Dirty and stinky after a long hike? A portable shower for camping can fix that fast. Today’s camping showers come in many types – from solar to battery-powered models. This guide will help you pick the best shower for your next outdoor trip based on water needs, weight, and price.

Get ready for clean camping!

Key Takeaways

• The best portable camping showers come in many types – solar, battery-powered, manual pump, and gravity-fed models that cost between $36 and $450.
• Water capacity matters for family camping – most portable showers hold 1-10 gallons, with experts suggesting 1-2 gallons per shower per person.
• The Yakima RoadShower ($422-$449) offers the most water with 4-10 gallon options, while the Sea to Summit Pocket Shower weighs just 4.7 ounces for backpackers.
• Heating options include solar power (works best on sunny days), manual pumps (needs effort but no power), and propane heaters (fastest but needs fuel).
• Look for durable materials like powder-coated aluminum and brass parts rather than plastic, and consider showers with LED displays and multiple spray settings.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Portable Shower for Camping

Picking the right portable shower can make or break your camping trip. You’ll need to think about more than just water flow, factors like size, power needs, and how easy it is to set up will affect your outdoor bathing experience.

Water Capacity

The size of your shower tank matters a lot for family camping trips. Most portable showers hold between 1-10 gallons of water. The Yakima RoadShower offers the most water with options for 4, 7, or 10 gallons – perfect for families who need multiple showers.

Smaller units like the NEMO Helio (2.9 gallons) or Sea to Summit Pocket Shower (2.6 gallons) work great for couples or short trips. The tiny Geyser Systems holds just 0.8 gallons but uses less water per wash.

Families should think about how many days they’ll camp and how many people need showers. A good rule is to plan for about 1-2 gallons per shower per person. Bigger tanks mean more hot water but also more weight to carry around camp.

Your shower’s power source will affect how you heat all this water, which brings us to our next point about heating options.

Portability and Weight

Carrying a shower on your camping trip means thinking about how heavy it is. Light showers like the Sea to Summit Pocket Shower weigh just 4.7 ounces – perfect for hiking trips! Families need to pick showers they can move easily from car to campsite.

The NEMO Helio has a disc shape that packs down small in your gear bag. Most portable showers fold up or collapse to save space.

Weight matters most if you plan to hike with your shower. Car campers can pick bigger options like the Yakima RoadShower that mounts on your roof rack. The Ivation model has a battery you charge by USB, adding some weight but giving you power anywhere.

Always check if your shower needs extra parts like a bicycle pump or water tanks that add to what you’ll carry.

Heating Options

Hot showers make camping trips better for the whole family. You can pick from many ways to heat your water. Solar showers use the sun’s rays to warm up water – like the Yakima RoadShower.

These work great on sunny days at no cost. Manual pumps heat water through your own effort, which the NEMO Helio does well. Propane heaters like the Camplux Pro Series 6L give the hottest water fast but need fuel.

We took our kids camping last month and used a car-powered Geyser System that heated water to 95°F – perfect for washing little ones after a day in the dirt!

Your shower needs will change based on your trip type and who’s coming along. Families with small kids might want the quick heat of propane. Couples on long hikes might prefer the light weight of solar options.

The next part will show you the main types of portable camping showers you can buy today.

Power Source (Battery, Solar, or Manual Pump)

After picking the right heating setup, you need to think about what powers your shower. Camping showers come with different power options to fit your needs. The Ivation Portable shower uses a USB-charged battery that lets you shower anywhere without hunting for outlets.

Solar-powered options are great for sunny trips since they use free energy from the sun. If you prefer no batteries at all, manual pumps like the one on the NEMO Helio give you full control.

The Sea to Summit Pocket Shower is fully manual and perfect for backpacking. For car camping with families, the Camplux Pro Series 6L runs on D batteries and propane for a more home-like shower feel.

Your camping style and trip length should guide your power source choice. Battery-powered units work well for short trips but need recharging. Solar showers are eco-friendly but depend on sunny weather.

Manual pumps never need charging but require some effort. Each type has pros and cons for comfort, weight, and ease of use. Families might prefer the stronger flow from battery models, while couples on light trips might like the simple design of gravity or manual showers.

Durability and Build Quality

Your shower needs to last through many camping trips without breaking. Look for tough materials like the powder-coated aluminum in the Yakima RoadShower. This tank won’t rust or crack in harsh weather.

The NEMO Helio stands out as a durable choice too. Brass parts, like those on the Yakima, resist corrosion better than plastic ones. My family’s shower broke on our third trip because it had cheap plastic parts.

We learned our lesson!

