How to Build a Camp Shower

Building a camp shower will provide not only a bit of privacy, but also can be a welcome luxury at the end of a long day in the outback. There are two methods of building this shower, one is more modern and would use PVC pipe and fittings, the second would use primitive methods using natural materialswhich could be used during a historical reenactments. Either method could be built either free standing or could be hung from a tree branch.

Necessary Supplies (Modern Build - Free Standing):

Four 6’ sections of ½” PVC pipe

Eight 4’ sections of ½” PVC pipe

PVC pipe cutter

Eight ½” PVC corner pieces

Two 6’x8’ vinyl tarps

Cable zip ties

Bricks or sand bags

Camp shower (available at any outdoors store)

Necessary Supplies (Modern Build - Hanging):

Four 4' sections of 1/2" PVC pipe

Four ½” PVC elbow pieces

Eye-hook screws

String

Metal washer

Two 6’x8’ vinyl tarp

Note: To build primitive version, substitute PVC pipe for wooden poles; substitute zip ties for twine or leather; substitute vinyl tarps for canvass tarps and substitute camp shower for canvass bucket (to increase water flow, punch holes in bottom of bucket. Lash wooden poles together using either twine or leather thongs.

Step 1

PVC pipe comes in standard 10’ lengths, so you will need to cut them to size using a PVC pipe cutter so you have four 6’ sections and eight 4’ sections. The shorter sections could be cut to 3’ lengths but that give less shower area.

Step 2

Start with the base of the shower enclosure. Connect four 4’ pipe sections with four PVC corner pieces. These corners are also called 90-degree side outlet elbows.

Step 3

Attach the four 6’ PVC pipe sections vertically to the corner pieces.

Step 4

Attach PVC corner pieces to the top of the 6’ PVC pipes and connect the 4’ pipes to them to form a tall cube.

Step 5

The shower enclosure is 6 feet tall. Turn the 6’x8’ vinyl tarp on its side so that it is 6 feet tall as well. Using the pre-drilled grommets, hang the tarp on the PVC pipes with cable zip ties or shower hooks. Attach the tarp to the vertical PVC pipe as well. For maximum privacy, overlap the two pieces of tarp so there are no openings.

Step 6

Decide which side will be the opening of the shower enclosure. Do not connect the side grommets to the vertical post on this side so the tarp can be opened and closed. Place bricks or sand bags on the PVC pipes at the base to help keep the structure from blowing in the wind.

Step 7

String the portable sun shower above structure and let the solar power of the sun heat the water before showering. Structure can also be used as a changing area. Wooden pallets may also be laid down to prevent standing in mud. Just ensure you sand the pallets down or wear shower shoes.

The hanging shower is the same concept, just doesn’t require as many materials, you’re actually only building the top portion of the frame, and omitting the 6’ wall poles and base.