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Whether you’re on an extended camping trip or traveling great distances in your vehicle, you need a shower tent. These convenient portable washing stations offer privacy no matter where you are.
There are a variety of options to choose from, so the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best shower tents on Amazon.
Here are our top recommendations.
Compare Top Shower Tents
Product | Capacity | Color | Height | Weight | Overall Dimensions |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
GigaTent Shower Tent | 1 person | Bright green | 72 inches | 3 pounds | 69 x 36 x 69 inches |
WolfWise Shower Tent | 1 person | Green | 77 inches | 4.3 pounds | 47.2 x 47.2 x 74.8 inches |
Green Elephant Shower Tent | 1 person | Blue | 83 inches | 5.5 pounds | 82.7 x 47 x 47 inches |
Ozark Trail Shower Shelter | 2 people | Gray | 84 inches | 20.2 pounds | Not listed |
Texsport Shower Shelter | 1 person | Gray and green | 87 inches | 20 pounds | 87 x 54 x 54 inches |
Product | Capacity | Color | Height | Weight | Overall Dimensions |
Top 5 Shower Tents
- Most Portable: GigaTent Portable Outdoor Shower Tent
- Best For Hose Showers: WolfWise Portable Outdoor Shower Tent
- Best Accessories: Green Elephant Portable Shower Tent
- Best Two-Room Tent: Ozark Trail Outdoor Shower Shelter
- Best Tall Shower: Texsport Portable Outdoor Shower Shelter
Most Portable: GigaTent Portable Outdoor Shower Tent
Pros and Cons
✔ Comes with sewn-in pockets in case you want to add sandbags to weigh it down
✔ Includes optional guy lines for added stability
✔ Weighs only 3 pounds
✘ Lacks adequate ventilation
✘ Doesn’t work well for tall individuals because it’s only 6 feet high
What Customers Are Saying
Customers enjoyed the versatility of this shower tent, sharing that it worked as a changing area, shower station, and porta-potty. Its light weight and compact size were also highlights for many customers. However, some users believed that the material was too thin, which meant that it was see-through when it was used in direct sunlight. Taller customers also found the height of the tent to be insufficient, saying that they had to duck down to use it.
Best For Hose Showers: WolfWise Portable Outdoor Shower Tent
Pros and Cons
✔ Blocks 60% of harmful UV rays
✔ Comes with a carrying bag that you can wear as a backpack
✔ Available in multiple colors
✘ Uses zippers that are prone to premature wear
✘ Doesn’t have a removable floor, so you have to stand on the ground
What Customers Are Saying
Happy customers found this shower tent to be roomy and easy to set up. Many campers found that it accommodated a portable toilet nicely. Conversely, other customers had negative feedback surrounding the fabric’s lack of ventilation and the zipper’s cheap quality.
Best Accessories: Green Elephant Portable Shower Tent
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a mesh top for ventilation
✔ Has a nearly 7-foot height to accommodate taller users
✔ Comes with pegs and guy lines to keep it secure to the ground
✘ Retains a lot of heat in direct sunlight with its dark color
✘ Made from thin fabric, which raises longevity concerns
What Customers Are Saying
Users, especially taller ones, appreciated the roominess of this shower tent. Others praised the tent for its fast and easy setup. Unsatisfied customers stated that the fabric tore easily on uneven ground and pavement.
Best Two-Room Tent: Ozark Trail Outdoor Shower Shelter
Pros and Cons
✔ Has two separate rooms for privacy and versatility
✔ Uses a mesh drain to reduce water pooling
✔ Comes with zip-up windows in case you want to see out
✘ Doesn’t fold as compact as other shower tents
✘ Weighs about 20 pounds, making carrying it difficult
What Customers Are Saying
Many customers found this camping shower tent to be versatile, using one room as a solar shower and the other as a portable camping toilet. The 7-foot height also provided ample room for taller users. Even satisfied customers still had complaints about the quality of the carrying bag, however, reporting that it easily ripped after a couple uses. The longevity of the zippers was another concern that users brought up, sharing that the zippers got stuck frequently.
