Best Shower Tent for Privacy While Camping

The Caddis Rapid Privacy Tent is our pick for the best shower tent because it has all the best features you could need – a quick setup, durable materials, and a floor with mesh edges to keep the bugs out. 

We understand that this may not be everyone’s top pick, so we’ve also assembled our other favorite options below – that way you can pick the perfect shower person tent that best fits your needs.

Camping trips are associated with fun times, relaxation, and getting close to nature, but they can also be related to stinky campers and nasty shared campground toilets. While we’ve been pretty fortunate in the past, it’s not always a given that you’ll enjoy the campground facilities. We’ve assembled a list of our favorite shower tents on the market so you can pick the best option. Per usual, they’re all highly rated and have different features with various setup times.

5 Best Shower Tents

How We Tested, Reviewed, And Rated These Shower Tents

We love outdoor gear and recommend equipment that adds value to our outdoor adventure. We know and understand the importance of having gear worth every penny, so we thoroughly research and test every product we recommend. No matter how we procure an item, our goal is to remain as unbiased as possible, and we put it to the test against its competitors to find the best and worst features. 

We also understand that each adventurer is different, and our favorite shower tent may not be yours. That’s why we rate and review a wide variety of products currently available, so you can see a breakdown of all the features and pick what’s best for you and your situation. We don’t recommend anything we wouldn’t personally use, so whether you’re looking for the highest quality, an affordable price, superior weather resistance, a particular brand, or any other desirable feature, there’s sure to be a tent on our list that’s perfect for you.

Comparison Table

This comparison table takes some of the essential specifications from each tent on our list and puts it into an easy-to-read format so you can directly compare each one to its competitors. We’ve included price, weight, square footage, peak height, materials, and user reviews.

Tent Model	Price	Weight	Square Footage	Peak Height	Materials	Overall Rating
Caddis Rapid Privacy Tent	$$	15 lbs.	16 sq.ft.	84 inches	190-denier polyester	5/5
Zempire Pocket Rocket	$$$	13 lbs.	32 sq.ft.	78 inches	UPF 50+ polyester	4.7/5
Caddis Rapid 2-Room	$$$	18 lbs.	24.5 sq.ft.	84 inches	190-denier polyester	4.8/5
Kelty H2GO	$	13.7 lbs.	14.7 sq.ft.	86 inches	68-denier polyester	4.7/5
WolfWise Shower Tent	$	5.6 lbs.	15.5 sq.ft.	78.7 inches	190T polyester	4.4/5

Things to Consider When Choosing a Camping Shower Tent

To help you better understand the performance of the shower tents we’ve discussed, let’s look at some critical quantitative measurements and the impact of design choices on users.

Privacy

Shower tents are also called privacy tents, and they 100% need to be able to give you the privacy you need. That means not letting people see through the tent’s fabric, even if it’s just your shadow. Whichever tent you pick, ensure it’s a thicker fabric, decreasing the likelihood of being seen through the material. Several of the best shower tents above even have a silver-coated fabric that blocks shadows even more, which is an excellent feature.

Peak Height

We’ve purposely only included tents with a generous max height, so don’t be fooled by smaller tents. A prominent required feature is that you need to be able to stand up straight, but you also need enough headroom for your shower head or bag to hang above you. If you’ve ever showered in a tiny shower where the shower head was at eye level, you know how inconvenient that can be.

Space

You’ll notice that we’ve included the square footage on each of the products above, and this is to give you an idea of the difference in space between the tents. While some are more compact and best for simple setups, others are quite large and would give you more space in your tent. This personal preference would also depend on the size of the campsites you typically use.

Pole Material

Poles are the main support structure in any tent, and they become even more critical in shower tents, where they need to support the weight of a solar shower bag. Anyone who has carried around one of those shower bags knows that they get heavy quickly, and it takes a strong tent frame to hold up the weight. 

For example, the Caddis Rapid Privacy Shelter boasts a sturdy frame that can support up to 50 pounds, making it ideal for holding a filled solar shower bag. On the other hand, the WolfWise Pop-Up design is unsuitable for supporting heavy shower bags due to its more lightweight and flexible frame. 

You should look for shower tents that actively advertise that they can support the weight of a shower bag, and it’s a bonus if the poles are made of steel. While fiberglass poles aren’t necessarily a deal-breaker, we would generally prefer steel so the frame would last longer and better withstand wear and tear. 

While it’s possible to use a pump shower where the tent structure only needs to support the weight of the hose and shower head, we use a solar shower bag, and a strong tent is of the utmost importance. Plus, solar shower bags are way more affordable than any pump shower, so consider that when perfecting your camping shower setup. 

