If you’re reading this, you may have gone out and bought a camping shower, but once you got home you had another thought – where exactly are you going to shower and how will you maintain some privacy?
Portable shower tents or ensuites are the answer! While you can shower out in the open in front of your friends, most of them would agree that you probably shouldn't and that's where the following range of shower tents come in.
They are all built to use in conjunction with a portable shower so you can clean yourself in privacy whilst at the campsite and are all easy to set up and stow away whilst on the move.
| OZtrail Pop Up Ensuite Shower/Toilet Tent | EPE Speedy Deluxe Twin Room Ensuite Tent | Zempire Pocket Rocket Shower/ Toilet Tent | Joolca Ensuite Single | KICKASS Shower Tent Awning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Value  | Our Pick  |  |  |  | |
120 x 120 x 210 cm | 110 x 200 x 210 cm | 175 x 175 x 215 cm | 150 x 150 x 205 cm | 100 x 100 x210 cm | |
Polyethylene, steel, silver coating | Polyester with silver coating | Polyester with silver coating | Polyethylene, steel | Ripstop Polyester, Aluminium | |
3.5 kg | 8 kg | 5.75 kg | 6.2 kg | ?? | |
1 Year | 1 year | 1 year | 2 years | 1 Year |
Best Shower Tents & Awnings in Australia
OZtrail Pop Up Ensuite Shower/Toilet Tent
Best Budget Shower Tent
First on our list is the OZtrail Pop Up Ensuite Shower / Toilet tent, which is the most budget-friendly shower tent on this list, but still has many good features. The tent itself is a free-standing one and as such can be placed anywhere you need it and comes with a window for ventilation and silver-coated inner walls for extra privacy.
It has been designed not only as a shower tent but also can be used as a space for a portable camping toilet or even as a changing room for young children. It does have some reported issues with customers, the first being that people have found it too 'flimsy' or unstable, especially in windy areas.
The second issue had by people who still gave it top marks was the re-packing after use, with springs inside the poles being a particular problem. There is a specific way to pack it, with instructional videos on the company’s website, however many people find this frustrating.
Still, given its price point and a majority of happy buyers, this tent is great for those on a budget or for occasional use a few times a year.
Explore Planet Earth Speedy Deluxe Twin Room Ensuite Tent
Best For Families
When it comes to being the best shower tent, the stand-alone Explore Planet Earth Deluxe has got you covered. This tent is sturdy and will hold up free-standing in windy locations, it has an integrated floor with drainage outside so you never have to stand in a puddle of water.
Probably the best thing about this shower tent is that it has two sections inside, so you can set up your shower in one section and use the other for changing or drying afterwards which make it very useful for families who like to get the kids clean all at once.
With all the internal compartments, storage and towel racks, it will almost feel like home.
Customer reviews are all very high, with literally its overall weight being the only negative issue, something that isn't so important if you are carrying it in a vehicle at any rate.
If you like to camp for long periods and like want of the comforts of home or have a bunch of kids – this twin tent is one you should buy.
Zempire Pocket Rocket Shower/Toilet Tent
Best For Flexible Use
Not sure if you need a separate tent for showering or for your camp toilet? The Zempire Pocket Rocket shower/toilet tent has both (or for use as a change room) in mind with their design. The pocket rocket tent is quick and easy to set up and use and has a silver lining for added privacy like all the shower tents.
While most customers had nothing but good things to say, there does appear to be some issues:
There is no top or back opening for your shower and no internal hook, meaning you will have to mount your shower separately; the shower hose needs to have an extender or you need to have the shower in the tent with you. There is no floor either.
Overall, this tent is good for a quick set-up and packing or potentially as your camp toilet tent, but as a shower tent, others on this list just have an overall better setup.
Joolca Ensuite Single
Best For Those On The Move
Do you change campsites a lot? Do you like to head out often but only for short periods? If you answered yes then this is the potential shower tent you have been dreaming of.
This shower tent is designed to be able to set it up completely within 30 secs (obviously your shower set up will be separate) and it also packs down just as quick.
It has a sturdy frame and the option to peg it down in windy locations, coupled with an internal wall organiser for all your toiletries, a removable laundry hamper and even a compartment for dry towels.
The Joolca Ensuite single is made from quality materials and has many small innovations that make it a favourite amongst campers.
Online reviews by customers are all very highly rated due to the thought that has gone into this tent, however one negative was the floor not having the best drainage and that it can be a little difficult to clean.
For those who like to move camp often or like to set things up quickly – the Joolca Ensuite single shower tent is definitely worth a look.
