Nemo Helio Portable Camping Shower
Advanced Elements 5 Gallon Solar Shower
RinseKit Pressurized Portable Shower
If you love spending time in the great outdoors, but you don’t relish the thought of being one of the great unwashed, then what you need is a portable showering solution. While we can’t guarantee we have something on this list which will totally replicate the home from home showering experience, we do have some excellent choices that at the very least will enable you to have a refreshing few minutes, hosing down, after an arduous day trekking or perhaps just lounging by the beach. These days you can get portable everything! From toilets to cooking stoves, heaters to showers. Pretty much everything you can get for your home you can also get for your camp. So let’s take a look at some of the best options for showering under the stars in our best camping showers review.
The Best Camping Shower
1Nemo Helio Portable Camping Shower
Let’s get this camping shower review started with our Best Choice product, the Nemo Helio Portable Pressure Shower. If you are looking for a solution that will keep both you and your gear clean on the go, then this is an excellent option featuring a gravity-defying inflation system which quite simply, delivers water without physically having to hang the tank. Pretty impressive stuff! No matter where the next intrepid adventure takes you, there’s no need to forego on that soothing end of day shower.
With its compact design, the Helio conveniently packs down to just 5.5” x 8.5,” and the kit comes with everything you need for showering in camp or even giving your muddy pets a bit of a rinse! The overall construction is simple, but you do need to get used to the action of operating which requires a foot pump to maintain pressure. The water tank holds approximately 11 liters of water which is just under three gallons so plenty for an adequate shower for one. Made from synthetic material, it is more than capable of standing up to regular wear and tear. It’s easy to clean, easy to store and offers a comfortable pressurized shower. Make sure you also check our guide to the best large camping tents.
Insulated 11-liter water tank
Water heats up using sunlight
Hands-free foot pump operation
Fully pressurized steady water flow for 5-7 minutes
Versatile design and lightweight system
- BrandNemo
- ModelNEMO Equipment Inc.
- Weight1.43 pounds
2Ivation Portable Camping Shower
If you love nothing better than getting away at the weekend on a little camping adventure, but you are also a partial to an invigorating shower then this Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower could be the perfect solution for you. Literally, down to that compact and portable design, you can set it up any time, any place and yes, anywhere! Whether you are in the mountains or by the beach, this battery operated shower can produce a nice consistent stream of water and can run for a full hour from the one battery. It’s lightweight and easy to carry and operates with a simple on/off function.
To use, you just need to drop the hose into any kind of water container, and switch it on; it really is that easy and that efficient hence why it can be used pretty much anywhere. The only limitations are the water source you can access and that one-hour batter lifespan. It’s designed to last and constructed from sturdy, durable plastic, and it also comes with a suction cup which can be quickly mounted so that you can easily shower anywhere. It’s a no-nonsense battery powered solution to showering on the go. Our handy guide to the best cooler for camping features more great products like this.
Transforms a source of contained water into a shower
Simple one rate of water flow
Suction cup securely fits to a surface to provide heads free showering
Battery operated with full charge lasting a full hour
Compact and portable and easily packs into a backpack
- BrandIvation
- Model IVA-PSH01
- Weight1.81 pounds
3Advanced Elements 5 Gallon Solar Shower
Our next best solar camp shower is the Advanced Elements 5 Gallon Solar Shower, and we’ve nominated it as our Best Value choice today. If you’re on a remote campsite somewhere and have limited options in terms of keeping clean, then with this shower and some sunshine you have no excuses! It has the ability to deliver both a warm and comfortable shower and with a generous 5-gallon capacity, provides more than enough water for a couple of you to enjoy a quick shower after a long and satisfying day spent hiking in the great outdoors.
With its sturdy 4-ply construction it’s durable and reliable and also has both a reflector and an insulator panel to quickly heat up and to keep warm that stored water. There’s a handy side pocket, perfect for holding your soap and shampoo and a couple of velcro straps ideal for washcloths. It’s lightweight at just 1.4 pounds, so it is nice and portable and is an excellent way to stay clean and refreshed on your next camping, hiking or fishing trip. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best camping mattresses.
