6 Best RV Outdoor Showers for Convenient Camping That Nomads Swear By
Discover the 6 best RV outdoor showers for convenient camping. We review top nomad-tested models, from portable units to mounted kits, for staying fresh.
There’s a moment on every good trip when you’re covered in trail dust, campfire smoke, or saltwater, and the inside of your rig looks pristine. An outdoor shower isn’t a luxury in these moments; it’s a critical tool for keeping your small living space clean and comfortable. It’s the buffer between the wild outdoors and your sanctuary on wheels. This guide cuts through the noise to show you the top-tier options that seasoned nomads actually use, focusing on the real-world tradeoffs between power, portability, and price.
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Key Features in Top-Rated RV Outdoor Showers
Choosing an outdoor shower comes down to a fundamental tradeoff: convenience versus capability. A simple solar bag is incredibly convenient to pack but offers weak, lukewarm pressure at best. A propane-powered tankless water heater delivers a fantastic hot shower but requires a multi-part setup involving a water source, a pump, and a propane tank. Understanding where you fall on that spectrum is the first step.
Before you buy, consider these four factors. First is the heat source: propane gives you unlimited hot water, solar is free but unreliable, and 12V electric heaters are great for water conservation but slow. Second is water pressure, which is determined by a gravity feed, a manual pump, or an electric pump. This single feature dramatically affects how satisfying the shower feels.
Third, look at the flow rate and efficiency. A high-flow system feels amazing but can drain a 20-gallon water tank in minutes, a disaster when you’re boondocking. Hyper-efficient systems use a fraction of the water but might not feel like a traditional shower. Finally, think about setup complexity. After a grueling 10-mile hike, the last thing you want is a 15-minute setup process involving multiple hoses and connections.
Camplux 5L Portable Propane Water Heater
The Camplux 5L is the go-to for anyone who refuses to compromise on a hot, high-pressure shower. This is a tankless, on-demand water heater, meaning it heats water instantly as it flows through the unit. You connect a propane tank for heat and a water hose for supply, and you get a continuous stream of hot water with adjustable temperature and flow controls.
This is the system for people who want a residential-style shower experience in the middle of nowhere. It’s powerful enough to wash thick hair, rinse off muddy gear, or even do dishes with ease. Its greatest strength is its unlimited hot water capability, provided you have enough propane and water. For families or full-timers who shower daily, the sheer performance is hard to beat.
The tradeoff is that it’s a component, not a complete, self-contained system. You must provide your own pressurized water source, which usually means a separate 12V water pump and a water container like a jerry can or a connection to your RV’s water tank. It’s a powerful but bulky setup that requires more effort to deploy and pack away than all-in-one solutions.
Road Shower 4: The Roof-Mounted Solution
Enjoy pressurized water on the go with the Yakima RoadShower. Its durable aluminum tank easily fills and pressurizes via air valve or garden hose, providing convenient access through dual water ports.
The Road Shower is a brilliant "set it and forget it" solution for people who value instant access over high heat. It’s a rugged, black-painted aluminum tube that mounts directly to your vehicle’s roof rack. You fill it with water, and the sun passively heats it throughout the day. To get pressure, you can use a simple bike pump, a tire inflator, or even garden hose pressure.
Its genius lies in its simplicity and readiness. There is zero setup or breakdown time; the shower is always there, ready to go. This makes it perfect for quick rinses—hosing off sandy feet, muddy paws, or salty surfboards before anyone climbs inside the rig. It’s an integrated part of your vehicle, not another piece of gear to pack.
Of course, the convenience comes with compromises. Water temperature is entirely dependent on the weather; a few cloudy days in a row means you’re taking cold showers. While the pressure is surprisingly good for rinsing, it doesn’t match the power of a dedicated 12V pump. It also consumes valuable real estate on your roof rack, which could otherwise be used for a cargo box or solar panels.
Hike Crew Portable Propane Shower & Heater
If the Camplux is a powerful component, the Hike Crew is the all-in-one, integrated system. This unit combines a propane heater, a rechargeable battery-powered water pump, and an LCD control screen into a single, easy-to-carry package. You simply drop the included intake hose into a bucket or stream, connect a small propane cylinder, and turn it on.
The primary advantage here is unmatched convenience for a heated system. Everything you need is in one box. There’s no need to figure out a separate 12V pump or wire anything to your vehicle’s battery. It’s the perfect middle ground for someone who wants a hot shower without the hassle of a multi-part, semi-permanent installation.
The integrated design, however, can also be a weakness. If the internal pump or battery fails, the entire unit is out of commission. It’s also bulkier than a simple electric pump or a packable solar shower. Think of it as the best option for weekend warriors or casual campers who prioritize a simple, grab-and-go setup for hot showers.
