How to Shower While Camping
No one likes to smell. Fact is, not everyone sweats the same or even needs to shower as often to get by. You may be someone who needs to shower every day to feel fresh and clean, or you may be someone who can survive for a few days without it if need be. Whatever your personal hygiene needs are, the goal is to figure out what will work for you.
What to Bring
Layers of Clothing
Flip Flops
Toiletries in a Toiletry Bag
Quick dry towel (or whatever towel you use at home)
Portable Shower (Optional)
Camping Know-How Learned Over Time
CAMPGROUNDS WITH SHOWERS
Example campgrounds with private shower stalls
If you want to keep things easy, choosing campgrounds with showers is the easiest option. The shower facilities vary across campgrounds. Some campgrounds have a private shower room, while others have a shower room with private stalls similar to a gym. Some campgrounds have surprisingly strong water pressure and hot water like you’d expect at home. Some campgrounds include the cost of showers in your reservation fee, and some showers will take quarters for a few minutes of shower time. The key is to be prepared and flexible for the spectrum of shower facilities. As long as you have your bathing essentials, you’ll be all good.
PORTABLE CAMP SHOWER
Portable shower that can be hung to a tree or inside a privacy shower tent
If you pick a campground that does not have a shower, there are great portable camp shower options. The main qualities to look for when you are researching one to buy are ease of use, and water pressure.
For less than $50, there are solar shower bags that you fill up with water and hang to a tree. The water can be warmed up by leaving the bag in the sun or adding hot water warmed up on camp stove. The water pressure is nothing fancy, but good enough to shower under.
No portable shower is comparable to showering at home. But, there are portable showers in the $100 and over price range with stronger water pressure and do not need to be hung up.
With any portable shower, consider skipping washing hair and taking short shower to conserve water. And if privacy is desired, check out using a privacy shower tent.
WET CLOTH / BODY WIPES
Bring a wash cloth and heat some water on the stove, or wet wipes are options to freshen up.
This is exactly what it sounds like. All you need is a little warm water and a washcloth or body wipes. The goal of this method isn’t a shower but rather to freshen up. So warm up some water on your camp stove, wet your washcloth, wash a section, rinse, and repeat until you are freshened up enough.
DIP IN A RIVER OR LAKE
Take a dip in a river or lake to stay clean while camping
If you are camping by a river or lake, hopping in the water is a great option. If you do use soap, remember to use biodegradable soap only to minimize impact on environment.
CAMPING BATHING KIT / ACCESSORIES
Regardless of where or how you choose to shower, there are a few items mentioned to bring and why.
Toiletry and shower bag. In almost all cases, you will have to walk somewhere to take a shower, and carrying everything in your hands will be hard. That’s why a toiletry bag will help you carry your products conveniently. Plus, this way, your things won’t get dirty.
Biodegradable soap. While you’re out in nature, especially if you’re using a portable shower, you don’t want to be leaving any harmful chemicals behind. As a result, biodegradable soap is the best option as it follows the Leave No Trace Principles of outdoors. Remember, you always want to take care of nature as best as possible.
Quick-dry towels. When you’re on the go, a bulky towel will take too long to dry, and you definitely don’t want to pack a wet towel. Quick-dry towels are great because they are durable, absorbent, dry incredibly fast, and do not take up much space.
Pair of flip flops. Whether you’re using a campground shower or showering in nature, flip-flops will keep your feet cleaner until you’re ready to put on a fresh pair of socks and shoes.