Insulated 5 gallon water tank
Solar heated shower with reflector and insulator panel
Tough and durable 4-ply construction
Easy operate on/off shower head
Extra features include pocket for soap and straps for washcloths
- BrandAdvanced Elements
- ModelSS762
- Weight1.32 pounds
4RinseKit Pressurized Portable Shower
If you have a little bit more cash to splash, then how about our Premium Choice outdoor shower recommendation which is the Rinse Kit Pressurized Portable Shower? They say that it’s a revolutionary cleaning system which is just like having a hose to go and we like that analogy! It’s as easy as 1,2, and yes, you got it, spray! No pump or batteries required, the original RinseKit can hold up to 2 gallons of water which will deliver a 4-minute long shower.
RinseKit has a range of versatile uses and can also be used to hose down surfboards or dirty pets! It features a pressure nozzle which has seven different settings including a soaking shower setting as we as a jet stream one. The system all conveniently packs into itself and has a carrying handle so is ultimately portable. The lid can also be removed and used as a stand for changing on. If you are a lover of outdoor activities and adventure, then this RinseKit portable camping shower is one that you will definitely appreciate. You may also like to check our guide to the best camping blankets.
Totally portable solution to showering on the go
No pumping or batteries required
Fully self-contained solution
Fills in just 30 seconds and can spray for up to 4 minutes
6-foot hose included and shower head with 6 different settings
- BrandRinse Kit
- ModelRK01
- Weight 8.8 pounds
5Camp Chef HWD5 Triton Water Heater
If you and your family just love spending time outdoors and enjoy nothing more than escaping the city for a weekend of camping, fishing or hunting then you will really appreciate our next portable showering solution which is the Camp Chef HWD5 Triton Water Heater. It even looks like your regular shower at home. This portable water heater is capable of producing an impressive 1.5 gallons of hot water per minute and is great for a wide range of uses, including washing the car, your pets, filling up the kids’ pool or for any tailgating activity.
It’s easy to use and can give you warm water for use anywhere. The unit features 4 shower head settings; off, mist, shower as well as a more powerful jet function. There’s also a carry handle included so that you can easily transport it with you on that next weekend adventure. Minimum required pressure to operate is 25-30 PSI from an input hose. If you are looking to upgrade your camping equipment, then make sure you read our camping chairs review.
Can deliver 1.5 gallons of hot water per minute
Convenient carry handle which folds down for storage
Automatically heats up when ignited
Self standing or use with supplied brackets
4 shower head settings
- BrandCamp Chef
- ModelHWD5
- Weight14.6 pounds
6Reliance Flow Pro Portable Shower
If you want to enjoy the sensation of a real shower in camp, then the Reliance Flow Pro Portable Shower is a budget-friendly and easy to use option. This pressurized portable outdoor shower delivers a continuous spray of water and comes fitted with a trigger action shower head as well as a 6-foot long kink resistant hose. It’s also super easy to transport thanks to a convenient carry handle.
Overall, this Reliance portable camping shower can hold 2 gallons of water which is ample to provide an excellent refreshing shower. The unit comes in a washable neoprene sleeve, so it’s easy to keep clean plus there is a convenient mesh pocket on the side, perfect for holding your shower head or storing shampoo and body wash in camp. Be sure to also check out our list of the best camping stoves for more great items like this.
Features a 2-gallon water tank
Delivers a continuous spray with trigger action shower head
Comes with a 6-foot long kink resistant hose
Equipped with pressure release valve
Washable neoprene sleeve with mesh storage
- BrandReliance Products
- Model9316-03
- Weight 1 pound
7Big Kahuna Portable Shower
With its rugged design and durable construction, the Big Kahuna Portable Shower promises to be one of the best camping showers on the market today. It features a self-contained 12-volt submersible pump and a large 4.7-gallon water capacity with a coiled 8-foot hose included. The design is compact and potable, so this is perfect for anyone who regularly spends time outdoors plus it’s also super easy to operate with minimal setup required.