KICKASS Shower Tent Awning
Best For Vehicle-Mounted Use
The KICKASS Shower tent awning is a purpose-built vehicle-mounted awning. It's more of a shower awning than a shower tent and is designed to be mounted on the side of your truck, caravan or motorhome.
As it's pre-mounted, every time you want to use the awning, it simply folds out to the side and then requires securing the bottom to the ground. That's it, super-fast and easy to set up and repack.
As it's an awning and not a complete tent, it does not have the internal compartments or towel racks. It also means that you will have to shower (or if you are using it as a toilet, then do your business) right next to your vehicle.
Customer reviews are all very high, as even though the KICKASS awning doesn’t have many bells and whistles – it’s very effective for its designated use.
If you drive a lot, sleep in a swag near your truck or like to keep things simple, then the KICKASS vehicle-mounted awning could just be the simple solution you have been looking for.
What To Look For When Buying Shower Tents And Awnings
Camping showers come in a range of styles and designs and their central aim is to provide a private space for you to shower, change or use a toilet in.
Like all camping equipment, there is a range of quality and prices to choose from and by following this guide you will hopefully gain some more insight before making that purchase.
Height
All the tents and awnings we have listed here have a minimum height of 2m, however, there are others that can be quite a lot shorter.
Height is an important factor primarily for showering as most people want the shower head above them with a bit of space before the water hits.
The height will impact your experience; if you are cramped over it won't be as comfortable.
Durability
Like all camping equipment, having your shower tent or awning last and getting the most value for your dollar is an important aspect.
Awnings like the KICKASS have taken it to the next level and are made of ripstop material to ensure it will last the harsh Australian conditions, while others may not be as durable.
Ventilation
This is a more important factor if the tent’s primary use is as a toilet, however making sure the tent or awning has ventilation will ensure smells and steam can escape quickly.
This will allow the next user to have a better experience, which is especially important if a group of people are using the one tent.
Floor Designs
This is something that is very important to some people and not at all to others. The temperature you camp at may drive a preference, as will the number of bugs you may have to deal with.
Tents like the Zempire Pocket Rocket or KICKASS awning have no floor at all, so you stand on grass or dirt, place a mat underneath or shower in your thongs.
The Explore Planet Earth Speedy Deluxe Twin has an integrated floor which means there is a proper drainage system and you can easily stand and shower just like at home.
Then there are tents like the Joolca Ensuite which have a fully encased floor that keeps the temperature steady, keeps bugs outside but does tend to let water pool around your feet.
At the end of the day, when it comes to floors – it's best to go with the one you will be most happy with and suitable for the environment you will be camping in.
Equipment Storage
Many of the designs listed have internal storage compartments. This is so you can keep towels and toiletries in your shower tent easily enough and not have to move them around. While not essential, these compartments do add an ease of use factor that is noticeable when you don't have them.
Set Up and Pack Down
We have one on this list that claims it only takes 7 seconds to set up and another only 30 to pack down. While this may be important to some, anything under a minute is usually acceptable.
Some, like the Explore Planet Earth tent, have issues with this, especially when packing it up, with quite a few frustrated buyers expressing dissatisfaction. Others, like the Joolca or KICKASS, literally just spring up or fold out making them easy and quick to use.
Mounted vs. Free Standing
One shower tent here is specifically designed to be mounted on a vehicle, while the others are free-standing.
A mounted awning needs to attach to a vehicle to give it stability, while the others do not and the decision between the two will most likely come down to the type of vehicle you drive and if you want anything mounted on it.
Shower Tent FAQ
How do tent showers work?
Shower tents are different to your shower at home.
While they both intend to give you a clean place that is private to clean yourself, indoors you can have everything at your disposal, whereas outdoors it's always a temporary set-up and a trade-off between the comforts of home and just getting yourself clean.
Shower tents use a silver lining inside to ensure no light can penetrate, giving you close to complete privacy.
They do require a separate camping shower however. The shower can be external to the tent, but you need the hose to come through and be placed on a hook for a good shower experience.
Final Thoughts
If you bought a camping shower, you will most likely want a shower tent or awning to go with it.
It's important to keep clean and a shower tent will afford you and your family the privacy to do so almost anywhere. Many of these tents can also be used with a day trip to the beach, river or lake just for changing clothes as they are set up quickly and easily.
If you like to camp for extended periods, having a nice separate shower tent for you and your fellow campers to be able to clean and shower in will ensure your camping experience is as enjoyable as possible.
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Note that while every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this page, there may sometimes be errors. Check all specifications with the manufacturer before purchasing any product.
