If you’re pressed for time, the best shower tent is the Ozark Trail Instant 2-Room Shower.
When you go camping, you want to make sure you can keep your hygiene in check.
There’s nothing worse than not having a clean, private space available when you want to take a quick shower, use the toilet, or just change your clothes.
But finding a great shower tent is no easy task with many models and features on the market.
So that’s why we’ve rated and reviewed shower tents and privacy tents to help you narrow down your search:
- Best Overall Shower Tent: Ozark Trail Instant 2-Room Shower
- Best Budget Shower Tent: WolfWise Pop up Shower Tent
- Best Premium Shower Tent: NEMO Heliopolis Privacy Shelter
- Best Ultra Budget Shower Tent: GigaTent Pop Up Pod
- Biggest Shower Tent: KingCamp Oversize Outdoor Shower Privacy Shelter Tent
- Best for First Timer Campers: Alvantor Shower TentAlvantor Shower Tent
- Best Shower Tent for Taller People: Texsport Instant Portable Camping Shower
- Best Value Shower Tent: Green Elephant Camping Shower Tent
Best Shower Tent: Our Top Choices
Ozark Trail Instant 2-Room Shower
Setup Time: 1 min | Weight: 20 lbs | Max Height: 84 in | Dimensions: 84 x 42 in| Square Footage: 24.5 sq ft
This 2-room shower tent from Ozark Trail is a popular choice for those looking to buy a shower tent.
This model is made of great, water-resistant materials. And, with a floor area of almost 25 sq ft and a peak height of 7 ft, there’s more than enough space inside to move around without feeling cramped.
The Ozark Trail is designed with a mesh roof and windows on both sides, which allow air to circulate freely through the tent while you bathe. There are also plenty of pockets and a rack to store your clothes and towel.
Inside the tent, there’s a wall that can be zipped and unzipped, giving you the option of creating two separate spaces. This means you’ll be able to use the shower tent for multiple purposes simultaneously.
And that’s not all! The Ozark Trail even comes with its own solar shower bag included, so you won’t have to spend any additional money on a separate, less compatible bag While this shower tent is not a pop-up model, assembly is straightforward and easy enough for one person to tackle alone. Between you and me, I still haven’t mastered the delicate art of disassembling a pop-up tent and putting it back in its case. For that reason, I actually prefer the classic set-up this model uses.
It’s worth noting that this tent is heavier than the others I reviewed, weighing in at just over 20 lbs. If you’re a car camper, this won’t be a problem, but if you are planning on setting up camp further away from your car, you might want to look at some lighter options.
This tent isn’t cheap by any means, but it’s definitely worth the price. In this case, I can safely say you’ll know where your money went. You’re paying top dollar for a top product. So, if your budget allows it, look no further.
Pros:
- This tent has 24.5 sq ft of floor space and a peak height of 7 ft, so it’s definitely roomier than most.
- It features a two-room layout, giving it the possibility of being multi-functional.
- There’s mesh along the edges of the floor, allowing excess water to drain.
- The mesh roof and large windows ensure great ventilation.
- The rainfly is included, so you don’t have to worry about rainy weather.
- It’s easy enough to set up on your own within minutes.
- It comes with its own solar shower bag, providing you with everything you need to take a shower in the great outdoors.
Cons:
- At 20.15 lbs, this is the heaviest shower tent I reviewed.
- The Ozark Trail is the most expensive, so campers on a tight budget will unfortunately have to look elsewhere.
Best for: High-budget campers seeking the ultimate in quality and comfort.
Nemo Heliopolis Shower Tent
Setup Time: 10 mins | Weight: 9.45 lbs | Max Height: 84 in | Dimensions: 48 x 48 in| Square Footage: 16 sq ft
The NEMO Heliopolis shower tent is a top contender if you’re in the market for a new camp shower.
This model’s standout feature is its lofty 7-ft ceiling and spacious interior, providing ample room for comfortable showering.
And it’s durable! The aluminum frame in the NEMO Heliopolis shower tent is designed to create a solid, rust-free structure, while the webbing guyouts ensure it’s windproof. The canopy is crafted from a rugged 75D PeU polyester material, significantly contributing to its durability and longevity.
This shower tent is designed to pair perfectly with Helio portable showers, featuring hose attachments that hold the sprayer hands-free for a more convenient and relaxing bathing experience.
Practical features such as a door lock mechanism, built-in TP dispenser bag, drainage floor with mesh drainage sidewalls, and interior pockets make the entire experience enjoyable and convenient for users.
And the cherry on top? Setting up this tent is a breeze, thanks to its easy-to-use pole clips.
