Last Updated: June 19, 2022
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Best Camping Shower in 2023 (Portable, Light & Affordable)

Love spending time in the great outdoors but hate missing out on your morning wash? Sounds like you need a camp shower!

As much as we love spending time in nature, there’s no avoiding the mud, sweat, and sometimes even saltwater that comes with it. If you’re sharing a tent with people, things can get a bit grim after a few days in the wilderness. So why not invest in a shower to keep things clean?

There are tonnes of styles out there, and they vary considerably in terms of extra features and cost. Here, we’ve put together a list of the best camping showers around so that you can find the one that’s right for you – happy camping!

Top Product Overview

NEMO Helio Portable Pressure Camp Shower
  • Folding panel design makes packing up a breeze
  • Long shower time for its capacity
SEE ON NEMO →SEE ON AMAZON →
Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower, Battery Powered - Compact Handheld Rechargeable Camping Showerhead - Pumps Water from Bucket Into Steady, Gentle Shower Stream
  • Very simple to use
  • Suction cup and hanging hook included for hands-free operation
SEE ON AMAZON →
Reliance Products Flow Pro Pressurized Portable Showever, 2 Gallon, Black
  • Kink-resistant hose for freedom of movement
  • Very simple to use and doesn't require a power source
SEE ON REI →SEE ON AMAZON →
Hike Crew Portable Propane Water Heater & Shower Pump – Compact Outdoor Cleaning Showering System w/LCD Auto Safety Shutoff for Instant Hot While Camping, Hiking Carry Case Included
  • Water heating capacity, plus multiple flow and spray options
  • Unlimited capacity (depends on container size)
SEE ON AMAZON →
RISEPRO Portable Camping Shower, Outdoor Shower Head, Shower Pump, Rechargeable Battery, USB Charging Line, Pumps Water from Bucket, for Hiking, Pet Cleaning and Shower, Car Washing
  • Suction cup and hanging hook for hands-free use
  • Unlimited capacity (depends on container size)
SEE ON AMAZON →
ADVANCED ELEMENTS 5-Gallon PVC Free Solar Shower Black/Yellow
  • Extremely large capacity
  • Uses sunlight to heat up water and doesn't require power
SEE ON AMAZON →
Sea to Summit Lightweight Pocket Shower for Camping and Travel
  • Pocket-sized and incredibly lightweight
  • Countoured shower head ensures an even spray
SEE ON SEA TO SUMMIT →SEE ON AMAZON →
RinseKit Portable Outdoor Shower | 1.75 gallons of Water | Pressurized Spray for 4 Minutes | No Pumping - No Batteries | Camping, Surfing, Pets, Sport | BPA Free (Rinse Kit POD)
  • Sturdy durable construction
  • Can operate with the tank at ground level
SEE ON REI →SEE ON AMAZON →

Best Portable Camping Shower


Top Pick

Nemo Helio Pressure Shower

NEMO Helio Portable Pressure Camp Shower

We’re starting off our list of the best camping showers strong with the Nemo Helio Pressure Shower. This is one ultra-portable shower that’s definitely worth taking with you on your next camping adventure.

This portable shower can hold 11L of water in its tank, which means that it can provide an impressive shower time of 5-7 minutes, although this is partially due to the narrow head limiting the amount of water released. To operate, point and shoot the shower head wherever you want, and occasionally use the foot pump to keep that water flowing – simple (and no power source required, yay).

Seeing as the Nemo Helio Pressure Shower system relies on the pressure generated by the foot pump rather than on gravity, you don’t have to worry about finding a high point, such as a branch or vehicle roof, for the tank, you can leave it on the floor, winning. If you find it a struggle washing with one hand and holding the hose with the other, you could always consider purchasing the compatible privacy shelter that will hold the hose for you.

Despite its lightweight, the garden hose, at 7 ft, is plenty long enough to make sure that all your angles are covered. You can leave the shower bag out in the sun to warm up the water, which works surprisingly well, or add warm water directly to the tank.

With a packed size of just 5.5 x 8.5 inches and weighing 1 lb 5 0z, even the most minimalistic packers won’t have any trouble bringing this along. It packs up very easily too thanks to the ventilated carry case that perfectly accommodates the table hose, nozzle, and pump.

