How to Shower while Camping – 5 Expert Showering Hacks

Camping is a fantastic way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, one common concern among campers is maintaining personal hygiene. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a novice camper, a clean and refreshed feeling can significantly enhance your overall experience. If you’re wondering how to shower while camping, we’re here to share how you can stay clean and comfortable during your next camping trip.

Let’s face it, camping can be a dirty business. Between hiking trails, campfires, and questionable snacks, it’s easy to feel a little less than fresh. An outdoor shower is sometimes a necessity. From makeshift showers to campground luxuries, we’ve got you covered. 

How to Shower while Camping

If a sponge bath isn’t your thing, we have a few ways you can take an actual shower while camping. Here are 5 ways you can shower while camping. 

1. Public Showers 

Itching for a hot shower? You’ll want to go the public showers route! This strategy requires a bit of research, but it’s worth it to earn that warm shower after a few days in the woods. 

• Campgrounds:

Most commercial campgrounds offer shower facilities as part of their amenities. These are often coin-operated or included in the camping fee. Many state and national park campgrounds also have shower facilities, but availability and quality can vary. It’s best to check with the specific park or campground beforehand.

Although I’d recommend only using a campground as a shower site if you’re staying there, if a campground shower opperates on a pay-per-use basis, I see no issues with paying your way and getting clean! Use your best judgement…

• Recreation Centers and Gyms:

Some community centers offer public showers, especially if they have swimming pools or fitness facilities. Look for local recreation centers, YMCA’s, and youth and family centers. Call ahead if possible! This way if there are times of days they don’t allow public showers you can plan accordingly.

If you’re a member of a gym chain, you might be able to use their facilities, including showers, even when you’re out of town. If you aren’t a member, most health club chains will allow you to purchase a day pass if you want to and/or shower! These are some of the best places for a hot shower that doesn’t feel rushed. 

• Hostels: 

Hostels often have shared bathroom facilities, including showers.This can be a budget-friendly option for finding a shower. Research online or call ahead to see if this is an option are a hostel near your camping area. 

• Public Beaches and Pools:

Many public beaches have outdoor, cold showers to rinse off sand and saltwater. You’ll have to wear a bathing suit, but this is a good option if you’re looking for a quick, free scrub before getting back on the road.   
Look into local swimming pools. Because it is required that you shower before and recommeneded after swimming, these public pools will have showers. They may allow you can use the showers at public pools for a fee – the fee of swimming for the day, whether you swim or not is up to you! 

• Laundromats:

Generally, you cannot shower at a laundromat as most laundromats do not have shower facilities, however, there are facilities where you can!  

Additional Tips For Finding Public Showers

Utilizing public showers when camping is definitely the more luxurious experience when comparing different ways to shower wild camping. Here are five additional tips for making your public shower experience smooth and painless! 

• Check Online Resources: Websites like Campendium, The Dyrt, and iOverlander can help you find campgrounds and other locations with shower facilities. Our go to site for public shower spots all over the USA is PublicShowers.net.
• Call Ahead: Before heading to a specific location, call ahead to confirm the availability of showers and any associated fees.
• Pack Essentials: Bring a quick-dry towel, soap, shampoo, and other toiletries to ensure a comfortable shower experience.   
• Ask a Local: Locals hold the key! Especially locals who know a lot about the outdoor recreation their town provides.
• Be Considerate: If you’re using a shared shower, be mindful of other users and clean up after yourself.

By considering these options and planning ahead, you can stay clean and refreshed during your camping adventure.

2. Portable Showers

Portable camp showers offer a convenient way to freshen up while enjoying the great outdoors. Here’s a breakdown of popular options:

  

Tips for Using a Portable Camp Shower

• Choose a Private Location: Find a secluded spot for privacy and to minimize environmental impact.
• Warm the Water: If using a gravity-fed shower, warm the water by placing the bag in the sun or using warm water.   
• Conserve Water: Be mindful of water usage, especially in dry areas.
• Clean Up: Dispose of wastewater responsibly and clean up your campsite.
• Pop-up Shower Tent: If you’re really nervous about being nakey in nature’s embrace, get a pop-up shower tent! 

