One of the challenges of camping is bringing the luxuries of home living out into the wilderness. Fortunately, camping gear today is much more refined than in years past, so it’s easier than ever to stay comfortable outdoors. For example, the best shower tent allows you and your family to keep clean while maintaining privacy.
Usually, a camp shower is an individual bladder, but these tents act as a shower cubicle of sorts. So, you can get clean without worrying about prying eyes. Best of all, some of these tents are highly portable, so you can bring them wherever you go. So, let’s dive in and see what options are available.
If you’re in a rush, the best overall tent is the Core instant shower tent which comes with an additional changing room. For those on a small budget, this tent by Gigatent provides good value for money.
The best shower tents are:
- Core Instant Shower Tent with Privacy Room – Best Overall Shower Tent
- NEMO Heliopolis Privacy Shelter – Best Luxury Shower Tent
- Gigatent Pop-Up Privacy Shower Tent – Best Budget Shower Tent
- Ozark Trail 2-Room Instant Shower Tent
- KingCamp Oversize Shower Tent
- Wolfwise A10 Pop-Up Privacy Tent
- Wolfwise A20 Pop-Up Privacy Tent
- Kelty Blockhouse Privacy Shelter
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Best Overall Shower Tent | Best Luxury Shower Tent | Best Budget Shower Tent | ||||||
Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th |
Rating /5 | ||||||||
Setup | 4.8/5 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.0 |
Portability | 4.3/5 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.0 |
Ventilation | 4.8/5 | 5.0 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.4 |
Space | 5.0/5 | 4.7 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.4 |
Ease of Use | 5.0/5 | 4.8 | 4.3 | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
Camping Shower Quality | 4.0/5 | N/A | N/A | 4.3 | 4.0 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Value for Money | 4.0/5 | 3.5 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 3.8 | 3.5 |
Review | Having a changing room makes this tent more versatile and accommodating. Plus, it sets up quickly and is quite durable. | Although this is the most expensive model, this tent is highly durable and weather-resistant. Pair with the NEMO showers for best use. | If you're looking for a quick and affordable privacy tent, Gigatent has you covered. Set up in seconds and start showering shortly after. | This model is similar to the Core tent but less durable and more prone to wind-related incidents. The changing room still adds value, though. | Although this shower tent doesn't come with a changing room, it has plenty of space for anyone to take a full-length shower. | This model is as portable as it is easy to use. You don't get many amenities as a privacy tent, but it works well for quick shower sessions. | This privacy tent is a step up from the A10 model, complete with more durable materials and accessible features. | Our final privacy shelter is a bit expensive for what you get. The model is pretty basic, but it offers some decent privacy when you want it. |
Best Shower Tents Compared
Core Instant Shower Tent with Privacy Room
Pros
- Separate built-in changing room
- Sets up in minutes
- Each room is seven-feet high
- Comes with a camping shower
- Removable rainfly
- Water drains out the bottom
- Integrated storage line for towels
- Zipper lock for extra privacy
Cons
- Tent poles are not as durable as other models
- In rare cases, the shower hook might break off while in use
The primary purpose of buying a shower tent is so that you can stay clean while camping without the risk of anyone seeing you. To that end, this instant tent from Core is the best portable shower tent because it comes with a separate (yet attached) changing room. With other shower tents, you have to put a towel on and go back to your regular tent to change. Now, you can do both in one spot for maximum privacy and efficiency.
This tent also comes with various amenities, such as:
- An integrated towel hanger so that it’s always within reach
- Water-resistant pockets so you can store toiletries in the shower room
- A camping shower so that you don’t have to buy one separately
- Mesh openings at the bottom to allow water to drain
Overall, we like this shower tent because it’s spacious, accommodating, and sets up in minutes. Whether you’re camping by yourself or with your family, everyone will appreciate this product.
Nemo Heliopolis Privacy Shelter
Pros
- Durable aluminum tent poles
- Built-in hooks for a hanging lantern and showerhead
- Waterproof paper dispenser
- Mildew-resistant flooring
- Zipper lock for extra privacy
- Overhead storage to keep your clothes and towel dry
- Cup holder included
Cons
- Does not come with a camping shower
- More expensive than other models
Technically, a shower tent is something of a luxury because you don’t necessarily need one to enjoy the great outdoors. So, if you want to lean into the luxury aspect and buy a high-end tent, the NEMO Heliopolis Privacy Shelter has you covered. This is one of the most durable and resilient shower tents around, but it costs more than twice as much as the next camping shower tent, so keep that in mind.
NEMO also makes high-quality camping showers that deliver relatively robust water pressure and heat. So, if you want the ultimate outdoor shower experience, you can buy both pieces. The other benefit of NEMO’s shower is that it comes with a spray nozzle head for easier washing.
