If you have ever camped outdoors for a few days, you know the desperate need for a nice hot shower when you return home. But what if you could get a hot shower at the campsite instead of waiting to reach home?
Here, we have composed the five best heated camping showers for you to stay clean and enjoy your trip even longer!
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall
Hike Crew Portable Propane Water Shower Pump
Best Lightweight
Camplux Tankless Water Heater
Best Budget-Friendly
Advanced Elements Summer Shower
Best Battery-Powered
Mr. Heater BOSS-XW18 Basecamp Battery Operated Shower System
Best Built-In Heating System
Geyser Systems Portable Shower with Heater
Best Overall
Hike Crew Portable Propane Water Shower Pump
This portable water shower pump makes cold outdoor showers a thing of the past. With an LCD display, the main unit allows you to adjust the temperature of the water, the ignition status, and safety cut-off, all while the unit is in use.
The adjustable shower head offers three main settings for showering, washing dishes, and washing other items, such as coolers or boots. That way, you’re not wasting any water when doing specific tasks.
There are no complicated hookups, and the pump can run off a simple and small propane tank, making travel a breeze. There is no need to worry about fires or overheating as the tank has a safety shut-off once the water has reached your desired temperature under 149 degrees Fahrenheit.
This heated camping shower has it all and comes ready with all the different power and gas adapters needed to simplify the process and take the guesswork away.
Pros:
- Simple to use and easy hookups.
- Safety features.
- Included faucet for handwashing.
Cons:
- Hard to find replacement parts.
- Low water pressure.
- Needs an electrical outlet.
Best Lightweight
Camplux Tankless Water Heater
When it comes to lightweight, this 10-pound heated camping shower does the job and does it well. It’s easy to set up and use almost instantly.
The great thing is this heated camping shower runs off of propane and two D batteries, so there is no need to locate a power source. Just hang on a fireproof surface, connect to the gas and water hose, and you’re set.
The controls are simple to follow, making the unit extremely user-friendly. And the safety shut-off features make it safe to use at any camping location.
Pros:
- Lightweight.
- Simple controls system.
Cons:
- Needs a water hose connection.
- It must be hung and cannot lay flat.
Best Budget-Friendly
Advanced Elements Summer Shower
On a budget? Need a lightweight, portable option for backpacking? We have got you covered with this heated camping shower.
Outside in the wilderness, there usually aren’t any gas or water hookups, so you must take advantage of what’s around you. Such as the sun. This solar-powered heated camping shower fits the bill.
In as little as three hours, you can have a nice, relaxing hot shower almost anywhere, and with five gallons of water, you won’t have to rush to get rinsed off.
Weighing in under a pound and a half, this is the perfect heated camping shower to travel with you and your gear. Once filled, turn the clear side toward the sun and let it sit. There is a temperature gauge you can use to see just how warm the water is getting. Once at the desired temperature, hang and release the shower head from the velcro straps and you’re all set!
Don’t worry about holes and punctures because this bag is sealed tight with four levels of insulating protection. You’ll be using this shower for years to come.
Pros:
- Solar powered, no need for water and gas hookups.
- Small side pocket to hold personal shower items.
Cons:
- It needs to be sunny to work.
- It can take longer than 3 hours to heat up.
Best Battery-Powered
Mr. Heater Boss-XW18 Basecamp Battery Operated Shower System
If you need a heated camping shower without any electrical setups, this is the perfect pick for you. Use the AC adapter to quickly recharge the internal battery, giving you 40 minutes of hot water run time.
All you need is a small camping propane tank and a water source. The internal filtration can filter debris from the water, so you won’t have to worry about ruining the machine or washing your hands or dishes with dirty water.
You can easily adjust the flow on the pump to fit your needs and not waste water, and when not in use, it has a safety shut-off that won’t allow water to flow past a specific temperature.
Pros:
- Battery run.
- Runs off a small propane cylinder.
Cons:
- Short run time.
- Low water pressure.
Best Built-In Heating System
Geyser Systems Portable Shower With Heater
This heated camping shower is a luxury purchase for sure, but it is worth it. The internal heating device delivers a pristine 95-degree Fahrenheit water temperature so you can comfortably shower. And you can do so with less than one gallon of water.
Once you add your water and hook up to the electricity from your vehicle or battery, you’ll have a hot shower ready in under 45 minutes. The attached scrub sponge makes cleaning items or yourself a breeze, and you won’t be wasting any water either. Easily adjust water flow with the control valve for 15 minutes of continuous use.
With a 16-foot power cable, it’s easy to keep water puddles and mess away from your vehicles or campsite, making this an all-around great experience.
Weighing in at eight pounds, you can easily add this to your gear without realizing it is even there, which makes for easy packing and traveling.
Pros:
- Lightweight.
- No need for propane tanks.
- Sponge connection helps not to waste water.
