How to Stay Clean on Camping Trips

Staying clean while camping can be challenging, but these tips (and a few gear items) can make it easier to remain fresh and comfortable on your outdoor adventures.

When I’m camping for multiple days, I use several methods for staying clean. If the campground has showers available, I make the most of them by packing a shower kit with essential toiletries, towels, and slip-on shower shoes. When showers aren’t available, I take a sponge bath in my tent instead. Either way, it’s easy to freshen up when spending multiple nights outdoors.

Shower kit

For my shower kit, I bring a small daypack to hold the clothes I’ll change into and a packing cube with towels and washcloths, along with the shower shoes (packed in a plastic bag to prevent getting the other items wet).

• toiletries bin: Sterilite plastic container with handle (not the same as mine, but similar)
• packing cube: Six Moon Design Backpacking Pack Pods
• slip-on shower shoes: AEROTHOTIC Water Sandals
• small day pack: Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack
• towels: Laek Adventure Towels (use discount code IHEARTPNW15 for 15% off)

I opt for lightweight, quick-drying travel towels instead of bringing bulky towels from home. These towels from Laek are ultra-packable and highly absorbent, despite their light feel. Measuring 56” x 31”, they provide ample coverage and dry quickly—an essential feature for camping trips. Plus, they come in stylish designs like constellations and topographic maps.

The UST Reflective Clothes Line makes it easy to hang wet towels between trees at camp for quick drying.

Toiletries Kit

For toiletries, I used to bring a travel toiletries bag, but switched to a small plastic bin since most camp bathrooms don’t have a good place to put these items without getting them wet or dirty. I don’t worry about placing the plastic bin on the floor, and it’s easier to access everything I need than when using a bag with multiple zippered compartments. Instead of bringing everything that I use at home, I only take a few essential items in travel-size containers on camping trips.

• toothbrush, toothpaste & dental floss
• hair brush & comb
• shampoo & conditioner
• shower gel or hand soap
• deodorant
• lotion
• compressed wipes
• small pack towels
• extra toilet paper

Sponge Bath Method

When showers aren’t available, I take a sponge bath in my tent. Wiping off sweat and dirt (as well as sunscreen and insect repellent) not only keeps my skin in good condition and reduces chafing and rashes, it also helps to keep my sleeping bag clean since accumulated build up of skin oils and dirt can impact the warmth of the insulation.

To take a sponge bath:

• Heat some water and add a few drops of biodegradable soap.
• Use a small pack towel or washcloth to wipe yourself down. I like using a Buff neck gaiter, or the REI Multi Towel Mini, which is antimicrobial to prevent odors.
• Focus on areas that accumulate sweat and dirt, like your face, armpits, and feet.

By following these tips, you can stay fresh and comfortable throughout your camping trip, making the experience even more enjoyable!