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How to Take a Shower While Camping

How to Take a Shower While Camping

Long days on the trail, nights under the stars, and mornings that start with a view. It’s the dream, but after a few days of adventure, there’s one reality that can sneak up on you: no shower.

Dust, sweat, and sunscreen build up quickly, and feeling clean can be the difference between a fun, long-lasting trip and counting down the hours until you’re home. The good news? With the right setup and a little creativity, you don’t have to sacrifice cleanliness for time outdoors.

Here are some of the best ways to stay fresh while camping, from quick fixes to full-blown shower setups.

Sponge Bath & Wipes

If water is limited or you’re deep in the backcountry, a sponge bath can be your best friend. Fill a small bucket or pot with water (from a lake, stream, or your own supply), add a little biodegradable soap, and use a towel to wipe down.

Want to skip water altogether? Baby wipes are a lifesaver. Many companies even make biodegradable versions for camping like Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes. For a “shower in a wipe,” Surviveware Biodegradable Wipes are extra-large and perfect for adults.

It’s not glamorous, but it gets the job done and saves precious water. 

Simple Camp Showers

Camp shower tech has come a long way. A few great options:

The Game-Changer: A Shower Awning

Here’s where the shower experience really gets an upgrade. Traditional camp showers can get the job done, but privacy and comfort often fall short. That’s why a shower awning is a game-changer.

The FSR Shower Awning attaches directly to your rack just like a standard awning, but it deploys into a private enclosure in seconds. It’s more than just a place to rinse off:

  • Privacy at camp: Step into your own enclosed shower room instead of trying to bathe in the open.
  • Quick setup: Deploys in under a minute
  • Multi-use space: Use it for showers, a changing room, or even a portable restroom.
  • Pairs perfectly with camp showers: Whether you’re using a solar bag, road shower, or heated unit, the awning gives you a dedicated, comfortable space to get clean. Plus offers zip-down vehicle access if needed.

If you love the idea of a proper shower setup while still being off-grid, a shower awning brings that little slice of comfort you didn’t know you were missing.

Photos of the FSR Shower Awning in use. Being deployed at camp, inside the shower awning with vehicle access, and being used with a portable shower system.

Shower Responsibly

It is important to be environmentally conscious while showering in nature to prevent runoff from polluting nearby water sources. Wherever you clean up, keep Leave No Trace principles in mind. Always:

  • Use biodegradable soap (like Dr. Bronner’s or Campsuds).
  • Stay at least 200 feet away from rivers, lakes, or streams to prevent runoff.
  • Pack out wipes, packaging, and anything non-biodegradable.

Keeping clean shouldn’t come at the expense of the places we love to explore.

Find a Camp Shower Near You

Sometimes you need the real deal. Many campgrounds list shower access as part of their amenities: Hipcamp, FreeCampsites, and Recreation.gov make it easy to filter by shower availability.

And if you’re between sites, check local recreation centers or use the Public Shower Directory to find one nearby.

Stay Fresh

Whether it’s a quick wipe-down, a solar bag hung from a tree, or a fully set-up shower awning at camp, there’s no reason to feel grimy on your next trip. With the right gear, you can keep the adventures rolling and still crawl into your sleeping bag feeling refreshed.

Ready to upgrade your camp shower setup? Check out our Shower Awning on presale now. 

The FSR Shower Awning deployed at camp

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