9 Best Camping Showers

With so many different portable shower options out there it’s often hard to figure out which one fits your specific needs and specifications. Portability, durability, power source, water source, pressure, and heat options are all things to take into consideration when looking for the right shower. This list consists of the best camping showers for multiple types of campers, ranging in price and features so you can find the perfect one for your next trip in the great outdoors.

Top 9 Best Camping Showers

1. NEMO Helio Portable Pressure Shower

The Nemo Helio Pressure Shower is lightweight, heavy-duty, and easy to use, making it the ideal choice for campers and backpackers alike who love spending time in the outdoors but want the ability to take a shower no matter where they are. Furthermore, with a unique blend of function and portability, it is a remarkably versatile tool that’s perfect for many more activities than just camping.

With its tank holding up to 11 Liters of water and a nozzle unlike that of a kitchen sink, rinsing sand or dirt off anything becomes quick and easy. It’s a perfect pick for anyone who wants an improvement in usability over a shower you would have to elevate and hang to use.

The Helio sits on the ground on four legs while the pressurized foot pump delivers a steady flow of water without taking your hands away from whatever you’re cleaning. A narrow and flexible showerhead stretches the water usage over a surprisingly long time for the amount of water it holds making it hard to beat.

The ability of the Helio to pack down to a fraction of its full size and its construction featuring a lightweight yet durable design that receives raving reviews makes it one of the best portable showers overall on this list.  While the Helio doesn’t have a heating option it is perfect for people who are fearful of using electronics and aren’t confident using propane/natural gas or solar-powered options.

Water can easily be heated up over a stove or fire while camping which could still have a heated shower an option if need be. In addition, the system has a safety strap over the fill opening which guarantees the water won’t accidentally spill out of the bag during operation. 

2. 5-Gallon Advanced Elements Summer Shower 

From advanced elements is the heated solar-powered shower, the Advanced Elements Summer Shower. Compact and durable, this solar shower is constructed from 4-poly with the ability to withstand whatever the harsh, outdoor environment throws at it.

Featuring insulator panels and reflector panels for harnessing the solar energy needed, it is the best option for the camper who wants all the ease of a warm shower in the wilderness minus the hassle.

The technology in this solar panel is unmatched with the reflector hastening the generation of heated water and the insulator panel guaranteeing the water will stay warm over an extended period of time. The shower also features a temperature gauge that will indicate the temperature so you can see when your water is at the perfect temperature.

Apart from the solar panel built into the bag, it is a very low-tech option for a heated shower and has minimal moving parts making it very easy to use. When you want to take a shower, you can detach the handle to hang it on a branch high enough to get an adequate flow for the showerhead. The showerhead is simple to use with an on and off control. As an added bonus, the shower has a handy built-in side pocket for holding any washing accessories as well as a pre-attached shaving mirror. 

3. 2.5-Gallon Advanced Elements Summer Shower 

Another great pick from Advanced Elements is their 2.5-gallon summer shower. With all the same durability and heating technology the 5-gallon summer shower has, this smaller size makes it much more portable and compact for backpackers and ultra-lightweight campers.

It sadly doesn’t include the shaving mirror the 5-gallon includes but it does feature velcro straps for holding shampoo and other toiletries which is impressive considering its comparably small size.

4. Hike Crew Portable Propane Water Heater & Shower Pump

The Hike Crew propane water heater and shower unit is just the appliance for a camper looking for a portable and exceptionally advanced heated shower. All bundled up in an easily carried bag, this boxy portable shower has a 12V pump and propane water heating set.

It can be powered using your car battery with an AC/DC hook up or with a battery pack with the 12V adapter. The heating unit is housed inside a thick and durable enclosure with the connections around the back for easy access and use. The Hike Crew can get water up to temperatures of around 125°F. Standing at around 11.8 inches high and measuring roughly 9.65 inches long and 12.2 inches wide, it is one of the larger showers on this list.

The unit’s heating efficiency and advanced heating capabilities make up for it however if you’re looking at camping somewhere for an extended period of time. The only other supplements you need to get this portable heated shower up and running are a small propane tank, a power source, and a container of water. Additionally, the Hike Crew unit is equipped with some great features for increased ease of use. The LCD screen enables you to precisely monitor the water temperature changes, ignition status, and safety cutouts.