Check how the shower feels in your hands. Flimsy parts will fail fast in the woods. The Sea to Summit Pocket Shower has a sturdy design that can handle rough use. Solid build quality means fewer leaks and longer life.

The Camplux Pro needs secure mounting to stay stable. Good camping gear should last for years, not just one season.

Ease of Setup and Use

Nobody wants to waste time with tricky shower setups at camp. The best portable showers should take five minutes or less to get ready. Some models like the Sea to Summit Pocket Shower shine here with their quick heating and simple twisting nozzle.

Others have a learning curve – the NEMO Helio can be tough to fill at first. The Ivation Portable and Camplux Pro Series 6L both have more complex setups that might frustrate tired campers.

Look for clear instructions and fewer parts. Families with kids will want showers with big buttons and simple controls. Moms and dads will love models that pack down small and set up fast after a long day of hiking or swimming.

The shower’s water spigot should be easy to turn on and off with wet hands too. Next, let’s check out the different types of camping showers you can choose from.

Types of Portable Camping Showers

Portable camping showers come in many types to fit your needs. Each kind has its own pros and cons for water pressure, heat, and ease of use.

Battery-Powered Showers

Battery-powered showers make camping clean-up a breeze for families on the go. These handy units pump water from a bucket or lake through a shower head with just the push of a button.

The Ivation Portable stands out with its USB-charged battery that lasts up to 50 minutes – plenty of time for mom, dad, and the kids to rinse off after a day of outdoor fun. Most models are small enough to fit in your gear bag and set up in minutes.

Families love these showers because they work anywhere without needing the sun or a car. You can use them inside a shower tent for privacy or hang them from a tree branch. The water pressure feels much better than gravity showers, and many have different spray settings for washing dishes or bathing small children.

Just pack extra batteries or a power bank for longer trips where charging isn’t an option.

Solar-Powered Showers

Solar showers use the sun’s heat to warm your water while camping. These handy tools have black tanks that soak up sunlight during the day. I took my NEMO Helio on our family trip last summer, and the kids loved having warm water after hiking! Most solar showers need about 3 hours in direct sun to heat water to a nice temp.

The Sea to Summit Pocket Shower packs down tiny but holds enough water for a quick rinse. We hung it from a tree branch at our campsite, and my wife was amazed by how well it worked.

Solar options save you from carrying fuel or batteries, making them perfect for longer trips. Just fill them in the morning, lay them in the sun, and enjoy a warm shower by afternoon!

Manual Pump Showers

Moving from solar options, let’s talk about manual pump showers – the reliable choice that never needs charging! These handy devices use good old muscle power to build water pressure.

I took the NEMO Helio on our family trip to Yellowstone last summer, and it was a game-changer. The foot pump design lets you keep your hands free while creating steady water flow.

My kids thought pumping was fun – they took turns stepping on it while I washed camp dishes!

Manual pumps like the Sea to Summit Pocket Shower work without any power source. This makes them perfect for deep woods camping where batteries die and solar panels can’t catch sun under thick trees.

The Sea to Summit folds up tiny in your pack but holds enough water for a quick rinse. Our family loves that these showers are simple to fix if something goes wrong – no fancy parts to break.

Just fill, pump, and enjoy a refreshing shower after a long day of hiking!

Gravity-Fed Showers

Gravity-fed showers are the simple heroes of camping trips. You hang a water bag from a tree branch or tall post, and water flows down through the hose by gravity alone. No batteries or pumps needed! The Advanced Elements Summer Shower works this way – just fill it with water and let the sun warm it up during the day.

I tried one last summer at our family lake trip, and my kids loved how easy it was to rinse off sand after swimming.

These showers come in different sizes, usually 2-5 gallons. Coghlan’s 5-Gallon Shower uses solar heating to warm your water while you hike or fish. The black material soaks up sun rays to heat the water inside.

Most gravity showers fold up small and weigh very little when empty, making them perfect for car camping where space matters. Just make sure to hang them high enough for good water flow!

Top Portable Showers for Camping in 2025

We tested dozens of camping showers to find the very best options for your next outdoor trip. Our top picks range from simple gravity models to fancy heated systems that make camping feel like home.

Best Overall: RinseKit Portable Shower

The RinseKit Portable Shower stands out as the top choice for family camping trips. This shower offers great water flow and wide spray coverage that makes cleaning up after a day outdoors super easy.

Families love how fast it heats water and its simple setup – just fill, pressurize, and spray! Many campers report the RinseKit handles tough dirt from hiking trails while using less water than other portable options.

Parents especially like its sturdy build that survives being packed with other gear. The shower’s compact size fits nicely in car trunks without taking up too much space. Its smart design means even kids can help with shower setup at the campsite.

