The 9 Best Portable Camp Shower Selections For Every Budget

Last Updated 27 Mar 2024 by Fiona Perisone

EDITOR'S PICKS

Recommended
Best Overall    
NEMO Equipment Inc. Helio Pressure Shower thumbnail

4.5/5

  • Versatile design
  • Excellent tool for outdoor activities
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Includes a case that neatly stores the entire system compactly
Recommended
Most Budget Friendly
Sea To Summit Pocket Shower thumbnail

4.5/5

  • Ideal for backpacking, camping, bike touring, and travel
  • Super compact and light
  • Good for emergencies and slow showers
  • Can be used as a regular dry sack to transport clothes or sleeping bag
Recommended
Best Value      
Advanced Elements Summer Shower thumbnail

4.5/5

  • Shower can heat up to 110 degrees in under 3 hours in direct sunlight
  • Velcro straps holds wash cloth, soap, etc.
  • Convenient pocket for soap and shampoo

MORE PICKS TO CHOOSE FROM

If you're serious about spending time in nature, it's time to invest in a portable shower. Together, its small water chamber and shower head will provide your personal hygiene with the next best thing to an actual shower. Compact and packable, you'll stay fresh and clean no matter where your adventures take you.

Before you pull the trigger on your next camping shower, we've highlighted our picks for the best camping showers— ranging from simple, budget-friendly gravity showers to pumpless, battery-powered portable showers— and offered some helpful information to aid you in your search. We've done the hard work for you and scoured all the product descriptions, tech specs, and customer reviews to ensure the nine camp showers below are truly up for the task— whether you're a car camping enthusiast, festival-goer, or simply a hiker looking to wash the dog after a muddy hike.

What is a portable camping shower?

A camp shower is a portable shower designed to be used in outdoor settings where you may not have access to a real shower. But don't let the name deceive you. The practical piece of camping equipment can be used for much more than traditional camping trips. Here are a few times when a portable shower can come in handy:

  • The Beach — A portable shower can be used for rinsing off your feet, your surfboard, and other sand-covered belongings before getting back in the car.
  • Music Festivals — A camping shower can be a real social life-saver when you're staying on-site at a music festival. Just be sure to bring a privacy screen.
  • Pets — Use the steady stream to rinse off your pet's muddy paws after a hike or a dip in the water.
  • Backpacking & Mountaineering — Tuck a compact, lightweight camp shower in your backpack to keep yourself smelling fresh during long treks.

How does a portable shower work?

The way a portable shower works depends on how its water flow is powered: gravity, a classic hand or foot pump, or a tech-savvy battery-powered electric pump. Every model combines a water reservoir, a hose, and a shower head.

Gravity Showers

As the name implies, the water pressure of a gravity shower is entirely dependent on gravity. For the water to properly feed through the hose and nozzle, the water tank must be hung higher than the person using it. Without all the bells and whistles, gravity showers are typically a budget-friendly option, though they don't offer the best water pressure.

Manual Shower Pump

Your average portable shower relies on a manual pump to create water pressure. Before showering, you'll need to use the hand or foot pump to pressurize the air inside the tank. While you will have to put in a little physical effort, you'll enjoy excellent water pressure.

Electric Pump

For superior water pressure without the effort, try a model with a battery-powered pump. All it needs to create sufficient water pressure is a quick charge and the press of a button. While they're certainly easy to use, they're typically more expensive than a manual pump.

What to Look for in a Camping Shower

When it comes time to shop, you'll notice that products vary widely in price and pump style. Here are a few key features to keep an eye out for as you shop for your new portable shower:

Water Tank Capacity

The size of your water supply determines how long you can go between refills. While larger tanks make for longer showers, they aren't as lightweight and packable as smaller models.

Pump Style

While most camping showers create water pressure with a traditional hand pump or foot pump, high-end models use a battery power bank to pressurize the water without any manual pumping.

Hose Length

A longer hose length allows for more versatile use, whether it's rinsing dishes at base camp or hosing the sand off your feet during a beach camping trip.