For further regulation of the temperature, there are low/high heat and faucet flow knobs. Even greater than the temperature features are the safety features that the Hike Crew offers. The unit has an automatic shut-off system once the temperature goes over 125°F and if the water flow is cut off or compromised in any way, it has a water flow sensor that immediately extinguishes the burner.

Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without an included showerhead with 3 unique spray settings to choose from. With a water flow rate of around 2.2 liters per minute and power consumption of about 7.7kWh per hour, the Hike Crew is the best camping companion for saving water and power and having that perfect home in the wilderness away from home. 

5. Ozark Trail 2-Room Solar Shower

The Ozark Trail 2-Room Shower has taken the concept of comfortable camping to new and exciting levels with the enclosed changing shelter/shower.

This shower tent is portable but not the foremost option available. The tent can pack down into the included smaller bag and at around 20lbs, while it is one of the lightest options in its class, this tent isn’t something you would like to be hiking around with and is more suited to a stationary campsite or car camping.

The size of this tent is unmatched at 7 feet tall and it offers great privacy especially if you’re planning on camping with a group of people. With silver aluminum coating the walls, privacy while inside the tent is guaranteed. It gives you tons of space with 2 separate rooms that both features covered floors. One room functions as a dry changing room with a zipper separating it from the shower room so you won’t have to worry about your clothes or towel getting wet.

The shower space features a drain for the water used and the whole structure is fully ventilated. It also includes a handy pocket organizer for the organization and storage of all your showering products and accessories along with a great towel rack/clothes hanging bar within the changing room, further adding to the usability of the space.

It is very easy and quick to set-up with pre-attached foldable poles that retract when the shower is taken out of its storage bag for instant setup and takedown. Along with the actual tent, you get a 5 gallon solar powered portable shower that can be filled with water, easily attached, and heated up within a few minutes in the warmth of the sun for a wonderfully heated shower in the great outdoors. If you’re wanting a larger heater option, it can easily be hooked up to larger options. 

6. Triton Water Heater Camping Shower

The Triton Water Heater is perfect for campers that have access to a water hose or source that can provide adequate pressure and desire a reliable propane/natural gas option to take a nice, hot shower.

It features an easily turnable garden hose connector complete with both a water and heat knob that allows for a fully adjustable flow. Also includes multiple versatile shower head settings, off, mist, shower, or jet, unlike most other products.

This portable water heater with the capacity to produce 1.5 gallons per minute, provides more hot water than any other unit on this list. The water temperature can get between 80°F-150°F. As a result, this heater is perfect for any usage, especially colder weather conditions, and will feel just like taking a hot shower in the comfort of your home.

It also includes brackets and a standing base to hang the showerhead on so you don’t have to hold it over your head for an extended period of time. Weighing in at 11 pounds, this heater is more suitable for campsites where the setup will be used in a stationary position.

7. Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower

The Ivation portable outdoor shower is an uncomplicated and lightweight shower that’s perfect for campers, especially backpackers and hikers. With just a bucket and a charged battery, you’ll be able to bring the comforts of your home shower into the great outdoors with the Ivation Portable. Even though it’s one of the cheapest on the list, it packs a punch with the pressure and consistent stream water it provides. It’s exceedingly easy to use, with a top-notch design.

Since this shower doesn’t include a container or reservoir, it’s ideal for those who want a small compact option that can fit easily in a backpack. The  2200 mAh battery is housed within the pump making it easily rechargeable with a USB cord providing an impressive run time of around 50 minutes. The wide shower head and versatile hose make it pleasant to use.

With the flow rate at around 1.2 gallons of water per minute, you’ll likely run out of the water before battery power meaning you might want a cooler or very large bucket to supplement this product. However, if you’re backpacking or hiking, this is easily usable with any body of water you can find.

The Ivation is a simple head, pump, and hose combo. It can therefore be utilized by simply immersing the pump and hanging/holding the shower head above your head to enjoy the steady stream. The system also incorporates a built-in filtration system that ensures you get clean water from whatever source making it a perfect backpacking buddy if you don’t mind the absence of a built-in heater like other options. 

8. Coleman Solar Heated Water Camp Shower

The Coleman 5 Gallon PVC Solar Heated Water Camp Shower is another solar shower option on a budget for campers who want a heated portable option. It is a simple system that offers great comfort and convenience. It is easy to use and a good starting point for people who are on the fence about purchasing a portable shower for their next trip.

