Camping is a great way to spend time outdoors and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
It’s an opportunity to explore nature, spend quality time with friends and family, and create unforgettable memories.
However, one of the challenges of camping is maintaining personal hygiene, especially when taking a warm shower.
Portable camping showers have become popular in recent years, providing campers with a convenient and efficient way to stay clean and refreshed while camping in heat or cold weather.
In this article, we will discuss the best portable camping showers, including options for toilets.
What to look for in the Best Camping Showers?
We will cover various camping showers with different features, from electric pumps and roof racks to adjustable shower heads, garden hoses, and other camping gear designed to make showering on a camping trip a breeze.
We’ve got you covered whether you’re looking for a few hours of hot water or a steady stream of decent water pressure.
What to consider when looking for the best camping showers?
When choosing camp showers, there are several things to consider, such as the size of your group, the duration of your trip, and the location of your camping site.
For example, if you’re camping with a large group, you’ll need a portable shower that can accommodate multiple users and is easy to set up and take down.
On the other hand, if you’re backpacking or camping in an area without easy access to a water source, you’ll need a portable shower that can be used with a water storage tank or has a built-in water source.
An electric pump and a roof rack can be a great addition to your camping gear collection to make the camp showers setup more convenient.
Another essential factor to consider is the water pressure and temperature.
Great camping showers should have consistent water pressure and a temperature gauge to ensure the water is comfortable. A pressurized shower system or a gravity shower is an excellent option for those who want a steady stream of water and consistent water pressure.
Additionally, a gravity-fed shower can be an excellent option for those who want to save and heat water as they go.
Most camping showers in the market help provide a simple shower experience, but not all are great.
What to look for in a portable toilet?
Regarding portable toilets, it’s essential to consider their size and weight. A lightweight and easy-to-transport option is ideal for camping trips where you will move around a lot.
Additionally, it’s also essential to consider the level of privacy and the ease of cleanup.
A dry bag and a storage bag can be a great way to keep everything organized and easy to transport.
A garden hose with a decent length can be a great addition to your camping gear collection to make the toilet setup more convenient.
What is the best portable toilet and shower for camping?
This is a difficult question to answer; it depends on many situations; in our experience, we can group them into the following cases.
- Where are you going to use your portable bathroom and shower?
- How many are going to be using them?
- Will you need something that refills quickly?
- The location; will you use the toilet and shower near water bodies, near people, or will you be in the middle of nowhere?
Let’s break this down into parts we can all easily process.
1 – Different situational use for portable toilets and showers
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Will you use portable showers and toilets near water?
When purchasing camping showers and toilets, it is essential to consider whether or not you will be near a water source, as it affects the water supply for the shower or toilet.
If you are camping near a water source, such as a river or lake, you may be able to use the water from that source to fill up your portable shower or toilet and eliminate the need for a water storage tank or another water source.
However, suppose you are camping in an area without easy access to a water source. In that case, you will need to bring a water storage tank or another water source with you, which will require considering the weight and size of the water storage tank or water source and the ease of transporting it.
Additionally, you may need to look for a portable shower or toilet designed to be used with a water storage tank or a built-in water source.
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Number of people that will use the portable showers and toilets
The number of people using the camping showers or toilets, and shower time, matter when choosing a camping shower and toilet for camping because it affects the size and capacity of the equipment.
A camping shower or toilet designed for one person may not be suitable for a larger group.
A camping shower or toilet designed for multiple people will typically be larger and require more setup time.
Additionally, the number of people using the camping shower or toilet will also affect the amount of water required, so it is essential to choose a portable camp shower or toilet that can accommodate the number of people in your group and also consider the water storage or supply options.
Furthermore, the number of people using the camping shower or toilet will also affect the privacy level, so it’s essential to consider the privacy features of the portable shower or toilet.
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Will you use portable showers and toilets for short or long periods?
The period of your camping trip matters when considering buying camping showers and toilets because it affects the water supply and the storage you need.
A shorter camping trip may require a smaller water storage tank or water supply and less storage space for the portable shower or toilet.
For a shorter trip, a portable camping shower or toilet with fewer features or a more straightforward design may be sufficient.
On the other hand, a more extended camping trip may require a more extensive water storage tank or water source and more storage space for the portable camping shower or toilet.
In this case, a portable camping shower or toilet with more features and a more complex design, like a pressurized shower system, or a shower head with adjustable settings, may be more suitable.
The period will also affect the heating and water-saving features of the portable shower or toilet.
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How portable do you need the portable showers and toilets to be?
Will you constantly move your portable toilet and camping shower from one spot to another? Or will you place it in one place and be done?
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How private is the area where you’ll camp?
The privacy of the camping site matters when considering buying camping showers and toilets because it affects the equipment’s design, features, and overall functionality.
If you are camping in a secluded or private area, you may be able to choose a camping shower or toilet that is less private or has fewer features, as privacy is not a significant concern.
