Figuring out how do you shower when camping is a common question for anyone planning a multi-day trip. Staying clean is not just about comfort; it helps prevent chafing, keeps your sleeping bag fresh, and can be a real morale booster after a long day on the trail.
This guide covers everything from simple sponge baths to portable shower systems. We’ll look at methods for car camping, backpacking, and everything in between. You’ll find practical, step-by-step solutions that fit your style of adventure.
How Do You Shower When Camping
There isn’t one right answer, as your options depend heavily on your location and gear. The main methods break down into a few categories: using campground facilities, bringing your own portable system, or employing simple no-frill techniques. Your choice will depend on whether you’re at a developed site, a remote backcountry spot, or something in the middle.
Using Campground Amenities
Many developed campgrounds, especially in state or national parks, offer shower facilities. These can range from coin-operated stalls to free, timed showers. Always check the campground’s website or call ahead to confirm availability and cost. It’s a good idea to bring shower shoes for hygiene and a waterproof bag for your clothes and towel.
What to Expect at a Campground Shower
- Often lukewarm or cold water, even if advertised as hot.
- Timed push-buttons that give you short bursts of water.
- Shared changing areas that may be damp or crowded.
- Bringing your own soap, shampoo, and a quick-dry towel is essential.
Portable Camping Showers
For campsites without facilities, a portable shower is a game-changer. These systems allow you to heat and deliver water with some privacy. The main types are bag showers, pump showers, and propane-heated units. Each has its pros and cons in terms of cost, convenience, and water capacity.
Solar Shower Bags
These are simple, affordable black plastic bags you fill with water and leave in the sun to warm. They have a hose and a nozzle. Hang them from a tree branch or a dedicated shower stand. Their main drawback is reliance on sunshine and limited pressure.
Battery-Powered Pump Showers
These use a small submersible pump in a water container (like a bucket or collapsible jug) to create a more consistent spray. You can use water you’ve heated on your camp stove for a warm shower. They offer better pressure but require batteries.
Propane Camp Showers
These are the most advanced option, with an on-demand water heater that connects to a water source. They provide a true hot shower experience but are heavier, more expensive, and require fuel. They’re best for car camping or base camps.
The “No-System” System: Sponge Baths & Rinsing
When backpacking or trying to pack ultralight, a full shower might not be feasible. A thorough sponge bath is often all you need. This method conserves water and requires minimal gear. You’ll just need a small basin, a washcloth or sponge, and a little biodegradable soap.
Step-by-Step Camp Sponge Bath
- Heat a small amount of water on your camp stove or use sun-warmed water.
- Fill a collapsible basin or even a large pot.
- Wet your washcloth, apply soap, and wash your body section by section.
- Rinse the cloth frequently and wring it out into a waste water container.
- Use a separate clean water for a final rinse if desired.
Heating Water for Your Shower
Unless you’re using a propane heater, you’ll need to warm your water. The safest method is to heat water in a large pot on your camp stove or over the fire. Never put a solar bag or plastic container directly on a flame. For a more comfortable shower, aim for a mix of hot and cold water to reach a pleasant temperature. Always test the water with your hand before you pour it into your shower bag or use it on your body.
Privacy and Shelter Solutions
Even in remote areas, privacy is important. You have a few easy options. A pop-up privacy tent is lightweight and sets up in seconds. Alternatively, you can hang a tarp or a shower curtain in a square around your shower area. Just make sure the ground is level and can absorb water or drain properly. Always check local regulations, as some areas prohibit soaps, even biodegradable ones, in natural water sources.
Water Source and Disposal Ethics
This is the most critical part of camping hygiene. You must source your water responsibly and dispose of waste water (often called “greywater”) correctly. Never wash directly in a lake, stream, or river. Soap, even biodegradable types, harms aquatic life.
- Source Water: Use water from a campground spigot, or bring your own from home. If treating natural water, do so before heating it for washing.
- Greywater Disposal: Scatter your used wash water at least 200 feet (about 70 adult steps) from any water source. Dig a small cat hole for soapy water in some areas, but always follow Leave No Trace principles for your specific location.
Essential Shower Gear Checklist
Packing the right items will make the process much smoother. Here’s a basic list you can adapt:
- Portable shower system or large collapsible water container
- Biodegradable soap, shampoo, and conditioner (Dr. Bronner’s is popular)
- Quick-dry towel (microfiber or Turkish towel)
- Pop-up privacy shelter or tarp
- Water shoes or flip-flops
- Water heating pot and camp stove
- Greywater collection container (collapsible bucket)
- Washcloth and sponge
Winter and Cold-Weather Showering
Showering in cold weather requires extra planning. The risk of hypothermia is real if you get chilled. It’s often best to skip full showers in favor of targeted cleaning of key areas (armpits, groin, feet). If you do shower, do it in the middle of a warm day, not at night. Have dry clothes and a warm layer ready immediately. Ensure your privacy shelter is sealed from wind. A propane-heated shower is often the only safe option for a full rinse in freezing temps.
Keeping Your Campsite Clean
Your shower routine impacts your campsite. Concentrate all washing activities in one spot to minimize the area affected by greywater. Use a ground cloth or shower mat under your feet to prevent mud. Pack out any wipes or toilet paper you might use; never bury them with your greywater. A tidy camp is a happy camp, and it’s better for the environment too.
FAQs About Camping Showers
What is the easiest way to shower while camping?
The easiest way is to use a campground’s shower facilities. If those aren’t available, a simple solar shower bag is the next most straightforward option—just fill, warm, and hang.
How can I get a hot shower when camping?
You can get a hot shower by using a propane-powered camp shower, which heats water on-demand. Alternatively, heat water on your camp stove and mix it into your solar bag or pump shower container.
Is it possible to shower without a portable shower?
Absolutely. The sponge bath method is highly effective. You can also use a large watering can or a jug with small holes poked in the lid to create a makeshift shower head for rinsing.
What do you do with soapy water after a camp shower?
Collect it in a container and dispose of it properly. This means scattering it widely over a large area far from water sources, or digging a small sump hole in some environments, following local guidelines.
Final Tips for Success
Practice setting up your shower system at home before your trip. This helps you identify missing parts or complications. Always err on the side of conserving water; you’ll need less than you think. Finally, embrace the simplicity. A camp shower might not be as powerful as your one at home, but feeling clean under the open sky is a uniquely rewarding experience. Remember that the goal is hygiene, not luxury, and you’ll always find a method that works.