DIY: Homemade Camp Shower

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You don't have to spend a fortune on an RV or hassle with expensive portable camping showers to enjoy a refreshing shower while camping. Whether you're camping in the woods or at a large campground, you can find a secluded area to build your DIY camp shower. The project requires little more than an hour and very light labor. Using this inexpensive showering method, you can shower no matter where you are.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Hammer
Nail
Rope, twine, leather string or bungee cord
Large bucket
Tarp

Step 1

Construct a shower head. Puncture holes around the bottom rim and base of an extra large tin can using a hammer and a nail. Space the holes at least ½-inch apart. Economy size cans of soup, beans, chili and other food products are available at your local grocer---these and other protein-rich foods are ideal when camping. Clean the tin can at a stream, water pump or other water source after use.

Step 2

Hammer holes on opposite sides of the tin can, at the top. Both holes must line up relatively evenly, so the "shower head" will hang straight and upright.

Step 3

Thread a rope, twine, leather string or bungee cord through the two holes.

Step 4

Find a secluded and sturdy pine tree or other strong standing structure. Hang the tin can from the tree. Tie a sturdy knot to offset the weight of the water. Opt for a sheet bend knot instead of a bow tie knot. With the tin can positioned on your shoulder, and slack available in your rope, make a loop. Pass the tag end of your rope through the loop and then back around. Pull the knot closed.

Step 5

Build an enclosure around your shower. Tie a rope to two sturdy posts. Drape a tarp over the rope. Repeat on all sides, if necessary. Use a pale to catch water run-off.

Step 6

Gather water in a large bucket and take it with you inside the enclosure. Pour some of the water from the bucket into your DIY camp shower. The holes along the tin can will cause the water to slowly pour over you. Repeat as necessary. You can also have an assistant fill the tin can with water as you shower.

Tips & Warnings

Rinse your body with a small amount of water. Lather and then add more water to rinse.

Choose a tin can with corrosion-resistant tin plating.

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

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