How To Shower While Camping

So you are going to be camping for a few days.  There are two approaches you can take to bathing.  You can stick it out for the entire duration of your camping trip and learn to love your own stink (although your fellow campers might not appreciate it). Or, you can take a few extra moments to shower and make your camping experience much more enjoyable for yourself and the people around you.  In this article, we will explore the art of taking a shower while camping.

Why is it important to shower/bathe while camping?

The easy answer to this question is simply so you don’t stink.  However, camping is inherently smelly.  If you are going to be in the wilderness for an extended period of time, you are going to encounter a wide variety of smells.  Trees smell.  Animals smell.  Your campfire smells.  It’s impossible to camp without acquiring some sort of odor.  So if smelling is inevitable while camping, why worry about bathing.  The truth is that it is important to maintain good hygiene for your general health.  

Going for an extended period of time without showering cleaning yourself in some fashion can lead to a buildup of bacteria on your body.  Granted, there is always bacteria on your body and to some extent, these are actually good for you.  Your natural bacteria make up your body’s biome and operate to aid your immune system. However, this is a delicate balance and ad you increase the time between showers, the bacteria on your body begin to propagate.  If you later sustain a cut or wound of some sort, or if you ingest these excessive bacteria, it can lead to illness or something potentially worse.  

Additionally, if you are camping and refuse to shower, you can see an increase in acne as the days pass. Removing dirt and bacteria from your pours is critical for maintaining clear skin.  Now you might be thinking that a little acne doesn’t bother you. However, inflamed boils can develop and become infected and this can lead to serious problems.

Another thing to consider is whether or not you have any preexisting skin conditions.  People with conditions like eczema or any form of dry, itchy skin know how important proper skincare is.  If you are camping for a few days, you will want to keep your skin as clean as possible in order to keep outbreaks under control.  The last thing you want is to have some painful and/or itchy outbreak while living in the wilderness.

The main thing to remember is that even though camping is a time to be “roughing it,” we as humans cannot neglect personal hygiene for too long.  It is essential to our overall wellness.  So, if you are planning on camping for longer than one night, you would be wise to make preparations to clean yourself at some point. 

What are the different ways to bathe while camping?

The good news is that there are some convenient ways to clean yourself while camping.  You don’t have to take a full shower every day on your camping trip (although you need to work it in at some point).  However, if you are just looking for a way to freshen up after your first night of camping then a pack of baby wipes is perfect.  Just be sure to properly dispose of them in a trash receptacle of some sort.  There are even some adult wipes with antibacterial formulas that work really well for cleaning up while camping.  DO NOT confuse these with antibacterial wipes used for cleaning countertops and other surfaces.  There are specific sanitizing wipes that are designed to be used on human skin and these should be the wipes that you use to clean yourself.  

Another way to shower while camping is to use a moving body of water like a stream or waterfall.  The key here is to use water that is moving. Don’t get is wrong.  You can certainly use a pond or lake if you are in a pinch.  However, moving water bodies are less likely to accumulate scum and bacteria that can leave you even more contaminated than before your shower.  These contaminants are more prominent in stagnant water like a pond or non-moving creek.  Additionally, the moving water of a stream or river is better suited for diluting any soap you might be using for your bath.  This is important so as not to disrupt the aquatic habitat and drinking water for the local wildlife.  It also helps to use a biodegradable soap in order to protect the local ecosystem. These water sources will take some getting used to as they will likely be frigid in some cases.  However, they can also be a brisk and refreshing way to get clean while camping.

Perhaps the best way to get clean while camping is to bring a portable shower.  This can be a lifesaver when camping for long periods in the wilderness.  The truth about camping is that there will likely be times when moving bodies of water are not accessible.  Also, keeping track of used sanitizing wipes can be cumbersome.  However, if you are packing a portable shower you will truly be in for an enjoyable camping experience.

What are the different types of portable showers? 

A portable shower can be defined as any device that uses a stand-alone water source for the purposes of bathing.  For the purposes of this article, we are not discussing mere curtains that can be erected to provide privacy while your shower under a running garden hose. These are commonly referred to as “privacy tents” and can double as a bathroom as well when camping in the wild. However, the key to showering while camping is to have an independent, stand-alone water source that can be used in the field when you have no other access to water.   If you are truly secluded in a location where you feel comfortable doing so, you can use a portable shower behind a bush or a thick tree. Just beware of fellow campers that might stumble upon you in the midst of a morning shower and be greeted with an unwanted eyeful.  

Solar Showers – 

These are a favorite among campers.  The benefit of these showers is that they have solar panels that actually heat the water being contained in the internal bladder.  This can be a desired luxury in a setting where amenities are limited. These showers function by filling a bag (bladder) with clean water that you plan to bathe with.  By inserting the bladder into a protective shell that is equipped with solar powered heating panels and then hanging this assembly from a strong tree branch, you can have a comfortable shower that can make your camping trip truly enjoyable.  

If you are looking for a good solar powered portable shower, you really need to think about the Sportneer Solar Shower Bag (Amazon ASIN: B07F8NT41M).   Aside from effectively heating the water to a comfortable temperature, this portable shower has a massive 5-gallon capacity.  This means that with a complete fill of the bladder you will be able to take multiple showers.  This capacity makes this portable shower ideal for multi-day camping excursions.  

Foot pump showers – 

These showers are designed with a foot pump attached to a main water canister.  The foot pump allows you to regulate water pressure and control water flow.  This is a step up from other hanging-bag designs that essentially leak water onto you from an overhead position.  These often come with handheld spray nozzles that make these showers ideal for quick cleaning.  Additionally, they have the added benefit of convenience for cleaning other things like dishes and clothes.  If you are camping with your small children, the handheld nozzle is ideal for allowing them to wash themselves whereas the hanging-bag showers can be more difficult for them to manage.  

If you are looking for a reliable foot pump shower, check out the Nemo Helio Portable Pressure Shower with foot pump (Amazon ASIN: B075Y2XCRN )  This portable shower has an astounding 11L (2.9 gallons) capacity, which makes it ideal for family camping trips.  The foot pump on this device pressurizes an attached water canister and the handheld shower nozzle releases a steady spray of water when the trigger is squeezed. It is an essential tool for any multi-day or multi-person camping trip.

Portable Sprayers –

Sometimes you just want to rinse off while camping.  Up until now, we have been discussing devices that you can pre-fill with clean water before leaving on your camping trip.  However, if you just want a quick rinse while camping, then a portable sprayer might be just the item for you.  These are extremely beneficial because unlike their pre-fill counterparts, you don’t have to worry about lugging around several gallons of water while hiking to your campsite.  These little devices consist of nothing more than a spray nozzle and a water pump connected by a hose.  

One of the best and most convenient portable sprayers is the Pure Clean Portable Camping Shower (Amazon  ASIN: B00WWNJVF8).  With this ingenious little device, all you’ll need is a body of water or a bucket filled with water to enjoy a refreshing shower while camping.  Just submerge the battery powered water pump into the water and use the handheld spray nozzle on the other end of the hose and you have a truly convenient way of getting clean while camping.  The battery is rechargeable and the water pump is waterproof which will allow you to use this device safely and for many fun-filled camping trips. 

Always remember, staying clean while camping should be a top priority for anyone planning on camping longer than a couple of days.  It will help maintain your overall health and make for a more enjoyable camping experience.  Stay on top of this crucial aspect of outdoor living and you too will have a camping trip for the ages.