As far as unique features, this tent comes with a hanging lantern, a waterproof paper dispenser, and mildew-resistant flooring. It also comes with an interior zipper-lock so that no one can get in while you’re getting clean.
GigaTent Pop Up Shower Tent
Pros
- Sets up in seconds
- Lightweight at only 3.3 pounds
- Water-resistant material
- Most affordable privacy tent
- Carrying case included
Cons
- No floor, so your feet may stay dirty
- Not ideal for wet and windy conditions
When comparing different shower tents, you can either buy something that offers features and amenities or a model that’s quick and painless to set up and tear down. This tent from Gigatent is the latter, thanks to its pop-up design and lightweight material. It’s super easy to bring this tent wherever you go, including camping or day trips to the beach. Just toss the tent onto the ground, and it will set itself up.
One downside of this tent’s speed is the lack of a floor. So, if you’re showering on dirt or sand, your feet will get pretty dirty and muddy. Also, the lightweight fabric does blow over easily in high winds, although it comes with sandbags to help alleviate that problem. Overall, if you’re looking for a quick, portable, and cost-effective option, Gigatent is the best buy. It’s not as valuable as the Core Instant Tent, but it works well for many situations.
Ozark Trail Instant 2 Room Shower Tent
Pros
- Built-in changing room
- Five-gallon camping shower provided
- Steel and polyester material
- Built-in towel rack and toiletries holder
- Ten steel tent stakes included
- Privacy coated fabric interior
Cons
- In some cases, the shower hook can break off
- Some users have reported the tent blowing over in high winds
Here we have another two-room shower tent like our Core Instant model. However, user reviews say this tent is not quite as sturdy, particularly when holding up the five-gallon camping shower. Some users have reported the hook breaking when the bag is full. Other than that, this camping shower tent offers plenty of space and privacy inside.
As with the Core tent, you get a built-in towel rack to make drying off even easier and more efficient. Best of all, since you have the changing room, you don’t need to go outside until you’re fully dressed again.
KingCamp Oversize Shower Tent
Pros
- Extra-spacious interior
- Removable rain fly with guy lines
- 3.9 gallon camp shower provided
- Canvas carrying case for portability
- Silver-plated Oxford cloth for extra privacy
- Removable flooring
- Two straps inside for clothing and towels
Cons
- Tent poles are not as durable as other models
- Shower clip may break easily
One of the problems with privacy tents is that they can feel a bit cramped. If you or someone in your group is on the bigger size, you’ll appreciate the dimensions of this camping shower tent. At just over seven feet tall and five feet wide, you have more than enough room to stretch and spread out while showering. Although this tent isn’t quite as helpful as the two-room Core product, it’s still pretty good.
One unique aspect of this privacy tent is the removable floor. This feature allows you to use the tent as a portable restroom or shower, depending on your needs. Also, it’s faster to set up if you don’t need the floor. Otherwise, this tent comes with pockets for your gear and an inside rope to hang your towel.
WolfWise A10 Pop-up Shower Tent
Pros
- Excellent ventilation
- Fast setup and tear down
- Shoulder straps for easier carrying
- Lightweight polyester material
- Tear-resistant design
- Clothesline and side pocket included
- Showerhead window at the top
Cons
- No rain fly provided
- Susceptible to high winds
Wolfwise has two pop-up privacy tents that work well for most situations, whether you’re camping or heading to the beach for a day. The A10 is the basic model, so it doesn’t have as many add-ons and extra features. However, compared to the Gigatent, it’s a bit more accommodating.
First, this pop-up tent is over six feet tall, so it’s not too cramped for most users. It also comes with a clothesline and a side pocket, although both are outside. So, when drying yourself off, you have to reach out through the top window to get your towel and clothes.
This tent also doesn’t have a floor, which can be a positive and a negative. On the one hand, you can deploy the tent anywhere. But, on the other hand, you might have to worry about dirty or muddy feet after taking a shower.
WolfWise A20 Pop Up Privacy Shower Tent
Pros
- Water-repellent polyester
- Removable rain fly provided
- Removable polyester flooring
- Lightweight at 4.8 pounds
- Pops up in seconds
- Galvanized steel poles
Cons
- The bottom mat can be tricky to secure
- Zippers can break relatively quickly
If you like the idea of a pop-up tent, but you want something better than the A10 model, we recommend the A20. This model is a bit more expensive than you might expect, but it does have some unique upgrades.
First, the A20 comes with a removable floor mat so that you can use it on all surfaces. Second, it comes with a removable rain fly so that you can stay dry if the weather gets sour. That said, the rain fly doesn’t hold up well in intense rainstorms. Finally, the material is more sun and water-resistant so that the tent will last longer overall.
