While everyone has their reasons for wanting to get back to basics with a camping trip, there is a fine line between roughing it and reverting to caveman status.
Even the most rugged adventurer needs protection from the sun, wind, and neighbors prying eyes. Perhaps you are traveling off the beaten track where bathrooms are not available or prefer to set up your own ablution facilities rather than share the athlete’s foot of previous intrepid backpackers, either way, a private area to shower and change is a luxury that everyone can now afford to plan for.
Alvantor Shower Tent
The all-in-one camping shower tent must be the Alvantor Shower Tent. It’s spacious, durable, quick to set up, and offers complete privacy no matter the occasion. Everything you look for and need in a camping shower tent.
Overall Winner
The all-in-one camping shower tent must be the Alvantor Shower Tent. It’s spacious, durable, quick to set up, and offers complete privacy no matter the occasion. Everything you look for and need in a camping shower tent.
Best Pop-up Camping Shower Tent
When you really need your shower tent to literally pop up, then the Green Elephant Camping Shower Tent does exactly that. Pull it out of the carrier bag, throw it into the air and watch it spring into a 6’10” tall ready-to-use shower tent.
Best Two Person Camping Shower Tent
Versatility and convenience are what you get with WolfWise 2-person Camping Shower Tent, the additional room which can be separated or conjoined makes group camping a whole better.
Budget Choice Camping Shower Tent
Needing a shower tent that is made from quality material, is sturdy, and quick to set up all the while staying within a tight budget? The Wolfwise Pop-Up Shower Tent sneaks in just under $40, ticking all the boxes and that’s why it takes the award as our Budget Choice.
What exactly are camping shower tents?
It may be obvious in the name but to elaborate on it, a camping shower tent is a reasonably small tented enclosure that is suitable for showering or changing in. They differ from sleeping tents in that they are designed to accommodate an upright position and therefore have a smaller base diameter but a higher ceiling.
What are they used for?
The versatility, adaptability, and uses of camping shower tents are endless and should be an essential item on everyone’s camping, hiking, holiday, adventure list.
Camping shower tents offer protection from external elements, as well as a privacy screen whilst showering or changing clothes. They can be used during camping, on the beach, or in any public setting that requires a change of outfit. You can also use it as a shelter from the elements when pursuing an outdoor hobby, such as fishing or watching sports.
Vendors will even find a camping shower tent useful at flea markets as an instant changing booth. Whether you need a private space at a week-long music festival or a contained space for your child’s messy play area, the uses are as limitless as your imagination.
The Alvantor shower tent is more spacious than most and quick to set up. It has black-out material that ensures complete privacy, a shower mat that is not attached to the tent floor which makes for good drainage, an opening for a water pipe, and mesh ventilation. The mesh sealing is transparent which allows more sunlight in or a view of the starry night sky, or an optional PVC rain cover.
An added and convenient bonus is the buckles to help clasp the opposite sides together as you fold it and pack it away. The ease of packing and folding up is a huge bonus in camping shower tents.
Covering the Alvantor is a scratch-resistant material that offers UV protection with a UPF of 50+.
A quick and easy pop-up with a fiberglass frame that is lightweight and rustproof. For peace of mind, there is a one-year limited warranty on the shower tent.
Good height of 84 inches which is very accommodating for taller people and a removable floor to assist in the cleaning and drying out of the tent before storing away.
The white color of the tent may not blend in so well with the outdoors and could show up any dirt or stains.
Accessories: The Alvantor includes a coat hook, an inside pocket for storing various items such as soaps, and a rope for hanging a towel.
What’s in the box:
- Carry bag
- Pop up tent
- 4 sandbags
- 4 guy lines
- 8 metal stakes
- 1 floor
2. Green Elephant Camping Shower Tent
The cool zip design of the Green Elephant shower tent allows for the door to be left half-open for extra ventilation, making it easy to pass things over the top, reach for a towel or keep an eye on children, while still allowing moderate privacy. The quality material is a welcome element, as many shower tents can come with subpar materials.
The addition of 4 sandbags is a nice touch, giving the hiker or camper the option of anchoring the shower tent in areas where pegs in the ground may otherwise not be possible.