Although this portable shower isn’t the cheapest option we’ve seen, it’s not the most expensive either. Plus, it’s constructed of durable materials and has a 1-year warranty included – definitely worth it for a reliable, portable, pressurized portable shower if you ask us.

Pros

  • Folding panel design makes packing up a breeze
  • Long shower time for its capacity
  • No power source required (solar shower)
  • Can operate with the tank at ground level
  • Compatible privacy shelter available
  • Lightweight and small packed size
  • Durable construction and 1-year warranty included

Cons

  • Narrow shower head
  • Limited water-heating capacity

Product Information

  • Capacity: 11L (22L also available)
  • Dimensions: 9 x 17 inches
  • Packed Size: 5.5 x 8.5 inches
  • Weight: 1 lb 5 oz
  • Fabric: PU-coated polyester, TPU, neoprene tubing
  • Shower Time: 5-7 minutes (11L); 7-10 minutes (22L)
  • Hose length: 7 ft
SEE ON NEMO
SEE ON AMAZON

Best Allrounder

Ivation Portable Shower

Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower, Battery Powered - Compact Handheld Rechargeable Camping Showerhead - Pumps Water from Bucket Into Steady, Gentle Shower Stream

Next up is the Ivation Portable Shower, a fantastic all-round camp shower.

This lightweight outdoor shower system is super simple to use. It features a suction cup at one end that draws water from a bucket or similar container, passes it along with the hose, and then spouts out a steady stream (0.66 gal/minute) of water from the head.

2.5-gallons is enough to ensure that this stream will continue for around 7-8 minutes before you need a refill, which is more than enough time to rinse off that campsite dust. Or, if you like super long showers, simply fill up a bigger bucket!

This portable shower doesn’t rely on gravity, but it does require some power to pass the water up the hose. It features a 2200mAh lithium battery that provides up to an hour of use from a single charge – more than enough for some quick morning showers over a weekend camping trip.

You can charge it up at home or on the move via the USB adapter (which you could even connect to your laptop) or a 12v car adaptor (must be purchased separately).

It may not require gravity to pass water along, but sometimes it’s nice to hand your shower anyway. We love that this one comes with a suction cup holder and hanging hook, so you can set up your hose prior to showering and leave both hands free to wash yourself.

The broadhead makes for one luxurious camping shower experience but, if you want a warm shower, you need to add hot water to the bucket – this outdoor shower has no heating mechanism.

Overall, this is a lightweight, simple portable shower that won’t break the bank and will let you bathe for as long as you like depending on how big your bucket is – as long as you remember to charge it, it’s an absolute winner.

Pros

  • Very simple to use
  • Suction cup and hanging hook included for hands-free operation
  • Unlimited capacity (depends on container size)
  • One charge provides an hour of use
  • Broad head and constant pressure make for a relaxing shower experience

Cons

  • Requires bucket or similar container
  • Requires charging
  • No means to heat up water

Product Information

  • Weight: 1.9 lbs
  • Water Flow: 0.66 gal/minute
  • Capacity: 2.5 gallons
  • Shower Time: 7-8 minutes of use
  • Power source: USB rechargeable (must be via a 5V or less adaptor)
  • Battery 2200mAh lithium battery
  • Heating Method: Manual
  • Hose length: 6.5 ft
SEE ON AMAZON

Best Budget

Reliance Products Flow Pro Shower

Reliance Products Flow Pro Pressurized Portable Showever, 2 Gallon, Black

After an economical way to keep clean while camping? Well, your search is over. The Reliance Products Flow Pro Shower is a budget-friendly portable shower that will save you some pennies but hasn’t skimped on thoughtful extra touches.

This portable shower can hold up to 8L of water at a time and, once you’ve filled your container (which can be left on the ground), simply pop the lid on and pump the handle to crank up the pressure.

This simple shower pump mechanism doesn’t require any power, making it a great option for off-grid camping. There won’t be a constant stream unless you squeeze the trigger of the shower head, which is a great way to make sure that you don’t waste any water.

We also love that the hose is resistant to kinks, providing fantastic maneuverability (although we wish it were a tad longer). On top of that, we love the washable neoprene sleeve that adds stability to the tank while it’s at ground level, and it even has a handy mesh pouch for keeping your soap in.