Water Temperature

Can't stand the idea of a cold shower? A solar-heated model harnesses the sun's power to ensure a tolerable temperature from beginning to end. Try something like a propane-heated water tank for a truly reliable hot shower.

Privacy

You'll also need to purchase a privacy screen, tent, or curtain to create a private outdoor showering area.

The 9 Best Portable Camping Showers

Now that you know what a camping shower is and what features to look for, it's time to start shopping. To help you find the right one, we've reviewed seven of the top camp showers below.

NEMO Equipment Inc. Helio Pressure Shower

Best Overall

overall 

4.5/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

NEMO Equipment Inc. Helio Pressure Shower

Features:

  • Easy-to-use floor pump
  • Versatile 7-foot hose
  • 2.9-gallon reservoir

Nemo's Helio Pressure Shower helps keep you fresh and clean in the great outdoors. Lightweight and packable, it's our pick for the best portable shower for camping. Use its seven-foot-long hose for a quick shower after a sweaty hike, to rinse off the dog after a day at the lake, or to clean dirty dishes after a meal around the campfire. A full pump provides five to seven minutes of continuous water pressure.

The 2.9-gallon water tank is crafted with a black exterior that naturally warms the water inside when placed in direct sunlight. It packs neatly inside the carry bag included, ensuring it won't take up too much space in the trunk of your car. Purchase the coordinating Heliopolis privacy shelter for a complete shower experience.

Material

main: PU coated polyester

tubing: 100% neoprene

Flow Rate

.4-.5 gallons per minute

Capacity

11 Liters

Dimensions

17" l x 8.5" h

Pros:

  • Versatile design
  • Excellent tool for outdoor activities
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Includes a case that neatly stores the entire system compactly

Cons:

  • It can be a little bulky for backpacking

Sea to Summit Pocket Shower

Most Budget Friendly

overall 

4.5/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Sea To Summit Pocket Shower

Features:

  • Black fabric soaks up the sun to heat water 
  • Two ‘D’ rings attached to 20 feet of nylon cord for hanging
  • Twist mechanism and contoured shower head
  • Zippered pouch for storage

If you are on a budget, check out Sea To Summit Pocket Shower. This budget-friendly pocket shower can carry 10-liter, providing a 7 to 8-minute shower. It is very lightweight and compact, perfect for backpacking, camping, bike tours, and other outdoor activities.

The simple shower is crafted from lightweight 100% 70D nylon with fully taped seams and black fabric, so it will soak up the sun to heat the water for a warm shower. Or you can place it in the full sun at camp, which will warm up the water in no time. You can hang the shower almost anywhere with two 'D' rings and a 20-foot cord. With the easy-to-use on/off twist shower head, you can adjust the flow of water to your needs.

Material

100% nylon

Flow Rate

N/A

Capacity

10 liters

Dimensions

7.8" l x 6.1" w x 1.7" h

Pros:

  • Ideal for backpacking, camping, bike touring, and travel
  • Super compact and light
  • Good for emergencies and slow showers
  • Can be used as a regular dry sack to transport clothes or sleeping bag

Cons:

  • Some shower heads don't close completely

Advanced Elements Summer Shower

Best Value

overall 

4.5/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Advanced Elements Summer Shower

Features:

  • 4-ply construction with reflector panel and insulator panel
  • Water temperature gauge
  • Velcro straps holds wash cloth, soap, etc.
  • Easy-to-use on/off shower head

A simple gravity shower— like this top-rated Summer Shower from Advanced Elements— makes an excellent option for shoppers on a budget. With this type of camp shower, water pressure is gravity dependent. To provide a steady stream as the tank empties, it must be suspended from something taller than the person showering.

Advanced Elements' Summer Shower boasts a 5-gallon water tank with efficient four-ply construction for improved heat retention. Lay the shower system in the sunlight for three hours, and its solar panels and insulative layers will heat the water up to 110 degrees. An integrated toiletry pouch ensures you've got somewhere to stash your razor, washcloth, and travel-sized bottles while you rinse off.

