight: 1.8 lbs
What we Like: Light, Multi-use, Can use different water sources
What We Don’t Like: The pump can be a bit loud
Review: The Ivation Portable Camping Shower is a great option for your camping needs. It can be used to shower off after swimming in the pool or taking a hike and it also doubles as an outdoor sink with its dual sprayer design which lets you wash dishes, water plants, and does other heavy-duty cleaning jobs. Its pump runs on batteries so you don’t have to worry about finding an outlet nearby, and the detachable hose means you can use it with any water source. The only downside is that the pump can be a bit loud.
Sea to Summit Pocket Shower Black
Price: 10L
Capacity: 11L
Heating: Solar
Weight: 4.2 oz
What we Like: Easy to use, Made from 70D nylon, Quality lanyard.
What we Don’t: Doesn’t hold temperature very well, Thin.
Review: The Sea to Summit Pocket Shower Black is a great option for those looking for an easy-to-use and lightweight camping shower. This model is made from durable 70D nylon and includes a quality lanyard, making it perfect for use on any camping trip. However, while this shower does hold temperature well initially, it doesn’t retain heat for very long, which can be a downside.
Coleman 5-Gallon
Price: $19.76
Capacity: 5 Gallon
Heating: Solar
Weight: 8.82 oz
What we Like: Low Price, High mobility, Decent capacity
What We Don’t Like: Lack of features
Review: The Coleman is, by far, the most cost-effective option on our list. Its low price point means you can take it with you without worrying about breaking the bank if something happens to it. However, because of its lack of features and small size (it only holds around five gallons), it’s not the best option if you’re planning a long camping trip. Don’t get us wrong, though: if you’re just camping for a night or two and need to take a quick shower, this is an excellent option.
NEMO Equipment Helio LX
Price: 150$
Capacity: 22L
Heating: Solar
Weight: 2lbs
What we Like: High-pressure air pump set, Turbocharger head, 7ft. pipe, easy to hang, great water flow
What we Don’t Like: Can be Heavy for backpacking, High Price
Review: The Nemo Equipment Helio LX is a high-quality camping shower that is perfect for those who like to backpack or take long trips. It’s made with durable materials and has a high water flow, making it quick and easy to get clean. The only downside is that it can be a bit heavy for backpacking, and it’s also one of the more expensive options on the list.
Yakima RoadShower
Price: $500
Capacity: 4/7/10 Gallon
Heating: Electric
Weight: 25.5 pounds
What we Like: Many size options, Fits many vehicles, Schrader air valve, Heats water fast, Large shower head
What we Don’t: More expensive than similar showers, Short warranty
Review: The Yakima RoadShower is a great option if you’re looking for a portable camping shower with many size options. This shower comes in three different sizes: four, seven, and ten gallons. It also fits on most vehicles, including cars, RVs, and trucks. The RoadShower is heated by electricity and has a fast heating time of around 10 minutes. It also comes with a large shower head for an enjoyable bathing experience. However, this shower is more expensive than similar models on the market. Additionally, it only has a one-year warranty.
Advanced Elements Summer
Price: $37
Capacity: 5 Gallons
Heating: Solar
Weight: 1.32 pounds
What we Like: Soap bag, lightweight, solar heating, fast setup, easy to use, comfortable hanging strap
What we Don’t Like: Low water capacity
Review: The Advanced Elements Summer Shower is a great option for campers who like to keep it light and simple. It’s made of durable and lightweight PVC, comes with a convenient soap bag, and also has a comfortable hanging strap, making it easy to use anywhere.
The only downside is that it has a relatively small capacity of five gallons (which means you’ll need to refill more often) but other than that this is an awesome option for camping showers.
How To Choose a Portable Camping Shower
There are many considerations to take into account when choosing a portable camping shower. However, the most common factors are:
Types of camping showers
There are three main types of portable camping showers: solar-powered, battery-operated, and propane.
- Solar showers: Solar showers are the most environmentally friendly option, as they rely on solar power to heat up the water. These showers can be hung from a tree or other support, and the water is heated by the sun before being released through the showerhead.
- Battery-operated showers: Battery-operated camping showers come with a small battery that heats up the water. This type of shower is ideal for camping trips where there is no access to an electrical outlet.
- Propane showers: Propane showers use propane gas to heat the water, and they are perfect for colder climates where a solar or battery shower might not be effective. However, these showers can be heavier and more expensive than other options.
Flow System
The flow system of a camping shower refers to how the water flows from the showerhead. There are three main types of systems:
- Continuous Flow System: The continuous flow system is usually found on battery-operated showers, and it keeps a constant stream of water flowing. This can be wasteful if you’re trying to conserve your supply, and it might not be very effective when trying to wash shampoo out of your hair.
- Pulsating Flow System: This flow system is found in most propane showers, and it kicks on for a few seconds before shutting off again. It’s great for conserving water while still giving you the chance to get clean.
- Stopping and Starting Flow System: This system is found on solar and battery showers, and it’s similar to the pulsating flow system. The water will stop flowing after a certain amount of time, but you can restart it by pressing the button on the showerhead.
Water tank capacity
The water tank capacity is the amount of water that the shower can hold. This is usually measured in liters, and it’s important to choose a shower with a tank size that will be adequate for your needs. If you’re going on a long camping trip, you’ll want to make sure that your shower has a large enough tank so that you’re not constantly refilling it.