Height is always an issue with pop-up tents as they tend to be on the shorter side, but the Green Elephant Camping Shower Tent stands tall at 6’10”. It does narrow towards the top though, which may still restrict some movement for taller individuals.
Accessories: Top center shower opening, mesh top with a detachable waterproof covering, towel and clothes hangers, toilet paper holder, an inside pouch, flashlight hanger.
What’s in the box:
- Carry bag
- Pop-up tent
- 8 Pegs
- 4 Guy lines with tensioners
- 4 Sandbags
- 4 Sandbag metal hooks
- 1 Rain cover
3. WolfWise 2-person Camping Shower Tent
The quick and easy pop-up installation of this camping shower tent makes it ideal for those who need a shower in a hurry or don’t want to spend time putting together brace poles and awkward frames. It literally pops up in seconds, which is handy.
A conveniently placed zipper window at the top of the tent makes for great ventilation or doubles as a place to hang a shower bag connection. Double cubicles is not something often considered when looking at camping shower tents but these two cubicles can be separated or conjoined by zipping them together (direct pass-through), which is a great feature because it provides options such as a dry area to leave clothing, a toilet, second showering compartment or possibly an area to hang essential items that need to keep safe from the elements.
The manufacturers of the WolfWise portable pop-up shower tent used high-quality waterproof taffeta 190T which is excellent at withstanding the elements. With a DWR outer coating, the shower tent offers good water repellent properties and is silver coated for UV and UPF 50+ protection.
Although quick and easy to pop up, it does take a certain technique in folding it up again which to a beginner takes practice. Practice makes perfect and you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
Accessories: Inside pockets with an interior clothesline
What’s in the box:
- Carry bag
- Tent
- 8 guy lines
- 14 stakes
- Floor
4. Wolfwise Pop-Up Shower Tent
Putting up a camping shower tent couldn’t get any easier with the Wolfwise quick pop-up unit and ultralight weight of only 4.3 pounds. This 190T anti-tear polyester shower tent has a relatively large size with a height of 74.8″, though the shape does narrow towards the top which may prove problematic for larger individuals. If you’re 6.1-foot or shorter, you shouldn’t have any problems with the Wolfwise Pop-Up. If you’re taller than 6.1-foot, we’d recommend you take a look at something like the KingCamp Oversized tent lower on the list, which offers even more room.
Wolfwise revised the design of their initial iteration of this product. This new version provides more space both in height and width, along with removing what was previously a mesh top. The UV protection blocks up to 60% of harmful rays, making your days on the beach or campsite less harmful to your skin. You’ll find a storage bag on the inside which can hold small accessories like a phone or sunscreen.
It offers convenience and privacy in a flash with minimal fuss. With a price range of around $40, it is the ideal choice for anyone with a tight budget.
The unique shape and earthly color of the Wolfwise shower tent allow it to blend in nicely with the landscape.
What’s in the box:
- Carry bag
- Tent
- 8 tent stakes
5. Vidalido Outdoor Shower Tent
The Vidalido Outdoor shower tent is sturdy and rigid meaning it handles strong winds well. The opaque material does not reveal silhouettes at night which makes a difference when showering or getting changed with an internal light.
With the added strength and stability of the Vidalido’s framing, it can easily support a shower bag of up to 5 gallons being hung inside, plus the added height of the unit being 86.5 inches is very accommodating of tall people which is an important factor when choosing camping shower tents. One handy feature is the mesh-covered side window which opens for extra ventilation or if you would like to shower with a view, while the height still offers privacy.
It does take a little longer to set up with the added framing and rain cover, however, the Vidalido is designed for a long-term setup, and you will be grateful for the additional stability and protection in bad weather.
When folded up the unit can be heavy with a weight of 13 pounds, this could be a matter of concern for those intending on hiking with all their equipment.
Accessories: Inside pockets and a place to attach a shower bag or torch.
What’s in the box:
- Carry bag
- Tent
- 8 Tent pegs
- 8 guy lines
- Floor
- Rain cover
6. Sportneer Pop Up Camping Shower Tent
The convenience of a quick and easy setup allows the Sportneer to pop up within seconds. It is ultra-lightweight at only 4.9 pounds making it ideal to pack for a hiking trip or long walk down the beach.