Best Tall Shower: Texsport Portable Outdoor Shower Shelter
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a spacious 4.5-foot width and depth
✔ Has skylights for natural light
✔ Includes a mesh rack inside and a hanging towel bar outside
✘ Can’t reach your towel easily because the rack is on the outside
✘ Has weak connection pieces that make assembly difficult
What Customers Are Saying
Most customers felt that this portable camping shower was sturdy thanks to its heavy-duty steel frame. However, sturdiness came at the expense of a more cumbersome setup. Many users said that the instructions were unclear, and the pieces didn’t fit well together.
Buyer’s Guide
A high-quality shower tent gives you a place to clean your body while you’re camping, hiking, or backpacking. This buying guide will help you find the pop-up shower tent that leaves you feeling refreshed.
Height
A shower tent should be tall enough for you, your friends, and your family members to stand up straight. Most shower tents are between 6-7 feet tall at the center of their ceiling.
Floor
Some shower tents don’t have a floor, requiring you to stand on the ground while you’re showering. Others feature a built-in floor that’s typically made from the same material as the walls and ceiling. Shower tents without floors drain better, but those with floors are more comfortable. If your shower tent doesn’t come with a floor, you can use a bath mat or bath towel to protect your feet.
Material
The bodies of shower tents should be made from a waterproof, fast-drying material, such as nylon or polyester, to prevent mold and mildew growth. The poles should be made from a lightweight, rustproof metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel.
Setup
Most shower tents have a pop-up design, so they unfold in minutes. Some models also come with stakes, cords, and sandbags to provide extra stability while you’re using them.
Ventilation
If your shower tent doesn’t have proper ventilation, it won’t be able to dry. This can lead to mold growth. A good shower tent has ventilation on the roof and sides. Often, these ventilated areas come with fabric flaps to give you privacy while you’re showering.
Additional Features
Shower tents often have additional camping accessories and features to make them easier to use. These may include:
- Changing rooms
- Roof vents
- Storage hooks
- Storage pockets
- Towel bars
How To Get the Most Use Out of Your Shower Tent
If you’re traveling somewhere without running water, a shower tent is an invaluable structure to have at your disposal. Before you head off for your adventure, it’s worth knowing how to use your shower tent. Below, we’ve outlined some basic pointers to help you get started on the right foot.
- Be judicious in choosing the right spot: Before you set up your shower tent, make sure that the ground beneath it is level and comfortable. Grass absorbs a lot of water, but dirt quickly turns to mud. Also choose a spot where the water won’t run off into other campsites or bodies of water.
- Set up your shower tent at home first: Similar to a regular camping tent, it’s good to set up your shower tent at home to understand how it works. This eliminates any stress of trying to set up your shower tent for the first time in the wilderness.
- Add a portable toilet: No bathrooms nearby? No problem. A shower tent enclosure offers the perfect level of privacy when you need to do your business. Make sure that the portable toilet you choose fits with room to spare to walk around it.
- Know what supplies you need: Shower tents don’t come with soap, water, or other bathroom necessities. Many models also lack storage and light. Keep this in mind as you’re packing for your trip.
- Be eco-conscious: Unlike showering indoors, the soapy water from a shower tent runs off into the ground around you. With this in mind, consider environmentally friendly, biodegradable soaps to avoid harming the local flora and fauna.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a shower tent worth it?
If you wish to shower semi-comfortably in the great outdoors, we think a shower tent is worth it. The canopies themselves are fairly inexpensive, and the feeling of cleanliness while you’re camping or backpacking is priceless. Shower tents can also be used as privacy tents or privacy shelters.
How do I use a shower bag with my shower tent?
Fill the shower bag with several gallons of water and place it in direct sunlight to heat the water. Then, hang the bag from a hook in your shower tent, or tie it to the ceiling. Gravity will cause the water to cascade over your body.
How does my shower tent drain?
If your shower tent doesn’t have a floor, it drains naturally. Just make sure you’re not near a body of water, as your soapy water can pollute it. If your tent has a floor, it comes with a capture system that collects the gray water until you can dispose of it in a container.
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