Kelty Blockhouse Privacy Shelter
Pros
- Steel poles
- Built-in floor drain
- Two ceiling pockets
- Sling-style carrying bag
- Steel hook for the shower bag (not included)
Cons
- More expensive than other models
- Heavier than other models
Our final shower tent can work well for taller people since it’s the tallest model on this list. However, while this tent does offer privacy and can accommodate a shower bag, it might be a bit too pricey for what you get.
We like the steel poles because they can hold up longer, especially to the wind. The tent also comes with a removable rain fly so that you can stay dry in wet weather. Finally, this model has two ceiling pockets so that you can store your clothes and gear away from the water to keep dry. Otherwise, the tent is pretty heavy and can be tricky to set up, especially when compared to our number one pick from Core.
Our Rating Criteria
Setup
We value tents that are simple to setup and don’t require a camper to have a master’s degree in engineering to get up and running.
We want setup to be fast, but without having to compromise on the basics. For example, pop-up tents are great for a fast setup, but most of those camping shower tents don’t have a floor, which can be an issue in some locations (i.e. turning campsite dirt into mud).
Instead, we like tents that are fast to assemble but still have all the features and amenities that campers will want and need. That being said, your set up time will increase if your shelter has a separate rainfly, a complex frame, lots of poles, a separate shower mat, or a change room.
Portability
When packing for your next outdoor adventure, you don’t want to get bogged down in nature by bringing a camping shower and accompanying shower tent.
So, lightweight models with carrying cases can make it easier to stay clean. Again, pop up tents offer the best solution, but pop up tents can sometimes lack amenities and sometimes skimp on high quality materials. Fortunately, most of these tents have a carrying case with a handle to make them more portable for camping trips.
Ventilation
Although a camping shower doesn’t generate as much steam as a regular model with plumbing, you still need some excellent ventilation while cleaning yourself.
The best tents have mesh vents at the top and the bottom. Some tents also come with windows in the shower and/or change rooms. Windows and roof vents allow cool air to enter the shower area of the tent, increase bathroom ventilation and prevent condensation. However, if your shower tent is going to have a window on it, clearly you’ll want these to be angled or at a height so that you’re not putting on a show to the whole campsite!
If the privacy tent comes with a separate rainfly, you’ll also want to make sure the fly comes with vents.
The tent vents should be covered by mesh. This is so air can come into the shelter, but bugs stay out!
A good shelter will also having drainage openings along the floor. Drainage will enable water to drain out while showering.
Space
The best shower privacy shelter can accommodate anyone of any size. As a rule, pop-up tents are pretty small, so they can feel cramped for large campers.
We like models that come with lots of shower space and a changing room so that you don’t have to do everything in one spot. There should be a door between the shower and the change room so that the change room isn’t too steamy when you’re getting dressed.
We also like shower tents that have storage space for towels, shampoo, conditioner and other showering gear.
Ease of Use
When talking about ease of use, we’re referring to the various amenities you might find within your shower or privacy tent. Some examples can include:
- Opening for an external shower head
- Dry storage compartments
- Hanging rack or rope for towels
- Hooks for an internal shower bag
- A shower caddy to keep soap, shampoo and conditioner
- Lantern hook
- Locking zippers
- Removable mat in the showering area
- A door between the showering area and the change room
So, the tents that have more amenities will rank higher than those that are basically just four walls and a roof.
We really like tents that come with change rooms. Windows or no windows, often when you finish showering you’ll find the inside of the tent very steamy and the mat covered in water.
Being able to step off the wet mat, through a zippered door, and into a separate change room can make a world of difference. Not only can you fully dry yourself, including your feet, but there is also plenty of space. For example, space for campers to keep towels and clothes.
Camping Shower Quality
Not all shower tents come with a shower bag. As a rule, privacy tent designs never include one because they’re exclusive to showering (for example, you can use a privacy tent to change at the beach).
Typically, the shower bags included are not as great as those you can buy separately. However, they’ll work well for casual use. If you’re out in the woods a lot, you might need to purchase a higher-quality camping shower.
Value for Money
When buying a shower tent, you have to weigh the pros and cons of bringing one along on your next camping trip.
On the one hand, it’s much easier to stay clean, which is vital for longer trips (i.e., a week or more). On the other hand, some models can cost as much as a regular tent, and you don’t have the luxury of sleeping in them.
It’s too much to expect most shower tents to be made of expensive but light ripstop nylon, or strong aluminum poles. Your survival doesn’t depend on a shower tent, after all. Most of these tents are made of polyester and fiberglass poles. These materials might be cheaper, but the best tents on this list have good enough build quality for the poles, frame and fabric to last quite some time.
We like tents that offer lots of amenities for their price. Alternatively, we appreciate affordable tents that can work well for most camping and outdoor situations.
But different people will prefer a different design – would you rather a light privacy shelter, or a privacy shelter with a change room, or even a shelter that comes with a room for a toilet?