The unit includes a built-in water reservoir, not unlike similar solar showers that hold up to 5 gallons of water when filled which can stretch over a few uses if there are additional people in your group. It heats up to 90°F so it won’t get as hot as other options but for the price, it’s a good solid solar shower.

The Coleman Shower also has a sturdy handle which is used to hang the bag overhead to get a steady flow of water through the included shower head. Like other models, it also included a handy on, off switch for the showerhead so you won’t waste any water between uses. 

9. Simple Shower Portable Camping Shower

The Simple Shower Portable Camping Shower is a great innovation that can attach to any 1 or 2-liter bottle. This attachment weighs less than an ounce making it perfect for lightweight trips. You will need a relatively large bottle on hand like a soda bottle for the attachment. It boasts a relatively wide showerhead, giving the simple a very nice and strong flow of water for a non-pressurized shower.

However, this will only give you about 30 seconds of water from a filled bottle making it good for a quick rinse off but not a whole shower especially since you’ll have to hold it over your head making it a little uncomfortable to use compared to other options.

It’s very easy to set up, coming equipped with two different sized straws so it can fit on different sized bottles. It doesn’t come with a built-in heating option but you can heat the water over a stove or leave it out in the sun if you prefer washing with hot water. There isn’t an open and close option on the attachment so make sure you don’t tip it over or all you’re water will go to waste! 

Things to Consider Before Buying The Best Camping Showers

Durability

Not one person wants to buy any type of product that will break or fall apart on the first use. Hence, when shopping for a portable shower and determining its projected longevity, it is paramount to take into account the way the product was made and the material used in its manufacturing as these will factor into its overall durability. Even with continuous use in the unpredictable conditions camping can bring, a good camping shower survives for many years past its purchase.

Weight and Compactness

While camping, there’s a lot of other equipment to consider while packing other than a shower. Therefore, it’s exceedingly important that a camper considers the weight and portability of the shower under consideration based on how much they can carry and the means of transportation. If you’re a backpacker or hiker, you might not need or be able to carry a bigger 20 pound, heated, propane shower and would prefer a smaller solar-powered option that fits easily in a backpack.

Included Parts

When looking at different shower options it’s important to realize what is included while making your final decision. The best camping showers will provide more parts for different uses and increased functionality. Some will provide better showerhead hookups for more surface area coverage. Others may come with a privacy tent setup which is especially useful for larger groups or if you wouldn’t be as comfortable showering out in the open.

Hot Water vs. Cold Water Systems

Choosing whether you would prefer to have a heated shower or could survive off a cold one is a difficult choice to make while shopping for a portable camping shower. Heated showers are typically more expensive and take up more space than non-heated options. You also need to consider what season and environment you will be camping in. Hot-water systems are certainly more ideal for colder climates while cold water systems would be perfectly sufficient in warmer or hotter environments. 

Power Source

The choice of a power source for a camping shower is one of if not the most important choice a camper will have to make while looking at portable showers. They all have their respective positives and negatives.

To start with, solar-powered showers tend to be the cheapest and most portable technological heating option but may not operate well in certain environments with no or little sunshine. The amount of solar power that can be generated by the sun will always be an unknown day by day creating a problem for the ability to have a nice, hot shower.

Battery-powered showers will work anywhere but, a source of power will be required to recharge at some point. For some campers, this may not be an option due to a lack of a reliable power source during their trip.

Propane Systems are often larger, more expensive units that take up more space and require a tank of propane to operate. They are the most reliable for heating water and will provide the hottest showers away from home than any other source of power. Finally, pump systems will not need anything apart from some muscle will you pump, creating the pressure for the water to flow. They don’t require something to hang a bag from and can operate perfectly on the ground. 

Water Reservoir vs. Submersible Water Pumps

Water reservoir shower units provide the great benefit of giving you full control of your water. On the flip side, you will need time to fill and carry water to your campsite. These options also tend to take up a little more space depending on how much water they can hold. For submersible water pumps, the only thing you’ll need is a bucket of some type of water source like a lake or stream to submerge it in as you enjoy your shower.

Length of Hose

If the shower has a hose that must be raised over your head from the ground to shower with, you’ll have to consider your height compared to the length of the hose when choosing which one to purchase so it can be used comfortably.

Conclusion

Choosing the best camping showers is no easy task. Whether you’re a serious long time camper or a newbie, you can’t go wrong with any of the best camping showers on this list for your personal camping needs. Hopefully, you have found the optimal choice to get started on your adventure!

FAQ