7 Best Camping Showers (Guide & Review)

Just because you are camping does not mean you have to be filthy the entire time! Believe it or not, there are some incredible camping showers out there that do not require a ton of resources and still clean you up on the trail.

Whether they are meant for the backcountry, casual camping, or a mixture of all types, there are camp showers out there for you.

It all comes down to weight, efficiency, and longevity. So, we will lay out a few of the top options that you can buy today.

Today, we will be breaking down a few of the best camping showers and a buying guide on what to look out for. So let’s dive right into it.

Our Top 3 Picks for Camping Showers

• RISEPRO Portable Camping Shower
• Nemo Helio Portable Pressure Camp Shower
• Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower

7 Best Camping Showers

Kipida Solar Shower Bag

First up is the Kipida Solar Shower Bag which is both affordable and easy to get your hands on. Using solar power to heat your shower bag is a huge perk because you will not always have the means to charge a piece of equipment out in the wilderness.

While backpacking or hanging out, you can simply leave the bag in the sun and get 20L of warm water to shower in later on. 

To use, you hand the bag from a pole or tree, and there is a shower spout on the bottom end. As long as you can affix the bag high enough to get under, you can have a great shower with the Kipida bag.

Which is, by the way, the only improving point we find, you won’t be able to shower if you can’t find a point to affix it.

Nemo Helio Portable Pressure Camp Shower

If you want to take it up a notch in terms of quality and longevity, the Nemo Helio Portable Pressure Camp Shower is a fantastic option.

This is another shower bag, but it uses technology to add pressure; it has seven feet of hose and can give you over five minutes of solid shower time.

It’s a fairly expensive option, but you do not have to use gravity to move the water from point A to point B. It’s great for all types of camping.

The Nemo Helio comes in 11L and 22L options, so the bigger option is available if you need a little extra long shower.

The thing we don’t love about this camp shower is the absence of a system to heat the water. That means when there are low temperatures, getting a shower won’t be pleasant at all.

Ivation Portable Handheld Rechargeable Camping Showerhead

If you already have a bag or solid source of water, the Ivation Portable Handheld Rechargeable Camping Showerhead steps up to the plate and is there for the job.

As long as you can store some water, this showerhead can transform the camping shower experience into one that has pressure and can be somewhat enjoyable.

With a few feet of hose, you can fix the showerhead to a tree or structure to funnel the water up and onto you.

The problem of only using gravity and not having proper pressure is a constant struggle for camping showers. When attaching this handheld showerhead that also comes with fixtures, you can solve the issue with ease.

We love this showerhead, and if it had a heating system to avoid uncomfortable cold temperatures, it would be perfect!

Risepro Portable Camping Shower Head and Kit

We have laid out a number of varying, great options that cover a few different bases. The Risepro Portable Camping Shower Head and Kit combine a few other options for a great showering experience.

Not only is this option a portable shower head with a hose, but it is an entire camping shower kit.

This kit has the hose, showerhead, charging cords, a suction cup, a few holding options, and a pump to shoot water up the system and onto you. The only thing you need to add is a water source.

The easiest option is to fill a bucket with your water and drop the pump in. So, you can have the entire system in a small package with Risepro.

This is our choice if you seek an affordable, portable, and good-price-quality relationship.

Hike Crew Portable Propane Water Heater and Shower Pump

The final camp shower option on our list today is the Hike Crew Portable Propane water Heater and Shower Pump.

This is not an option for everyone, rather for those who really want their camping experience to be top-notch. However, this comes at a price.

As the most expensive item on our list, you need to ensure this is worth your use. However, if you fall into the category of people who need a tool like this, the Hike Crew option is above the rest in terms of value and performance.

If you are sick of having cold showers while in the wilderness, this tool will help you exponentially. When fully charged, you can get 50 minutes’ worth of warm, high-pressure water which is very hard to come by in the wild.

There is also a hose with a handheld showerhead to allow for maximized cleaning.

What we don’t love about this shower is the lack of portability, it is perfect if you are traveling by car, van, or RV, but if you are hiking or trekking, this one is not your best choice.

Wolfwise Portable Pop-Up Privacy Shower

For some, showering outside with no cover is a bit daunting and uncomfortable. When you want some real privacy, the Wolfwise Portable Pop Up Privacy Shower is the best option for you.

With a pop-up tent style, you can get clean while being completely covered, a feat that no shower has been able to accomplish so far.

No matter the style of camping you are doing, this is a great option to keep in mind. There are also some alternative uses associated with this option besides showering. You can also use the Wolfwise Pop Up as storage space, a changing room, or a bathroom.

Obviously, you may need to add some aspects to it, but this is a great, versatile piece of equipment to bring on your next trip.

Ozark Trail Instant 2-room Shower/Changing Shelter

Another one of the big, useful shower situations comes in the form of the Ozark Trail Instant 2-room Shower/Changing Shelter.

This is a large structure that is very easy to set up and use right away. Equipped with a standard camping shower water bag and two slightly separate rooms, two main uses are associated with the piece.