Hose length and showerhead distance
The hose length is how long the hose attached to your shower will be, and this can vary from one model to another. A longer hose means that you have more freedom of movement while taking a shower, but shorter hoses are usually lighter and easier to work with. The showerhead distance is how far the showerhead is from the water tank, and this can also vary depending on the model. If you want to be able to use your shower while sitting down, you’ll need a showerhead that has a long distance between it and the tank.
Weight
Camping showers can be incredibly heavy, and some models are weightier than others. If you’re planning to take your shower with you on a long camping trip or backpacking adventure, it’s important that the shower is lightweight enough for easy carrying.
Portability
The portability of a camping shower is determined by its size, weight, and how easy it is to set up. Some showers are incredibly bulky and difficult to move around, while others can be easily packed away in a backpack or storage container. It’s important to choose a shower that is both portable and durable so that you can use it for years to come.
Ease of use
It’s important to choose a camping shower that is easy enough for anyone in your group to be able to work. Some showers can be difficult and complicated, so it might take you several minutes just to get the water flowing. If there are children or elderly people with you on your trip, you’ll want a shower that everyone will feel comfortable using.
Price
The price of a camping shower can vary greatly, and it’s important to find one that fits within your budget. There are many affordable options available, but you might also want to consider spending a bit more for a high-quality model that will last longer.
Additional features
Some camping showers come with additional features that can make your life much easier. Some of these features include:
- Pressure regulation: If you’re at a campsite with poor water pressure, the shower might not work well for you, so it’s helpful to have a model that has adjustable pressure. This means that you’ll be able to regulate how quickly or slowly the water comes out.
- Hang loops: A lot of solar and battery showers come with hang loops, which allow you to easily attach the shower to a tree or other support. This is especially helpful if you don’t want to have to hold the shower in your hand while you’re using it.
- Storage bag: Many camping showers also come with a storage bag, which makes it easy to keep everything together when you’re not using the shower.
What to Avoid
When choosing a camping shower, there are some things that you’ll want to avoid. Here are a few of the most common:
Showers with poor water pressure: If the water pressure is too low, the shower might not work well for you.
Showers that require a lot of assemblies: If the shower requires a lot of assemblies, you’ll likely spend more time setting it up than you actually will using it.
Showers with low-quality materials: If the materials are of poor quality, they might not last very long and you’ll end up having to replace the shower sooner than you’d like.
How to Maintain Your Shower
Once you’ve chosen the perfect camping shower for your needs, it’s important to know how to maintain it properly. Here are a few tips:
Clean the showerhead regularly: If you don’t clean the showerhead regularly, it might become clogged with dirt and debris. This will affect the water pressure and make it difficult to use the shower.
Check the seals and gaskets: If the seals and gaskets aren’t in good condition, water might leak out of the shower. This can damage your belongings or create a mess.
Store the shower properly: When you’re not using the shower, make sure to store it in a dry, cool place. If you don’t, the water inside of it might evaporate and leave a residue on your showerhead.
For more details, how to maintain and clean your camping shower, please check out our blog post on “Camping Shower Maintenance: How to Keep Your Shower Clean and in Good Condition”
FAQ
Q.What is a portable camping shower?
A portable camping shower is a device that allows you to easily and conveniently wash while camping. It typically consists of a bag or container that holds water, which is then dispensed through a showerhead.
Q.How do I choose the right portable camping shower?
There are several factors to consider when choosing a portable camping shower, including capacity, water pressure, assembly time, and size.
Q.Are portable camping showers any good?
Yes, portable camping showers are very good. While they might not be as effective as traditional shower setups, they’re still efficient and convenient to use.
Q.What is the best way to maintain my camping shower?
The best way to maintain your camping shower is by cleaning it regularly with a mixture of water and vinegar or lemon juice.
Q.How much water do I need for a portable shower?
The amount of water you need for a portable camping shower will depend on your needs. If you’re using the shower at home, it’s best to use about five gallons of water per person.
Q.Why Should You Get a Camping Shower?
There are a number of reasons why you should get a camping shower. Some of the benefits include:
- Convenience: Portable camping showers are extremely convenient to use, especially when compared to traditional shower setups.
- Efficiency: Camping showers use a minimal amount of water, making them more efficient than traditional showers.
- Portability: Camping showers are lightweight and portable, making them easy to take with you on camping trips.
Q.Do solar camp showers work?
Yes, solar camp showers work. They’re fairly similar to regular camping showers in that they hold water and have a shower head attached. However, they use the sun’s energy as opposed to electricity. This means you’ll need sunlight for them to function properly.
Q.Can I use a regular shower head with my portable camping shower?
Yes, you can use a regular shower head with your portable camping shower. However, it’s important to make sure the water pressure is low so as not to damage the showerhead or your belongings.
Q.What are some tips for using my solar camp shower?
Some tips for using your solar camp shower include: making sure the sun is shining on it directly, orienting the showerhead in the direction of the sun, and using a reflective surface to help heat up the water.
Q.How do I use a Portable Shower?
A portable shower is simple to use. Simply fill it with water, hang the bag from a tree branch or pole, turn on the water and you’re ready!
Q.Privacy while showering?
Privacy is a concern for some people when using a portable camping shower. If this is a concern for you, consider purchasing a model with a privacy shelter. This will allow you to use the shower without having to worry about being seen.