Next, let’s look at another great option for those who travel by car.

Best for Road Trips: Yakima RoadShower

Road trips with kids need smart gear choices. The Yakima RoadShower stands out as a top pick for families on the move. This roof rack-mounted shower holds 4, 7, or 10 gallons of water – enough for a whole family to rinse off after a beach day! I strapped one to our SUV last summer, and my kids loved having warm showers at every stop.

The solar heating works great – our water got nice and warm after just a few hours of driving in the sun.

At $422.37 on Amazon or $449 from Backcountry, it’s not cheap. But the solid build makes it worth the cost for regular campers. You can fill it at home before you leave, and the pressure system gives a strong spray without any pumps or batteries.

My husband likes that it frees up space inside our car too. Just be sure to check if it fits your roof rack before buying!

Best Budget Option: Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower

The Ivation shower stands out as a top money-saving pick for families who camp often. This handy shower costs just $40 retail, though you might find it on Amazon for $199.99. It runs on a USB-charged battery that lasts 50 minutes – plenty of time for the whole family to rinse off.

Kids love how easy it is to use, and parents enjoy the steady water flow that doesn’t fade like some cheaper models.

Families praise this shower for its simple setup and strong, even pressure. You won’t need to fight with complex parts or tools in the woods. Just fill it with water, turn it on, and enjoy a clean feeling after a day of hiking or playing.

The battery life meter helps you track how much shower time remains – a useful feature when camping with kids who might use extra water for play.

Most Versatile: NEMO Helio Pressure Shower

NEMO Helio stands out as a top pick for families who need a shower that does it all. This disc-shaped shower costs $65 at REI (half off the normal price) and packs major punch. You pump it with your foot to get strong water flow – about 1 gallon per minute.

Families love how easy it is to use at campsites. Kids can help pump while parents rinse off sandy feet or wash dishes.

Camping trips get much better with this portable cleaner in your gear bag. The flat design takes up little space in your car trunk or camper storage. Many parents say they bring it to beach days too.

Its foot pump means no batteries to charge or sun to wait for. Your next outdoor trip needs this handy shower to keep everyone clean and happy.

Best Luxury Option: Camplux Pro Series 6L

Families who want a hot shower while camping will love the Camplux Pro Series 6L. This luxury shower costs $389.95 at REI, but many think it’s worth every penny. It uses propane for heating, so you get endless hot water if you hook it up to a hose.

No more cold rinses after a day of hiking! The water pressure feels just like your shower at home.

The Camplux stands out from other camping showers with its handy temperature gauge. You can set the exact heat you want – perfect for kids who need gentle temps. The shower head has different spray settings for washing off mud or rinsing soap.

Parents especially like that they can clean sticky marshmallow hands and dirty gear without using up their water tanks.

Best for Backpacking: Sea to Summit Pocket Shower

Moving from luxury to lightweight options, hikers need a shower that won’t weigh down their packs. The Sea to Summit Pocket Shower fits this need perfectly. This tiny shower weighs just 4.7 ounces but holds 2.6 gallons of water.

You can roll it up small enough to fit in your pocket when not in use. Priced at $36.36 on Amazon or $40 at REI, it’s a great deal for families who love to trek into the wild. The shower works on gravity – hang it from a tree branch, and let water flow through the small holes.

Rated 62 out of 100 by outdoor gear testers, this shower offers good value for backpackers. The black material soaks up sun rays to warm your water during the day. Parents love how easy it is to clean after muddy trail days with kids.

The simple twist nozzle lets you control water flow to save every drop. Many camping families pair this with a pop-up shower tent for privacy at base camp.

How We Tested the Showers

We took these camping showers into the wild for three weeks of real-world testing. We showered after hikes, washed dishes at campsites, and even cleaned our dogs to see which ones stood up to daily use.

Comfort and Water Pressure

Good water pressure makes a huge difference in your camping shower experience. Our tests showed the Yakima RoadShower delivers intense pressure that feels like a home shower. Families love this feature after a long day of hiking or playing outdoors.

The Ivation Portable also impressed us with its steady 1.2 gallons per minute flow rate. This means no more weak trickles that leave soap in your hair! Kids can rinse off quickly, and parents don’t waste time waiting for slow water flow.

The comfort factor goes beyond just pressure. Shower heads with multiple spray settings let each family member pick their perfect rinse. Some models offer a gentle mist that works great for little ones who don’t like strong sprays.

Others provide a massage setting that helps soothe tired muscles after setting up camp. The right balance of pressure and comfort turns a basic clean-up into a refreshing part of your outdoor trip.

