Camping and showering aren’t the most iconic duo. But, with the right camp shower, you can stay fresh and even enjoy warm water wherever you are!

 

When in the outdoors for a number of nights, I think we can all agree you start to miss those little luxuries — not using a spork as your primary utensil, having a comfortable place to change, and most of all, a nice shower.

Whether you go family camping with a full gear kit or ultralight thru-hiking, we have a shower pick for all adventurers.

 

The Do’s and Don’ts of Boondocking – Sleeping in Your Car, Rebecca Burton - Car Camping, showering, river

Camping showers don’t have to start and end with a creek head dunk | @thecampstovechef

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Types of Camping Showers

Camping showers come in various styles, each offering unique features to suit different needs. Here’s a rundown of the most common types:

  • Portable Showers: Lightweight and compact, portable showers are perfect for those who need a quick and easy setup. They often come with a rechargeable battery or manual pump and may include a solar shower or heater for a warm shower experience.
  • Solar Showers: Eco-friendly and efficient, solar showers use the sun’s energy to heat water. Typically featuring a black tank or bag that absorbs sunlight, these showers often come with a shower head and hose for convenient use.
  • Roof Rack Showers: Ideal for overlanders, roof rack showers mount on your vehicle’s roof rack, saving space and providing a high-pressure shower on the go. Many models include a heater for instant hot water, making them a great option for those who want a warm shower without the wait.
  • Instant Hot Water Showers: For those who crave instant gratification, these showers use propane or electric heaters to provide hot water on demand. They’re perfect for campers who don’t want to wait for water to heat up and prefer a consistent hot shower.
  • Shower Tents and Enclosures: Offering privacy and comfort, shower tents and enclosures are often used with portable or solar showers. They typically include a shower head, hose, and sometimes a heater, creating a private bathing space in the great outdoors.

 

Must-See Stops and Hidden Gems of Northern NSW – Sydney to Gold Coast Road Trip, Photo by Alex Noles @gypsyrascal, crystal shower falls walking trail, waterfall way, dorrigo national park

As nice as it would be, we can’t always rely on having one of these handy at every campsite | @gypsyrascal

Best Value: Companion Deluxe 20L Portable Solar Shower

 

 

The Companion Deluxe 20L Portable Solar Shower is a great choice for those who want to test the waters of camp showers.

Coming in at only $37.95, this best-value option doesn’t skimp on features.

Made from tough 600 Denier Ripstop material and featuring a solar panel for naturally hot water and a temperature gauge, enjoy a nice, hot shower for up to eight minutes with its 20L capacity.

 

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Best Compact: Sea to Summit Pocket Hiking Shower

For those who opt for an ultralight set-up and count every gram while hiking, or are looking for a compact option to fit in the back of the car, you can’t go past the Sea to Summit Pocket Hiking Portable Shower.

With a packed size of only 13.5L x 8.5W x 4.5Hcm and weighing a total of 120g, this is a great addition to any lightweight adventurer’s kit.

A shower with this pocket rocket can last up to eight minutes and features strong D rings and a six-metre cord, so you can hang it from any tree or structure nearby to enjoy a quick shower in your surroundings. 

 

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Best Deluxe: Companion AquaHeat Lithium Gas Shower

 

Want to flex on your campsite neighbours? Be sure to grab the Companion AquaHeat Lithium Gas Shower for your next camping trip.

Perfect for the whole family to enjoy, this camp shower will provide hot showers for up to 120 minutes.

With a dual-power set-up, it features a rechargeable lithium battery to control the water pressure and to power the electronic screen to input your ideal temp, as well as gas capability (gas canister sold separately) to heat water up to 50°C!

 

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Best Solar: SOL 20L Packable Solar Shower

 

 

When looking for a fast-charging, portable hot camp shower, it’s hard to beat the SOL 20L Packable Solar Shower.

With a built-in temperature gauge, you can see just how hot the water is while charging or using the shower and enjoy hot showers up to 48°C.

The built-in handle allows you to hang the shower anywhere you like and control the water pressure output with the flow-control shower head.

 

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Best All-Rounder: Nemo Helio LX Portable Camping Shower

For a shower that incorporates all of the top features in one neat, little package, there’s the Nemo Helio LX Portable Camping Pressure Shower.

When packed out to its full capacity of 22L, after spending some time warming up in the sun, this camp shower allows for hot showers for up to ten minutes.

With a seven-foot hose and foot pump system, you can place the Nemo Helio Shower anywhere on the ground for a comfortable shower in minutes.

 

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FAQs Camping Showers

How long does a 20l camp shower last?

Depends on your water-saving skills! A 20L portable shower can last around 7-10 minutes with steady use or longer if you do quick rinses.

What can I use instead of a shower when camping?

Wet wipes, a swim in a creek, or a sponge bath. Nature’s loofah (aka moss) optional. If you use wet wipes, make sure you pack them up and take them home with you.

How to have a hot shower while camping?

Boil water on your camp stove and mix it into your shower bag — or embrace the cold Wim Hoff-style.

How do portable camping showers work?

Fill the bag, hang it high, let gravity (or a little pump action) do its thing. Some even heat up in the sun so you can have a shower with hot water.

How do you shower outside camping?

Find a private spot, use biodegradable soap, and respect local water sources. Bonus points for a camping shower under the stars.

Is a camping shower worth it?

For multi-day trips or sandy beach adventures — portable camping showers are absolutely worth bringing along. For weekend warriors, wet wipes might cut it.

How do you shower when wild camping?

Get creative: sponge bath with a collapsible bucket, a quick creek dip, or a rinse under a solar shower. Stay eco-friendly and leave no trace.

More Camping Gear To Elevate Your Next Trip

We’ve shared these recommendations because we genuinely rate them and want you to enjoy them too. Our writers use a mix of personal experience and research to compile these lists, and they’re also encouraged to be honest when things aren’t up to scratch. For more information on our approach, check out our Editorial Standards.