5 Best Shower Tents For Camping in 2023 [Buyer’s Guide]

Are you looking for a shower tent to take with you on your next camping trip? Then you have come to the right place.

I have been a camping enthusiast for over 20 years, and a quality shower tent can make a difference. So, I have taken the time to review the top 5 shower tents for camping and developed a buyer’s guide immensely to help you make your decision.

Let’s get started!

In this article, we’re going to review the following shower tents for camping:

• Ozark Trail Instant 2-Room Shower/Changing Shelter
• KingCamp Shower Tent Oversize Outdoor Shower Tent
• Core Instant Camping Utility Shower Tent with Changing Privacy Room
• Alvantor Shower Tent
• Lightspeed Outdoors Xtra Wide Privacy Tent
  
  

Buyer’s Guide to Shower Tents for Camping

One of the largest complaints that people have about camping is the lack of a place to wash off after a long day of hiking, fishing, or doing other camping activities. In the past, you had to just hope that there was some sort of water source near your campsite. And you would have to use a whole lot of deodorant.

However, this is a thing of the past thanks to newer technology and the creation of shower tents. These tents are not designed to keep you warm or to sleep in. But they can provide you with the comfort of a clean shower while at your campsite.

When I first started looking into these types of tents, I was overwhelmed by information that wasn’t helpful in the end. So, I compiled the following information to help you avoid this and to ensure you purchase the right shower tent for your needs.

What to Look for in a Shower Tent

Shower tents are not traditional tents, but they do have some of the same important factors that need to be considered. However, some of these factors are more important for a shower tent than for a regular camping tent.

Set Up

Most shower tents are designed with a popup setup, which means that they are easy to set up and disassemble quickly. This is important because when using a shower tent. It is rare that you will keep this tent up the entire time you are camping.

Most people tend to set it up for their shower and then pack it up.

Why?

This is simple. Showers require water. And the moisture from the shower can attract unwanted bugs to your campsite, like mosquitoes, flies, and gnats. Therefore, you want a shower tent that is easy to set up and take down as needed, during your camping trip.

Center Height

Whenever I look at regular tents, I admit that having a taller tent is always a plus. It is a must when looking at a shower tent. With a regular tent, you can crawl around and maneuver.

However, when you want to shower, you want to be able to stand up straight. Having to bend over to shower would not only be annoying, but it could cause various aches and pains if done often.

Therefore, to purchase the best shower tent for your needs, you will want to pay particular notice to the center height of the tent. And make sure that it is high enough for the tallest person in your camping group to stand in without having to hunch or bend over.

Floor Design

When looking at the floor design of your desired shower tent, you need to know that there are two main floor designs to choose from:

• Removable
• Fixed

Removable floors are the best all-around floor design in a shower tent for several reasons. For the most part, they are easier to drain water from, and they provide you with better airflow in the shower.

However, because they are not attached to the tent and have a large gap between the floor and the tent, they will provide you with less protection from insects, like biting flies and mosquitoes.

That being said, if you prefer to keep out the insects and critters and don’t mind dealing with a little more hassle getting water from inside of the shower tent, then the fixed floor design might be the best option for you.

This floor type is physically connected to the shower tent, which gets rid of any extra space that files and mosquitoes could sneak into the shower with you.

Gear Storage

When taking a shower, you want your shower tent to have somewhere safe and dry for things like your clean clothes and towel.

It also is nice to have some sort of shower caddy available to keep all of your essentials. Like your shampoo and washcloth, close by. This is not a guaranteed feature of a shower tent. But it is something that you will want to look for if you want the overall best shower tent possible.

Durability

Just like with anything, you don’t want to spend money on a piece of gear that will only last for a short time. You want to invest in something that you can use over and over reliably. Especially if you plan on engaging in several camping trips throughout the year.

So, what do you look for to ensure durability? You want to look for a model that has burly poles and uses thick rip-stop fabric. This will provide you with the best chance of getting a quality shower tent to last you throughout several seasons and numerous camping trips.

Ventilation

Ventilation is not the most important feature that you should consider. But it is worth looking into. After all, when you are having a shower, even in a shower tent, it could get rather steamy.

This is where ventilation can come in handy. If you want to keep the steam clear while you are showering, you should look for a model that has an ample amount of mesh-covered openings.

These openings can be in the form of windows or the roof. However, although it might not be the most important feature, you should think about it overall. This will ensure that you make the best decision overall for you and your entire camping party. After all, having a comfortable shower space can make or break a long-term camping trip.

Other Things To Consider And Take Note Of

Other than the areas that were listed above, here are a few more things to consider and some basic information that you should be aware of about camping showers.

Main Two Hot Camping Shower Water Systems

When looking at shower tents, two main shower systems are used when camping. But each one has various pros and cons that have to be considered. These shower systems will allow you to have warm water on your camping trip.

However, it is important to note that having hot water is not always a practical solution. There are many things that you need to figure out if you go with one of the two following water systems.

