By Kerry Hale

Guide to Showering While Camping

  • Monday 19th August 2024
  • 3 minute read

Nothing beats getting off the grid for a few days, and what better way to do so than camping? This activity is one of the best summer pastimes, letting you unwind in nature.

Camping can seem daunting without access to a hot shower, but fear not – there are plenty of ways to keep clean, even in the wilderness. This guide explores the best camping shower ideas and eco-friendly showering methods, from campsite and gym showers to sponge baths and biodegradable soaps. 

Camping shower ideas

Prepare for your next holiday in the great outdoors with our camping shower ideas.

Campsite showers

Some campsites benefit from bathrooms and shower facilities. They’re usually individual cubicles available for guests on a pay-per-use basis. You’ll need to bring toiletries, towels and shower shoes.  

Portable showers

Portable showers are an excellent choice for short and long camping trips. The three most common types are:

  • Bag showers. Also known as solar camping showers, this portable option has a hose and a nozzle for water flow. Hang them high enough to let gravity force the water through the shower head.
  • Tent showers. Tent showers could be ideal if you’re planning an extended camping trip. They usually have a bag or tank system fixed inside the tent, with lighting, towel hooks and drainage floor pads.
  • Tank showers. Tank showers can be heated using batteries and have hoses or pumps for improved water pressure. 

Homemade camping showers

If you’re into DIY, building a camping shower could be your next project! Some of the easiest showers to make include:

  • Gravity camping showers. These are straightforward to build and use. Fill a bag or a tank, hang it overhead and let gravity do the work for you.
  • Bucket and shower pump. You’ll only need a bucket, a battery-powered shower head and a pump. Attach the shower head to a long hose and a pump at the other end, and place the pump in a bucket of water.
  • Car lighter power. 12-volt camping showers can be hooked to cars or campervans. The cable is plugged into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter, which it uses as a power source for the 12-volt output pump. The cable then connects to a shower head and a bucket, which you fill with water to pump through the shower head.
  • Dry bag camp shower. Dry bags are easy to use and less bulky than water jugs. Screw on the bottle cap without holes, fill the bag with water and hang it.

Solar showers

Solar camping showers warm the water in three hours thanks to their insulated cistern or water reservoir. They usually have a hose and nozzle for water flow. Some solar showers have a thermometer outside to regulate the water’s temperature.

Prefer a cold shower? Read more about the power of cold showers in our guide. 

Natural water

Sometimes, a cold water plunge in a nearby lake or river is all you need. If you’re lucky, you may even camp near a waterfall – the best way to refresh. When bathing in natural water, only use eco-friendly products like biodegradable soaps.

How to shower responsibly while camping

It’s essential to take care of the environment when camping to reduce the risk of pollution. Here’s what you can do to save water and be kind to the environment. 

How to shower responsibly while camping

Sponge baths are popular among camping lovers because they use little water. Choose a biodegradable or compostable sponge or washcloth made from plants like bamboo. Wet it with water and use biodegradable soap.

Bring biodegradable soap

Biodegradable soap is a great choice when camping. It’s less harsh on the environment and decomposes without releasing chemicals. Ensure you use it at least 60 metres from your campsite and any water source.

Ready for your next camping adventure? These camp shower ideas are perfect for when you’re out in nature, but nothing is better than a high-quality shower in the comfort of your home. Browse our range of luxury showers for the best experience.

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