Pros:
- Well-constructed and durable product.
- Handles winds up to 40 mph without guy lines.
- Compatible with NEMO Helio shower bag.
- Overhead pockets for towels and toiletries.
Cons:
- Difficult one-person setup
Best for: Those looking for a high quality, premium shower tent!
WolfWise Pop up Shower Tent
Setup Time: 1 min | Weight: 5.44 lbs | Max Height: 74.8 in | Dimensions: 47.2 x 47.2 in| Square Footage: 15.47 sq ft
The WolfWise Pop up Shower Tent is an impressively tough little tent. It’s made of anti-tear 190T polyester with a galvanized steel frame that protects against corrosion.
It’s very budget-friendly and lightweight but still surprisingly comfortable and spacious. It’s almost 75 in tall with a base area of just under 15.5 sq ft. If you’re really tall this might still be a bit cramped, but I found that the size works for most people.
This tent has plenty of extra features. There’s a side bag where you can store your personal items, and a clothesline where you can hang your garments and towel. It also has a mesh top and a zipper window, so you’ll always have adequate airflow while you’re using it. It does not, however, feature a rainfly. So beware, rain will fall directly through the mesh top into the tent.
One thing to take note of is that this model doesn’t include a base. This means you’ll be standing directly on whatever terrain is under the tent, which may not always be ideal.
Another thing that isn’t great about this tent is that it doesn’t always provide total privacy. Under certain lighting conditions, it can be slightly transparent. Depending on who you’re camping with and where, this could lead to some potentially awkward scenarios.
Pros:
- It’s made of durable anti-tear 190T polyester, so it won’t rip easily, even on rocky terrain.
- It has a tough galvanized steel frame, so you don’t have to worry about corrosion.
- With a peak height of 74.8 in, this shower tent is tall enough for most.
- The base area measuring 15.47 sq ft gives this tent a spacious feel inside.
- The mesh top design and zipper window provide great ventilation.
- Weighing in at 4.3 lbs it’s very light and portable, so you’ll be able to take it with you anywhere without any problems.
- Set-up is instant so you can have it up and running in no time at all.
Cons:
- There is no base included for this shower tent.
- The model does not include a rainfly, so campers may be exposed to unexpected weather.
Best for: economical campers who don’t want to compromise on comfort.
Texsport Instant Portable Camping Shower
Setup Time: 10 mins | Weight: 3.9 lbs | Max Height: 87 in | Dimensions: 54 x 54 in| Square Footage: 20.25 sq ft
The Texsport Instant Portable Camping Shower is the ultimate solution for elevating your outdoor bathing experience since it comes with a camp shower included with the shower tent.
Made with heavy-duty polyurethane-coated taffeta walls and featuring a generous 5-gallon capacity, this camp shower allows you to indulge in worry-free showering while exploring the great outdoors
With a generous floor area of 17.9 sq ft, you’ve got plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy your shower time.
Additionally, this portable shower comes with two no-see-um mesh windows, each featuring zippered storm flats, so you can keep those pesky insects away while maintaining your own privacy. There are also two see-through skylights that let light in from above, ensuring better visibility inside.
The large, zippered D-style door makes it super easy to get in and out of your shower, while the removable floor mat ensures you won’t be standing (or slipping) in any puddles of water.
The mesh accessory caddy inside is perfect for holding your bathing essentials, keeping them organized and within reach.
Pros:
- Very good ventilation with a 2 to 3″ gap at the bottom of the tent structure
- Accommodates larger and/or taller people.
- Good value for the price.
- Heavy-duty pole connections.
- Well-designed privacy features.
- Quick and easy setup, in just a few minutes
Cons:
- Zippers may be a weak point in durability.
Best for: Taller people looking for the tallest and biggest shower tent available.
GigaTent Pop Up Pod
Setup Time: 1 min | Weight: 3 lbs | Max Height: 69 in | Dimensions: 36 x 36 in| Square Footage: 9 sq ft
Now, if you’re on a tight budget and you just want a good, no-frills shower tent, check out this pop-up from GigaTent.
It’s made of water-resistant materials and has a flexible steel frame. At 3.3 lbs it’s ultra-lightweight, making it super easy to take with you on any trip.
This model just pops right up, so set-up is a no-brainer. However, be aware that folding it back up might be a bit more of a challenge.. It’s a good idea to get some practice in folding up this shower tent before your camping vacation, so you can avoid any unnecessary frustration. Like the previous model I mentioned, this one doesn’t have a base. An enclosed top means this tent provides far better protection from the rain than the last model.
