There’s nothing quite like feeling clean after a long day on the trail. But when you’re miles from plumbing, figuring out how to make camping shower can feel like a puzzle. The good news? It’s simpler and cheaper than you might think. With a few basic supplies and a little ingenuity, you can build a reliable hot water shower that makes any campsite feel a bit more luxurious.
You don’t need fancy gear or a big budget. In fact, you probably have most of the items you need already lying around at home. This guide will walk you through several effective methods, from super simple to slightly more advanced. We’ll cover the gear, the setups, and the tips to ensure your outdoor rinse is both safe and satisfying.
How to Make Camping Shower
Before you start assembling anything, it’s smart to understand the core components of any good DIY camp shower. Essentially, you need three things: a water container, a way to heat the water (optional, but highly recommended), and a delivery system to get the water from the container to you. The beauty of a DIY approach is you can customize each part based on your trip style, whether your car camping at a developed site or backpacking deep into the wilderness.
Why Go DIY?
* Cost: A store-bought portable shower can cost $50 or more. A DIY version can be made for under $20, often for free with repurposed items.
* Customization: You control the water capacity, heat method, and shower head style.
* Sustainability: Reusing plastic bottles and containers keeps them out of the landfill for a little longer.
* Satisfaction: There’s a unique pride in using something you built yourself.
Essential Gear You’ll Need
Gathering your supplies is the first step. Here’s a breakdown of what you might use for different parts of the system.
1. The Water Reservoir:
This holds your shower water. Your choice depends on capacity and portability needs.
* Collapsible Water Carrier (2.5-5 gallons): The best option for car camping. They have a sturdy handle and a built-in spout that can often be adapted.
* Large Plastic Gas Can (NEW & UNUSED): A brand new, never-used fuel can is a cheap and robust option. Ensure it’s thoroughly cleaned.
* Heavy-Duty Dry Bag (5-10 liters): A great lightweight option for backpackers. Look for one with a clear window for sun-heating water.
* Large PET Soda Bottle (2-3 liters): The simplest, ultra-lightweight option for a quick rinse.
2. The Delivery System:
This gets the water from the reservoir to you.
* Small Garden Sprayer: The premade solution. A 1 or 2-gallon sprayer is essentially a complete shower system—just fill and pressurize.
* Shower Head Attachment: You can buy portable camp shower heads online that screw onto standard bottle threads.
* PVC Pipe or Copper Tubing: For more permanent DIY builds where you create a shower “wand.”
* On/Off Valve or Clamp: A small valve or even a binder clip to stop and start the water flow on a gravity-fed system.
3. The Heating Method (Optional but Nice):
* Sun Power: Simply leave your black water reservoir in the sun for a few hours. A dry bag works perfect for this.
* Camp Stove or Fire: Heat water in a pot and then mix it with cold water in your reservoir to reach the desired temperature. Never place a plastic container directly on a fire or stove.
* Immersion Heater (12v): A device that plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter to heat water. Use with extreme caution and follow all instructions.
4. Miscellaneous Supplies:
* Duct Tape / Hose Clamps: For securing connections.
* Drill with Bits: To make holes in caps or containers.
* Small Hose or Tubing: To act as the shower hose.
* Carabiner or Rope: For hanging the shower bag from a tree branch or a tall trekking pole set-up.
Method 1: The Simple Solar Bag Shower
This is the easiest method and is fantastic for backpackers or anyone who wants a no-fuss setup.
What You Need:
* A heavy-duty, clear-window dry bag (5-10 liter capacity).
* A portable shower head that screws onto the dry bag’s thread (often sold separately).
* Sunshine.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Fill the dry bag with water, leaving a little air space at the top.
2. Seal the bag tightly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Double-check the closure.
3. Lay the bag in a sunny spot, preferably on a dark surface like a rock or your car’s dashboard. The clear window will allow the sun’s rays to heat the water.
4. Leave it for 2-4 hours. The water can get surprisingly warm, even hot on a bright day.
5. Once warm, gently shake the bag to equalize the temperature (the top water can be cooler).
6. Attach the shower head to the bag’s thread, hang it from a high point, and enjoy your shower.
The main advantage here is portability. The dry bag packs down tiny when not in use and serves its primary purpose for gear during the day. Just be sure the shower head attachment is compatible before you buy.
Method 2: The Pressurized Garden Sprayer Shower
This is the most popular method for car campers due to its simplicity and effectiveness. It provides a steady, sprayer-controlled stream.
What You Need:
* A new, clean 1 or 2-gallon garden sprayer (find them at hardware stores).
* Pot for heating water (if desired).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sprayer: Ensure your sprayer is brand new or has only ever held water. You do not want residue from herbicides or pesticides. Rinse it thoroughly.
2. Heat Water: Heat water on your camp stove or fire. You don’t need to boil it; a comfortable shower temperature is around 105°F (40°C).
3. Mix and Fill: Add the hot water to the sprayer, then top it off with cooler water to reach your desired temperature and fill the container. Leave a little air space for pressurization.
4. Pressurize: Pump the handle on top of the sprayer until you feel significant resistance. This builds air pressure inside the tank.
5. Shower Time: Hang the sprayer from a tree limb or place it on a high rock. Use the extended wand and trigger to control the flow. The pressure will last for a few minutes of continuous spraying.
