Let me just come out and say it: it’s okay to shower and be clean while camping! Moreso, it’s healthy and smart to shower in order to eliminate bacteria and odors. There’s no reason to sit in your filth for days on end when there are practical ways to shower while camping. Below, we’ll discuss the various ways you can enjoy your days outside and then go to bed feeling fresh and refreshed.
The Importance of Staying Clean
When sweat mixes with dirt, it can create unsanitary conditions and odors that are unpleasant. While this isn’t news to many outdoorsy people, it can be a nice reminder that there is a limit to how long you should go without showering. The longer you wait, the more bacteria and odors build up. This potentially causes a greater risk of infection. A simple rinse-off will do wonders for your body’s health and those around you who won’t have to smell your stench.
Types of Camp Showers
Pocket or Bag Shower
A pocket or bag shower is a quick and easy way to shower almost anywhere. All you need to do is fill up a pocket bag, hang it higher than your head — preferably on a tree branch, pole, or kayak paddle if you have one — and rinse off underneath. Its shower head has a controllable water pressure to ensure it lasts long enough for you to get clean. While this can be used for car camping, the lightweight nature of it would be best for backpacking.
Shower System
A shower system is a little fancier and heavier than a pocket shower, making it excellent car camping. While each product varies in its specifications, the idea is simple. The shower system is usually bucket-sized and connects to a pressurized hose you’ll use to rinse yourself. Instead of a free-flowing shower head like above, you control how much water comes out and when.
Shower Tents
A shower tent, like the Nemo Heliopolis, is the ultimate way to stay clean and feel refreshed while camping. Its lightweight structure makes setup easy and offers total privacy so that you can shower right in the middle of camp. If you plan to shower at night, find one like the NEMO that has an overhead rack to hang a light.
Lake or River Shower
This is more of a rinse than a shower, as even using”planet friendly” soap is still not advised because it’s introducing a foreign substance into the water supply. Campers call this getting “camp clean” versus “actual clean.”
Campsite Shower
If you’re staying at a maintained campground on public or private land, there’s a good chance they have a shower and hot water (or at least lukewarm water). These are sometimes provided for free by the campsite, but others require coins to operate them for a pre-determined amount of time.
Shower Products to Use
Before you shower, make sure to gather up all the necessities you’ll need. This includes your quick-dry towel, biodegradable soap (or regular soap if you’re in an established shower area), flip flops, and a wash cloth or loofa.
As you set up, ensure your towel is out of the spray zone and near enough that you can reach it without getting dirty again. As you clean off, remember that biodegradable soap goes a long way. You need only a small fraction of what you’re used to at home.
When finished, make sure to rinse out your wash cloth or loofa so it’s clean for the next use. There’s nothing worse than attempting to clean yourself with a dirty cloth.
Afterward, hop into something comfy like these sweatpants and a soft hoodie, and enjoy your night around the campfire!
Where and How to Shower
It’s up to you where and how to set up your camp shower. If you’re dispersed camping, you have more flexibility and can put it in a more secluded area. I personally would put my camp shower 25-50 feet away from your camping area to minimize the risk of the runoff heading towards your tent. However, if you’re in an established campground with less room, find an area where you are okay getting wet that can hold a shower tent or provide the ability to use a shower bag or shower system.
Lastly, avoid a dusty or dirty area that immediately makes your feet dirty. If you can’t avoid it, wear flip-flops and use a water bottle back at camp to rinse off your feet if they get dirty.
What to Wear
Now, what should you wear to shower while camping? A bathing suit or running shorts are ideal for most people, especially in a public campground. But if you’re away from the general public and you feel comfortable stripping down — do it. Ultimately, it comes down to what you feel most comfortable with and the best way to get clean.
How to Save Water
There’s a good chance that you don’t have an unlimited water supply when you’re showering while camping. This is why a shower system is a good option because you can control the water flow. While there’s no foolproof way to save water, here’s one way that I like to do it:
- Get your entire body and your loofa or washcloth wet
- Turn off the water
- Soap yourself up (yes, it might be a bit cold)
- Once lathered, quickly rinse off
Doing this will minimize how much water you waste as you scrub.
Other Ways to Stay Clean
Not everyone has access to a shower setup like those above, or they are looking for a quicker method for cleaning up. While the previous uses will get you relatively clean, the following are more of a band-aid approach to get you through the night or day.
Baby wipes – Who hasn’t done a “baby wipe shower” before? This is a tried-and-true example of trying to stay clean while minimizing your water usage. Don’t just use any baby wipes. Aim for unscented, or the results could be unpleasant.
Water bottle – If you don’t have time for a full shower or there’s no soap available, using a water bottle to pour water on your head is a quick and easy way to rinse off nearly anywhere.
Public bathroom sink – For this one, you have to be respectful and try not to cause a scene. For me, public bathrooms are a good place to wash your face with soap and water, and maybe wipe down a few parts of your body with paper towels. However, I’d discourage anyone from doing an entire cleaning session to not impose on other patrons.
Dry shampoo – If you have dry shampoo and you think it’ll be a few more days before you get an actual shower, using this is a must. It’ll keep your hair less oily and make it feel fresher as you continue your travels.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many ways to shower while camping and ensure you’re as clean as you want. Whether you want the whole set up in the shower tent — or quicker options like the shower system or shower bag — there’s a way for everyone to enjoy their time outside while also staying clean. If you were on the fence about camping due to hygiene, think twice and use these tools to feel refreshed each night.
Article and Photos by Alec Sills-Trausch
Alec is a photographer, writer, and avid hiker who enjoys pushing the limits to find incredible destinations. He hopes through his work to inspire others to get outside and to respect planet earth so future generations can enjoy it just the same. He’s also a cancer survivor. And, he hopes to use his voice to show that you can have a wonderful life after the treatment.
