Showers and toilets are one of the bare necessities of life. So, when you’re going camping, you want to make sure you have the right setup to make it comfortable – no matter how remote you are!
To help, we’ve called on our top product experts to share their recommendations for portable camping showers and toilets.
Showers:
Everyone's different, so the best portable camping shower for one camper is not necessarily the best for everyone.
Here are a few things you should consider first:
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Where will you camp?
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Do you have access to water?
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How frequently can you top up your gas bottle or power source?
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How long does it need to last?
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What’s your budget?
GOOD: CAOS USB Rechargeable Camp Shower
The CAOS USB Rechargeable Camp Shower is a great basic option for a portable camping shower. All you need to do is charge the battery, fit the pump into the opening of your jerry can or similar container with a wide opening, then push the button. It’s an easy way to freshen up, wash the dishes, or simply clean your feet after a day on the beach.
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Unlike other camp showers, the power supply is not located in the pump and is not submerged in the water while in operation. It all comes in a compact bag and there’s no need for a gas bottle.
At just $79, it’s a great budget option.
BETTER: Gasmate WaterTech 5 Litre Water Heater
The Gasmate WaterTech 5 Litre Water Heater is a great middle ground option! It comes with pump and shower attachments – all you need is an LPG bottle, 12V DC power source and 2 ‘D’ cell batteries.
The shower is easy to set up and can heat up to 3 litres per minute at your preferred temperature. It’s easy to adjust the temperature with a multi-season mode, and you can see the temperature on the display screen.
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BEST: Bushranger Portable Gas Hot Water Shower Kit
There’s a lot to love about the Bushranger Portable Gas Hot Water Shower Kit – in fact, it’s our customers’ favourite! The Bushranger portable camping shower is affordable, coming in at under $300, and small enough to fit into compact spaces so it can be packed away and transported safely.
It offers instant hot water from your preferred water source and only uses 6 litres of water per minute while still giving you plenty of shower pressure. Simply connect it to your LPG bottle and 12V power source for the pump. The unit will last over 14 hours operating on a 9kg gas bottle on maximum settings – which is sure to keep you fresh throughout your camping trip!
Shower Tents:
If you have a 4x4 you’ll want some privacy while you're showering! Check out these top picks for shower tents:
GOOD: Explore Planet Earth Deluxe Speedy Change Shelter
The most basic shower tent you can get is the speedy change shelter. This pop-up shelter unfolds in an instant and has a full zip for complete privacy.
BETTER: Weisshorn Green Double Shower Change Room
This double shower change room is super versatile – you can use it for a shower and change room, or put your camping toilet on one side and shower on the other. The structure is strong and comes with pegs and ropes for extra stability in poor weather. There’s also plenty of headroom and a handy storage pocket for toiletries.
BEST: Nomad Shower Tent Awning
This shower tent is an awning attached to your 4x4. It’s neatly packed away when you’re driving, then when you need it, simply unzip, fold it out, and peg it down. It comes with an adjustable roof and showerhead holder. You can also access the tent from your vehicle.
If you have a 4x4 this is our pick!
Portable Camping Toilets:
Let’s face it – nobody wants to rely on drop toilets while camping! The good news is there’s a huge range of portable toilets to choose from.
Portable toilets are designed so you can take them anywhere – whether you’re travelling in a small caravan, camper trailer, 4WD, or even camping with a tent.
The toilet comprises a plastic toilet bowl and a small water tank which is on top of a small waste tank. When the waste tank is full, you just need to remove it from the upper seat and bowl, and empty it at a designated dump point.
Take a look at our top picks:
BEST: Thetford Porta Potti
Thetford is the creator of the original Porta Potti, and there’s a good reason this is one of the most popular portable toilets of all time. It’s a comfortable, practical and durable toilet that doesn’t require a connection to a drainage or water system.
Thetford has extended its range to include a Porta Potti with an electric flush or the luxurious Excellence model with its home-like toilet shape, improved seating height and a bigger bowl size. It even comes with a toilet roll holder, so toilet paper is always within arm's reach!
NEXT BEST: Dometic SaniPottie
The Dometic equivalent of the Porta Potti, the SaniPottie is a great option for a small portable toilet. Choose from different sizes, with the space-saving 972 model measuring less than 32cm high and with a flush capacity of 8.7 litres and 9.8 litre waste tank. The slightly larger 976 model boasts double waste tank capacity at 18.9 litres, so you don’t have to empty it as often.
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Toilet Chemicals:
A portable toilet requires two additives – one in the flush tank for lubrication and the other in the waste tank to help break down the waste and prevent nasty odours.
You can find toilet chemicals from a range of brands, including Thetford. For example, the lavender-scented Thetford Aqua Rinse Plush has been proven to keep flush water fresher, while leaving a protective toilet bowl layer to make cleaning easier next time.
There’s also a Thetford Cassette Tank Cleaner which can clean portable cassette tanks with absolutely zero need for scrubbing – what more could you want!
Looking for caravan toilet chemicals? We have a whole dedicated guide here!
Ready to buy or simply have a question? Send us a message on our live chat or give us a call on 1800 787 278!
DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.
