Showering while camping: tips for hygiene in the great outdoors

Showers when camping – Personal hygiene and hygiene are also important when camping.
After a strenuous day at the campsite or a car trip with a roof tent, you are happy to take a shower with you.
It is important to always be considerate of the environment and make sure you shower where it is allowed.
Which method you ultimately choose depends on personal preference, budget and available resources.
Here are four ways you can enjoy a refreshing shower while camping.

Camping shower: quick & easy to set up

A camping shower is a portable shower that you can use while camping.
There are different types, including bag camping showers, electric camping showers with a rechargeable battery and camping showers with a pump system.
It is important to tailor your choice of camping shower to your capabilities and requirements, such as hot water capacity, size and mobility.
You should also consider the cost and availability of energy sources.
You can find out more about camping showers here:

Why should you use a camping shower?

A camping shower offers a convenient and hygienic way to clean yourself while camping and adventuring outdoors.
You have these advantages:

  • Convenience
  • Hygiene
  • Flexibility
  • Savings
  • Close to nature
  • Environmental friendliness

Tip!
For more privacy, you can use a shower tent.
You can find one here in the Campwerk store: Shower and toilet tent.

When is a camping shower useful?

A camping shower is suitable for anyone who appreciates comfortable and hygienic conditions when camping.
For people who enjoy hiking, climbing, fishing or other outdoor activities, a camping shower can be a practical way to freshen up after a busy day.
Many long-term campers appreciate a camping shower to maintain hygienic conditions.
In a motorhome or caravan, you don’t have to empty the water tank when you shower outside the built-in shower.
Here again are the points why a camping shower makes sense for you:

  • After outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, fishing
  • Refreshment after a strenuous day
  • For long-term campers: Maintaining hygiene
  • Saves space in the water tank of motorhomes or caravans

Convinced?
Then take a look here to find out which camping shower is right for you:

Public bathing facilities: More hygiene

Many campsites have public bathing facilities that you can use to take a shower.
These bathing facilities usually offer clean and comfortable shower facilities, but it is important to know the campsite’s opening hours and rules.
In some cases, you may have to pay a fee to use the bathing facilities.
It is also important that you follow the hygiene rules that apply there, such as using bathing sandals and clean towels.

Why is it worth using a public bathing facility?

Public bathing facilities on campsites have several advantages.
Firstly, cleanliness, as these sanitary facilities are often regularly cleaned and maintained.
They are often well equipped and offer comfortable shower facilities.
Unlike a portable camping shower, public bathing facilities are very unlikely to break down or malfunction.
Therefore, they are always available.
There is no need to bring or set up a camping shower, which saves time and space.
It is therefore worth using the existing sanitary facilities on the campsite:

  • Cleanliness
  • Comfortable shower facilities
  • Reliability
  • Availability
  • Time & space saving

Who should use a public bathing facility?

Public bathing facilities on campsites can be used by anyone visiting a campsite.
They are particularly practical for campers who do not have their own camping shower or do not have the option of setting up a portable camping shower.
Public bathing facilities are also a good option for campers who value hygiene and comfort.
However, it is important to check the opening hours and rules of the campsite before using the bathing facilities.
Under these circumstances, it makes sense for you to use a public bathing facility:

  • Available for all campers
  • Practical for campers without their own camping shower
  • High standards for hygiene & comfort
  • Important: Observe opening hours & rules

Natural baths: inexpensive & adventurous

If you are camping by a lake or river or even the sea, you can also wash up there.
However, it is important to make sure that swimming is allowed at your location.
To do this, you should always follow the local rules and laws regarding swimming and bathing in the lake or river to ensure a safe environment for everyone.
In addition, you should always protect the environment by using biodegradable soaps and shampoos.

Why is it worth going swimming in nature?

A dip in a river, lake or the sea offers you the opportunity to cool off in warm temperatures.
You can enjoy the natural and idyllic surroundings.
You also avoid paying for public bathing facilities at campsites.
Bathing in nature is also environmentally friendly because you have the opportunity to use natural water instead of using a limited amount of water for a portable shower.
That’s why it’s worth going swimming in nature:

  • Cooling down in warm temperatures
  • Natural & idyllic surroundings
  • Avoidance of fees
  • Environmentally friendly bathing

What should you look out for when swimming in natural waters?