On the other hand, if you are camping in a more public area or close to other campers, you may choose more private camping showers or toilets with more features like a privacy shelter or shower curtain to ensure that the user is protected from view.
Furthermore, suppose you are camping in a public area.
In that case, it’s essential to consider the ease of cleanup of the portable shower or toilet and the odor control features so that the area is left clean and hygienic for others to use.
Option #1 Best Portable Toilet and shower
This is an excellent option if
- You’ll camp in an area with other people around.
- 15 to 20 people will use it
- You’ll leave the toilet at the campsite.
FUN ESSENTIALS Portable Toilet Kit For Adults, Pop Up Privacy Tent, X Large Camping Folding Toilet, 12 Toilet bags, 12 pack Liquid Waste Gel, Washable Foldable For Travel,RV, Outdoor
Note: These are not portable restrooms for construction site
This is listed as item #64 in the top 100 camping hygiene & sanitation goods on Amazon.
The rating for this portable toilet is 4.9 out of 5
People’s Reviews
The toilet has a good seat and doesn’t seem unstable when you use it. The tent is more significant than I had anticipated, it assembled and disassembled quickly. It also ( the tent ) fits into one bag, which is great if you already have a truckload.
Here’s an added value if you get this tent and portable toilet, you can use it as a changing room.
Outdoor Shower Tent Changing Room Privacy Portable Camping Shelters
- Mesh window on one side for seeing outside and for ventilation
- No shadows
- Waterproof
- You can hook your portable shower or place your portable toilet inside.
2 – Different sizes of camping toilets & showers
Another way to choose the best portable camping toilet and shower for your need is to break it down into the requirements below.
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Capacity
Will you need something that carries a lot of water or waste? How many times a day do you think you’ll have to refill it?
Think about it this way, if you get a big capacity toilet or shower bag, you won’t have to refill so often, but they’ll be heavy.
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Weight
Think about how light or heavy you need your portable toilet and shower to be; if you’re going on a long trek, say, a 1-week trek in the wilderness, you’ll need lightweight equipment.
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Height
Something only a few people think about, but for low toilets, you’ll have to squat lower; only some can do that.
Kids will be OK, but what about the elderly?
Where will you hang your shower from?
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Seat
This is simple; how big do you need the seat to be? Unfortunately, some portable toilets have a small seat, which is uncomfortable.
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Dimensions
This goes back to how big you need both to be if you’re camping on your own and walking for many days; you need something lightweight.
If you’re in a camper, then you can carry something bigger.
Option #2 Best Portable Toilet and Shower
This is an excellent choice for a portable toilet if
- You’ll be on the move a lot and need something lightweight to carry
- You have no problem squatting low.
- It’ll be one or two people using it.
GO Anywhere Complete Portable Camping Toilet – for Camping, Hunting, Fishing, and More – Comes with 3 Toilet Kits (Waste Bag with Poo Powder, Zip-Close Storage Bag, Toilet Paper & Hand Sanitizer)
This portable camping toilet has a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Amazon.
- It weighs 7 pounds.
- It folds into a standard briefcase size.
- Supports up to 500 pounds.
- No assembly required
- US made
- The US bureau of land management approved
People’s review
We needed a compact portable toilet for use in our conversion van. After reading many reviews about other portable toilets leaking, I decided to try this design. It worked perfectly.
Some other reviews state that getting the legs unfolded and refolded is a little challenging. That is why it is so sturdy when the legs are locked in place. The plan was to have a toilet in our inflatable attached tent. It was perfect, and waste disposal was easy.
Extremus Rainbow Falls Camping Shower, 6.6 Gallons/25L Camp Shower Bag, Solar Heating PVC Bladder, Built in Thermometer, Mesh Pocket, ABS Nozzle System, Portable Solar Shower for Camping
- 6.6 gallons bladder
- On/Off switch
- Solar heating
- 113°F (45°C) in 3 hours with direct sunlight
- Built-in mesh pocket that holds soap, shampoo, or other shower accessories
People’s reviews
This shower bag is HUGE, so you can haul a good bit of water wherever you need it. My husband and I went tent camping over the weekend, and this product was perfect for our site; We used the shower bag to spray our feet down, wash and rinse dishes, and brush our teeth.
3 – Types of camping toilets and showers
Here’s a third way to find the best portable toilets and camp showers.
Understand the types of camping portable toilets and camp showers you can choose from.
- Basic toilets
-The squat and go
-Bog bags, a bag you use once and dispose of, like when you walk a dog
-The bucket, a bucket that stores your waste temporarily, and then you empty it.
- The Outhouse Toilets
Imagine a bucket with a toilet seat and a lid; you’ll have a bag under it for the waste.
- Chemical Toilets
This is what you need for extended camping trips.
Chemical toilets are more hygienic, using a blue chemical to break down the waste, cover up odors and reduce gas.
You’ll need to empty them once a day at least
- Flushing Toilets
This is the most similar you’ll find to a regular toilet.
