After a day at the beach, in the mountains or on the road, few things feel as good as a shower. But in a camper, water is a limited resource, and not every van has a bathroom with a shower. The good news: there are several ways to wash comfortably, from an indoor shower to options as simple as a solar shower bag. Let's look at them, along with the trick for using little water.
The indoor shower
An enclosed bathroom with a shower gives maximum comfort, especially in winter and for privacy. Its downside: it takes up a significant chunk of space inside the vehicle and requires careful attention to damp (ventilate well after showering to avoid condensation, see condensation). In large motorhomes it's worth it; in small vans, often not.
The outdoor shower: a favourite for many
A water point (sometimes with hot water) at the rear or side of the camper, with a shower hose. It's perfect for rinsing off beach sand or trail mud without bringing dirt inside, and it doesn't take up any interior space. For privacy while using it, a pop-up shower tent or a side awning solve the problem. It's the favourite option for anyone who does beach or sport.
Simple, portable options
- Solar shower (bag): a bag that heats water in the sun; cheap and enough for summer getaways.
- Portable pressure shower: a pressurised or USB-powered electric unit that gives a decent flow with little water.
- The classic "cat wash": with a bit of water and a basin, it goes further than you'd think.
Hot water
Showering with hot water is a real comfort upgrade, especially in winter. The options (a heater built into the heating system, gas or electric) are covered in water in the camper. Watch out: the electric heater draws a lot of power, so without a hook-up, gas or making the most of the heating system is a better bet.
Tips for using little water
- Wet, turn off the tap, soap up, rinse: the "sailor's method" uses very little water.
- An efficient shower head reduces consumption a lot.
- Make the most of campsite and site showers when you have them, and save your own water for when you don't.
In summary
For a camper shower, the indoor one gives comfort but takes up space; the outdoor one is the favourite for not taking up room and rinsing off salt and mud; and solar or portable solutions do the job in summer. The step to take today: if you do beach or sport, an outdoor shower (ideally with hot water) is the most comfortable upgrade; and learn the trick of turning off the tap while you soap up so your water lasts twice as long.
