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7 Best Portable Camping Showers

By Katie Schenk,

Home / Outdoors

After 19 hours of research evaluating 62 products, we picked Advanced Elements 5 Gallon Summer Shower as our top choice.

There is nothing like a warm shower at the end of a long day of hiking, is there? Indeed, it’s the comforts that stop so many people from enjoying the truly wondrous outdoors, isn’t it?

Know anyone like that? They need a bed, a stove, a charger, you name it. It’s hardly surprising to find luxuries like a portable shower and privacy units on the market when you think about it that way.

Yet, there are a surprising number of camping showers out there.

There are collapsible tanks and those that require some form of power to create pressure. There are portable showers that are totally suitable for hikers and those that really are more suited to rinsing off at the beach.

We tried to consider every need and looked for the best products in each class. And, we know we’ve found the best. So, if the little luxuries were what kept you in the city, you no longer have an excuse.

Keep reading to find a list of the best portable showers on the market. 

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

#1 Best Overall Camping Shower

Advanced Elements 5 Gallon Summer Shower

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  • Works wonderfully well  
  • Water gets really warm (sometimes very hot) 
  • Heats quickly when left in the sun 

Pros Cons

This solar-heated, 5-gallon portable shower has an extra large filling valve, side pockets for soap and shampoo, and a water temperature gauge. It’s super durable and provides a hot shower quickly. 

5-gallons of water can be very heavy; while the handle is solid, a hanging hook for diverse environments would be appreciated. Additionally, the “reflector panel” really isn’t useful as a mirror. 

Product Ratings

9/10

There are several 5-gallon portable showers on the market. By and large, they’re all made of PVC materials and may be heated through solar power. And, most of them cost between $15 and $20, which is going to make this camping shower seem expensive.

Except, it’s absolutely worth it. The construction is sturdy and the strong handle allows for you to use as much of the 5-gallon capacity as you would like. It’s one of the easiest models to fill and there is surprisingly good pressure. The on/off function is superior to cheaper models and you do get some control over the pressure. Users tend to appreciate the shower head, as well as the pockets and straps for holding extras, when showering in the wild.

There are other options available, but if you can manage $35 for a collapsible tank, we highly recommend this bad boy.

Tank capacity: 5-gallon

Dimensions: 20 x 6 x 2″ (collapsible)

Weight: 1 lbs 4 oz

Material and construction: PVC plastic

Heated: Yes – solar

Temperature controls: There’s no real way to control the temperature, but there is a water temperature gauge .

Power source: Solar- for heating

Tube length: 18”

Water pressure control: Just an on/off switch, but you do have some control.

Price: The MSRP is $35, but you should be able to find it on Amazon a little cheaper. It also comes with a 1-year warranty.

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#2 Best Camping Shower with Built-in Privacy

Ozark Trail Instant 2-Room Shower and Changing Shelter

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  • Super easy to set up 
  • 2-room layout is a total plus 
  • Quality construction 

 

Pros Cons

In addition to privacy, the 2-room setup of this camping shower allows you to keep your towels and clothes dry while you shower. There are toiletry holders, windows, and even a floor repair kit which may come in handy. 

There aren’t any drainage holes in the changing section, and the floor isn’t as easy to clean as you might like. There’s also no opening for a hose; the shower bag needs to hang inside.

Product Ratings

9.4/10

Want to camp in style? Well, at least with a fair amount of privacy? You’ve got it. The big bonus of this shelter is the 2-room set up which makes it easy to be discreet. There’s plenty of ventilation and a removable rainfly. With a towel rack and a toiletries holder, all you may want to add is a stool to set your clothing on.

Now, before you get caught up in the complexity of this, we should let you know that it takes most people less than 5 minutes to set it up on their own – indeed, many have it up even sooner than that. But, when it comes to camping, what’s the difference between 3 minutes and 5?

Okay, we do need to mention that the actual camping shower is merely adequate and there’s no opening to run tubing in from the outside, which would make it easier for some. But, still, we’re rather in love with this.