They’re meant for something other than solo hikers or camping trips where you need to move fast and with as little weight as possible.
They have a built-in water tank that creates a flushing system, ergo, the name.
Which are the best camping showers for you?
Let’s talk a little about camping showers and the types you’ll find in the market.
Some features of a camping shower include:
- Water storage tank or built-in water source: This feature allows the user to store and heat water for the outdoor shower.
- Electric pump or gravity-fed system: This feature allows the user to pump water to the shower head or use gravity to push the water through the shower head.
- Adjustable shower head: This feature allows the user to adjust the water flow and temperature for a more comfortable shower experience.
- Temperature gauge: This feature allows the user to monitor the water temperature and ensure it is comfortable.
- Privacy shelter or shower curtain: This feature provides privacy for the user while showering
- Cleanup and odor control features: This feature makes cleaning the camping shower easy and controls any unpleasant odors.
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Portable Shower
You may want a portable camping shower if you plan a camping trip and want to maintain personal hygiene.
Portable camping showers are also great for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and beach trips, where a shower is unavailable.
A portable camping shower is also an excellent option for people who live in a tiny house or RV and don’t have access to a traditional shower.
Furthermore, portable camping showers are also suitable for people who go camping in remote places and don’t have access to a shower.
A portable shower consists of 3 parts, a soft bladder or a rigid plastic container for the water.
The shower head or hose; and a power source that heats up the water.
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Powered shower
A powered shower for camping typically has the following features:
- Electric pump to pressurize water: This feature allows for a consistent and robust water flow, similar to a traditional shower, and ensures a hot shower.
- Water heating element: This feature allows the user to heat water for the shower, providing a hot shower experience. You don’t have to have a cold shower.
- Water storage tank: This feature allows the user to store water for the shower.
- Adjustable water flow and temperature: This feature allows the user to control the water flow and temperature for a more comfortable shower experience.
- Battery or solar panel powered: This feature allows the user to power the shower without access to an electrical outlet. It makes it more portable and versatile as you’ll enjoy a warm shower with real hot water because not everyone can handle cold showers.
- Privacy shelter or shower curtain: This feature provides privacy for the user while showering.
- Cleanup and odor control features: This feature makes cleaning the portable shower easy and controls any unpleasant odors.
You may want to consider getting a powered shower for camping if you wish for a shower experience similar to a traditional shower and have access to a power source.
A powered shower for camping can be an excellent option for car camping or camping trips, with access to an electrical outlet when you want a hot shower.
It’s also a good option for people who want to have a hot shower experience while camping or for people who don’t want to rely on gravity-fed systems and want more control over the water flow.
A powered shower for camping can also be a good option for people who wish to have a more luxurious camping experience.
As the name implies, these are showers with a power source.
The power source heats the water and creates pressure.
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Pressure Shower Gravity-fed showers
A pressure shower for camping typically has the following features for continuous spray:
- Hand pump or foot pump to pressurize water: The foot pump allows the user to pump water to the shower head and create a strong water flow.
- Water storage bag or water tank: This feature allows the user to store water for the camp shower.
- Adjustable water flow and temperature: This feature allows the user to control the water flow and temperature for a more comfortable shower experience.
- Privacy shelter or camp shower curtain: This feature provides privacy for the user while showering.
- Lightweight and compact design: This feature allows for easy transportation and storage of the camp shower.
You may want to consider getting a pressure shower for camping if you wish to have a shower experience similar to a traditional shower. Still, you don’t have access to electricity.
A pressure shower for camping can be an excellent option for camping trips where you are backpacking or camping in an area without easy access to a water source.
It’s also a good option for people who want more control over the water flow and pressure and prefer a more hands-on approach to pressure the water.
This camp shower is also a good option for people who want a more lightweight and compact shower to take on the go.
These showers have a pressure system to push the water, for example, a foot pump.
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Solar powered shower
Swish Solar Power Camping Shower
A solar shower for camping typically has the following features:
- Solar panel to heat water: This feature allows the user to heat water for the solar shower using energy from the sun.
- Water solar shower bag or tank: This feature allows the user to store water for the shower.
- Adjustable water flow and temperature: This feature allows the user to control the water flow and temperature for a more comfortable full shower experience.
- Privacy shelter or camp shower curtain: This feature provides privacy for the user while showering.
- Lightweight and compact design: This feature allows for easy transportation and storage of the solar shower bag.
You may want to consider getting a solar shower for camping if you are looking for an eco-friendly and sustainable option for heating water on your camping trip.
Solar showers are also great for camping trips where you can be in a sunny location and have direct sunlight.
They are also a good option for people who want a more hands-off approach to heating water for their showers, as the solar panel works for them. Additionally, it’s also a good option for people who want a more lightweight and compact shower to take on the go.
You hang this bag from a tree or a pole and let the sun heat the water.
On a cloudy day, you’ll have no hot water.