Nemo Helio Pressure Shower: Simple & Packable
Enjoy pressurized showers anywhere with the NEMO Helio Portable Camp Shower. Its foot pump provides 7-10 minutes of steady water pressure from a 5.8-gallon tank, and the 7-foot hose lets you shower comfortably.
For the minimalist, overlander, or weekend camper, the Nemo Helio is a long-standing favorite. It’s essentially a durable, soft-sided water bladder that sits on the ground. You pressurize the tank using an integrated foot pump, which provides a steady, consistent stream of water for several minutes—a massive upgrade from a gravity-fed bag.
Its biggest selling points are its packability and simplicity. It weighs next to nothing and packs down into a small stuff sack. There are no electronics, no batteries, and no propane tanks to worry about. You can fill it with cold water and leave it in the sun to warm up, or simply add a kettle of hot water to get the perfect temperature instantly.
The limitations are obvious but fair. With a capacity of just under 3 gallons, it’s designed for quick, efficient rinses, not long, luxurious showers. You have to re-pressurize it with the foot pump every few minutes to maintain a strong stream. It’s the ideal tool for a solo traveler who needs a reliable way to get clean without dedicating significant space or complexity to the task.
Geyser Systems Shower with Integrated Heater
Enjoy instant warm showers anywhere with this portable camping shower featuring a 2000W heater and 8000mAh battery for up to 180 minutes of use. Customize your experience with 5 flow settings, a real-time LCD display, and a stable bucket suction design.
The Geyser System completely rethinks the concept of a shower by focusing on extreme efficiency. Using just one gallon of water, this compact, 12V-powered unit can provide a hot, 15-minute shower. It works by mixing hot and cold water to your desired temperature and pumping it through a special sponge attachment, encouraging you to scrub clean rather than just rinse.
This system is a game-changer for boondockers and anyone with a small onboard water tank. The ability to get properly clean with so little water is revolutionary, extending your off-grid time significantly. It’s all-in-one, heats its own water via a 12V plug, and is incredibly compact, making it easy to store and use inside or outside your rig.
The experience, however, is not for everyone. It feels more like a hot sponge bath than a traditional shower, as there’s no high-pressure spray. The price is also at the premium end of the market. The Geyser is a specialized piece of equipment for nomads who prioritize water conservation above all else.
Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower: Electric Pick
Enjoy a refreshing shower anywhere with the Ivation Portable Shower. This battery-powered unit pumps water from a bucket for a steady stream, and includes a suction cup for easy mounting.
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. The Ivation shower is little more than a small, submersible pump on the end of a hose, which is powered by a rechargeable battery. You drop the pump into a bucket of water, press a button, and you have a surprisingly effective shower stream.
It is the king of affordability, simplicity, and small storage. This device costs a fraction of a propane heater and takes up about as much space as a coffee mug. Since you provide your own water bucket, you can easily heat water on your stove to create a comfortable hot shower anywhere. It’s a modular and incredibly versatile tool.
The major drawback is the lack of an integrated heater. The need to heat water on a stove adds an extra step to your shower routine. The pressure is adequate for rinsing off soap and dirt but lacks the power of more robust systems. It’s the perfect choice for the budget-conscious RVer or someone who only needs an outdoor shower occasionally.
Installation and Water Source Considerations
How you integrate a shower into your setup is just as important as which one you choose. Some people opt for a permanent installation, adding a quick-connect water port to the exterior of their van or trailer. This is clean and convenient but requires drilling into your vehicle and running plumbing. The alternative is a fully portable kit that you set up away from your rig, which offers more flexibility on where you shower.
Your water source is another key decision. While you can tap into your RV’s main fresh water tank, many nomads prefer to use separate, dedicated water containers (like 5-gallon Scepter or Reliance jugs). This strategy prevents you from accidentally draining your drinking and cooking water on a long shower. It also makes it easier to fill your shower water from a stream or spigot without moving your entire rig.
Finally, remember that the shower head is only one part of the equation. You’ll also want a privacy solution, whether it’s a pop-up shower tent or a simple curtain that hangs from your rear doors. A slatted wooden mat or a piece of interlocking foam flooring will keep your feet out of the mud. Building a complete, comfortable shower system is the real goal. Your power strategy is the final piece; whether you rely on propane, solar, or your 12V system, your shower choice must align with your rig’s capabilities for a seamless experience.
Create instant privacy for camping, beach trips, or events with this pop-up shower tent. It sets up in seconds and features a dual-zippered door for easy access and secure closure. Includes stakes and guy lines for stability.
Ultimately, the best outdoor shower is the one that matches your travel style and your rig’s limitations. A full-timer with a large water tank has different needs than a weekend warrior in a pop-top camper. The right choice removes a major point of friction in nomadic life, letting you embrace the adventure without bringing all the dirt and grime back inside with you.