Tank capacity: 5 gallons

Dimensions: 7 x 3.5 x 7′

Weight: 20 lbs 3.2 oz

Material and construction: Steel frame and silver aluminum polyester shelter with non-toxic PVC shower tank.

Heated: Yes – solar

Temperature controls: None

Power source: Solar – for heating

Tube length: About 18” and it’s a little flimsy.

Water pressure control: None to speak of

Price: You should expect to find this portable shower, with the awesome tent, at a price between $120 and $150. Sadly, there’s only a 6-month limited warranty.

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#3 Best Tankless Camping Shower

Ivation Handheld Portable Shower

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  • Works much better than expected 
  • Provides excellent pressure 
  • Fast, easy charging (and recharging) and holds the charge well 

Pros Cons

This portable shower goes anywhere you want it too as it’s totally tankless. It’s relatively light and provides excellent pressure. 

Some users believe the hose could be a little longer, but that seems to be the biggest flaw. (Well, that and the fact it doesn’t heat the water for you.)

Product Ratings

9/10

Alright, this may or may not be the best portable shower to take camping with you – mainly because you will need to provide hot water if you want a hot shower. But, that’s what you should expect from most tankless camping showers. Users like this for those moments when their hot water heaters break – and they can warm up water in a kettle. (Also a lot of love from dog washers.)

We like the sturdy manufacturing that goes hand in hand with awesome water pressure. It’s easy to charge the battery using any USB port. Not only does it charge quickly, but this portable shower tends to hold its charge for quite some time. Additionally, the suction cup is as strong as the hanging S-hook. And, don’t worry, there’s a built-in water filtration system.

Want it yet? (That’s what we thought.)

Tank capacity: n/a

Dimensions: 11 x 8.3 x 2.8″

Weight: 1.6 lbs

Material and construction: Combination of plastics

Heated: No

Temperature controls: n/a

Power source: USB, rechargeable battery

Tube length: 6’5″

Water pressure control: 2.5i/minute

Price: This sells for $40 and comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

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#4 Best Camping Shower for Rinsing Off

Simple Shower Portable Shower

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  • Gets the job done 
  • Simple to use 
  • Easy to transport  

 

Pros Cons

This is simple, light, and easier to transport than a wet tank. It’s inexpensive and works with nearly any 1L or 2L bottle. 

It’s difficult to control the water flow; it glugs out a little fast. Doesn’t work for everyone. 

Product Ratings

8.8/10

Okay, this isn’t a fully-fledged camping shower, but it’s just so freaking clever. All you do is slot the head (and the appropriate tube) into a 1L or 2L bottle (of hot or cold) water and you’ve got a shower. Now, we know that 2 liters isn’t a huge amount of water, but a lot of users love this for hosing off before getting in the car after walking off the sandy beach.

Given that it’s so light and most of the shower apparatus is disposable, this is also nice to have for long hikes – and just generally for emergencies. Sure it isn’t everything, but it works in a pinch. Sadly, there’s no control over the water pressure and flow, but for the price, we’re getting over it quickly.

Tank capacity: n/a – works with most 1L and 2L bottles

Dimensions: 12 x 2.5 x 2.5″

Weight: 2 oz.

Material and construction: HDPE

Heated: No

Temperature controls: n/a

Power source: n/a

Tube length: n/a

Water pressure control: Controlled by angle

Price: Expect to pay about $13 for this with a 90-day manufacturer’s warranty included.

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#5 Best Propane-Heated Camping Shower

ZODI Outback Gear Hot Tap Travel Shower

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  • Incredible operation 
  • Heats quickly and well 
  • Easier to use than expected 

Pros Cons

This is a handy little (almost) self-contained unit that gives you hot water in minutes. Features a long 8’ hose, and you can expect temperatures up to 100ºF.

You’ll need an extra valve to save water while lathering; some users find it necessary to modify this to their liking. The case isn’t waterproof.