It isn’t the lightest camping shower out there, but if you’ll be driving to the campsite in a vehicle, and you want a simple, affordable way to keep clean on your trip, then this shower is a great shout.

Pros

  • Kink-resistant hose for freedom of movement
  • Very simple to use and doesn't require a power source
  • Included neoprene sleeve with mesh storage pouch
  • Trigger-operated head reduces water wastage
  • Can operate with the tank at ground level

Cons

  • Trigger must be squeezed constantly
  • Hose could be a tad longer
  • Not the lightest portable shower
  • No means to heat up water

Product Information

  • Capacity: 8L
  • Dimensions: 9.1 x 9.1 x 17.2 inches
  • Weight: 3.8 lbs
  • Hose length: 6 ft
SEE ON REI
SEE ON AMAZON

Hike Crew Propane Heater & Shower

Hike Crew Portable Propane Water Heater & Shower Pump – Compact Outdoor Cleaning Showering System w/LCD Auto Safety Shutoff for Instant Hot While Camping, Hiking Carry Case Included

And now for something a little different, the Hike Crew Propane Heater & Shower.

Unlike the portable showers we’ve looked at so far, this heavy-duty portable shower actually heats up the water, so you can experience the joy of a hot shower in the great outdoors, no matter what the weather.

You can select your favorite flow and it even features a knob that lets you find your optimal temperature, plus you can choose one of three spray patterns – this portable shower might even be better than your shower at home! And we love that all of your settings can be monitored via the LCD display.

It works by taking in water from an external container, heating it up again, and then firing out delicious warm water for you to bathe in. This process does require some power behind it, and this beast runs off propane gas and an AC/DC or a 12V power adaptor.

As with all showers of this kind, you will require an external container, but on the plus side, this means you can essentially choose the capacity – a bigger bucket = longer showers.

And for any of you safety-conscious types, a feat not, this outdoor shower comes with tonnes of in-built safety mechanisms, including an auto shut-off feature in case the water gets too hot as well as a fuse protector.

Weighing in at over 13 lbs, this heavy-duty camping shower certainly isn’t the best option if you’re on a backpacking adventure, and it’s also a little on the pricey side…

However, if you’ll be going on vehicle-based camping trips and want to bring a touch of luxury to the great outdoors, then this shower is definitely worth the investment.

Pros

  • Water heating capacity, plus multiple flow and spray options
  • Unlimited capacity (depends on container size)
  • LCD display lets you monitor temperature and other settings
  • Lots of in-built safety features

Cons

  • Requires propane gas and a power source to operate
  • Heavy
  • Expensive

Product Information

  • DC Input: 12V/5A
  • Gas type: Propane
  • Water flow: 2.2L/minute
  • Dimensions: 9.65 x 12.2 x 11.8 inches¬
  • Weight: 13.2 lbs (without propane tank)
SEE ON AMAZON

RISEPRO Camping Shower

RISEPRO Portable Camping Shower, Outdoor Shower Head, Shower Pump, Rechargeable Battery, USB Charging Line, Pumps Water from Bucket, for Hiking, Pet Cleaning and Shower, Car Washing

The RISEPRO Camping Shower is another fantastic budget option for keeping clean on your camping adventures.

It works by taking in water from a bucket or similar container, passing it along with the hose, and splurting it out of the shower head while you rinse. The movement of water does require some power (which you can even do from your phone, laptop, or car via a USB), but because you aren’t relying on gravity you don’t have to worry about hanging the water container up high.

Plus, as it relies on an external container, the capacity is only limited by the size of the container you pick, but 10L of water will give you plenty of time for a quick campsite wash (5-7 minutes).

This portable shower is also super portable (weighing in at just 1.65 lbs) and simple to use – we love that it comes with a suction cup and hook for hands-free use, although we wish the hose was just a bit longer. Just bear in mind that if you want hot water, you’ll have to find a way to heat it up before adding it to the bucket.

Overall, you’re getting a simple, portable way to keep clean while camping for a very affordable price.