Material

Plastic

Flow Rate

N/A

Capacity

5 gallons

Dimensions

20" l x 6" w x 2" h

Pros:

  • Shower can heat up to 110 degrees in under 3 hours in direct sunlight
  • Velcro straps holds wash cloth, soap, etc.
  • Convenient pocket for soap and shampoo

Cons:

  • Strap can be too short for others
  • Water cools down quickly

Coleman OneSource Camp Shower

Best Battery-Powered Camp Shower

overall 

4.5/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Coleman OneSource Camp Shower

Features:

  • Built-in pump has three spray settings for adjustable pressure
  • Battery powered
  • IPX4 water-resistant constructions

Hate having to use a hand or foot pump to create a consistent flow? Try this battery-powered OneSource Camp Shower from Coleman. Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery offers an hour of continuous operation, allowing for more leisurely outdoor showers. Plus, the OneSource battery can charge other devices while plugged into the sprayer.

The camp shower offers IPX4-rated water resistance, so you won't have to worry about the battery and components getting wet. A six-foot hose and three pressure settings allow users to adjust the water to their liking, reaching every angle with ease. When it's time to head home from your camping trip, the collapsible basin holds the hose and nozzle for compact, easy storage.

Material

Plastic

Flow Rate

adjustable

Capacity

11.4 liters

Dimensions

9.1" x 4.7" x 6.6"

Pros:

  • Impact- and water-resistant to keep battery and components protected
  • Large bail handle with soft-grip for convenient carrying
  • Collapsible basin holds hose and nozzle for easy storage
  • You can charge your phone or other devices off the battery while it’s plugged into the sprayer

Cons:

  • Battery doesn't last long so having extras is preferable

EZ Tankless Camp Champ Portable Hot Water System

Best Hot Shower

overall 

4/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

EZ Tankless Camp Champ Portable Hot Water System

Features:

  • CampChamp portable hot water system
  • Easy-to-use dials to control water and gas flow
  • Wind powered

The EZ Tankless Camp Champ Portable Hot Water System is for car campers who can't stand the thought of taking cold showers. Connect it to a propane tank and a garden hose supply, and you can enjoy a comfortably warm shower in no time. And unlike solar showers, you won't have to worry about running out of hot water after a few minutes.

The CampChamp system features practical controls on the front of the heater, allowing users to adjust the gas and water flow with ease. It's got a flow rate of two gallons per minute for a comfortable rinse when resources are limited. Say goodbye to shortened shower times and hello to a long, hot shower whenever and wherever you please.

Material

N/A

Flow Rate

1.8 Gallons Per Minute

Capacity

1.8 Gallons

Dimensions

12" w x 15" h

Pros:

  • Highly efficient
  • Can serve as a pool heater
  • The only CSA Approved Portable Propane Tankless Water Heater of its type in the USA

Cons:

  • Water doesn't stay warm for too long
  • Burner blows out too quickly

Geyser Systems Portable Shower and Cleaning Kit with Optional Electric Heater

Best With Built In Heater

overall 

4.5/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Geyser Systems Portable Shower And Cleaning Kit With Optional Electric Heater

Features:

  • Built-in heater
  • Reusable scrub sponge with two sides — a coarse side for cleaning dirty dishes and a soft side that’s easy on skin
  • Adjustable flow valve that offers precise water-pressure regulation

If you're going to splurge on one piece of camping gear this season, make it Geyser Systems' Portable Shower and Cleaning Kit. The hyper-efficient model uses ten times less water than standard portable showers, helping you make the most of every drop when you're off the grid. Select the option with a built-in water heater to enjoy a warm shower in 15- 45 minutes.

Instead of a standard shower nozzle, the Geyser Systems portable shower features a reusable scrub sponge. Use the coarse side for cleaning dirty dishes and hiking boots and the soft side for washing your body after a sweaty hike. An adjustable flow valve provides precise water pressure regulation, giving you total control during every task.

