After a long day of hiking, relaxing at the beach, or playing some outdoor sports with the family, it might be a good idea to clean yourself before climbing into your sleeping bag and tent, so if you’re looking for the best camping shower, you’ve come to the right place!

Staying clean will keep your tent clean and will make your sleeping bag last longer. There are many options to clean yourself, from simply taking a swim in a nearby river to having a fully functional camp shower on site. If you plan on setting up a camping shower on your next trip, there are many things you should consider before you make your purchase. What type of camp shower do you like? What kind of fuel and power sources make sense for your situation? Do you want to purchase any additional accessories to make your showering experience more enjoyable? Here is a breakdown of everything you should consider before purchasing your brand-new camp shower.

In This Post:

Our Top 3 Best Camping Showers For 2023

Camping Shower Type

The type of camp shower that you choose will determine what kind of showering experience you will have. If you are summer camping in a warm climate, you could consider a solar shower as an inexpensive and easy choice. If you want to have the comforts of your home shower with you on your camping trip, then maybe a gas-heated electric shower is the way to go. Either way, there are so many options out there in all different price ranges.

Shower Head Only with Pump

Showerheads with an electric pump that can be hooked up to water tap or sink are convenient and easy to use. Usually powered with a 12-volt adapter, simply assemble your power and water connections and in seconds you will have up to 6 litres per minute of continuous water flow.

Shower with Water Container and Submersible Pump

Showerheads with submersible pumps are a good compact and inexpensive option as well. Also, you may heat your water in a container over a campfire or camp stove. Once your water is ready, simply put the submersible pump into the water container, turn on the electric pump, and have a nice warm shower at your campsite.

Camping Shower Fuel/Power Source

When shopping for your new camp shower consider what type of fuel you have access too, what is the best way to power your shower, and how much room you have.

Solar

Solar showers or sun showers are exceptionally low maintenance, simple to use, and require little to no assembly. Simply fill the water bag and leave it in direct sunlight. After a few hours, your water will be hot. Find a good place to hang your solar shower and let gravity make the water flow from the water bag to your hand-held shower head. 

Electrical Battery

Battery-powered shower heads are low maintenance, super compact, and will fit anywhere. Choose between a shower head with a pump that hooks up to a water supply, or a shower head with a submersible pump that draws water from a bucket or sink basin. Both can run on batteries that can be charged with any USB power supply. 

Gas and Electrical Battery

Gas heated showers with an electric or battery pump guarantee the most luxurious showering experience. Whether you have a propane, LPG, or BOM gas tank/cartridge, gas heat is the best way to have continuous hot water. Ideal for winter camping!

Also read: Top 10 best camping stoves for Australia

Pressure Showers

Pressure showers are simple and easy to use. With no electrical or gas components, pressure showers often use a foot pump to pressurize the water and to create an excellent water flow rate.

Camping Shower Accessories

Some camp showers require additional purchases of accessories while some are complete packages with everything you need. Or you may want to upgrade some of the accessories that came with your new camp shower.

Hose

Is your shower hose too short? Maybe the water pressure is lacking decent pressure? Upgrading your shower hose might be a good idea to make your showering experience more enjoyable. 

Sink, Bucket

For an additional purchase, you may want to invest in a portable sink or water bucket. These are for sure necessary if you decide to purchase a shower head with a submersible electric pump, but also could be a good idea for washing dishes or washing some clothing. Simply heat some water on your camp stove or over your campfire and fill your portable sink with nice warm water for your submersible pump or to wash your dishes.

Shower Tent

A camp shower tent provides privacy and is specially designed to accommodate different types of camp showers. A camping shower tent will have removable floors and drainage panels, external hose entry point, waterproof clothes, and towel organizer, and often shelves to hold soap and shampoo. A good investment if you plan on taking showers every day on your camp trip and you are camping with multiple people, or in campgrounds with other campers nearby. 

Camping Shower Reviews

Dr Prepare Camping Shower

Dr Prepare Camping Shower

The Dr Prepare portable shower is an all-purpose camping shower. A great shower for the warm summer months to take with you on your camping, motorcycle, bicycle, or hiking trips. Great to bring to the beach as well to remove salt and sand from your body. Not just for personal use, this water system can be used to wash your dishes and cookware at your campsite. Holds up to 15 litres of water and is manually powered with a foot pump. 