What if the Tent Doesn’t Come With a Camping Shower?
There are a couple of ways to use a shower tent without a camping shower included. First, you can buy a camping shower and run the hose through the opening at the top of the tent. Second, you can use the tent with an exterior RV or campsite shower.
In either case, you can utilize the top opening to run a showerhead or hose. If you buy a hanging bag, keep in mind that popup tents are usually not strong enough to hold that much weight. Instead, you have to mount the bag on a tree branch or something similar.
Privacy Tents for showering by Features
Best 2 Room Shower Tent
A changing room is something of a game-changer. A change room allows you to keep your clothes and other gear dry while you’re getting clean, and a door between the areas to avoid steaming up the whole tent. Best of all, tents with two rooms often have locking zippers for one or both of the rooms so that you get extra privacy.
The best two room shower tent is the Core Instant Camping Utility Tent, but the Ozark Trail model is a close second.
Best Pop Up Shower Tent
If you’re talking about value, the Gigatent Pop-Up model is the best deal. However, when it comes to durability and longevity, we prefer the A20 model from Wolfwise, thanks to its removable plastic flooring. Either way, you’ll have more limited space than a full-size shower tent.
Best Portable Shower Tent With a Floor
Pretty much all the non-pop-up tent models have floors, so you have plenty of options. Even the A20 tent from Wolfwise comes with a removable bottom, so you don’t have to worry about getting your feet dirty. But, for our money, we like the Core Instant Tent the best.
Easiest to Use Shower Head
The primary challenge of a camping shower is getting the right amount of water without wasting any. Since you have a limited reservoir, you need to be efficient with your usage. The Core Instant Camping Tent comes with an excellent shower head that shuts off and on quickly. Just push the head up when you don’t want water and pull it down when you do.
Best Camping Shower Tent for Privacy
Once again, we have to go with the Core Instant Tent because of its changing room. However, the KingCamp Shower Tent is a close second because it has more than enough space inside to change without going to a separate section. Otherwise, privacy tents make it hard to do both since your stuff can get wet easily while you’re showering.
The other reason we like the Core tent is that it has a shiny silver interior liner that makes it virtually impossible to see anything.
Best Shower Tent by Situation
Top Shower Tents for Tall Campers
Since you have to shower standing up, you need to ensure that your tent accommodates your height. Here’s a breakdown of the height dimensions of each tent from tallest to smallest:
Shower Tent | Height |
Kelty Blockhouse Privacy Tent | 86″ (7.1 feet) |
KingCamp Shower Tent | 85″ (7.08 feet) |
Core Instant Tent | 84″ (7 feet) |
Ozark Trail Shower Tent | 84″ (7 feet) |
NEMO Heliopolis Tower Tent | 84″ (7 feet) |
Wolfwise A10 Pop-Up Tent | 74.8″ (6.2 feet) |
Wolfwise A20 Tent | 74.8″ (6.2 feet) |
Gigatent Pop-Up Tent | 69″ (5.75 feet) |
Most Durable Shower Tent in Wind
Since these tents are taller and thinner than a regular tent, you have to worry about the wind knocking them over. The elements to pay attention to include:
- Guy Lines – Tents with actual lines work better than those that just stakes at the corners.
- Frame Material – Aluminum and steel poles are stronger than fiberglass.
- Weight – Lighter tents are easier to carry but also easier to blow over.
We like the NEMO Heliopolis and the Kelty Blockhouse because they both use aluminum frames and guy lines. The runners-up would be the Core Instant Tent or the Ozark Trail Shower Tent.
Easiest Shower Tent to Set Up
Pop-up tents will be the fastest to set up since you just have to toss them onto the ground, and they do the rest. We like the Wolfwise A20 as the best pop-up tent overall, but the Gigatent is faster to set up overall since it doesn’t have a floor.
Most Portable Shower Tent
Portability refers to the size and weight of the tent when it’s packed up. For those reasons, we think the Gigatent is the most portable model at 3.3 pounds. Next would be either Wolfwise tent since they weigh just over four pounds, and you can wear them like a backpack with built-in straps.
FAQs About Shower Tents
Can the Water Drain From These Shower Tents?
Yes, water can drain quickly from shower tents because of the mesh openings at the bottom. Some models don’t even have a floor, so the water drains onto the ground directly.Â
What is the best shower tent?
The Core Instant Shower Tent is the best overall shower tent for camping, providing privacy and the convenience of being able to stay clean while enjoying the great outdoors. It is equipped with an added changing room for extra comfort. For those on a budget, the Gigatent shower tent offers good value and performance.
Conclusion
So after all that, which tent comes top of the reviews? We like using the Core instant shower tent for camping showers, particularly since it comes with both a showering area and a change room. This gives you space for hanging your towels up on the towel rack.
Happy camping and enjoy the showers!