- Quiet.
Cons:
- Need electrical set up such as a vehicle or battery.
- Fast run time.
Types of Heated Camping Showers
When purchasing a heated camping shower, it’s good to know the pros and cons of each type and what would be the most functional for you and your camping and travel style.
Battery-Powered
Battery-powered heated camping showers typically have an internal battery that you must charge to use.
Benefits
- You don’t need to find electrical outlets or use your vehicle’s outlet.
- Less to pack and travel with.
- No generator is needed.
- All-in-one system.
- Rechargeable.
Drawbacks
- Water doesn’t heat up as quickly.
- It can only run for a specific amount of time.
- Lower water pressures.
- Smaller water capacity.
Solar-Powered
Solar-powered heated camping showers are perfect for those without an electric and gas hookup and who need a lighter, more convenient type of shower to travel with.
Benefits
- Great for hiking and backpacking.
- Powered by the sun.
- No need to haul propane tanks.
- Water gets relatively warm for comfortable showers.
Drawbacks
- The largest is about 5 gallons.
- Water is only going to warm up with full sun.
- It takes hours for water to reach temperature.
- Heavy to hold once filled.
Electric-Powered
Electric-powered heated camping showers are great for those who use campers or RVs to travel and are looking for a convenient outdoor shower or even those who travel in their vehicles. Electric-powered showers have better water pressure and heat up quicker than the others mentioned.
Benefits
- Good water pressure.
- Heats up quickly.
- Larger water capacity.
Drawbacks
- Needs constant availability of electricity to work.
- Less conducive for tent camping.
Buyers Guide to Heated Camping Showers
Camping Style
When choosing a heated camping shower, one thing to consider is your camping type. If you like hiking and backpacking, even kayaking or canoeing to your camping location, a bulky electric and gas-powered shower unit wouldn’t be the best choice.
You should opt for a lightweight solar-powered shower that won’t weigh you down and doesn’t need any special equipment to make it work.
If your camping style is taking the camper to the beach, and you are looking for a hot shower after a long day of swimming, an electric-powered unit with a propane tank might make more sense as you can easily travel with this and won’t have to worry about tracking sand throughout the camper.
RVs and Campers
Many campers and RVs include showers, but after a long day out in nature, you may want to rinse off and leave nature where it belongs—outside. Many of these heated camping showers are the perfect way to rinse off the day without bringing mud and dirt through your living space.
Environmentally Friendly
It’s safe to say if you’re out traveling in nature, you must be a bit eco-friendly. In this case, you might look into solar-powered heated showers that don’t require electricity or propane gas.
Lightweight and Compact
Pick a heated camping shower that will be easy to travel with. There are many compact options to choose from that can be packed into the car or slid into the camper’s storage area. Although a hot shower is important, you want to make sure you still have enough room for other necessary supplies.
Must Haves and Addable Accessories
When using a heated camping shower, you may want to have or bring a few things along with you.
1. Reliable Propane Tanks
When traveling with a heated camping shower system that needs propane to heat the water, ensure you have a reliable propane tank and a filled backup, just in case.
2. Outdoor Shower Tent
Depending on where you are camping, you should keep your showers private rather than airing out all your business. With an outdoor shower tent, you have all the privacy you need to shower, change, and keep some hot air inside to keep you nice and warm.
3. Propane Adaptable Hoses
You’re ready to take a nice hot shower at the campsite to realize your hose has a kink and is unsafe to connect to your propane tank. Since you’re already at camp, the next store is probably a ways away, so it’s best to come prepared. It’s a good thing you can find hoses for your heated camping shower on Amazon for relatively cheap always to have a backup.
4. Campsite Generator
If you choose to have an electric-powered heated camping shower, it may be because you already have access to electricity or are looking for generators to power other items at your campsite. If so, visit our page on the best camping generators.
Frequently Asked Questions for Heated Camping Showers
What type of heated camping shower has the most power in warming the water and keeping water pressure?
Electric and propane heated camping showers do the best in both departments. They are bulky and heavy to tow with you, but you’ll see and feel the difference.
Do solar-powered camp showers really work?
In short, yes! Solar-powered camping showers will heat the water for a hot shower. It will take some patience, and you cannot adjust temperatures or water pressure, but they do the trick!
Wrapping up Heated Camping Showers
Now that you have our top five picks for heated camping showers and our extensive buyer’s guide, you’ll be ready to take a hot shower the next time you’re at the campsite, regardless of what they look like!
Need more gear? Check out the camping gear you must have for your next adventure!
- About the Author
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Lauren is a housewife and mother with a passion for writing about all things outdoors! Whether choosing a camping location or the top chairs to put around your campfire, Lauren will guide you each step of the way.
So make sure to get up and plan that outdoor getaway, and remember to see what Lauren has to say about the best camping or gaming gear and what sites to visit!