  • RRP: $53.99
  • Fuel/Power Source: Manual water pressure from a foot pump. No fuel or power required.
  • Pump Type: Foot pump
  • Hose Length: 199.89 cm
  • Flow Rate: Not given
  • Material: Waterproof PVC
  • External Dimensions: 45.97L X 20.06W cm
  • Packed Dimensions: 24.13L x 23.62W x 13.71H cm
  • Weight: 0.85 Kg

Pros: Holds up to 15 litres. Foot pedal pump requires no outside power or fuel source. Super compact when not in use. Press-type nozzle. Comes with zippable carry bag. 

Cons: Must fill with warm water or place the bag in direct sunlight for an extended period for a warm shower.

ADVANCED ELEMENTS 5 Gallon Summer Shower/Solar Shower

ADVANCED ELEMENTS 5 Gallon Summer ShowerSolar Shower

This summer shower has a four-ply construction with a reflector panel, insulator panel, solar panel, and a water reservoir. This sun shower holds just under20 litres of water comes with a built-in temperature gauge so you know when your water is warm and ready for use. Comes with two flow settings, a side pocket for soaps and shampoo, Velcro straps for washcloths, and an easy carry bag.

  • RRP: $34.99
  • Fuel/Power Source: Solar powered.
  • Pump Type: No pump. Uses gravity. 
  • Hose Length: 38.1 cm
  • Flow Rate: Two flow settings: low and high.
  • Material: Waterproof PVC.
  • Packed Dimensions: 45.72L x 45.72W x 10.16H cm
  • Weight: 0.56 Kg

Pros: Ultra-light. Holds up to 20 litres of water. Solar panel to heat water. 

Cons: Short hose length. Must be hung high to work properly. 

Beaucares Solar Shower Bag 5 Gallons/20L Portable Heating Camp Shower Bag

Beaucares Solar Shower Bag 5 Gallons/20L Portable Heating Camp Shower Bag

The Beaucares solar camping shower ideal for campers and hikers who are looking for a simple and basic way to take care of their hygiene needs when back at camp after a full day of hiking. Best for use during the summer months, the Beaucare Solar Shower Bag will be fully heated in three hours of direct sun, or if it is warm outside, can be for immediate use of water at room temperature. 

  • RRP: $20.88
  • Fuel/Power Source: Sun heated.
  • Pump Type: No pump. Uses gravity. 
  • Hose Length: Not given.
  • Flow Rate: Two flow settings. Low and high.
  • Material: Waterproof PVC.
  • External Dimensions: 48L x 49.53W cm
  • Packed Dimensions: 35.30L x 15.24W x 6.09H cm
  • Weight: 0.49 Kg

Pros: Super lightweight. Heats water to 45 degree Celsius in three hours of direct sunlight. Holds up to 20 litres of water. Comes with a showerhead, hose, and water tap. 

Cons: Must be hung high for proper function.

Companion 12V High Volume Camp Shower

Companion 12V High Volume Camp Shower

This 12v camping shower is ideal for caravan campers, or those of you who are touring the countryside in your car or truck. With a 12-volt electric pump, this camp shower will keep you clean and feeling fresh with a flow rate of six litres per minute. Comes with three adjustable hot water flow settings and a convenient storage box to easily stow away your camp shower in your backpack or vehicle.  

  • RRP: $74.99
  • Fuel/Power Source: 12V DC / 2.5A
  • Pump Type: Electric. 
  • Hose Length: 2 metres.
  • Cable Length: 5 metres.
  • Flow Rate: 6 litres per minute. 
  • Material: Plastic / Silicone
  • Packed Dimensions: 33L x 28W x 8.5H cm
  • Weight: 1.44 Kg

Pros: Excellent water pressure. Compact and easy to store in a plastic storage box. Continuous hot water with a 12-volt electric pump and heater. 5-metre power connection cable and a 2-metre shower hose for bathing. 