However, this model falls short in ventilation. It doesn’t have any windows or meshing at all, so it can get a bit stuffy.
This tent is also somewhat smaller than other models I’ve reviewed. With a base area of 9 sq ft and a peak height of 69 in, it’s not quite as roomy as others. If you’re a tall person, you might not find it very comfortable.
Pros:
- It’s highly water-resistant and made of great, high-quality fabric.
- The flexible steel frame ensures durability and stability.
- Instant set-up will have this tent ready to go within seconds.
- Weighing in at only 3.3 lbs, it’s incredibly light and portable.
- An enclosed top provides great privacy and shelter from the rain.
Cons:
- Poor ventilation due to a lack of windows and meshing.
- There is no base included.
- It’s not very spacious, with a peak height of under 70 in and a base area of only 9 sq ft.
- Folding it up can be a bit difficult.
Best for: Low-budget campers looking for a simple shower tent that gets the job done.
KingCamp Oversize Outdoor Shower Privacy Shelter Tent
Setup Time: 10 mins | Weight: 12.5 lbs | Max Height: 85 in | Dimensions: 66 x 66 in| Square Footage: 30.25 sq ft
Now that we’ve seen the budget options, let’s have a look at what you can get if you’re willing to spend a bit more. This model from KingCamp is available in two different sizes. Whether you go for the single room or double room version, both have plenty of space inside.
But now, listen up because here’s where it gets interesting. Because the double room tent seems larger at first glance, and because it’s both heavier and more expensive, most people will assume it is, in fact, larger. However, this is wrong. The single room version is actually both taller and has a larger total base area.
The advantage of getting a double-room is that it can act as both a shower and a toilet, and it can be used by two people at the same time.
Both the single and double-room tents are made of waterproof materials and the poles are fiberglass. The mesh screen top and windows provide great airflow, so ventilation is great.
The KingCamp models also feature a mesh floor, keeping your feet clean and giving you a soft surface to stand on. Any excess water drains automatically.
If you’re worried about the rain coming through the mesh top, don’t be. This shower tent comes with a rainfly, so you can stay dry inside no matter the weather.
This model also comes loaded with added features, like a clothesline, plenty of pockets both inside and outside, and handy hooks for your shower head and water bag.
Finally, while many shower tents unfold instantly, these models require some set-up. Don’t worry though, if you’ve ever put up a tent, you won’t have any issues setting these up fairly quickly.
Pros:
- The fabric it’s made of is 100% waterproof, making it suitable for use in heavy rain.
- The poles are made of fiberglass, making this tent sturdy in windy conditions.
- With base areas of 30 sq ft and 24 sq ft and peak heights of 85 in and 83.8 in, not many people will be hitting their heads on these ceilings.
- Set-up takes minutes and can be done by a single person.
- It features a mesh top and windows for ventilation.
- It has a mesh floor, separating you from the ground.
- A rainfly is included to prevent water from getting in if it’s raining.
Cons:
- Weighing 12.5 and 16.9 lbs, they’re heavier than most shower tents.
- It’s definitely pricier than some of the more basic models. However, it still costs quite a bit less than some shower tents.
Best for: Campers seeking a good mid-range shower tent with all the features.
Alvantor Shower Tent
Setup Time: 1 min | Weight: 7.4 lbs | Max Height: 84 in | Dimensions: 48 x 48 in| Square Footage: 16 sq ft
Sold on the idea of a pop-up shower tent, but looking for one that offers a bit more than the first few I showed you? Feast your eyes on this great option from Alvantor.
All you have to do to set this one up is throw it out into an open space. That’s it! You’re up and running. Like all pop-ups, it can take a hot minute to wrap your head around the process of folding it back up. I’ve got to admit though, as far as pop-up tents go this one is a little bit easier to pack away.
If you’re tall and worried about the headspace, you can relax. This tent stands impressively tall at 7 ft, so I doubt you’ll have any issues. It’s also got a base area of 16 sq ft, so the space inside is comfortable, no matter what you’re using it for.
The material it’s made of is not only waterproof, it’s also resistant to dirt and oil. It’s tough too, so you can rest assured it won’t tear easily.
There’s a large zipper door on either side and a good portion of the roof is made of mesh. This means you’ll never have to worry about it getting stuffy in there. You’ll always have enough air circulating to keep the inside of your shower tent fresh and breezy.
Raining out? No worries. Alvantor has thrown in a PVC covering that you can pop on top to cover the mesh and keep your tent dry.
The floor can be attached and detached. This gives you the option of deciding whether or not you want to use it, depending on what you’re using it for and what kind of terrain you’re on. It also makes it super easy to drain water from the tent after a shower.
