Assuming you don’t have a built-in shower in your RV, you will need to get a little creative about showering while camping. A popular option is the DIY camping shower. This can be as simple as hanging a black garbage bag filled with water from a tree branch and making holes in it with a sharp object to make it rain. Another option is to purchase a portable shower bag that you can fill with water and hang from a tree or other support. These typically come with a shower head and hose, making them easy to use.
Whichever method you choose, set up your shower in an area that is not near any bodies of water, as this can contaminate the stream and pose a health risk. Moreover, let any water you use drain away from your campsite so as not to attract insects or other pests.
Making a DIY Camp Shower
If you don’t have an RV, you can still take advantage of the great outdoors by showering under a tree. This setup is a bit more rustic, but it’s still doable. If you don’t like taking a dip in the lake nearby, try the following DIY showering methods:
Battery-Operated Pump With Shower Head
This is one of the most popular camping showers. It’s very easy to use, and you can take it anywhere. All you need is a water container and batteries. This shower also comes with a flexible hose so you can easily reach all body parts.
You can even make this at home by using everyday household items. However, if you are short on time, you can buy the pump online and follow the instructions on the package to set up your shower.
How to Make It
- Fill the water container with clean water.
- Hang the container from a tree or any other support.
- When your pump is fully charged, turn it on and drop it into the bucket
- The pump will work for three minutes, so shower military-style: Get wet, turn off the pump, lather on soap, and turn the pump on again
Pack everything in a waterproof bag so your belongings don’t get wet when carrying the portable shower to your campsite and from it.
Portable Shower Bag
This is another popular option for camping showers. A portable shower bag typically comes with a shower head and hose, making them easy to use. They are also very lightweight and portable, so you can take them anywhere.
How to Make It
- Fill the shower bag with clean water.
- Hang the shower bag from a tree or any other support.
- Connect the hose to the shower head.
- Turn on the water and enjoy your shower.
PVC Pipe Shower
This is a more advanced version of the DIY camping shower, but it’s still relatively easy to set up. You’ll need some PVC pipe, fittings, and a small hand pump.
How to Make It
- Cut the PVC pipe to the desired length.
- Assemble the PVC pipe and fittings.
- Connect the small hand pump to the PVC pipe.
- Fill the shower bag with clean water and hang it from a tree or any other support.
- Pump the water through the PVC pipe and enjoy your shower.
Solar Shower
This is one of the most eco-friendly camping showers. It uses the sun’s energy to heat water stored in a black bag. A solar shower typically comes with a shower head and hose. It also has a valve that allows you to conserve water.
This DIY shower is excellent for families who have small kids. Unlike the battery-operated shower, where you have to warm your water and pour it into the bucket, the solar shower saves you a lot of time and energy.
How to Make It
- Fill the shower bag with clean water and place it in direct sunlight for several hours.
- Hang the shower bag from a tree or any other support.
- Connect the hose to the shower head.
- Turn on the water and enjoy your shower.
Garden Sprayer and Hose Shower
This is one of the simplest DIY camping showers. All you need is a garden sprayer and a hose. You can use this shower indoors or outdoors. It’s also great for washing your car or watering your plants.
How to Make It
- Fill the garden sprayer with clean water.
- Remove the nozzle or spraying wand from the sprayer.
- Attach the garden hose adapter to the hose nozzle.
- Attach the hose clamp
- Insert the endpoint of the garden hose into the hose.
- Tighten the clamp.
- Pump up the sprayer and start showing
Handheld Jug and Straw Shower
This is one of the most basic camping showers. All you need is a clean jug and a thick straw. This shower is great for quickly cooling down on a hot day.
How to Make It
- Make a hole big enough in the cap of the jug so that staw sits perfectly in it
- Make dozens of tiny holes in the cap for the showerhead
- Fill the jug with clean water.
- Insert the straw into the jug.
- Hold the jug above your head, give it a little shake and enjoy your shower (Sometimes, the jug traps in air, which chokes the showerhead)
Use a one-gallon jug so you can easily hold it over your head.
Camp Shower Enclosure
This is a great option if you are car camping or if you have a lot of gear with you. These enclosures typically come with a shower head and hose, making them easy to use. They can be set up in minutes and provide privacy while you shower.
How to Make It
- Find two trees that are the right distance apart for your enclosure.
- Use a plastic pipe to create a hoop
- Use a clothesline or bungee cords to secure the hoop to the tree. You can even use hangers to secure from different sides
- Hang the shower curtain using a paracord
- Enjoy your private shower!
Conclusion
There are many ways to make DIY camping showers, and they all have one thing in common: They can be easily set up and taken down. Even if you don’t have an RV, with a bit of creativity, you can have a refreshing shower anywhere you go. So, the next time you plan a camping trip, try one of these DIY showers.
