How To Make A Camping Shower

You’re out in the woods, miles from the nearest plumbing, and you start dreaming of a simple rinse. Knowing how to make a camping shower is a game-changer for comfort on any multi-day trip. It turns a dusty, sweaty experience into a refreshing one, and the best part is you can build one with gear you might already own. This guide will walk you through several simple, effective methods to get clean in the great outdoors.

We’ll cover everything from ultra-simple solar bags to more elaborate pressurized systems. You’ll learn what materials you need, step-by-step assembly, and pro tips for heating water and finding the perfect shower spot. Let’s get into it.

The core idea of a camping shower is simple: suspend a container of water above you, control the flow, and rinse off. The complexity (and cost) can vary based on your comfort needs. Here are the main types we’ll cover.

Method 1: The Simple Solar Shower Bag

This is the classic, store-bought option that’s easy to replicate in spirit. A solar bag is a durable plastic bag with a hose and shower head. You fill it with water, let the sun heat it, and hang it from a tree.

What You’ll Need: A commercial solar shower bag (or a heavy-duty, clear plastic bag), duct tape, a small length of garden hose, and a plastic shut-off valve or clamp.
Step-by-Step:

If making your own, carefully attach the hose to a bottom corner of the heavy-duty bag using strong duct tape, creating a watertight seal.
Install a shut-off valve or use a simple clamp on the hose to control flow.
Punch two holes at the top of the bag’s opposite end to thread a rope through for hanging.
Fill with water, seal the top, and lay it in the sun for a few hours. Black bags heat fastest.
Hang it from a sturdy tree branch or a tall trekking pole setup.

Method 2: The Pressurized Garden Sprayer Shower

This method offers fantastic water pressure and is one of the most popular DIY solutions. It uses a common garden weed sprayer.

What You’ll Need: A new, clean 1 or 2-gallon garden sprayer (never used for chemicals!), a shower head attachment (sold online or make from a plastic bottle), and optional hose extensions.

Thoroughly clean the sprayer tank multiple times with fresh water and a little vinegar.
Remove the spray wand that came with it.
Attach a standard shower head directly to the pump’s output, or use a short hose for more flexibility. You can make a shower head by poking small holes in the cap of a plastic soda bottle.
Fill the tank with water. You can add sun-heated water for warmth.
Pump the handle to pressurize the tank. The more you pump, the stronger your shower pressure will be.

Method 3: The Gravity-Fed “Bucket” Shower

This is a great group shower option for car camping. It holds more water and is very simple to construct.

What You’ll Need: A 5-gallon bucket with a lid, a bulkhead fitting or spigot, a short hose, and a shower head or perforated bottle cap.

Near the bottom of the bucket, drill a hole just big enough for your bulkhead fitting or spigot.
Install the fitting, ensuring it’s tight and watertight. Use plumber’s tape if needed.
Attach a short hose and your shower head to the fitting.
Fill the bucket. You can heat water on your campfire or stove to add in (test the temperature!).
Place the bucket on your picnic table, a tall rock, or hang it securely from a branch. The higher you place it, the better the water pressure.

Method 4: The Ultralight “Squeeze” Bottle Shower

Perfect for backpackers where every ounce counts. This is less a shower and more a targeted rinse, but it feels amazing.

What You’ll Need: A clean, durable plastic bottle (like a 1-liter soda bottle) or a collapsible silicone bottle.

Simply fill your bottle with water.
Poke a few very small holes in the lid, or just unscrew it slightly to let a trickle out.
Warm the bottle in the sun or place it in a shallow, sun-heated stream for a bit (don’t let it float away!).
Squeeze the bottle over your head or body to rinse. It’s simple, effective, and you have total control over water usage.

Choosing Your Shower Water Source

Where you get your water is crucial for safety and Leave No Trace principles.

Brought Water: The safest option. Use the clean drinking water you brought for your trip.
Natural Water Sources: Only use water from lakes, rivers, or streams if you are absolutely certain it’s safe and it’s allowed. You must be 200 feet away from the water source to shower to prevent contamination.
Heating Tips: Never put a sealed container directly on a fire. Heat water in a pot and then pour it into your shower container. Mix with cooler water to reach a comfortable temperature.

Finding the Perfect Shower Spot & Setup

Location and privacy are key for a good experience.

Privacy: Use a pop-up shower tent, a tarp hung in a square, or simply find a secluded natural area.
Wastewater Management: This is critical. Your soap, even biodegradable, must not go directly into water sources. Shower on a surface that can absorb water, like thick grass or gravel, far from any streams or lakes.
Hanging Your Shower: Use strong rope or straps. Test the branch’s strength with your body weight first. For non-tree setups, lashing two trekking poles together in an “A” frame can create a good support.

Essential Accessories & Pro Tips

A few extra items can make your DIY shower feel luxurious.

A Portable Shower Mat: Stand on a small piece of outdoor carpet or a foam pad to keep your feet out of the mud.
Soap & Storage: Use true biodegradable, phosphate-free soap. Store everything in a separate dry bag.
Warmth: Have your towel and clean clothes ready and within arms reach. Shower during the warmest part of the day.
Water Conservation: Get wet, turn off the water, soap up, then rinse quickly. A shower can use as little as one gallon if your efficient.

Troubleshooting Common Shower Problems

Things don’t always go as planned. Here’s quick fixes.

Low Pressure (Gravity Systems): Raise the water container higher. Even a foot makes a big difference. Ensure the hose isn’t kinked.
Leaks: Carry a roll of Teflon plumber’s tape and duct tape for quick field repairs on fittings and hoses.
Water Too Cold: Mix in hot water from your stove. On sunny days, painting your sprayer black can help it absorb more heat.
No Hanging Point: Get creative. Use the roof rack or open door of your vehicle, or have a friend hold the shower for you (they might expect a turn next!).

Leave No Trace Showering

Protecting the environment is the most important step. Always follow these rules.

Use only biodegradable soaps and shampoos, and even then, use them sparingly.
Carry water 200 feet (about 70 big steps) away from any natural water source before you shower.
Scatter your used wastewater widely over a large area so it filters through the soil properly. Don’t create a muddy trench.
Never, ever leave any soap or bottles behind. Pack out everything you packed in.

FAQ: Your Camping Shower Questions Answered

How do you make a simple shower for camping?

The simplest method is the squeeze bottle shower. Just take a one-liter plastic bottle, poke tiny holes in the lid, fill it with water, and squeeze. For a bit more comfort, a solar shower bag is very simple to use and provides warmer water.

How to build a homemade outdoor shower?

For a more permanent homemade outdoor shower at a cabin or for car camping, the gravity-fed bucket system is excellent. Install a spigot into a 5-gallon bucket, attach a hose and shower head, fill it, and lift it onto a high platform. It’s reliable and holds plenty of water.

What is the easiest camping shower?

The easiest camping shower to use is a pre-made solar shower bag. You just fill, heat, and hang. The easiest to make yourself is the garden sprayer shower; buy a new sprayer, clean it, and attach a shower head. It’s ready in minutes.

Can you use a garden sprayer as a camping shower?

Absolutely. A clean, new garden sprayer is one of the best DIY camping showers. It gives you on-demand pressure with a few pumps, it’s portable, and the tank is durable. Just be 100% sure it was never used for herbicides or pesticides.

With these methods and tips, you’re ready to add a new level of comfort to your adventures. A good shower can lift your spirits and help you sleep better after a long day on the trail. It’s a simple project that pays off immensely, and once you know the basics, you can adapt the ideas to fit any trip. Give one of these methods a try on your next outing—you’ll be glad you did.