How to Set Up a Portable Shower for Camping

Few things feel as refreshing as a shower after a long day outdoors — whether you've been hiking, swimming, or just relaxing at your campsite. But if you've ever camped off-grid, you know that setting up a shower can be tricky. The great news? With the right gear and a little planning, creating a portable shower is easy, fun, and a game-changer for your outdoor adventures.

In this guide, we'll walk you through how to set up a portable camping shower, what to look for in a shower head and hose, and the best products from TheOneShower that will transform your camping experience in 2025.

Why Every Camper Needs a Portable Shower

When you're outdoors, it's not just about staying clean — it's about comfort, health, and convenience. A high pressure shower head can help you wash off dirt, sand, or sweat in minutes. It's also useful for rinsing off pets, cleaning cooking gear, or cooling down in hot weather.

Modern portable showers are lightweight, efficient, and easy to set up. With options like hand shower and head shower combos or even filtered shower heads for better water quality, you can enjoy a refreshing rinse anywhere.

Essential Gear for a Portable Camping Shower

Before setting up your system, here's what you'll need:

Water Source – A portable water tank, jerry can, or even a nearby natural source.
Pump or Gravity System – Small 12V pumps work well in RVs, while gravity-fed bags are perfect for hiking trips.
Shower Head – The key component. A shower head and handheld combo gives you flexibility, while a shower rain shower style is great for outdoor rinse stations.
Shower Holder – A wall-mounted or adhesive hand held shower holder makes your setup hands-free.
Privacy Tent or Awning – Optional but makes your camping shower feel like a real bathroom.

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up a Portable Shower

1. Choose the Right Shower Head

For camping, you want something durable, lightweight, and efficient. Many campers love the best handheld shower head options because they're flexible and easy to use.

From our High Pressure Collection, you'll find models that boost weak pressure, perfect for low-flow camping setups.
Looking for style? A black shower head from the Handheld Shower Heads Collection is both functional and sleek.

2. Attach a Hose

Most handheld shower models come with a shower head and hose combo. This allows you to direct the spray wherever needed — whether that's rinsing off sandy feet or washing dishes after a meal.

3. Mount the Shower Holder

A shower holder makes life much easier. If you're camping in a van or RV, try a screw-free adhesive hand held shower holder. For tents, you can clip it onto a pole or hang it from a hook.

4. Connect to Your Water Supply

Hook your shower head and hose to a water pump or gravity bag. If you're using an RV water system, check out our RV Camper Shower Heads Collection for models designed specifically for that lifestyle.

5. Test the Flow

Adjust spray settings until you find the right balance. Some campers prefer a shower rain shower effect for a natural feel, while others go for focused high-pressure jets.

Best Shower Heads for Camping

Here are some of our top picks from TheOneShower collections:

High Pressure Handheld Combo – Perfect for boosting weak campground water. (See our High Pressure Shower Heads)
Filtered Handheld Shower Head – Keeps your water clean and skin-friendly, especially useful when sourcing water from lakes or tanks. (Explore Filtered Shower Heads)
Outdoor Garden Shower Head – Long hose options make it easy to rinse off gear, pets, or multiple people at once. (Check Outdoor Garden Shower Heads)
RV Camper Hand Shower and Head Shower Combo – Compact, powerful, and built for life on the road. (View RV Camper Shower Heads)
Tiny Home & Van Shower Head – Perfect for small spaces where every inch counts. (Browse Tiny Homes & Vans Shower Heads)

Product Comparison Table

Product Type	Key Features	Best Use Case
High Pressure Handheld	Boosts weak flow, multiple spray modes	Campsites with low water pressure
Black Handheld Shower Head	Stylish, compact, pause button	Vans & tiny homes
Filtered Shower Head	Improves water quality, skin-friendly	Off-grid setups with natural water
RV Camper Combo	Durable, adjustable spray patterns	Road trips & RVs
Outdoor Garden Long-Hose Shower	Extended reach, flexible use	Campsites & outdoor rinse areas

Lifestyle Tips for Outdoor Showers

Use a solar water bag to enjoy warm showers even off-grid.
Create a DIY shower stall with a pop-up tent for privacy.
Keep a bathroom shower head alternative at home for easy swapping between indoor and outdoor use.
Always carry a backup handheld shower in case your pump or gravity bag fails.

Explore More Resources

Want to dive deeper into setting up your outdoor shower? Check out our other blogs:

Best Shower Head for Low Water Pressure in 2025(blue for internal linking)
Top Outdoor Shower Ideas for Camping and RVs(blue for internal linking)
Why You Need a Filtered Shower Head for Off-Grid Living(blue for internal linking)

Conclusion

Setting up a portable shower for camping is easier than you think. With the right shower head and hose, a simple shower holder, and the flexibility of a shower head and handheld combo, you can enjoy the comfort of a real bathroom anywhere you travel.

Whether you're in a tent, van, RV, or tiny home, TheOneShower offers some of the best shower heads for outdoor living. Explore our collections in blue links above and build your perfect setup today — because every great adventure deserves a refreshing shower at the end of the day.