By choosing the right portable shower and following these tips, you can enjoy a refreshing and hygienic camping experience.

3. Truck Stops

Truck stops can be a convenient option for showering while camping, especially during long road trips or when camping in remote areas without access to campground showers and/or water flow.

You might be surprised to learn that Truck Stop showers boast clean and modern Facilities. Many truck stops, especially larger chains like Pilot Flying J and Love’s, have clean and well-maintained shower facilities located along major highways, making them easily accessible. In addition to showers, truck stops typically offer other amenities like restaurants, convenience stores, and restrooms.

How to Use Truck Stop Showers

1. Purchase at the counter: You go to the cashier and pay for a shower. A shower token or credit at the front desk or a designated kiosk. The cost varies depending on the location, but it’s typically around $10-$15. 
2. Receive a ticket: The cashier will give you a ticket with your shower number on it. Now it’s time to located the shower area and where you can see wheat numbers have been called.  
3. Wait for your number to be called: When your shower is ready, your number will be announced over the intercom or shown on a display. 
4. Access the shower: Once your number is called, you can go to the designated shower stall and use the code or key provided on your ticket to enter. Make sure you bring your own toiletries and a quick-dry towel. 
5. Shower Etiquette: Be mindful of other users and clean up after yourself. You paid for your shower, so there isn’t a set time but it is considered good etiquette to keep your shower brief to respect other drivers waiting to use the facility. 

Tips for Using Truck Stop Showers

• Timing: Consider the busiest times at the truck stop to avoid long wait times for showers. Early morning houres between 6-8 AM and late evening hours between 7-9 PM is when most truck drivers are finishing their long hauls and showering to freshen up. I would hit the truck stop shower midday! 
• Hygiene: Bring hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to clean the shower area before using it.
• Shower Shoes: Don’t forget shower sandals – we’re showering for personal hybgeinie here, head to toes. 
• Towels: Bring your own towels or consider purchasing a disposable towel at the truck stop.
• Rewards Programs: Some truck stop chains offer rewards programs that allow you to earn points or credits towards free showers.

While truck stop showers can be a convenient option, it’s important to note that they may not always be available or may have long wait times, especially during peak travel seasons. It’s always a good idea to have a backup plan, such as a portable camp shower, in case truck stop showers are unavailable.

4. DIY Camp Shower

A DIY camp shower is a fantastic way to stay clean and refreshed while enjoying the great outdoors. It also allows you to tailor how your shower while camping to your specific needs. Here are a few simple DIY ideas:

• Gravity-Fed Shower
  • Materials:
    • 5-gallon water container
    • Showerhead
    • Hose
    • Paracord or rope
  • Instructions:
    • Fill the container: Fill the container with warm water.
    • Attach the hose and showerhead: Securely attach the hose to the container and the showerhead to the hose.
    • Hang the container: Find a sturdy tree branch or other hanging point and use paracord or rope to hang the container at a suitable height.
• Pump-Action Shower
  • Materials:
    • 5-gallon water container
    • Hand pump sprayer
    • Hose
    • Showerhead
  • Instructions:
    1. Attach the pump sprayer: Connect the hand pump sprayer to the water container.
    2. Attach the hose and showerhead: Connect the hose to the pump sprayer and the showerhead to the hose.
    3. Pump up the pressure: Pump the sprayer to build up water pressure.
• Solar-Heated Shower
  • Materials:
    • Black 5-gallon water container
    • Showerhead
    • Hose
    • Paracord or rope
  • Instructions:
    • Fill the container: Fill the container with water.
    • Place in sunlight: Position the container in direct sunlight to heat the water.
    • Attach the hose and showerhead: Attach the hose to the container and the showerhead to the hose.
    • Hang the container: Hang the container at a suitable height.
• Sponge Bath
  • Materials:
    • Any Kind of Water Container
    • 2 Mini Quick Drying Towels
    • Baby Wipes
  • Instructions:
    • Fill the Container: Fill your container of choice with water. 
    • Pour onto Towel: Pour just enough water on your towl 
    • Add Soap: Put soap onto your towl and rub together to create suds
    • Clean Yourself: Clean Yourself Thoroughly
    • Fresh Towel: Pour water onto a fresh towel to rinse the water off your body