On top of that, it’s got some sweet extra features like pockets to hold your things and a clothesline.
For a tent that only weighs 7.4 lbs, those are some unreal specs and perks.
Pros:
- It’s made of 300D poly-oxford fabric with a Teflon coating, making it waterproof but also protecting it from dirt, oil, and tearing.
- It boasts a peak height of 7 ft and a base area of 16 sq ft, so there’s plenty of space inside.
- At just under 7.5 lbs, it’s much lighter than most shower tents of a similar size.
- Set-up is instant and completely hassle-free.
- With its two large zipper doors and mesh top, this shower tent has got fantastic ventilation.
- It features a convenient removable floor.
- It comes with a PVC top to cover the mesh when it’s raining and keep water out.
Cons:
- This shower tent is actually easier to fold up and pack than most pop-ups. Still, it can take a few tries before you manage to do so successfully.
- It is on the pricier side, so if you dig the features you are going to have to dig a bit deeper into your pocket.
Best for: First-time campers looking for a high-quality pop-up shower tent.
Green Elephant Camping Shower Tent
Setup Time: 1 mins | Weight: 5.5 lbs | Max Height: 82.7 in | Dimensions: 47 x 47 in| Square Footage: 15.34 sq ft
Now, let’s talk about the Green Elephant Camping Shower Tent.
First, this shower tent is quite spacious, with dimensions of about 7 ft tall by 4 ft wide These measurements ensure you have plenty of room to move around while showering or changing clothes. No more crouching or feeling cramped in tiny spaces!
In terms of construction, the tent is made from professional standard, high-quality, polyester-coated PU material, and leverages a sturdy steel frame. This makes the shower durable and lightweight, weighing just 5.5 lbs, so you’ll have no trouble carrying this tent with you on your longer treks and camping trips!
What sets the Green Elephant Camping Shower Tent apart from the competition is its thoughtful features, which are specifically designed to enhance your outdoor experience. You’ll find a towel hanger, clothes hanger, flashlight hanger, toilet paper holder, and a personal storage pouch inside.
Last but not least, the Green Elephant Camping Shower Tent includes an additional rain fly that can be placed over the netting. This is perfect for any unexpected rain showers that catch you off guard during your outdoor adventures.
Pros:
- Reinforced weak points with yellow nylon webbing.
- Sturdy mosquito netting and reliable zippers.
- Towel hanger line on the outside for added convenience.
- Toilet paper roll holder and multi-use loop.
Cons:
- Can be challenging for shorter individuals to manage rainfly.
Best for: Those looking for a top-rated shower tent
How To Choose The Best Shower Tent: A Guide
There are so many different options out there and that can make choosing a shower tent overwhelming. Deciding which one is right for you is really going to come down to what your personal priorities are.
Are you intimidated by set up, and want a model that will pop-up instantly?
Is total privacy your #1 concern?
Or are you more worried about finding a lightweight tent that isn’t going to weigh your camping gear down?
There are also certain factors, like ventilation and materials, that are relevant to anyone in the market for a shower tent. After all, no matter what it is you’re looking for, you want to make sure you’re getting a reliable, good-quality product that’s functional and practical.
To help you out, I’ve put together a list of things you’re going to want to keep in mind when picking out your shower tent. Here are some of the things I’m going to talk about, that’ll help you figure out what’s right for you:
- Easy set-up & takedown
- Ventilation
- Privacy
- Size & Weight
- Materials
So, let’s jump straight into it.
Easy Set-Up & Takedown
If you’re new to the camping game, you probably haven’t had much experience putting up tents. If this is the case, a pop-up tent can seem like an attractive solution. There are plenty of pop-up shower tents on the market that take all the hard work out of putting one together.
Let me warn you though, folding one of these babies back up can be a real pain in the you-know-what.
With enough patience and effort, you should eventually get the hang of it. Until you reach that point though, you might find yourself wanting to tear your hair out.
Call me old-fashioned, but I prefer a tent with a standard set-up procedure. It might take a few extra minutes, but I find these tents tend to be slightly sturdier than a pop-up. And, even if you’re a first-time camper, you don’t need be afraid!
It might look complicated, but putting a tent up really isn’t too difficult. Once you’ve done it once, you’ll realize you had nothing to worry about. Promise.
That isn’t to say there aren’t some awesome pop-up tents out there, so if you are a fan of that idea then go for it. At the end of the day, it really comes down to your own personal preference and what works for you.