Remember that while a pop-up tent can be made of steel poles, the poles are meant to fold and bend for storage. Therefore, a pop-up shower tent is best used as a privacy tent for a bathroom or changing but isn’t ideal for showering. Don’t let the pole material fool you into thinking it could support the weight of a shower bag.

Pole material is vital, as it determines the tent’s ability to support the weight of a solar shower bag. Opt for steel poles when possible, as they provide better durability and support than fiberglass.

Water Resistance

Regarding water resistance, the fabric of the tents plays a crucial role. Most shower tents use polyester with a specific water resistance rating measured in millimeters (mm). A higher rating indicates a better resistance to water penetration. For instance, the Zempire Pocket Rocket Shelter offers a 3000mm water resistance rating, making it a reliable choice in wet conditions. Comparing the water resistance ratings of the tents helps you determine which ones are best suited for your camping environment.

Mesh for Ventilation

Ventilation is also crucial, so look for tents with mesh panels that promote airflow, prevent mustiness, and allow for quicker drying. The Kelty H2GO Privacy Shelter features two large mesh windows and a mesh ceiling that promote airflow and prevent the tent from becoming musty.

Additionally, the Caddis 2-Room Shelter has zippered windows and vents, allowing users to adjust the ventilation according to their needs. By examining these design features, you can assess how well each shower tent will perform in terms of air circulation and comfort.

Pockets & Shelves

Storage options, such as pockets and shelves, are necessary to hold toiletries and other shower essentials and hooks for shower bags, showerheads, and lanterns for nighttime use. Part of showering is that you’ll have toiletries, so you’ll need storage shelves and a place to hang your towel so it won’t get wet. The optimal shower tent will also have a hook or support, whether using a shower bag or a shower head with a pump. If you plan on using the tent as a restroom, having a lantern hook for nighttime trips to the toilet is always helpful

Tent Floor

Some tents come with built-in floors, while others do not. Consider whether you prefer an attached floor or a different mat or tarp to provide a more customizable, longer-lasting flooring solution. The floor of a shower tent is a matter of personal preference, so you should consider what kind of design you want in your ideal shower tent.

Some shower tents, like the Zempire above, do not have a shower floor. This gives you fewer things you need to clean but also exposes your feet to bugs, dirt, grass, and sticks. You could put down a wooden shower mat or small tarp; some argue it would last longer and drain better than any polyester tent floor. 

Some tents have an attached floor, which is what most people prefer. Most of the options on our Best Shower Tent List above have this built-in floor, and we like seeing a mesh outer layer connected. This allows for water to drain without letting in bugs. On the downside, the tent’s life may outlast the floor, which is harder to replace than if you had used your flooring.

FAQ

Conclusion

Ultimately, the best camping shower tent and changing room is the one on this list that best fits your needs. While we chose the Caddis Rapid single room as our shower tent, all the products above are great options depending on your situation. The Zempire offers excellent features, the Caddis 2-room has lots of space, the Kelty H2GO is the best budget option, and the WolfWise pop-up design is quick to set up.

Whichever shower tent you pick, consider these key factors: privacy, peak height, space, pole material, ventilation, storage options, and tent flooring. The perfect shower tent should provide complete privacy with thick, non-transparent fabric and enough height to accommodate the user and the showerhead or bag. Consider the available space and choose a tent with adequate square footage that suits your camping preferences. 

While the affordability and simplicity of some pop-up tents may be tempting, we recommend using one if you only plan on using it as a bathroom and changing room, as it just doesn’t have the features and stability to compete with one of the more traditional shower tent designs. 

We’ve reviewed several excellent shower tent options, including the Caddis Rapid Privacy Shelter, Zempire Pocket Rocket Shelter, Caddis Rapid 2-Room Privacy Shelter, Kelty H2GO Privacy Shelter, and WolfWise Pop Up Privacy Tent. Each product offers unique features to suit different needs, and by considering the factors mentioned above, you can select the perfect shower tent for your camping adventures. 

Ultimately, we selected the Caddis Rapid Privacy Tent as our Editor’s Choice because it checked all the boxes we needed in a shower tent for our personal use. The Caddis Rapid Tent is available at a conservative price compared to its competitors without sacrificing the necessary features and specifications.

NOTE: if you shower in nature, ensure you’re disposing of your grey water properly. If you just let your water run into the nearby soil, make sure you’re using a biodegradable soap like this one.