Tips for a Refreshing DIY Camp Shower:

• Test Run: Try your DIY Camp Shower prior to your trip! 
• Choose a Private Spot: Find a secluded area for privacy.
• Conserve Water: Use water wisely, especially in dry conditions.
• Biodegradable Soap: Use biodegradable soap to minimize environmental impact.
• Clean Up: Dispose of wastewater responsibly and clean up your campsite.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a refreshing shower in the great outdoors.

5. Natural Water Sources

One of our favorite ways to get clean is to take a swim in a natural water source! You might not get hot water, but it’s the best way to be one with nature while helping to feel refreshed and clean! 

Before we dive into the how-to, it’s crucial to stress the importance of minimizing environmental impact. Always prioritize clean water sources and do not use soap directly in lakes, streams, or rivers. Biodegradable soap, used sparingly and rinsed away from water sources, is the most eco-friendly option.

How to Shower While Camping with Natural Water Sources 

If you like to take a dip and use the least amount of supplies possible, go with The Minimalist Approach.

• Choose a Clean Water Source: Look for clear, flowing water, like a river or stream. Avoid stagnant water sources.
• Find a Private Spot: Locate a secluded area away from campsites and trails to maintain privacy and respect wildlife.
• Quick Dip: A quick dip in a clean, cool body of water can be refreshing and effective for rinsing off dirt and sweat.
• Strategic Use of Water: Wet your body and then leave the water course to apply biodegradable soap. 
• Water Rinse: You’ll need to rinse quickly, away from the water source before heading back into the water for a final dip.

If you don’t want to get in the water but still want a foolproof way to improve your perosonal hygiene, go with the Container Method.

• Gather Supplies: A container (like a water bottle or a collapsible water carrier), biodegradable soap, and a washcloth.
• Scoop Water: Scoop water from a clean water source into your container.
• Wash Up: Use the water and soap to wash your body, focusing on areas that need it most.
• Dispose of Wastewater: Dispose of wastewater away from water sources, preferably in a designated area or by allowing it to evaporate.

Both of these methods use a natural water supply to clean off without a shower system.

Tips For Using Natural Water Source Showers When Camping

• Timing is Key: Choose a time of day when the water temperature is most comfortable. Usually later in the day! 
• Pack Smart: Bring biodegradable wipes and soap for quick clean-ups and to minimize water usage and polution.
• Leave No Trace: Always follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the environment. Do not rinse your soap off directly into a water source. 
• Respect Wildlife: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid disturbing wildlife.
• Safety Fist: Pay attention to the temperature of the water and how quickly it is moving. If you’re useing a natural water source to shower while camping, you have to put your safety first. Water can be dangerous! 

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the refreshing experience of a natural water shower while minimizing your impact on the environment. Remember, the key is to be mindful and respectful of the natural surroundings.

Conclusion

Camping offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature. While it’s essential to embrace the simplicity of the outdoors, maintaining personal hygiene is equally important for comfort and well-being. By exploring various methods, such as using portable camp showers, natural water sources, or campground facilities, campers can find innovative ways to stay clean and refreshed.

Ultimately, the best method for showering while camping depends on individual preferences, the specific camping location, and the level of comfort desired. Whether you opt for a minimalist approach or a more luxurious experience, the key is to choose a method that aligns with your needs and values. By making informed decisions and practicing responsible camping etiquette, you can ensure a memorable and hygienic outdoor adventure.