There’s a variable pressure shower head attachment, and the hose, container and also lid has been designed to absorb UV heat in order to help warm up the water. We can’t promise you will have a hot shower unless you happen to be camping in the tropics, but at least you can have a decent warm shower at the end of the day or hose yourself down and remove all that pesky sand after a day spent at the beach. If you like a good nights rest while camping, check out our guide to the best camping cots.
Features either 4.7, 8 or 13-gallon capacity tank
Unique, stretchy coiled shower hose included
Shower head has variable pressure control
Absorbs UV heat to warm up water
Supplied with 12 V accessory plug
- BrandBig Kahuna
8Anglink Portable Battery Powered Camping Shower
The latest version of the popular Anglink Portable Battery Powered Camping Shower features its own integrated water filtration system. There’s also a suction cup and holder included so that you can suspect your showerhead for a hands-free showering experience. The unit itself is powered via a rechargeable 3.7 V battery and has the capacity to deliver a water flow of 2.5 liters per minute.
A fully charged battery will allow for 1 hour of continuous use. All you need to do is connect the pump to a source of water and tune on the switch, then enjoy a refreshing shower anywhere outdoors via the 1.8-meter hose with shower head attachment. Versatile and multi-functional, use your Anglink for cleaning your car, pets, watering your plants and even washing your windows. Our guide to the best camping pillows offers more great camping items so check them out.
Transforms a source of contained water into a shower
Simple one rate of water flow
Suction cup securely fits to a surface to provide heads free showering
Battery operated with full charge lasting a full hour
1.8-meter hose has multiple uses for all kinds of outdoor activities requiring water
- BrandAnglink
- Weight1.6 pounds
9Ozark Trail Instant 2 Room Shower Changing Shelter
If you love camping but you also still enjoy a bit of privacy as well as indulging in a shower at the end of the day, then this Ozark Trail Instant 2 Room Shower and Changing Shelter is just what you need. It’s like bringing the comforts of home into your camp. While it may be a little bit more of a hassle to set up than some of the other more portable outdoor shower solutions we have so far reviewed, it’s ideal if you are setting up base for a few days or more. Even more so if you like to take your shower uninterrupted and without prying eyes watching you lather up!
The shower itself holds 5 gallons so plenty of water for a couple of decent showers. It’s solar powered, and while granted, it is heavier than the other options, that extra weight is more than worth it for the comfort and privacy. I mean, it even has its own separate changing room! How fantastic is that? The shower bag itself is made from a durable multi-ply material, so it’s robust and won’t accidentally puncture. This is an excellent solar camp shower for the more modest among you!
Insulated 5 gallon water tank
Solar heated shower with reflector and insulator panel
Tough and durable 4-ply construction
2 rooms; one for showering and one for changing
Walls coated with silver aluminum for complete privacy
- BrandOzark Trail
- Weight20.1 pounds
Camping Shower Buying Guide & FAQ
Features To Look For In Camping Shower
Below we’ve outlined a few of the key criteria it’s worth evaluating before you go ahead and invest in a new camping shower.
Ease Of Set Up - It goes without saying that if something is difficult and time-consuming to use, even if it something as useful as having your own portable shower, you probably just won’t even bother setting it up! Thankfully, there are plenty of camping showers out there that are extremely easy to operate with some options only need to be filled with a water supply and hung somewhere so that gravity can do the rest of the work! Other more sophisticated systems may take a little bit more getting used to but decide realistically how much time and effort you are willing to put into assembling a camp shower and how important it is to you so that you can get the best and most sophisticated one within your budget. Otherwise, down to the river banks, you must go with that bar of soap and a flannel!
Capacity - Unless you have a water meter fitted at home, you are probably blissfully unaware about exactly how much water one person uses daily, especially to take a simple shower. So capacity, when you are away on a camping trip for a couple of days with your family in tow, is an important consideration. Water comes at a premium, especially when you are camping, and while you do want to have a decent enough shower, you may also have environmental concerns too. What you are really looking for is something that can give you a quick invigorating and refreshing shower at the end of the day. Not you're full on home from home luxurious bathing experience.