Product Ratings

7.8/10

Okay, this isn’t the sort of camping shower that you want lying around with unsupervised children, simply because it can be a little bit of a fire hazard. That said, once you get the hang of using this, you’re going to love having hot showers in the morning.

You’ll need a propane cylinder to make this operational (and sadly, that isn’t included with the shower), and there’s a 6-volt water pump with pushbutton ignition. Now, this is tankless, but the cover can double as a 4-gallon tank, and since you don’t need to fill it with hot water, you can kind of count on that. Sure, it’s a little on the pricey side, but this is definitely worth it.

Tank capacity: 4 gallon

Dimensions: 15.1 x 11 x 10.9″

Weight: 10.4 lbs

Material and construction: A plastic case protects the steel frames

Heated: Yes

Temperature controls: Adjusts up to 100ºF

Power source: 16.4 oz propane cylinder (not included)

Tube length: 8’

Water pressure control: 6 Volt pump with debris screen

Price: The MSRP is about $190, but you should pay less than that. There’s also a 1-year limited warranty.

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#6 Best Compact Camping Shower

Sea to Summit Pocket Shower

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  • Super compact 
  • Gets the job done 
  • Awesome quality 

Pros Cons

This portable shower is about as compact as you can get. Once you’ve heated this solar camping shower, you can expect a shower time of over eight minutes if you open the head completely. 

The cord is thin and difficult to grip, and some people find the nozzle to be a bit finicky. 

Product Ratings

8.2/10

This camping shower is wonderfully compact; it truly fits in your pocket. And, at just over 4 ounces, you’re unlikely to struggle with it while backpacking. The on/off mechanism is easy to use and provides some flow adjustment, though you won’t have a whole lot of control. That said, you probably won’t notice after a day of hiking.

In addition to using this as a camping shower, many users use it as a dry bag or even a washing bag. That should tell you how easy it is to fill this with water and to transport with you across the world. We would have liked to see slightly stronger cording – especially given the price – but it gets the job done. And, the tank itself is super high quality.

Tank capacity: 2.64 gallons

Dimensions: 1.7 x 6.1 x 7.8″

Weight: 4.25 oz

Material and construction: Heat-resistant, waterproof nylon and polyethylene

Heated: Yes

Temperature controls: None

Power source: Solar

Tube length: n/a

Water pressure control: Twist mechanism for turning on/off and for flow

Price: We’ve seen this as low as $25, but as high as $35. There is a limited lifetime warranty with that, but we think it’s worth it for serious hiking campers.

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#7 Best Budget Camping Shower

Coghlan’s 5-Gallon Solar Heated Camp Shower

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  • Does the job 
  • An awesome price 
  • Heats quickly and retains the heat well  

Pros Cons

This 5-gallon camping shower is more than cost-effective; it’s an amazing portable shower. The hose is a decent length and the pressure isn’t terrible either. 

The plastic handle isn’t as sturdy as we would like. Some users also experienced some difficulty using the hose. 

Product Ratings

8/10

You shouldn’t expect a lot of frills when you buy a budget camping shower. And, as long as you live by that adage, you will be delighted with this product. It is basic, but it does an amazing job. The 5-gallon capacity provides enough water for three or four showers and the pressure is surprisingly good.

This solar-heated shower heats up rather quickly and holds the heat well. Additionally, it’s easy to transport, set up, and pack away. That said, you won’t get much more than that; the handle isn’t as strong as we would like nor is the hose as flexible as other models. But, still, look at the price.

Tank capacity: 5 gallon

Dimensions: 2.3 x 6.9 x 9.3″

Weight: 15.2 oz

Material and construction: PVC

Heated: Yes

Temperature controls: None

Power source: Solar

Tube length: 22”

Water pressure control: Controlled by opening

Price: You’ll pay between $10-12 for this portable shower. That’s darn good – and it even comes with a 1-year warranty.