For such a quick set up this camping shower tent is surprisingly sturdy, combined with the 8 tent stakes and 4 guy lines, the shower tent is almost immovable.
Made using the 190T polyester material that is silver coated which offers water and UV protection.
Two zipper windows (one side, one top for shower insertion) allow for good ventilation. When compared with similar products the Sportneer shower tent is affordable (under $50). Lightweight, suitable for hiking.
Sportneer offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee which highlights their confidence in producing quality camping shower tents.
The option of removing the floor is ideal for several reasons as it makes the cleaning and drying of the unit an easy task while providing you with the option to shower without a floor if on a beach or grassy well-drained area.
This particular camping shower tent comes in a variety of colors, offering the customer a choice between blue, green, black, or pink.
An additional rain cover to place over the top to add more protection would have taken this shower tent from a good product into a great product, unfortunately, there is no such option leaving the unit susceptible to water penetration from heavy rains.
The height of the shower unit at only 74 inches does offer an inconvenience for anyone over 6-feet especially they choose to install a shower bag, this can however be countered by opening the top window and suspending the shower bag from a tree for example.
Accessories: Clothesline and inside pockets.
What’s in the box:
- Carry bag
- Tent
- 4 guy lines
- 8 stakes
- Floor
7. Abco tech Instant Pop-Up Privacy Tent
The Abco Privacy Tent is like the Sportneer in that it is a pop-up shower tent offering quick and simple installation, possibly the quickest installing camping shower tents on the market. It has a maximum height of 75″, though due to the narrow width towards the top of the tent, we wouldn’t recommend this option for anyone over 6-foot.
Silver-coated polyester along with flexible steel bring fairly good stability to what is otherwise a rather minimalist tent. There is a small top window for ventilation, an internal storage bag for phones and other accessories, and a hanging rope for clothes or a towel, all nice features but not exactly groundbreaking achievements.
If you’re looking for a simple, easy to setup option that you can carry with ease to the beach or to the campsite, the Adco is a good choice. You won’t find a robust shower tent like some of the other products. You will also receive a storage bag to keep your belongings in.
The lack of a floor means for those wanting to use it as a shower, will have to find a dry ground or somewhere a little less muddy to finish cleaning off their feet, but isn’t that what camping is all about?
What’s in the box:
- Carry bag
- Tent
- 4 metal mounting stakes
8. KingCamp Oversized Shower Tent
The KingCamp Oversized Shower Tent is an ideal choice for campers looking to spend a week or more in the same spot. The solid frame of this camping shower tent is supported with 4 steel poles, 2 fiberglass poles, 4 guy ropes, and 8 steel nails, all working together to keep the shower tent firm on the ground and able to withstand harsh weather conditions. It should be noted however that with all that support the KingCamp is relatively easy to assemble, it may not be as quick as a pop-up shower tent, but you will be glad you spent those extra few minutes constructing the frame when the wind begins to blow and you’re inside with only a towel.
Privacy seemed to be a main focal point of KingCamp when they designed this shower tent. Made with silver-plated 150D Oxford cloth which ensures maximum privacy day or night, while the PU coated Oxford cloth is also water-repellent. If that was not enough protection, there is a 190T polyester detachable rain cover with its own frame for stability. The 190T polyester is what many other shower tent manufacturers use as their primary tent material, giving you that added sense of comfort that your tent will do just fine in different weather conditions.
A spacious shower tent suitable for all sizes. With a height of 85″ and 66″ width and length, the KingCamp provides ample moving and stretching area for people of all shapes and sizes.
Convenience and storage are other aspects that KingCamp focused on where other manufacturers failed. This camping shower tent has 2 inside pockets with 4 separate compartments for smaller items, 2 straps to hang clothes or a towel, 2 big durable clips for hanging the solar shower head plus an outside pocket with 2 compartments for any of those items you don’t want getting wet.
Gaps between the floor and walling mean easy drainage of the water and ease of cleaning and drying before packing the unit away.