This method gives you the closest feel to a real shower. You have a trigger for on/off control, conserving water, and the spray nozzle offers a pleasant shower head experience. It’s reliability is hard to beat.
Method 3: The Gravity-Fed Bottle Shower
When you need a shower fast with minimal gear, this is your go-to. It’s perfect for a quick post-hike rinse or washing your hair.
What You Need:
* A 2 or 3-liter plastic soda bottle (PET type) with its cap.
* A push-pull sports cap (like from a bike water bottle) or a small shower head attachment.
* A pin or small drill.
* Duct tape.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Modify the Cap: Poke 10-15 small holes in the original bottle cap using a pin or small drill bit. Alternatively, see if your sports cap or shower head attachment fits the bottle’s threads.
2. Create the Valve: If using the holed cap, you’ll need an on/off valve. The simplest way is to tape a piece of flexible plastic (cut from the bottle) over the holes that you can slide aside. A small hose clamp around a piece of tubing also works.
3. Fill and Use: Fill the bottle with sun-warmed or stove-heated water. Screw on the modified cap tightly.
4. Hang It High: Use a piece of cord or a carabiner to hang the bottle upside down from a branch. The higher you hang it, the better the water pressure will be.
5. Control the Flow: Use your simple valve or, if using a sports cap, just push it open to start your shower.
This method’s beauty is in its utter simplicity. It uses trash (the bottle) and provides a solution in minutes. The water flow won’t be strong, but it will be effective for getting wet and rinsing off.
Choosing Your Shower Location and Setup
Where and how you shower is just as important as the shower itself. Doing it wrong can harm the environment or make a mess of your campsite.
Leave No Trace Principles:
* Use Biodegradable Soap: Even biodegradable soap needs to be used at least 200 feet away from any water source. Brands like Dr. Bronner’s or Campsuds are popular choices.
* Scatter Greywater: Disperse your used shower water over a wide area of soil, away from camp and water sources. Soil acts as a natural filter.
* No Direct Runoff: Never let soapy water run directly into a stream, lake, or onto vegetation.
The Practical Setup:
1. Find a Private Spot: Use a pop-up privacy tent, a tarp strung between trees, or simply find a secluded area.
2. Create a Bath Mat: Stand on a small, absorbent towel, a foam camping mat, or a plastic bag to keep your feet out of the mud.
3. The Hanging Point: You need a sturdy branch, a tall trekking pole set up like a tripod, or a purpose-made shower hanger. Ensure it can hold the weight of a full water container (water is heavy! 1 gallon = ~8.3 lbs).
4. Temperature Check: Always test the water temperature on your hand before you commit to a full-body douse. Water heated in the sun can sometimes be deceptively hot.
Pro Tips for a Better Experience
A few small tricks can make your DIY shower feel like a spa.
* Pre-Warm Your Towel: Hang your towel in the sun while your water heats up. A warm towel after a shower is a incredible luxury.
* The Navy Shower Method: Get wet, turn the water off, soap up from head to toe, then turn the water back on for a quick rinse. This conserves water dramatically.
* Use a Washcloth: A small cloth helps apply soap efficiently and can make a little water go a long way.
* Shower at Midday: The sun is at its peak, making solar heating more effective and you’ll dry off faster without getting chilled.
* Keep it Short: Aim for a 3-5 minute rinse. You’re not at home, and conserving water is always a good practice.
Safety Considerations You Must Follow
Safety should never be an afterthought, especially when dealing with water and heat in the outdoors.
* Burns are a Real Risk: Always mix hot water with cold in your reservoir. Test the temperature carefully. If heating water in a bag in the sun, feel the bag itself—if it’s too hot to touch, the water inside is likely too hot.
* Never Pressurize a Hot Container: If using the garden sprayer method, let the hot water cool slightly before pumping to pressurize. Extreme heat and pressure can weaken plastic.
* Secure Your Setup: Make absolutely sure your hanging shower is secure. A falling gallon of water from height can injure someone or damage gear.
* Wildlife Awareness: Be aware of your surroundings. Showering can make you vulnerable, so keep it quick and have your clothes nearby.
FAQ: Your Camping Shower Questions Answered
How do you make a simple camp shower?
The simplest method is the Gravity-Fed Bottle Shower. Take a 2-liter soda bottle, poke small holes in the cap, fill it with water, and hang it upside down from a tree branch. For a better flow, attach a portable shower head to the bottle’s threads.
What is the best DIY camping shower?
For most car campers, the Pressurized Garden Sprayer method is the best. It’s affordable, provides good water pressure with the trigger control, and is easy to fill and heat water for. It’s durability and performance is hard to top.
How to make a hot shower while camping?
You have two main options: solar heating or using your camp stove. For solar, use a black or clear container and leave it in direct sun for several hours. For stove heating, boil or heat water in a pot and then mix it with cooler water in your shower reservoir to achieve a safe, comfortable temperature.
Building your own shower is a rewarding project that enhances any camping trip. It turns a basic necessity into a comfortable pleasure, all while saving you money and reducing waste. With these methods and tips, you’re ready to stay clean and refreshed no matter where the trail leads. Just remember to respect the environment, test your water temperature, and enjoy that wonderful feeling of being clean under the open sky.