A vehicle-mounted shower system can be an easy solution if you plan on setting your campsite up near your vehicle. It uses a water pump that is submerged in a nearby body of water. And it pushes the water through a heat exchanger that operates off of your vehicle’s running battery.

Then, you run the water hose into your shower tent and eureka! Hot water! This is great, but the biggest downfalls of this system are it has to be near a body of water and requires you to be able to drive your car to the campsite. However, this is awesome if you camp near a lake or pond trail.

The second type of water system will provide you with hot water. And you will not have to have access to your car or a body of water. Propane gas showers and battery-operated systems, allow you to get water, and depending on the size of the water source you have, they can give you solid 10-15 minute showers.

However, these systems have their cons, as well. For one, between the propane gas tank and the required battery, you have to adjust to the extra weight that is required. This might not be an issue if you are going on a short hike to your campsite.

But if you have a long journey before setting up camp. They can be a little more intrusive and you will need someone strong enough to carry the extra weight.

Location

Whenever you are planning on going camping with a shower tent, you will want to consider the locations that you plan to frequently camp at. This will help to determine the type of water system and shower tent that you will want.

You will have to consider if the system weighs a lot and if it requires any sort of water source nearby to work properly. After all, it would be horrible to buy everything and then get to your campsite and realize you need a closeby water source to use your new equipment.

FAQs About Shower Tents

I have given you a lot of information to ponder over. But you still might have some questions about what you should look for or ask when purchasing a shower tent. Therefore, I have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions on this topic to hopefully answer any lingering questions you might still have.

Do all shower tents have an extra area to change in?

Unfortunately, not all shower tents have a separate changing area for you to keep your clean clothes and get ready. Therefore, if this is an important feature to you, you need to make sure that the shower tent you are considering has this listed as a feature. If it doesn’t, you should inquire if the model has it or look at a different model.

Is it possible to have hot water from a shower tent?

This is possible, but it is a feature that you have to check and see if the tent you are considering is capable of providing. There are systems that you can purchase to make most shower tents have hot water.

However, if you know that you want hot water, you should consider purchasing a model that already comes with the system to save on both time and money in the long run.

Is weight going to be a huge issue with shower tents?

Just like with any type of camping gear, you will want to consider the extra amount of weight you will have to carry to your campsite and the distance that you will be traveling. So, it’s not a huge issue as long as you plan for the weight before going gout on your trip.

5 Best Shower Tent Reviews

Now that you have some basic information about shower tents, I want to provide you with five reviews of the best shower tents that I have come across to give you a nice starting spot for your search. Let’s dive in!

1. Ozark Trail Instant 2-Room Shower/Changing Shelter

Ozark Trail is one of the most popular brands for camping equipment thanks to the quality of the workmanship they put into their models. This shower tent is one of the 2-room models.

It uses high-quality fabrics and pole material to provide you with the best camp showering experience possible. This tent does come with a solar water system, which means you don’t have to worry about carrying any sort of heating source to warm the provided water bag.

It warms up by being placed directly in the sun, which will allow you and your group to take quick showers, while on your trip. It was designed to be easy to set up and takedown, which can be extremely convenient if you do not wish to keep the tent up the entire time you are camping.

It does weigh approximately 21 pounds with the water bag, which means you will need to make a lot of your carry weight to this tent.

Specifications:

• Brand: Ozark Trail
• Occupancy: 2 people
• Installation Type: Instant
• Pole Material Type: Fiber
• Weight: 21 pounds
• Dimensions: 42.8 x 8.1 x 8 inches
• Type of Water Bag: Solar

It has a secure place inside of the tent for you to hang the water bag. But due to the size of the bag, it does make the water tube come a little low, which can be slightly frustrating for taller people.

However, this shower tent does provide you with two separate rooms: 1 to shower in and 1 to change in. It is important because it will allow you to keep your clean clothes at a close distance without risking getting them wet, during your shower.

Pros:

• Includes solar bag
• Has 2 separated rooms
• Provides plenty of space
• Designed to be setup in less than 5 minutes

Cons:

• Hook for hanging water bag could be higher

2. KingCamp Shower Tent Oversize Outdoor Shower Tent

KingCamp has made a name for itself over the years by always providing quality designs for its various camping equipment. This is one of the top-quality shower tent models.

It is designed for a single person. It has a lightweight design, only weighing approximately 13 pounds, which makes it ideal for taking it on a long hiking and camping trip.

However, it is important to mention that this tent does not include any sort of water system.

So, you will have to add extra weight limitations for the water system that you decide to use for the shower tent. The tent itself is made from a high-quality polyester fabric that is resistant to tears.

It has an easy to assemble setup, which means that you don’t have to be a camping expert to set it up properly and quickly.

Another great trait about this model is it can serve multiple purposes, as well, besides being just a shower tent.

Specifications:

• Brand: KingCamp
• Occupancy: 1 person
• Installation Type: Hanging
• Pole Material Type: Fiberglass
• Weight: 12.5 pounds
• Dimensions: 66 x 66 x 85 inches
• Type of Water System: N/a

It has several types of storage pockets where you can keep things while you are taking your shower and for those wanting to take their showers.