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Portable Camping Shower Buying Guide

Gone are the days when you couldn’t shower in nature — after camping, hiking, climbing, or simply after a music festival. Portable camping showers are now available to bring you the latest comfort at reasonable prices, wherever you go.

So if you are planning on climbing Mount Everest or Kilimanjaro — or attending Burning Man in the US or Glastonbury in the UK — you’ll be able to enjoy a proper shower on the go.

woman taking a shower using a camping shower

For many occasions, portable showers are your best friend each time you go camping. You can take them with you anywhere — without feeling like bearing a large burden on your shoulders as they are lightweight.

Having the right portable shower makes your life easy — and enables you to stay fresh — no matter the conditions. Varied, portable showers come in many sizes, shapes, and materials.

Why Do You Need a Shower When You Camp?

After you exercise, climb, or hike, your muscles get sore. You need warm water to help relax and recover from such intense activities — taking a warm shower also reinvigorates you and boosts up your energy level, while helping you sleep better. Feeling refreshed after an intense day in nature is really something everyone seeks.

Plus, maintaining personal hygiene while camping is important. As you are in nature — around the campfire at night and in lakes, mountains, or the countryside during the day — you get dirty easily.

What Kind of Portable Showers Are There?

A portable camping shower consists of a portable water tank or a shower head with add-ons mostly in plastic or titanium — that replicates your shower and can be taken anywhere. Made of lightweight materials and easy-to-carry elements such as a hose and a water head, portable showers are your best companion wherever you go camping.

woman using a camping shower

Coming in multiple designs or shapes, there are a lot of choices out there.

A solar-powered camping shower captures the heat of the sun. You can enjoy a hot shower anywhere and conveniently with a solar-powered portable shower. These showers are designed with a tank that carries the water, as well as a hose and a showerhead. Practical, this type of portable shower absorbs the sun’s rays — to reach a desirable peak temperature that will make you feel warm.

Pros: Economical and easy-to-use, a solar-powered portable shower allows you to take a shower when you go fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, and so forth.

Cons: Not ideal if you travel in places with little sun available or heavy clouds. You will also have to get a portable shower with a built-in temperature gauge for safety reasons as the water can get really hot.

A bag portable shower has many uses. From a water tank to a bidet, you can carry your bathroom on the go with a bag portable shower. With a salve-closing valve, this type of portable shower lets you save water. From 3 to 5 gallons, you can easily bring water that you will not waste. A bag portable shower can also be solar-powered. As the bag is small, you can put it in your bag or luggage without feeling too heavy.

Pros: Intuitive and easy-to-setup, you can enjoy a shower pretty much anywhere, at any time. It just takes 1 minute to install a bag portable shower (over a solar-powered shower).

Cons: Not the best option if you are looking for a hot shower but definitely for a quick wash on the go.

portable camping shower

A pump portable shower is unique and convenient if you are camping. As it doesn’t require to be lifted, you can easily place it anywhere on a flat surface and use it right away. All you have to do is pump the pedal to get the water out. The tank lets you fill up enough water for a clean shower on the go.

Pros: Versatile and lightweight, a pump portable shower lets you enjoy the water for every camp needs and is easy-to-use.

Cons: You cannot hold it like a bag portable shower and you need to pump to obtain pressurized water.

An electric portable shower features a rechargeable battery that powers the shower, which is separate from the water tank. You’ll need access to an electrical outlet to charge the shower before you can actually use it. You can recharge the battery with a pocket battery charger if needed.

Pros: This is designed to be submerged, with a waterproof battery so you can conveniently enjoy it in a water-friendly environment.

Cons: The shower may run out of battery. Make sure to bring a charger and to recharge at your camping site if there are electrical outlets.

A propane portable shower is small, efficient, and perfect to heat water. Made of a self-supportive unit, this shower can be mounted easily at a campsite. Within 2 minutes, you can enjoy hot water. Combined with a pop-up tent, you’ll find comfort anywhere with a propane portable shower.

Pros: Quick to provide hot water and convenient, a propane portable shower provides the most  comfort at bargain prices.