If you are going swimming or swimming in wild waters, you should make sure that all fellow travelers can swim safely.
Then you should make sure that swimming is officially permitted in your chosen body of water and that the environment is protected.
It is important to follow the local rules and laws regarding swimming and bathing in the lake or river to ensure a safe environment for everyone.
You should pay attention to this when you go swimming in nature:

  • Pay attention to safety in wild waters
  • Check whether bathing is permitted
  • Observe local rules & laws
  • Respect the environment

If you need more tips on learning to swim or would like to teach someone else, you can read more here:

A man stands in the blue water of the lake and the mountains can be seen in the background.

DIY shower: quick & easy instructions

It is also possible to build a simple shower yourself using a plastic tub or bucket, a hose and a shower head.
To do this, place the tub or bucket on a raised surface, e.g. a table or shelf.
Then connect the hose to a water source, e.g. a pump or water container, and attach the shower head to the end of the hose.
Now place the tub or bucket under the shower head to catch the water.
Then you can let the water run out of the water source.
Here are the complete step-by-step instructions:

  1. Place plastic tub or bucket on a raised surface (table, shelf)
  2. Connect hose to water source (pump, container)
  3. Attach the shower head to the end of the hose
  4. Place tub / bucket under shower head to collect water
  5. Let the water run out of the water source

Tip!
You can also use a water canister as a water source, for example.
The one in the Campwerk store even comes with a soap dispenser.
You can take a look at it here: Water canister with soap dispenser 10L or Water canister with soap dispenser 20L.

Why is it worth building your own shower?

You have the following advantages if you build your own shower:

  • Cost savings
  • Flexibility & mobility
  • Use of existing material
  • Individual adaptability to requirements

What should you look out for in your self-built shower?

It can be helpful to check your creation beforehand to ensure that the design is safe and stable.
Please also note that it is important to check local laws and regulations before using a self-built shower.
If you dispose of the water in nature after showering, make sure you only use natural care products.
You should pay attention to this when you build your own shower:

  • Check the design for safety & stability
  • Check local laws & regulations
  • Use natural care products

You can find more tips on the right care products for camping here:

All-round hygiene when camping: toilet & fresh water

Here are three more tips to make your camping experience more enjoyable.
These include the cassette toilet, tips on using toilet paper in the wild and how to store clean water properly.

Cassette toilet

If you are really out and about in the great outdoors and don’t have a sanitary facility nearby, the cassette toilet is a convenient and hygienic option.
You can read everything you need to know about use, cleaning and storage here:

Toilet paper

Not all toilet paper is the same!
Especially when camping, it often makes sense to use self-dissolving toilet paper.
But what exactly is it?
Don’t worry, you’ll get all the answers here:

Fresh water hose

In addition to showering, fresh water is also important for drinking and cooking.
To make sure you are well prepared and always have enough clean water in the wild, you will find lots of helpful tips here:

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Offroad
Raised and extra stable for road and off-road… What do you do if you are traveling in regions with poor roads or drive an off-road vehicle or SUV whose dome height does not fit conventional trailers? The solution: the off-road tent trailer from CAMPWERK – specially developed for extreme conditions. This unique model impresses with a raised and particularly robust AL-KO chassis that can withstand even the most demanding off-road routes. The entire body is made of lightweight but sturdy aluminum, reinforced with durable stainless steel components. So you are perfectly equipped for any terrain.
Black / Silver
Available now: The CAMPWERK Offroader in the exclusive Black/Silver Edition CAMPWERK is expanding its range and now also offers the popular off-road tent trailer in the coveted Black/Silver Edition. The high-quality aluminium body is completely anodized in matt black, while the mudguards are powder-coated in elegant “Gun Silver Metal”. An absolute eye-catcher on any road and in any terrain!
The off-road trailer from CAMPWERK impresses with its lightweight construction: Thanks to the aluminum body, the base only weighs around 300 kg when empty. With a permissible total weight of 1.5 tons, it offers an impressive payload capacity of up to 1.2 tons – ideal for small excursions, transport and even larger expeditions.