Weight & Portability - Even if you are traveling to your campsite by car or truck, you will then need to transport your shower from where you're parked up to where you are pitching your tent, so it’s a good idea to go for something that is lightweight and portable and is easy to carry.
Durability - You’re spending time outdoors, so just the very nature of camping means that your gear is going to be subjected to more than a bit of rough and tumble, wear and tear and also the elements. So you want to invest in the best that money can buy quality wise which is tough, durable and built to last.
Materials & Construction - As with the durability factor above, the better quality the material and the more attention and level of detail has been put into the final construction and workmanship, the more likely your investment is going to last you for many years to come.
Types Of Camping Showers
You have three choices when it comes to selecting that new shower for camp. Let’s just have a quick recap below of their main advantages and how they stack up against each other.
Solar Powered - A popular and relatively inexpensive option, you will find plenty of solar powered portable showers to choose from. They’re efficient and easy to run as all you require to heat up the water is sufficient daylight. They’re available in a range of sizes with most units being in a range from 2.5 to 5 gallons. The only drawback really is that they require sunlight which at certain times of the year and locations may be in short supply so if you do want to be guaranteed of at least a warm shower at the end of the day, then battery or propane will deliver a more reliable and faster result.
Battery Powered - A basic and functional option, the drawback, of course, being that you need to have a supply of charged batteries to continue to enjoy the benefits of a hot shower! Usually, they will consist of a hose, pump, and a showerhead that will draw water from an external source such as a water container. They’re portable and easy on the wallet as well as requiring minimal setup. As long as you don’t forget those spare batteries, then you are good to go!
Propane Powered - A propane powered camping shower is going to deliver an experience most akin to that which you would enjoy back home. They can heat up water in a matter of minutes so if a warm shower matters, even if it is a short one under the stars, then you should look into the propane-powered options. When looking at this specific type, the measurement to be aware of is the BTU. The higher the stated BTU, the quicker your propane camp shower will heat up that lovely hot water for you to enjoy.
Camping Shower FAQ
Q: Do the solar heated showers really work?
A: Absolutely, solar powered showers, just like solar-powered technology in general works and is an incredibly popular and environmentally friendly solution. The usage you will get though is determined by the amount of exposure to the sun that you are able to access prior to use. It also depends upon the size of the water bag or tank that you have versus the time exposed to the sun, as to how long it could potentially take to heat up that water so that it’s a comfortable temperature. Probably when you are showering in the great outdoors, any shower is better than no shower so you may well be more than satisfied with a lukewarm water affair! However, if you are one of those campers who still like to maintain some of their home from home comforts can can’t bear the idea of having anything other than a warm shower, then you might want an alternative heat source rather than the sun. Other options include electricity or a form of heated gas. These are going to be more cumbersome and expensive, but if a hot shower is what you prefer, they will be more reliable than solar power. Unless you are camping of course in Nevada!!
Q: How many people can use a portable camping shower?
A: It’s not so much how many people can use a portable camping shower, but more what capacity does the shower you are investing in provide? Plenty of showers on the market are more than adequate to cater for a family of four whereas some are designed just for single solo camping use. As a rough rule of thumb, each individual will require around 2.5 gallons each of water to have a decent 5-minute shower.
Q: How should I maintain my portable camping shower?
A: The answer to this is, of course, dependant upon the make and manufacturer and they should all provide comprehensive care and maintenance guidelines. That said, there are a couple of universal good practice tips that if you follow, will ensure that your camping shower is marinated in tip-top condition for as long as possible.
- Obviously one of the most important facts being always to keep it clean
- Make sure that you rinse it out thoroughly after every use
- Ensure that it is fully air dried before you pack it back away
- If your shower has a container, tank or water bag attachment, ensure that is thoroughly drained
- Check that any hoses are also totally clear of excess water
- Routinely check and inspect the shower head and hoses to check for kinks, tears or the buildup of mildew
- Always be sure to use as pure and clean a source of natural water as possible