Pros

  • Suction cup and hanging hook for hands-free use
  • Unlimited capacity (depends on container size)
  • Can operate with the tank at ground level
  • Affordable, simple way to keep clean

Cons

  • Hose could be longer
  • No means to heat up water
  • Requires bucket or similar container and charging

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 9.37 x 8.31 x 2.91 inches
  • Weight: 1.65 lbs
  • Water Flow: 2.5 L/min
  • Shower Time: 5-7 minutes with 10L
  • Hose length: 5.9 ft
SEE ON AMAZON

Advanced Elements Summer Shower

ADVANCED ELEMENTS 5-Gallon PVC Free Solar Shower Black/Yellow

No, it’s not a handbag, it’s a shower, honestly… Don’t be fooled by the dainty appearance of the Advanced Elements Summer Shower, it really is a solid option in the world of camping showers.

This is the first gravity shower on our list, which does mean you need to place the container (more of a sack really) high up to allow water to flow down and out of the shower head, which is when the large carrying handle doubles up as a hook. One advantage of this design is that it doesn’t require any external power, making it a great option for off-grid camping.

The container itself is constructed of durable rip-stop materials to help you avoid any punctures, and it can hold a whopping 37L of water (although there are smaller models available if you want to downsize).

Despite this impressive capacity, the whole solar shower remains very lightweight, at just 1 lb 4 oz when empty (although it will be very heavy when full). We also love that the container features a nifty little pouch for your toiletries.

One of the best things about the Advanced Elements Summer shower is that it can heat up water when left in the sun thanks to its solar, reflector, and insulator panels – and there’s even a temperature gauge on the side of the shower bag.

Pros

  • Extremely large capacity
  • Uses sunlight to heat up water and doesn't require power
  • Features a toiletries pocket and temperature gauge
  • Lightweight and simple to use
  • Durable, ripstop materials

Cons

  • The container must be elevated to function
  • Very heavy when full (because of large capacity)

Product Information

  • Weight: 1 lb 4 oz (when empty
  • Dimensions: 202 x 61 x 21 inches
  • Capacity: 37L (smaller models available)
SEE ON AMAZON

Sea to Summit Pocket Shower

Sea to Summit Lightweight Pocket Shower for Camping and Travel

The Sea to Summit Pocket Shower really is, as the name suggests, pocket-sized. It folds down into a minuscule pouch and weighs an astonishing 4.25 oz – if you’re a minimalist packer but really like your showers, then this is definitely the one for you!

Despite its super portable nature, this shower can actually store 10L of water and provide an 8-minute long shower even with the head fully open. It does have to be hung from high up to function, as it depends on gravity, but the lack of a shower pump or suction feature has definitely helped to keep the weight down. Plus, it comes with in-built durable D-rings to help out with the hanging process.

The on-off twist mechanism is super simple to use, and the contoured shower head ensures an even spray. It heats up well in the sunlight too – you might not have a piping hot shower but it will certainly help to take the edge of any cold water. This nifty little shower can even be used as a regular dry sack for overnight trips when you might not need a shower, making it incredibly versatile.

Overall, it might not be full of fancy touches, but the Sea to Summit Pocket Shower is one durable and incredibly portable way to make sure you stay clean when you’re out in the wilderness.

Pros

  • Pocket-sized and incredibly lightweight
  • Countoured shower head ensures an even spray
  • Sturdy in-built D loops for hanging
  • Absorbs solar heat fairly well
  • Doubles up as an ordinary dry bag

Cons

  • The container must be elevated to function
  • Nothing to boost the pressure
  • No fancy extra touches

Product Information

  • Weight: 4.25 oz
  • Capacity: 10L
  • Packed size: 3 x 6 inches
  • Shower Time: 8.5 mins
SEE ON SEA TO SUMMIT
SEE ON AMAZON

Rinse Kit Outdoor Shower

RinseKit Portable Outdoor Shower | 1.75 gallons of Water | Pressurized Spray for 4 Minutes | No Pumping - No Batteries | Camping, Surfing, Pets, Sport | BPA Free (Rinse Kit POD)

And last but by no means least on our list of the best camping showers is the Rinse Kit Outdoor Shower.

One of the things we like best about this shower is how sturdy it is – you certainly don’t have to worry about every little bump and scrape like with some of the bag-style containers out there.

To pressurize the container itself, charge it up at home or pump it up by hand pump (purchased separately), and voila – you can leave the container at ground level while you spray. Plus, if you like a hot shower, there’s a heater accessory you can purchase separately too.