However, there have been a few that thought that this shower tent could use some sort of access flap to help and increase the overall privacy that the shower tent is capable of providing.

Pros:

• Made from high-quality polyester material
• Designed to be easily assembled
• Lightweight carry design
• Can be used for multiple purposes
• Has internal storage pockets

Cons:

• Could use some sort of access flap

3. Core Instant Camping Utility Shower Tent with Changing Privacy Room

This shower tent is designed to be an instant hanging type shower tent, which means that it can be set up quickly. It also has a hanging system for the water bag used for your shower.

It uses steel for the poles, which means that this tent will be sturdy standing up even in winds as long as it has been properly anchored down, without having to worry about the poles easily bending, like with other materials.

This shower tent does come with a solar water bag, which means that you will not have to go out and find your water system to use on this model. This can help save you an ample amount of time and money trying to find a water system that is compatible with this particular model.

Another excellent feature of this model is that it is covered by Core’s 1-year limited warranty. This will help to give you peace of mind on your purchase that if something is wrong upon its arrival or with the initial framework of the tent, you will be able to get it replaced.

Specifications:

• Brand: Core
• Occupancy: 2 people
• Installation Type: Hanging, instant
• Pole Material Type: Steel
• Weight: 17.75 pounds
• Dimensions:
• Type of Water System: Solar

It is important to note that this shower tent does weigh approximately 17 pounds with the 5-gallon water bag, which means you will want to factor its weight into your group’s carry weight so that it doesn’t become a burden or hindrance.

Finally, this model has some internal storage that makes keeping your wet clothes and towels separated a lot easier while you are taking your shower.

Pros:

• Two rooms separated by zippered door
• Has a 5 gallon capacity bag
• Comes with 1-year limited warranty
• Designed for easy setup
• Has internal storage for wet clothes or towels

Cons:

• Could be made lighter for easier carry

4. Alvantor Shower Tent

If you are looking for a quality shower tent for your water system, then this might make an excellent choice for your needs. It doesn’t come with its water system and it only weighs approximately 7 pounds, which makes it ideal for long camping trips because it won’t cause much hindrance in weight.

This is a one-person shower tent, which means that it is large enough for one person only at a time. But it has a decent center height, which means it is suitable for taller people.

Specifications:

• Brand: Alvantor
• Occupancy: 1 person
• Installation Type: Hanging, pop up
• Pole material Type: N/a Fiberglass ribs
• Weight: 7.4 pounds
• Dimensions: 48 x 48 x 84 inches
• Type of Water System: N/a

This model doesn’t just make an excellent shower tent, but it can also be used as a changing room for privacy, which can come in handy if you have a larger group of mixed-gender campers.

Finally, this shower tent does have a convenient opening at the top of it that is large enough to slide a shower tube through, providing you with a hands-free shower experience.

Pros:

• Includes a PE floor
• Designed to be easy to carry and set up
• Has opening at top for shower tube
• Can be used a shower or changing room
• Plenty of center height

Cons:

• Doesn’t include a water system

5. Lightspeed Outdoors Xtra Wide Privacy Tent

The Lightspeed Outdoors Xtra Wide Privacy Tent was designed as a one-person tent. It doesn’t come with its water system, which will allow you to use your preferred system.

But that does mean that you will need to purchase the system separately from the tent model. Before a water system is added, this tent does weigh approximately 13 pounds.

Although this is heavy for a tent of this size. It is made from a high-quality fabric material that is waterproof and made to withstand most weather conditions.

Specifications:

• Brand: Lightspeed Outdoors
• Occupancy: 1 person
• Installation Type: Quick setup
• Pole Material Type: Pre-threaded telescoping poles
• Weight: 13.02 pounds
• Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 6.75 feet
• Type of Water System: Not included

The tent was designed to be easy to set up, and although it can only accommodate one person at a time, it has a high ceiling, which makes it perfect for taller people in your camping party.

It is important to note that due to the easy structure of this tent, you need to make sure you secure the tent before adding your water system to avoid the tent collapsing or messing up under the weight of the water bag used.

Pros:

• Designed as 3 tents in 1
• Designed to be easy to setup
• Lightweight design
• Designed with ample space
• Plenty of head space

Cons:

• Doesn’t come with a water system
• Can’t support a 5 gallon water bag

Insights and Takeaways

When looking for a shower tent, you need to make sure that you make some sort of checklist for the features that are most important to you. This will help to ensure that you make the best decision for your camping needs.

There isn’t a universal shower tent that is best all-around because of this. But I am confident that the Ozark Trail Instant 2-Room Shower/Changing Shelter has many of the features that set it apart from other models available on the market.

One of the best things about this tent is that it comes with a water system, which means you will not have to worry about purchasing one separately.

Also, it has enough space for two people to use the tent at the same time: one in each room. This means that it will help to save you time, and you will not have to worry about your clean clothes or towel getting wet while taking your shower.