The KingCamp shower tent also comes with a standard 3.9-gallon water bag, ideal for anyone looking to buy a complete ready-to-use system.
The only real negative would have to be the weight of the unit when folded up and bagged, it weights 12.5lbs which when one considers is quite reasonable given all the positive features it offers.
None the less 12.5lbs is still considered extremely heavy, especially for those campers that like to hike deep into the backcountry to find their spot. The KingCamp shower tent is not recommended for hiking with or to those looking for a quick installation and takedown.
Accessories: Two inside and one outside pocket, two buckle hooks at the top for a showerhead and light or to keep the hose to the side and out the way plus 2 clotheslines.
What’s in the box:
- Carry bag
- Tent
- 3.9 Gallon hanging water bag
- 5 Glass fiber frame poles
- 4 Iron pipe frame poles
- 4 Nylon ropes
- 10 Reinforced stakes
9. KingCamp 2-Rooms Shower Tent
The KingCamp 2 Rooms Shower Tent has the quality features and positive aspects of the KingCamp Oversized Shower Tent but with added space functionality and comfort. Made from the same quality 150D silver-plated Oxford opaque and waterproof material with reliably strong frame and poles.
The second room can be used for a toilet or storage area as opposed to a second shower. Having 2 rooms means more space available to move in and KingCamp have done well to create this additional space without compromising the height which is a nice 83.8”. One would think double the space, double the weight but the extra room has only added 4.4lbs to the overall weight when compared with the KingCamp single shower tent.
The floor of the first room has flooring with solid fabric in the center and mesh borders for drainage while the other side is a completely solid fabric flooring and both rooms are attached.
Be sure to fasten the shower tent to the ground securely, making use of all 10 reinforced stakes and nylon ropes because a large tent such as this will be sure to catch the slightest of breezes.
The price of around $149.99 is justifiable if you are camping or exploring with a large group or additional family members and the second room becomes a necessity each day. If it is just two people, then the price may be on the high side when compared with other camping shower tents.
Accessories: Inside pocket with 4 compartments, outside pocket, side and top hooks for shower bag plus inside clothesline.
10. G4Free Camping Shower Tent
The material used in the production of the G4Free Camping Shower Tent is a 210T water-proof polyester with anti-light special silver coating, providing maximum privacy, which is an industry leader in camping shower tents. It also offers the highest amount of headroom with a height of 86.6” when compared with the other camping shower tents on the list.
The mesh screens are B3 high-density screens offering complete insect proofing with good ventilation. A double zipper window where the inner layer is a rain cover, and the outer layer is a permeable gauze.
For those making use of the camping shower tent near the coast, you can rest easy knowing the frame is an anti-rust painted ferric frame and the floor is an abrasion-proof PE Velcro floor, making for easy cleaning and drying off beach sand before packing and storing the unit away.
The removable top rainfly of the shower tent offers the option of protecting the tent and person inside from external weather conditions or removing it completely allowing for better light and airflow, or simply enjoying the view while having a shower.
External frame poles provide the tent with extra support and stability without it encroaching on the internal space of the tent.
Although the height of the shower tent is a huge positive it does create a sense of difficulty to assemble for anyone who may not be 6 feet tall.
What’s in the box:
- Duffel carry bag
- 4 ropes
- 8 stakes
- Waterproof rain fly
Buyer’s Guide (Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Camping Shower Tent)
Shower bag holders
The clips to hang up shower bags or shower heads are either metal clips, plastic hooks, or Velcro straps. They can be found either in the center of the shower or on the side, so take into consideration how your shower headworks, and which option will work the best for you. Some showers have both the center and side clips so that you can secure the shower hose on the side of the tent and out of the way to stop entanglement. After all, the outdoor shower tent will offer no benefit if you (and it) land up in a tangled pile with your feet in the air.
Pop-up camping shower tents cannot support a shower bag, so you would have to hang the shower bag elsewhere and bring the hose inside through the hole in the top or a side window. This may pose an issue if you are camping at a spot with no trees or suitable structures to hang the bag. However, if you have a portable battery-operated shower that pumps water from a bucket, then hanging a bag isn’t a concern you have to take into deliberation. The shower tents with a frame can generally support up to a 5-gallon shower bag, depending on its recommendations.