The tank itself can hold up to 6.6L of water, giving a shower time of 5 minutes, which isn’t the longest we’ve seen but is enough to get yourself cleaned up. It’s also pretty heavy thanks to its solid construction but, if you’re after a durable outdoor shower that won’t let you down, then it’s a great option.

Pros

  • Sturdy durable construction
  • Can operate with the tank at ground level
  • Compatible hand-pump and heater accessories available

Cons

  • Capacity could be larger
  • Requires charging
  • Heavy

Product Information

  • Capacity: 6.6L
  • Shower Time; 5 minutes
  • Dimensions: 17 x 14 x 12 inches
  • Weight: 10 lbs
SEE ON REI
SEE ON AMAZON

What To Look For In A Portable Camping Shower

So, there you have it, the best camping showers around. As you’ve seen, there are tonnes of options out there, but what factors should you consider before deciding which one’s right for you?

Portability

If you’ll be backpacking, or space is an issue, there are tonnes of portable options out there, but you might have to give up on a few luxuries and opt for a simple no-frills design. If you’ll be using a vehicle, then the world’s your oyster, and you can ignore portability and concentrate on other factors.

Design

This comes down to personal preference – do you mind hanging your shower from a branch or do you want something you can place on the ground? Do you need hands-free or are you happy to bathe single-handedly? Just make sure you’ve done your research so you don’t get a nasty surprise!

Power

If you’ll be heading out on backcountry adventures away from power sources, then consider a gravity shower or at least a shower with decent battery life. If having a hot shower is really important to you, then you’ll probably need to make sure you have a vehicle or some other power source with you.

Our Top Three Portable Showers

In case you’re still not sure which camping shower to go for, here are our top three to help you decide:

If you’re on a budget, then we definitely recommend the Reliance Products Flow Pro Shower. This super simple shower has everything you need for a shower in the great outdoors – it doesn’t need a power source, you can leave the tank at ground level, and the trigger-operated head saves your precious water supplies.

It even has a hand pouch for your toiletries and an anti-kink hose for your convenience.

Reliance Products Flow Pro Pressurized Portable Showever, 2 Gallon, Black
  • HANDY: The FLOW PRO pressurized portable shower is perfect to clean up when shower facilities aren’t readily available. But it’s not restricted to showers. Use it to wash hands at the picnic site, to water flowers at home or bathe the dog
  • SIMPLE DESIGN: Easy to transport & use this shower is great for camping, hunting, at the cabin & outdoor activities. It holds 2 gallons (8L) of water and comes with 6 foot kink-free hose, neoprene sleeve, shower head and convenient carry strap

Our best all-round camping shower has to be the Ivation Portable Shower. We love the suction cup and hook that you bathe hands-free, and the broadhead and steady pressure make for a lovely shower experience.

On top of that, it’s super portable and has a great run time – what a winner.

Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower, Battery Powered - Compact Handheld Rechargeable Camping Showerhead - Pumps Water from Bucket Into Steady, Gentle Shower Stream
  • INDOOR/OUTDOOR HANDHELD SHOWER - Transforms Sink or Bucket of Water Into Instant Shower Stream; Water-Resistant Unit Includes One Touch On/Off Switch
  • PERFECTLY PLEASING PRESSURE - Showerhead Features One Simple Flow Rate for Comfortable Bathing Experience; Gentle Enough for Seniors, Babies and Pets

But what’s our absolute favorite? The Nemo Helio Pressure Shower of course! It’s lightweight, compact, has a great battery life, operates hands-free and at ground level, has a great shower time, doesn’t cost the earth, and heats water well in the sun… need we say anymore?

NEMO Helio Portable Pressure Camp Shower
  • A REVOLUTION IN CAMP CLEANLINESS - Unlike gravity camp showers that need to be hung overhead and produce dismal water pressure, the award-winning Helio portable pressurized shower and sprayer rests on the ground and provides the pressure you need to wash hair, do the dishes, rinse off gear, water your plants, or wash the dog.
  • PUMP IT UP - You can quickly and easily pressurize the tank with a foot pump – and with occasional pumps you can keep it fully pressurized for strong, continuous spray. The tank cannot be over-inflated.