The first is, obviously, showering. This is a completely private option that can separate you from the outside world while cleaning up. The big perk is the changing room in the same build, but a zip-up wall creates a completely dry space on one side.

This is a huge feature that is not found with many other walled showers.

The Buyer Guide

Types of Camping Showers

There is a range of camping showers available on the market, and knowing which ones are out there will lead to a more informed purchase.

Here are a few of the types of camping showers available today.

• Gravity Hang bag

The classic and traditional form of camping shower is the gravity hang bag. These are simply bags that can hold a certain amount of water affixed to a tree or structure above you.

The key is making sure that the bag is above you because the only way to get water on you is gravity.

• Enclosed tent

If you are someone that needs privacy, invest in an enclosed tent shower. These are usually easy pop-ups that use a gravity bag or pump shower to propel the water at you.

The key part of this type of shower is the privacy and safety that come with an enclosed space.

• Pump shower

Some showers come with a hand or foot pump to move the water. With a hanging bag that is powered by gravity, it has to be positioned in a way to work. This does not.

Because you are adding pressure with a pump, you can fix the rig with a hose and showerhead to move the water to where you can use it.

• Electric shower

To take it up a notch, you can rely on some power to move the water of your portable shower through the system. This will require a bit of outside power, such as from a generator or battery pack.

If this is okay for your camping endeavors, you will not have to do too much work to get a nice shower in.

• Solar shower

One of the best options for camping in certain areas is the solar shower. As long as you are not in super-dense forests, you can use the power of the sun’s rays to power your water pressure.

This is a great perk because the only variable is the sun’s and not any man-made apparatus.

• Gas shower

The final type, for the sake of this entry, is the gas-powered shower. This is usually the most expensive and heavy shower option out there. However, it also does the most things for you.

This option usually takes propane and can function as much more than a shower pump.

There are sometimes heaters, grills, and many other functions that come along with it.

Now, this is usually the only option for those who want a hot shower, so definitely keep that in mind.

How to Choose a Camping Shower?

Once you know what type of shower you may want, it is important to pick the right one. Because it could be a considerable investment, it is important to choose the best option for you. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a camp shower.

• Price

First and foremost, you need to have a set budget for a camping shower. Being the latest and greatest option is not always the best, especially if you cannot afford it. You also do not want to buy the cheapest option on the market.

This usually means that they will not last a long time and will fail in the worst possible scenarios. Weigh your budget against the options available and make an educated purchase.

• Size

You also need a camping shower that works with the style of camping you are engaging in. If you are backpacking, you cannot use a huge propane water heater with a shower extension. You probably want a simple hang bag or a pop-up that is light and compact.

So, evaluating what options will physically fit with your style of camping is key.

• Overall use

Finally, you need to know how you are planning to use the shower. Although the main idea of a camping shower is relatively universal, you can still weigh your options and pick the right option based on that.

For example, the pop-up tent showers will be best if you need some extra store and maybe a place for changing close. If you just need a way to wash off really quickly, a hang bag shower will do the trick.

How Many Gallons for a Camp Shower?

Generally, camp showers will not extend over five gallons of water at one time. This is just enough for a majority of campers to get a quality shower in before running out. The more efficient you get, you can get a full shower out of three or four gallons.

For hang bags, options will range from 2-5 gallons and are usually measured in liters, so be on the lookout for that. Unfortunately, it is hard to harbor over five gallons because the weight would require an incredibly strong bag.

Although five gallons does not seem like a lot, if you are efficient, you can get a great shower in without running out of water.

How do I Use a Portable Shower?

Using a shower does vary on the type that you choose to buy. Generally speaking, you are using a camp shower to clean up while in the wilderness.

For any model, it starts with the setup. Position your camping shower in an area that is safe, clean, and can hold a bag or is level for a pop-up tent. Then you need to find a good and consistent water source.

Whether it be in your bag, bucket, or anything else, you should have enough on deck to get your shower done.

After cleaning, simply take down the shower setup and get the area looking normal. Always keep your surroundings better than you found them to help preserve the experience for everyone else who comes along.

Conclusions

There are portable showers for everyone’s budget, preference, and type of trip. I know it could be overwhelming to choose the right one with so many options in the market. Well, we did this review for you so that you can choose the best option for you.

Do you need a cheap option for a quick shower, choose the Kipida Solar Shower.

Are you going on a road trip? You can choose the Hike Crew. It is the best option if you travel with kids or you love long showers 😉

You have options in between, with excellent prices and quality, like:

• RISEPRO Portable Camping Shower
• Nemo Helio Portable Pressure Camp Shower
• Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower

I hope this article has highlighted your different options and helped you make your best pick for your trips.

Plan Your Next Trips

• Weber Q1200 Portable Barbecue Review
• The Best Portable Fridge for Traveling by Car or Campervan
• Tropicfeel New Shell Backpack Review
• How to repel mosquitoes in nature
• Gift ideas for camper van & RV travelers
• What to pack when you go camping
• Best Portables Fridges for road trips

Last Updated on 27 September, 2023 by Veronica