When you camp in a van or other small camper without a bathroom, you may want to build a portable bathroom for camping or have a way to use the bathroom inside your camper . This may be as simple as having a port-a-potty in your camper, or extensive as having a free-standing tent to use as a bathroom.
If you are looking for more info on using the bathroom while backpacking or in the woods – you can find more information about that here.
What you need to Make a portable bathroom for camping
Camp Shower tents and privacy tents
Please note *Many campgrounds have bath houses and do not allow shower tents in the campground, so check ahead for rules about shower tents before making your portable bathroom for camping.
A free standing privacy or shower tent is the basis for a portable bathroom for camping. You can purchase a simple “pop-up” shower tent, but I recommend a better quality tent as the pop up versions do not hold up well in the wind or a rainstorm.
The KingCamp Shower tent is a 2 room shower tent – a 2 room tent is nice because you can shower in one side, and have a dry area to get dressed. This shower tent has a rain fly, a floor, and pockets for storing your items.
Oversize Space Privacy Tent Portable Outdoor Shower Tents for Camping with Floor Changing Tent Dressing Room Easy Set Up Shower Privacy Shelter 1 Room/2 Rooms Toilet Tent
If you are looking for a smaller tent, the G4Free Privacy tent is a single room tent. It also comes with a rainfly and hook to hold a portable shower. For more tent options check out our Top 5 Tents for Teardrop Trailers article.
7.5FT Portable Camping Easy Set Up Deluxe Shelter Tent Dressing Changing Room with Carry Bag, Camp Toilet
Camp Bathroom Tent Lighting and fan
This is the perfect light/fan combination for your shower tent. I like this fan because it is USB rechargeable and long lasting, the 3-speed fan will help to dry out the tent and keep it cool on a hot day and provides light at night. You can also use it to recharge your phone or other small electronics if needed.
Camping Fan with LED Lantern, Rechargeable Battery Operated Fan with Light, Personal Fan with Hanging Hook for Tents Car Emergency Power Outages Hurricane Survival Kit
Portable Showers for camping
A tankless water heater may be a bit large if you have a small van or camper, but if you can’t do without a hot shower, the space it takes up may be worth it. You can also use the tankless water heater to do dishes in your camp kitchen. Will work best at campsites with water hookups.
1.32GPM/5Litre Capacity, 6-IN-1 Multiple Protection, 7 More Usage Scenarios, Low Pressure Startup, Black
One of the most common camp portable showers – a solar shower uses the sun to heat the water – just fill it up, lay it in the sun for a few hours, and you will have a warm shower in your portable bathroom for camping!
,5 gallons/20L Solar Heating Camping Shower Bag with Removable Hose and On-Off Switchable Shower Head for Camping Beach Swimming Outdoor Traveling Hiking
The innhom Portable Shower uses a pump submerged in a bucket of water (or lake!) to provide a stream of water for your camp shower.
Camping Shower Outdoor Camp Shower Pump, Electric Rechargeable Portable Camping Shower, Powered by Rechargeable Battery, 1 Year Warranty
For use with your portable shower – the Luxtude Collapsible Bucket carries 5 gallons of water.
Lightweight Folding Water Container 5 Gallon (20L), Portable Collapsible Bucket for Fishing, Camping, Hiking, Backpacking, Outdoor Survival, Car Washing
Best Portable Toilets for Camping
There are many choices for a portable toilet from fancy to simple. Here are some of the most popular, keep in mind your mobility – you may want something higher off the ground if you have issues getting up from a low position.
The GO Anywhere Portable Camping toilet folds up discreetly, and uses the Go Anywhere Single Use Toilet kit for ease of use.
for Ice Fishing, Camping and Snow Mobiling - Comes with 3 Toilet Kits (Waste Bag with Poo Powder, Zip-Close Storage Bag, Toilet Paper & Hand Sanitize...
These bags can be used with other styles of camping toilets as well. These are fantastic, they have a bag that you can use as a liner for the portable toilet, and the bag has a substance in the bottom that will turn the liquid into a gel. You then pack the bag into a thicker baggie type bag. Each kit comes with toilet paper, so you have everything you need in a discreet small kit that packs easily.
I like this version of the portable folding toilet because it it shaped like a toilet vs the round version from many manufacturers. Comes with storage bag.
Upgrade Camping Toilet, Porta Potty Car Toilet, Travel Potty Perfect for Camping, Hiking,Trips,Construction Sites
The Camco 5 Gallon Bucket with seat is a camping classic! I switched the 5 Gallon bucket with a lower 3 gallon buck for my tent and teardrop camper to save space.
with Seat and Lid Attachment | Lightweight and Easy to Clean | Great for Camping, Hiking, Hunting and More Blue
| Features a Durable, Double-Bag Design | Great for Camping, Hiking and Hunting and More | 10-Pack , Black
A bedside Commode Chair will work great for people with mobility issues – it is larger to carry and store, but does fold up for travel. The side handles can give you a bit of leverage to help you stand.
Bath Kit/Bag for camping
When you are camping in a small camper or van, it’s nice to have one place to store all of your toiletries, and this water resistant hanging bag is perfect for that. You can hang this in your shower tent, camper, or campground shower stall, and have everything you need handy. Besides your shampoo, conditioner and soap, consider adding a baggie with emergency toilet paper. And don’t forget your toothbrush, toothpaste and comb or brush. This bag comes in many colors and sizes. I keep mine packed and ready to go in my camper.
Travel Cosmetic Organizer Shower Bathroom Bag for Men Women Water-resistant (M, Denim Navy Blue)
Camping Towels
When looking for a camping towel, I like to have several oversized towels soI can use them for drying off, used as a picnic blanket or cover for a picnic table. I even use them as privacy curtains for my camper van. Look for microfiber towels that dry quickly and are sand resistant. This towel comes in many patterns:
for Adults - Oversized Travel Beach Towels with Pouch - 71x35 inch Quick Dry Pool Towels - Large Sand Free Beach Towels
I hope this is a helpful guide for making a comfortable portable bathroom for camping!