Floor vs no floor
Some people prefer the bottom to have no floor for better drainage, while others might like knowing that the unit is completely enclosed so that no creeping crawlies can enter while you are in your most vulnerable state. If you are prone to running naked through a campsite at the site of a spider, you might want to consider an attached or mesh floor at the very least.
If you are using the shower tent as a changing facility, one might prefer a solid floor to keep from tracking sand in whilst changing. As with most things, it comes down to what your intended use is, but the good news is that most of them come with a detachable floor, saving you from having to decide imminently upon purchase.
Sturdiness
I find that the sturdiest structures are the ones that come with a metal rod to build a solid frame. However, the extra robustness comes at a cost. The carry bag tends to be larger and heavier than those of the pop-ups, which may not be ideal if you are hiking to your intended camping spot. However, if you are staying in the same place for consecutive days or are in a particularly windy area, it may be worth the bulkier tent.
Ease of set up
The main factor that contributes to ease of setting up again is whether the camping shower tent has a pop-up or external framework to put together. Even though those with rods must be assembled, it is no more complicated than putting up your standard camping tent.
One must not overlook the ease of takedown as a factor as well. The number one complaint that I have come across has been confusion and frustration over the folding up of pop-up tents. Some have gone so far as to bin a brand-new tent out of frustration at not being able to fold it back up once it has conveniently sprung up in less than 2 seconds. What goes up must go down.
Size (folded and open)
One of the ways that camping shower tents obtain their stability is by sacrificing width on the top section, creating a more triangular-shaped tent that does not suffer from top-heaviness. So many of them have a tapered shape towards the top, particularly free-standing pop-up tents. If you are wanting a lot of headroom or are particularly tall you might want to consider a more rectangular shape that does not narrow at head height.
Take into careful consideration how much space you have available for packing purposes. Are you going somewhere in a vehicle where a bulkier carry bag won’t serve as a hindrance? Or will you be jamming it into an engorged backpack every morning where the truth is every inch most definitely counts?
Person capacity
Camping shower tents specify whether they are intended for single or two-person use. You can also choose a plus-sized option if space is a concern. I have noted that even the two-person shower tents are more of a single-person, two rooms option, where one room is intended for showering and the other as a changing room or ablution facility. However, if you have a large group, school, or extended family camping trip, you may prefer to set up both stalls for showering purposes.
Anchored vs free
Free-standing camping shower tents offer convenience and a quick pop-up option but are vulnerable to adverse conditions such as strong winds. Although an anchored shower tent may take a little longer to set up, it will certainly be worth it when the wind picks or if you intend on leaving the shower tent up for a few days.
Decoding the specifications
Confused by the technical jargon when it comes to the materials of camping shower tents? Let me break down the terminology for you so that you can decide for yourself which camping shower tent materials best suit your unique needs.
Although you will find Oxford material referenced a lot, it is not a fabric but rather a type of basket weave that creates a stronger material than standard weaves and is highly suitable for additional coatings to adhere to.
The two main types of fabric choices when it comes to shower tent material are polyester and nylon. They are artificial fabrics that are cheaper and significantly lighter than natural materials such as cotton. Although they may suffer from condensation, they are also much quicker to dry out before packing away. Cotton tents (or canvas) are better insulated and breathable, it is also more UV resistant. Poly-cotton is a hybridized mixture of polyester and cotton to capitalize on a combination of both materials’ fortes.
The material that makes up Polyester is waterproof, however once it is woven into a fabric it is considered water repellent, as water can still travel through the airgaps created by the weave. That is why when you touch polyester fabric with water beads on it, it quickly becomes wet, as the water is pushed through the air gaps. However, once the fabric has been coated with a continuous membrane it becomes waterproof.
Polyurethane (PU) coatings are applied to polyester or nylon fabrics to waterproof it. It doesn’t strengthen the material and can break down when subjected to prolonged UV exposure, but its advantage is that it is still breathable.
Silicone can also be used as a waterproofing barrier applied to fabric, but it is not breathable, and seams are not waterproof unless sealed with an additional layer of sealant. A factor in its favor is that it does strengthen the fabric against tearing.