Cons: Comes with only a 1-year warranty.

Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower

Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower

The Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower is the most portable camping shower on the market. It is extremely compact, takes up little room, and needs extraordinarily little electricity to operate. Simply charge the electric pump using a USB plug-in from your laptop or car adapter or using a 5-volt wall charger. Full charge allows for up to one hour of continuous use. For use, place the electric pump into a large bucket of water, or in a full sink of water. The pump will suck up the water and push it out through the showerhead. Feel free to heat the water before putting it into a bucket or sink basin. 

  • RRP: $49.99
  • Fuel/Power Source: Rechargeable 2200mAh Lithium Battery. Recharge with 5-Volt or less!
  • Pump Type: Rechargeable electric pump.
  • Hose Length: 179.83 cm
  • Flow Rate: One setting of delicate flow. 2.49L – per minute.
  • Material: Plastic. PVC hose.
  • Packed Dimensions: 10.99L x 8.30W x 7.11H cm
  • Weight: 0.82 Kg

Pros: Easy to charge. Inexpensive. Extremely portable. Compact, small, and takes up extraordinarily little room. Comes with suction cup support and a S-hook to hang the shower overhead.

Cons: Delicate. Only comes with a 1-year warranty. 

KEDSUM Portable Camping Shower

KEDSUM Portable Camping Shower

The KEDSUM Portable Camping Shower is extremely lightweight, compact, easy to store, and is convenient for your next camping trip. This road shower is ideal for people who do not have a lot of room to pack things for their trip. People that are on a motorcycle or bicycle tour, hikers, backpackers, or people that just like to pack lite. Not just for camping, feel free to use this portable shower to wash the car, bathe your dog, or water your plants. Comes with a bonus sprayer nozzle for alternate uses. 

  • RRP: $49.59
  • Fuel/Power Source: Two rechargeable 2200mAh lithium batteries.
  • Pump Type: Rechargeable electric pump.
  • Hose Length: 179.83 cm
  • Flow Rate: One setting: 4L – per minute.
  • Material: Plastic. PVC hose.
  • Packed Dimensions: 24.10L x 21.10W x 7.89H cm
  • Weight: 0.71 Kg

Pros: Easy to charge with USB or 5-volt wall adapter. Compact and portable weighing only 0.71 Kg. East to assemble and operate. Durable design. Replaceable batteries to have one battery charging as the other is in use. 

Cons: Low use time to charge time ratio.

Smarttek Lite Smart Hot Water System

Smarttek Lite Smart Hot Water System

The Smarttek Lite portable hot water system blows other camping showers out of the water. Shower in luxury with this gas camping shower by having portable hotwater at your fingertips. With a flow rate of 4.3 litres per minute and water temperatures up to 55 degrees Celsius, you will feel like you are showering at home while camping. Easy to set up and easy to use, has an LCD temperature gauge, and a two-pressure setting showerhead make this one of the best portable gas hot water systems you can buy.

  • RRP: $299.00
  • Fuel/Power Source: LPG Propane – 12V DC
  • Pump Type: 12V DC Electric/Gas
  • Hose Length: 2 Metres Stainless Steel Hose.
  • Cable Length: 2.5 Metres with On/Off Switch & Two Alligator Clamps.
  • Flow Rate: 4.3L – per minute. 
  • Material: Heater: Stainless Steel, High-Grade Stainless-Steel Screws and Double Powder Coated Rear Housing | Pump: Metal Shell & Corrosion-resistant ABS
  • External Dimensions: 30L x 15W x 37H cm
  • Packed Dimensions: 30L x 15W x 37H cm
  • Weight: 4.5 Kg

Pros: Easy to assemble and operate. Built-in LCD temperature display. Stainless steel and powder-coated steel material for durability. 2-metre stainless steel hose. Switch between summer mode and winter mode for saving on electric and gas consumption.

Cons: More expensive than other camper showers or caravan showers.

