Camping Hygiene 101: How to Stay “Fresh” While Camping
Let’s be real—staying “fresh” or “clean” while camping can be a tall task, especially if you don’t have access to running water. Camping is neither sanitary nor clean. Sharing hygiene practices may seem taboo to some—but that honestly makes me want to write about it even more. So, without further ado, here are all of my hot takes on hygiene products and bathing routines while camping. And by camping, I mean not having access to flush toilets or showers.
Tip 1: Scrub and shampoo
The morning before you leave, take a nice long shower and do all the things. I find that exfoliating your whole body leaves you feeling fresher longer than just washing with soap, so do yourself a favor and pick up a nice exfoliating scrub the next time you’re at the store. I also like to double shampoo (shampoo twice and condition once) my hair, because it really refreshes my scalp and allows me to go 4-5 days without washing my hair. I also find that a simple blow dry and using an anti-frizz product helps extend the life of my hair.
Tip 2: Showers are overrated
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to (and shouldn’t) shower every day. While camping, I like to use body wipes or baby wipes to clean my face, body, and private parts when I don’t have access to running water. It works like a charm. Just be sure to pack out any wipes used and don’t try and put them in the toilet—even if it says they are “flushable”. Or you can really live it up and count swimming as a shower. Whatever floats your boat.
Tip 3: Develop a routine
I find that having a (very simple) beauty routine while camping can make a big difference. In the morning, I’ll cleanse my face, wash my private parts with body wipes, moisturize, put on sunscreen, deodorant, brush my teeth, and comb my hair. At night, I’ll repeat everything and floss my teeth. I find that sleeping with my hair down causes it to get frizzy and dirty, so I like to put it up in a loose ponytail or braid at night. Hats and bandanas are also great for hiding dirty hair.
Tip 4: Cha-cha-changes
Nothing says stink-is-us like wearing the same set of clothes every day while camping, especially if it’s hot and humid or cold and rainy. Start your day with fresh underwear and socks and bring enough clothes so that you have a different outfit for every day and a pair of pajamas you only wear in your tent. Be sure to bring extra undergarments too! Lastly—don’t stuff your stinky or damp clothes with your fresh clothes, have a separate dry bag for each.
Tip 5: Number 1 & Number 2
Here’s the million dollar question—how do I pee and poop in the woods or in an outhouse and stay “fresh”? The answer is using hygienic bathroom habits. For peeing, the most hygienic method is using toilet paper, which you will need to pack out or burn in the campfire. Other options include using leaves (which may not be possible and isn’t very sanitary), using a antimicrobial cloth (ex: the Kula cloth) that you can use for multiple wipes and rinse as needed, or a bandana, which you would also use several times and rinse as needed. For pooping, the only sanitary option is toilet paper (which you can either burn or pack out) or using leaves/moss to wipe. Whatever decision you make, be sure to clean your groin daily with wipes to keep it clean and comfortable “down there” until you can take a shower.
Leave no trace
Whenever you’re brushing your teeth, washing your face, or using hygiene products while camping—be sure to opt for biodegradable, unscented options as much as possible and dispose of waste and dirty water at least 200 feet from any water source.
Happy camping, friends!
MyMaine