Ventilation
One of the most important factors to take into consideration when you’re looking for a shower tent is ventilation. Whether you’re using it as a shower or a toilet, or even just as a changing room, you’ll want a nice amount of air coming through to keep it breathable inside.
Without going into too much detail, it doesn’t take an awful lot of imagination to picture how stuffy and smelly it can get in a shower tent. Especially one that’s being used by multiple people, which they usually are.
To avoid this, look for a tent that has as much meshing as possible. Make sure there are enough windows on your shower tent to let some air in. If there’s a mesh roof as well, even better. If you do go for a shower tent with a mesh roof though, make sure it comes with a rainfly. Otherwise, you’ll end up getting soaked when it rains.
Privacy
If you’re thinking “well, duh, the entire purpose of a shower tent is to give you some privacy,” I hear what you’re saying. To be honest with you, I agree. This really shouldn’t even be something I have to mention. Unfortunately, it is and here’s why:
You’d be surprised by the amount of shower tents there are made of materials that, under certain circumstances, are translucent. This isn’t always apparent off the bat, either. You could have a shower tent that provides you with great privacy throughout the day. Then, you might pop in for a quick shower after dark with a lantern and realize that your silhouette is visible from outside.
That’s not all, though. Sooner or later, you’ll realize that if the sun is hitting the tent directly from a certain angle, your silhouette will be revealed during the day, as well.
As if using the bathroom in such close proximity to your fellow campers wasn’t already awkward enough! If you’re not that kind of close with your campmates, you’ll want to make sure to avoid this situation.
Thankfully, that’s easy enough to do. All you have to do is pay close attention to the materials used to make your tent and make sure they don’t let any light through under any conditions. There are loads of tents out there that provide absolute privacy, so there’s no reason to settle for any less.
Size & Weight
If you’re a car camper, you probably won’t be too worried about this part. Even the heaviest shower tents are light enough to carry a short distance without too much effort. They don’t take up too much space, either.
However, if you are planning on taking a shower tent along to a campsite that’s a bit further away from where you’re parked, listen up. Some shower tents will be far too heavy to carry long distances. You’ll already be carrying a bunch of gear as it is, so you’ll definitely want to go for a smaller, lightweight option.
If this is you, you’re in luck. There are some really great ultra-lightweight shower tents on the market. That means that carrying one with you when you’re venturing further out is totally doable.
Of course, if you’re tall you’ll want to make sure you don’t get a tent that’s too small. You shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a tall shower tent that’s also lightweight and compact.
Materials
To make sure the shower tent you’re looking at is going to be sturdy, reliable, and durable, it’s important to know a little bit about the materials it’s made of.
The poles should be made of materials such as fiberglass or steel. If the poles are made of a high-quality material, the tent will perform better in bad weather and you won’t have to worry about rust or breakage.
It goes without saying that the fabric has got to be water-resistant. Most of the time it will be, but it’s always a good idea to double-check.
The fabric should also be tough. You’ll be using it outside where there are plenty of sharp pointy sticks and stones around that it can get caught on. If the fabric your shower tent is made of tears easily, it’s not going to last very long.
Shower Tent FAQs
What is the best shower tent?
The best shower tent on the market today is the Ozark Trail 2-Person Shower Tent. It’s got two rooms, 24.5 sq ft of total floor space and a peak height of 7 ft.
You’ll have plenty of room to shower and change, making it easy the superior choice.
How do you use a pop up shower tent?
There are a variety of portable camp showers with a pump that you can buy. You’ll also need extra water and biodegradable soap.
Most pop up shower tents have a spot to place the nozzle like you would shower at home. You can also use baby wipes or a washcloth if you don’t have a full portable shower system.
How do you fold a pop up shower tent?
Like any pop up tent, folding a pop up shower can be tricky. It will take you a few tries to get it down based on your particular tent.
You’ll want to practice at home, before you get to the campsite. But once you figure out the best way, you’ll be able to put up and take down your pop up shower tent in just a few minutes.
How does a tent shower work?
Most tent showers utilize a battery-powered pump. You insert the pump into the water, and it will move or pump water up and into the shower nozzle like your shower does at home.
Shower tents either have no floor for easy drainage or a drainage opening or a section with mesh if there is a floor.
Our Verdict
It’s hard to beat the Ozark Trail 2-person shower tent.
It really does have everything you could wish for and then some!
It’s wonderfully versatile and can be used for a wide range of purposes. It’s stable and tough, so you’ll always be able to depend on it for all your outdoor adventures.
Despite being a bit heavier than other shower tents, it’s still one of the best there is when it comes to comfort, privacy, and quality.
Next Up: Pair a High-Quality Camp Shower w/ Your Shower Tent