Functionality and Versatility

We tested each shower in real camping trips to see how they work for different needs. The NEMO Helio stood out with its great pressure that stays strong even after hours of use. My family loved that we could use it for dishes, dog baths, and quick rinses after swimming.

The Yakima RoadShower won points for its smart design – you can add pressure anytime with a bike pump. This was super handy when we camped for a week at the lake. The Camplux Pro has an easy temp control that my kids could use without help.

No more cold shock or too-hot water! Most showers worked well for cleaning gear, washing hands, and even filling water bottles in a pinch.

Durability in Outdoor Conditions

Our tests put each shower through tough outdoor use. We dropped them, left them in the sun, and used them in rain to see how they held up. The Yakima RoadShower stood out with its powder-coated aluminum tank and brass parts that didn’t rust or break.

Families loved how it stayed strong even when kids handled it roughly. The NEMO Helio also proved very sturdy during our camping trips. Its thick material didn’t tear or leak after weeks of use.

Most portable showers lasted at least two camping seasons before showing wear. We checked for cracks, leaks, and broken parts after each test. Showers with metal parts did better than all-plastic ones in hot sun and cold nights.

Ease of Setup and Operation

After testing how well these showers stand up to rough camping trips, we need to talk about how easy they are to set up and use. Nobody wants to waste precious camping time fighting with gear.

I once spent 30 minutes trying to figure out a shower system while my kids waited impatiently!

Most showers in our tests were simple to use, but a few had issues. The NEMO Helio has a small learning curve for filling it right. The Ivation Portable shower comes with a more complex setup that might frustrate tired campers.

For families, we found the Sea to Summit Pocket Shower offers the fastest setup – just fill, hang, and enjoy! The shower tent part takes practice, but the actual water part is super easy.

Additional Features to Look For

Smart extras can make your camping shower much better. Look for showers with light-up screens, different spray settings, and tanks that fold up small.

LED Displays and Indicators

Modern camping showers like the Joolca HOTTAP V2 come with bright LED screens that make shower time easier. These screens show you water temp, battery life, and flow rates at a glance.

The Joolca model uses two D-cell batteries to power both its igniter and LED display. This simple feature helps campers avoid cold water surprises or dead batteries during their outdoor trips.

LED screens add a big plus to family camping trips. Parents can check if the water is safe for kids before they step in. The screens light up in the dark too, perfect for those late-night rinses after a day of hiking.

Next, let’s look at the many spray modes that make these portable showers even more useful for your outdoor needs.

Multiple Spray Modes

Portable camping showers with different spray modes make outdoor bathing more fun for the whole family. The WaterPort Weekender stands out with its many nozzle options that let you switch from a gentle mist to a strong stream.

Kids love the rain shower setting after a muddy hike, while parents might prefer the massage mode to ease sore muscles from setting up camp. You can also save water with the mist setting or clean dirty gear with the jet spray mode.

Spray modes add real value to your camping shower choice. A soft spray works great for little ones who fear strong water pressure. The strong jet helps rinse off sandy feet before getting in the tent.

Most top models offer at least three settings, but some camping showers like the WaterPort give you five or more options. This small feature makes a big difference when you’re trying to keep the whole family clean and happy during outdoor trips.

Collapsible Buckets or Tanks

Collapsible water tanks save tons of space in your camping gear. These smart containers fold flat when empty but pop up to hold plenty of shower water when you need them. Most camping families love that these tanks weigh almost nothing until filled.

Brands like Sea to Summit make tanks from tough materials that can take rough handling at your campsite.

Your family will find these tanks super easy to use on trips. Some models come with handy features like water level marks and carry handles. The best part? You can tuck an empty tank into a small corner of your car or backpack after your shower.

This leaves more room for other camping stuff your kids might want to bring along.

Waterproof Ratings (IPX7 or IPX8)

Your camping shower needs to work in all kinds of weather. IPX7 and IPX8 ratings tell you how well a shower stands up to water. IPX7 means the shower can be in water up to 3 feet deep for 30 minutes.

IPX8 offers even better protection for longer dunking times. I once took my non-waterproof shower on a rainy trip – big mistake! The battery died after just one use. The Yakima RoadShower has some issues with leaks where the hose meets the tank, so check those spots carefully.

The WaterPORT stands out because it’s safe enough for drinking water too, making it super handy for family camping trips.

Next, let’s explore other helpful features that make camping showers more user-friendly for your outdoor adventures.

Where to Buy the Best Portable Camping Showers

You can grab top-rated camping showers from big online shops like Amazon or visit outdoor stores for hands-on testing before you buy – plus, many places offer free shipping or special deals if you join their rewards programs!