Some manufacturers combine the two by applying silicone to the outside of the fabric and Polyurethane to the inside, which is known as a SIL/PU coating.
Another common coating found in privacy tents is a silver lining on the inside. The silver layer absorbs and reflects sunlight, protecting you from harmful UV rays whilst you are inside. It also contributes to the opaqueness of the material and may quite literally be the silver lining of your camping experience when you realize that your partner can’t see your shadow while you are spending quality alone time in the bathroom, or hiding out from your children.
Waterproofing ratings or Hydrostatic Head (HH) are measured by the amount of water they can hold out before becoming permeable and are measured in mm. Any ratings above 1500mm are considered waterproof.
Denier (D) is the measure of the weight and thickness of the individual fibers used to make up a fabric. The higher the D number is the thicker the thread, and the more durable a fabric becomes. For instance, 150D would be stronger than 120D. Different types of material have different individual strengths too, for instance, nylon would not be as strong as polyester. Keep in mind that the higher D value also means that the tent will be heavier to carry.
Thread count (T) is the number of threads per square inch of fabric. A higher thread count means a higher density and stronger weave. It also contributes towards its water repellent properties as denser materials are less permeable. Generally, items with a lower D have a higher T, as more thinner threads can be condensed into a square inch than thick threads.
Ripstop is a weaving method where a stronger thread is woven into the material at regular intervals to reinforce it, creating a gridlock pattern. This ensures that any rips or tears are contained in a smaller area and stops the tear from spreading.
For a comparison of metals used in camping shower tents, Aluminium is lighter than steel, which is 2.5 times denser, but it is not as strong. Steel is usually used when strength is more desirable, and weight is not a critical factor. It is also more affordable than Aluminium. Alloy is a combination of elements with Aluminium being the primary metal. Alloy gives you greater strength while still being lighter than steel, it is a blend of materials to bring you the best compromise on promising characteristics.
Fiberglass is a combination of plastic and glass that is used for tent poles. It is a more affordable option than aluminum or alloy, but not as heavy as steel. It also offers a degree of flexibility and astonishing strength for its weight. Carbon fiber is another lightweight yet strong option for tent poles.
How We Selected Our Products
When putting together this list, we focused on the most important parts of camping shower tents. Firstly, we realized that there were distinct types of shower tents, some of which are designed specifically for showering and others which are generally privacy tents. For example, we included several multipurpose privacy tents that are easy to pop up at the beach, but also useful to bring with you as a shower tent when you camp.
We took into account the weight of the products, ensuring that we selected winners that covered a large spectrum of needs. A heavier tent generally provides better stability, but we didn’t want to overlook the value of easy to setup options that were lighter weight (ideal for those looking for something to take along to the beach). Playing into weight is the material, which was another deciding factor we wanted to include products that boast both heavy-duty materials and also some which are perhaps easier to set up, but not as resilient.
The space offered by the shower tent was also important. We wanted to make sure that there are options for all body types, so we included some larger shower tents which are guaranteed to provide sufficient headroom.
Conclusion
The specific camping shower tent that you choose will depend on cost, space limitations, ease of set up (and taking it down), durability, and how much weight you are capable of lugging around with you. I am confident that armed with the information laid out above, we have been able to help demystify the specifications and narrow down your selection process for you. No matter what camping shower tent you decide on, I have found from experience that any shower is better than no shower.
Alvantor Shower Tent
The all-in-one camping shower tent must be the Alvantor Shower Tent. It’s spacious, durable, quick to set up, and offers complete privacy no matter the occasion. Everything you look for and need in a camping shower tent.
Jonathen was born and raised in South Africa, went to school just outside Port Elizabeth. He studied Agricultural Management at Free State University, then completed my Honours Degree in Wildlife Management. After a few years overseas, he and his wife managed a lodge in the Okavango Delta of Botswana. We then returned to the family farm in the Eastern Cape to begin a family and open our businesses. He has been a professional hunting guide for 15 years and began his hunting safari business almost 8 years ago. He caters to international hunters and offers quality hunting safari tours and adventures.