Companion Aquacube Digital Camp Shower

Companion Aquacube Digital Camp Shower

The Campanion Aquacubeis an amazing camping hot water shower and portable gas hot water system. Using the BOM propane gas cartridges water can be heated 30 degrees Celsius above the source water temperature.Using 12V DC power, this 12v hot water system comes with multiple 12-volt power adapters including a cigarette plug connection. Easily pack away your portable hot water system for camping in an included travel carry bag. 

  • RRP: $419.00
  • Fuel/Power Source: 468g BOM Cartridge
  • Pump Type: Electric
  • Hose Length: 2 metres
  • Cable Length: 5 metres 
  • Flow Rate: 2.5-4.5 L – per minute.
  • Material: Steel Case | Silicone | Plastic
  • External Dimensions: 24.5L x 31W x 30H cm
  • Packed Dimensions: 30L x 31W x 24.5H cm
  • Weight: 6 Kg

Pros: Easy to assemble, easy to use. Excellent flow rate. Steel casing for extra durability. Three shower head spray patterns and a two-metre shower hose. Includes carry bag.

Cons: Expensive. 

Gasmate WaterTech Portable Hot Water System

Gasmate WaterTech Portable Hot Water System

The Gasmate WaterTech Portable Hot Water System is one of the best portable hot water systems to have at your campsite after a long day of hiking, fishing, or relaxing on the beach. This camping hot water system will give you continuous hot water with an LPG heated propane system that heats three litres of water a minute with a flow rate of three litres per minute. This portable hot water shower is more gas and water-efficient than other portable showers. 

  • RRP: $349.00
  • Fuel/Power Source: LPG Propane – 12V DC via cigarette port.
  • Pump Type: 12V DC – Electric
  • Hose Length: 2 metres
  • Cable Length: 0.5 metres
  • Flow Rate: 3 litres per minute.
  • Material: Steel
  • External Dimensions: 29L x 14W x 40H cm
  • Packed Dimensions: 29L x 14W x 40H cm
  • Weight: 5.2 Kg

Pros: Automatic ignition. Heats three litres of water per minute. LED temperature display. Handle for mounting and easy carrying. Includes water heater, a showerhead, multiple water hoses, a water filter and pump,  and a gas hose with a regulator.

Cons: Only a 1-year warranty.

Rinnai V65EP Tankless Water Heater

Rinnai V65EP Tankless Water Heater

The Rinnai V65EP Tankless Water Heater is designed for houses but could also act as a camping hot water heater by installing it inside your caravan. All of your hot water needs will be met with this beast. From hot water from your caravan sink for washing dishes to showers for the entire family without the worry of running out of hot water, this is a heavy-duty water heater with a flow rate of 24.98 litres per minute.

  • RRP: $643.15
  • Fuel/Power Source: Propane Gas. 120v DC.
  • Pump Type: Electric
  • Flow Rate: 24.98 litres per minute.
  • Material: Steel
  • External Dimensions: 58.42L x  35.56W 22.86H cm 
  • Packed Dimensions: 58.42L x 35.56W 22.86H cm
  • Weight: 21.5 Kg

Pros: Endless hot water. Incredible flow rate. Includes timers and schedules that you can set for when you will need your water heater.Uses 40% less energy than other water heaters. Average life expectancy is 20 years.

Cons: Expensive. 

Camping Shower FAQ

How Long the Water in Solar Shower Stay hot?

Solar showers vary on how long the water will stay hot; however, it is important to consider what type of material the solar shower storage bag is made from. Different materials will contain heat better than others. Ideally, you should keep your solar shower in direct sunlight until you are ready to use it, then use all the water at that time.

How to Keep / Maintain a Camping Shower?

There are a few steps you should take depending on your camp shower type to prolong the life of your camp shower. 
If you have a pressure shower or solar shower, it is important to empty your water bag after use and to let it dry out properly. This will prevent mould from growing and to ensure you always have fresh clean water for use. Consider using a vinegar solution to rinse out your camp shower each time after a few uses. 
Also, keep your water storage bag away from flames, extreme heat, and sharp objects to prevent punctures or wear and tear that will cause the bag to leak. 
If you have an electric or gas/electric shower, be sure to always drain shower hoses, disconnect power and gas connections when not in use, and use the proper carry bag or case for your shower when travelling.