Cons: You need electrical supply and a water hookup. You are unlikely to be able to use this type of portable shower for wild camping or in the mountains.

Types Of Camping And How to Shower

There are multiples ways to go camping and enjoy the beautiful nature. If you plan to head off to the wilderness, you can either go for:

Tent camping is by far the most popular camping experience. Tent camping allows you to sleep either at a campsite, at the beach, or at festivals and is good for solo or family and friends. Choose your portable shower depending on the campsites. Consider if you have an electrical supply.

For tent camping, you can choose any type of portable shower as long as you know if you have electrical power or not.

Backpacking and hiking is for solo travelers or friends looking to explore many countries. Hiking lets you explore a diversity of stunning landscapes, rivers, lakes, mountains, and more. As you carry everything on your back, you need to pack lightly and choose your gear accordingly.

For outdoor adventures, a hot portable shower that doesn’t require electricity or battery supply is best. A bag or solar-powered portable shower will do the job perfectly.

Van camping is a favorite of surfers who travel from one spot to another looking for the best waves. Having the pleasure to be mobile, such a type of camping provides the most ultimate freedom and gives the comfort of a home. Popular with older people, van camping combines the best of travel without feeling outside your home. If you fancy a little bit of luxury, van camping is for you!

Propane or electrical showers are great for van campers as you can easily access powers and sockets. There’s no such issue if your battery runs out as you can charge from the van itself.

Canoe or boat camping is popular as it provides great sensations and discoveries between the land and the rivers, or the lakes. Combining the advantages of backpacking with the most ultimate freedom, canoe or boat camping lets you enjoy the true wilderness. As you can carry more on the boat or the canoe, you don’t need to go for lightweight gear and can increase the level of comfort.

Prefer a bag or solar-powered portable shower if you go boat camping. When you stop by the nearby area to fall asleep, enjoy a great shower. Don’t go for electrical showers or pump ones as you are unlikely to be able to use them conveniently.

Survivalist camping is one extreme type of camping and requires you to go outside your comfort zone fully. If you are an experienced, competent camper and can handle different temperature changes between the day and the night, and are comfortable within more extreme situations, then survivalist camping is for you! Survivalist camping requires you to push your boundaries, and you may sometimes not shower at all.

If you do wish to shower, as you wander through nature, be as light as possible and carry just the necessary. A bag portable shower will suffice (or a pump one) for such type of camping experience.

How Much Does a Portable Shower Cost?

Affordable, portable showers come in a variety of prices ranging on average from $10 to $50. Solar-powered portable showers are not necessarily overpriced. You can buy a portable shower online or at a department store, Walmart, or in your local supermarket. Online stores let you compare easily between different portable showers.

woman using a portable camping shower

Final Tips

Don’t expect a long shower when you are using a portable shower. Allow up to 5 minutes, depending on the capacity of the water tank.

If you travel solo, choose a small capacity bag portable shower. If you travel with friends or family, consider buying a larger portable shower with a bigger water tank.

Take care of your portable shower. Verify the batteries prior to each use if you use an electrical power shower. Clean up your portable shower once you go home.

Choose your type of portable shower according to the camping experience you are after. Don’t buy a solar-powered portable shower if you camp with no sun.

If you are after a quick shower, don’t go for a solar-powered portable shower as you need some time to warm the water up.

Katie Schenk

Expert Author

Katie’s Cleveland proud; but she’s also lived in Australia, Switzerland and now stays in South Africa. That’s a roundabout way of saying she can’t sit still; she’s always moving, always busy. She has a BA in International Relations from Kent State University and work towards a Masters in Human Rights. She speaks French, is learning German and used to dream in Spanish. For years, Katie worked as a producer on fashion and advertising shoots before she realized her passion was the written word. Katie’s far more interested in guy’s gear than women’s, except she has a wardrobe brimming with little black dresses. She drinks her beer out of the bottle and is raising her two boys to be better men.

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