Visually, the trailer blends in perfectly with the appearance of an off-road vehicle or SUV with its coarse-tread MT tires and robust, full-length aluminium mudguards. The mudguards are also designed in such a way that they are ideal for the safe transportation of petrol and water canisters or gas bottles.

To ensure flexibility, the off-roader’s tyres can be individually adapted to the towing vehicle on request, so that only one set of spare wheels is required. The standard ball head coupling can also be optionally replaced with a DIN or NATO eye.
T-drawbar or V-fork ?
Thousands of trailer drivers know the problem of tight spaces only too well: if you drive into a narrow lane and have to turn, it is important to back your car as far as possible against the trailer in order to get around the bend without any problems. With a T-drawbar, you can utilize the maximum steering angle. This is precisely why we at CAMPWERK rely on this tried-and-tested technology – for optimum flexibility and maneuverability, no matter how tight things get.
T-drawbar
V-fork
T-drawbar
V-fork
Chassis
  • Extra strong square T-drawbar 100x100mm for maximum stability and best maneuverability
  • Axle up to 1,500 kg with maintenance-free hexagonal rubber spring axle
  • Optionally with watertight wheel hub
  • 2 crossbars
  • The chassis is exclusively from the renowned manufacturer AL-KO, market leader in the car trailer and caravan sector
  • Safety indicator on the clutch
  • Independent suspension
Aluminum body
  • Our aluminium trailers are equipped with anodized aluminium profiles
  • double-walled anodized aluminium side panels 30mm, 440mm high
  • Large emergency lighting with integrated rear fog light
  • Equipped with balanced tires as standard
  • Base plate stable screen-printed base, non-slip
  • Complete M8 stainless steel screw connection (V2A stainless steel)
  • Electrical system: Supply cable (wiring harness) standard with 13-pin plug
  • Tailgate latches very elaborate, made entirely of stainless steel
Wheels
  • Black powder-coated steel rim
  • 235/85 R16 tires optionally adaptable to towing vehicle
  • Mud Terrain tire tread
  • Special wheel connection for your towing vehicle on request
Terrain values
  • 350 mm ground clearance
  • 570 mm wading depth
  • 27° slope angle
Equipped for every situation thanks to the versatile accessories...

Raised dropside

20L canister

Towbar adapter for bike carrier with coupling connection

2-4 bike racks

Anti-drag clutch

Onroad

The perfect solution for your camping adventure:
Road trailer with tent
Imagine a first-class equipped road trailer that is ideal for camping trips in Germany and the surrounding countries.
This trailer comes with a sturdy holding device for a matching tent that can be set up in no time at all.
The result is your mobile home – ready for unforgettable tours!

Your decisive advantage: you are ideally equipped for your vacation in a particularly cost-effective way. And when you’re not on the road, you can use the trailer as a conventional utility trailer. We offer you the road trailer in two versions, depending on your needs: An unbraked version with a permissible total weight of 750 kg and the braked version recommended by us with a permissible total weight of 1,300 kg.
10-year guarantee
Our trailer base was not created in the laboratory – it was made for the real world. The robust construction is optimized for tough conditions. Oversized axles and virtually indestructible aluminum frames ensure exceptional durability. We are the only supplier in Germany to give you a 10-year guarantee on this unique quality!
T-drawbar or V-fork ?
Thousands of trailer drivers know the problem of tight spaces only too well: if you drive into a narrow lane and have to turn, it is important to back your car as far as possible against the trailer in order to get around the bend without any problems. With a T-drawbar, you can utilize the maximum steering angle. This is precisely why we at CAMPWERK rely on this tried-and-tested technology – for optimum flexibility and maneuverability, no matter how tight things get.
T-drawbar
V-fork
T-drawbar
V-fork
Chassis
  • 2 crossbars
  • Maintenance-free rubber spring axles
  • Independent suspension
  • The chassis is exclusively from the renowned manufacturer AL-KO, market leader in the car trailer and caravan sector
  • Safety indicator on the clutch
Aluminum structure
  • Our aluminium trailers are equipped with anodized aluminium profiles
  • double-walled anodized aluminium side panels 30mm, 440mm high
  • Large emergency lighting with integrated rear fog light
  • Equipped with balanced tires as standard
  • Base plate stable screen-printed base, non-slip
  • Complete M8 stainless steel screw connection (V2A stainless steel)
  • Electrical system: Supply cable (wiring harness) standard with 13-pin plug
  • Tailgate latches very elaborate, made entirely of stainless steel
Equipped for every situation thanks to the versatile accessories...