Online Retailers (Amazon, REI, Walmart)

Finding great camping showers is easy with big online stores. Amazon sells the NEMO Helio for $90 and the Yakima RoadShower for $422.37. I bought my first portable shower from Amazon last summer, and it arrived at my door in just two days! REI offers better deals on some models – the NEMO Helio costs only $64.93 there (that’s 50% off!), and they stock the Camplux Pro Series 6L for $389.95.

My family prefers REI because their customer service helps us pick the right gear for our camping trips.

Walmart carries budget-friendly camping showers too, though they may not stock all the top brands. Most sites offer free shipping if you spend enough money. I love reading the customer reviews on these sites – they helped me avoid buying a shower with poor water pressure.

Each store runs sales at different times, so check all three before you buy your camping shower.

Specialty Outdoor Stores

Outdoor shops like REI and Bass Pro offer the best camping shower options for families. These stores stock many brands that meet different needs – from simple gravity showers to fancy heated models.

I visited three stores last month and found staff who could explain each shower’s pros and cons. They let my kids test the spray settings and showed us how to pack them for our next trip.

Ready to check out prices for these camping must-haves? Let’s look at some tips to keep your portable shower working great for years.

Maintenance Tips for Portable Camping Showers

Keep your camping shower clean and ready for your next trip with these simple tips – a quick rinse after each use stops mold, proper drying prevents rust on metal parts, and storing your shower in a cool, dry place makes it last longer.

Cleaning the Shower Components

Dirt and grime love to hide in your camping shower parts! Our tests showed that showers with clean components work better and last longer. You’ll need to rinse all parts after each use – this stops mildew from growing.

Families found that a mix of warm water and mild soap works great for cleaning shower heads and hoses. Don’t forget to dry everything before you pack it away.

Portable shower tanks need special care too. Empty all water after your campout and leave the tank open to air dry. Many campers told us they use a bottle brush to scrub inside their tanks once a month.

This simple step prevents that funky smell that can ruin your next outdoor shower experience. For stubborn spots, a mix of vinegar and water helps break down mineral deposits without harsh chemicals.

Proper Storage to Prevent Damage

After you clean all parts of your shower, smart storage keeps it working longer. Your camping shower needs a dry, cool place when not in use. Families often rush to pack up camp gear, but taking time to store your shower right pays off.

User feedback shows that showers stored properly last many more trips than those tossed in a garage corner.

Never store your portable shower with water inside – this stops mold and bad smells. Fold hoses without sharp bends to avoid cracks. The Nemo Helio and Sea to Summit models need extra care for their soft tanks.

Put small parts like screws in a zip bag taped to the unit. Leaks often start from poor storage, so hang gravity showers instead of cramming them in tight spaces. For roof rack models like the Yakima RoadShower, check the bolts before each trip since bumpy roads can loosen them.

Good storage habits mean your camping shower stays ready for your next family adventure.

Conclusion

Finding the right camping shower makes all the difference for outdoor trips. We tested dozens of options to help you pick what works for your needs. Some campers want a simple gravity shower, while others need a fancy heated system with good water pressure.

Your perfect shower depends on where you camp, how long you stay, and what feels most comfy. The best part? A good shower turns a dirty camping trip into a fresh, happy time in nature.

Pick the right one, and you’ll never want to camp without it again.

FAQs

1. What are the best portable camping showers for outdoor trips?

The top portable camping showers include the Yakima RoadShower for car camping, Nemo Helio Pressure Shower for backpackers, and Sea to Summit Pocket Shower for ultralight trips. WaterPort Weekender is great for roof rack-mounted options.

2. How do I heat water for my camping shower?

You can heat water using solar heating, an electric heater, or by filling your shower with hot water before your trip. Some campers just fill Nalgenes with hot water and pour them into gravity showers.

3. Do I need a shower tent with my portable shower?

A shower tent gives you privacy while using camping showers. It’s not required, but most campers find them useful camping accessories – especially at crowded sites.

4. What’s the difference between gravity showers and pressure showers?

Gravity showers hang from trees and use water weight for flow – they’re simple but have weak pressure. Pressure showers like the Nemo Helio use foot pumps to create stronger water flow, making gear cleaning much easier.

5. Are portable camping showers hard to set up?

Most camping showers are easy to use. The Sea to Summit Pocket Shower unfolds in seconds, while roof rack models like the Yakima RoadShower need a hex wrench for first-time setup. After that, they’re quick to use.

6. What safety tips should I follow when using portable showers?

Always check water temperature before showering to avoid burns. Keep electric showers away from water sources. Make sure shower tents are properly staked down in windy conditions. When all else fails, a wet-wipe cleanup works too!