Material

N/A

Flow Rate

N/A

Capacity

3 Liters

Dimensions

9.5" x 6.25" x 17"

Pros:

  • Heats water to 99° – 108° F
  • Hyper-efficient and promotes water conservation
  • Waterproof

Cons:

  • Might not be sufficient for slow showers

Colapz Rechargeable Electric Portable Shower and Collapsible Camping Water Container

Easiest to Pack

overall 

4.2/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Colapz Rechargeable Electric Portable Shower And Collapsible Camping Water Container

Features:

  • Battery operated
  • Extra Accessories
  • USB rechargeable outdoor camping shower pump

The British brand Colapz is known for its innovative, space-saving camping gear. Its best-selling Collapsible Camping Waiter Container makes a practical addition to any camper's repertoire. The portable, 2-gallon jug can be used as a sports water jug, drink cooler, or water tank for an outdoor shower.

Purchase Colapz's Portable Shower Kit, and you'll be able to rinse off anywhere, anytime. The kit includes an interchangeable shower head and trigger jet head, a rechargeable electric pump, a hanging hook, a storage bag, and more. Its 12V battery offers 45- 60 minutes of run time after a full four-hour charge. Use the trigger jet head to rinse off your mountain bike, boat, car, and other large camping equipment.

Material

N/A

Flow Rate

0.7 gallon per minute

Capacity

9 gallons

Dimensions

‎9.45" x 9.06" x 2.87"

Pros:

  • Ideal camping and beach gadgets
  • Works with any standing water source
  • Lightweight and durable

Cons:

  • The seal is not strong enough to hold the weight of the water

Waterport Weekender 8 Gallon Tank

Premium Choice

overall 

4.2/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Waterport Weekender 8 Gallon Tank

Features:

  • With 6′ coiled hose, high pressure spray nozzle, and fill valve
  • Comes with mounts for your roof rack and will work with platform style racks

For long excursions or family camping trips, Waterport Weekender 8 Gallon Tank may be the ideal choice. Perfect for camping, fishing, beach, off-roading, or any outdoor adventures. With this 8-gallon tank, you can take a full shower and clean and rinse equipment whenever you need pressurized water.

The Weekender includes an 8-gallon water tank, a 16′ coiled hose made from food-grade plastic, a high-pressure spray nozzle, and a fill valve. It also comes with mounts for your roof rack and will work with platform-style racks.

Material

PVC, brass, Plastic

Flow Rate

N/A

Capacity

8 gallons

Dimensions

50" l x 9" w x 9" h

Pros:

  • Excellent quality
  • Has multiple mounting points
  • Functional, waterproof, and sturdy
  • Best for camping, fishing, to the beach, and off-roading

Cons:

  • Hose can be too short for others

POMO 5L Outdoor Portable Shower

Best Water Pressure

overall 

4.5/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

POMO 5L Outdoor Portable Shower

Features:

  • Long lasting, resistant and BPA free
  • Multipurpose
  • Capable of building the same pressure as a garden hose
  • Different nozzle settings

If you are looking for a camping shower with great water pressure, then you must check out POMO 5L Outdoor Portable Shower. The ~5.5 L or 1.5-gallon capacity is perfect for portability and usability, and it is easy to carry and yet large enough to clean thoroughly.

POMO Outdoor Portable Shower is crafted from long-lasting, BPA-free industrial grade high-density polyethylene and BPA-free petroleum jelly. With five different nozzle settings: jet, mist, shower, flat jet, and super pressure jet, you can select one that meets your needs.

Material

N/A

Flow Rate

N/A

Capacity

1.5 gallons

Dimensions

17" x 8.5" x 8.2"

Pros:

  • Easy to carry and large enough to clean thoroughly
  • Great budget option
  • Leak-free and no mess filling
  • Nozzle can be swapped for your favorite one

Cons:

  • You can’t leave water in the tank when storing it because it can damage the seal to the hose
  • Nozzle is a little flimsy

About the Author

Fiona is a veteran travel consultant, photographer and travel writer at planetrider.com. She has spent many years as a corporate travel consultant and decided to actually live the life rather than plan it for others!

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