Raised dropside

20L canister

Towbar adapter for bike carrier with coupling connection

2-4 bike racks

Anti-drag clutch

Material and processing.
The tent fabric of our trailer tents is made from a high-quality, 450 g blended fabric, also known as canvas. This unique combination of cotton and polyester combines the advantages of a natural fiber with those of a modern high-tech material. The result is a robust, breathable fabric that impresses with its pleasant feel and high dimensional stability.

The tent fabric, which is also used by the military, is impregnated and particularly tear-resistant thanks to the ripstop process. In this special weaving technique, thicker threads are woven into the fabric at intervals of around 10-15 millimetres, giving the fabric its characteristic tiled structure and exceptional tear resistance. It goes without saying that our fabrics are opaque and therefore offer optimum protection and privacy.
The basis of our trailer tents is a robust stainless steel frame with a thickness of 3×3 cm. A 1.8 cm thick, water-resistant wooden floor panel is securely fastened to this sturdy frame with stainless steel screws. The frame of the trailer tents is also made of galvanized steel tubing and special stainless steel components that ensure maximum stability. The modern surface finish not only offers a high level of corrosion protection, but also gives the material a pleasant feel and ensures a durable, weatherproof construction.
We rely exclusively on yarn from the German market leader Amann. Thanks to the combination of a cotton core and a high-tenacity polyester core, this yarn is characterized by a particularly high tensile strength and excellent water resistance.

On contact with water, the cotton coating swells and closes the seam holes created during sewing. For additional protection, all seams in the roof area are fitted with a transparent sealing strip to ensure maximum waterproofness.
Less is sometimes more.
We are often asked: What about the water column? For tent fabrics, the impermeability of the fabric is specified in the form of the water column. For cotton tents, this value is usually around 300 to 400 mm. However, our tent fabric offers an exceptionally high water column for cotton fabric of around 750 mm. This means that theoretically more than 75 cm of water can stand on the material before the first drops penetrate.

A major advantage of cotton as a natural raw material is its ability to swell when it gets damp, which provides additional waterproofing. In contrast, synthetic fabrics, which cannot swell, must have a much higher water column (between 3,000 and 10,000 mm, depending on the material) in order to achieve comparable waterproofness.
Good night.
The comfort sleep set consists of a high-quality visco foam mattress that adapts perfectly to the individual body shape, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. The set is complemented by the innovative Froli bed spring system, which guarantees an exceptional sleeping experience. Perfect sleeping comfort in a well thought-out overall package.
Premium mattress.
An excellent mattress is the basis for healthy and restful sleep. Just as every person is unique, their mattress should also be individually tailored to them.
Our premium mattress adapts perfectly to the contours of the body and promotes orthopaedically correct positioning of the spine. Thanks to targeted pressure relief, back muscles and intervertebral discs can relax optimally. The innovative construction and high-quality materials create an ideal sleeping environment.
There are no compromises at CAMPWERK: We rely on flexible visco foam with memory function. The unique combination of supportive foam core and relieving visco foam topper ensures maximum sleeping comfort.
  • Visco-elastic mattress.
  • High-quality Tencel® cover (38 % Tencel®, 62 % polyester).
  • Four practical turning loops.
  • Four-sided zipper.
  • Removable, divisible and washable.
  • Four practical turning loops.
Suspension.
Good ventilation is crucial for your well-being and sleep hygiene. To ensure maximum sleeping comfort, we combine our mattress with an innovative Froli slat base. The flexible spring elements form a comfortable slat base with individually adjustable firmness zones. This combination ensures orthopaedically correct positioning of the body and provides targeted, pressure-relieving support. This effectively prevents tension and one-sided strain. The open, air-permeable cells also enable optimum ventilation and create a healthy sleeping environment.
Are you allergic or do you have special health requirements? No problem! We cooperate with a renowned German mattress manufacturer to offer customized solutions. Simply contact us and together we will find the ideal mattress for your needs.