Real Mum Hacks for Surviving the Shower Block (and Actually Enjoying It)
Camping with kids? Then you already know the shower block can be a whole adventure on its own. Wet floors, zero hooks, screaming toddlers, and the dreaded forgotten undies situation... sound familiar?
We asked our community of over 30,000 camping mums across Australia to share their game-changing hacks for tackling the shower block — and they delivered.
Here’s what made the top of the list — tried, tested, and mum-approved!
1. Ditch the Cubicle Chaos: Change Back at the Van
Many mums swear by the freedom of not getting dressed in the cubicle at all. Throw on a hooded towel or robe and walk back to your van to get dressed in peace.
"We all wear our hooded towels back to camp. No more juggling clothes and slippery floors!" – Naomi S.
2. Invest in a Shower-Ready Caddy or Hanging Toiletries Bag
Keep your hands free and your soap off the floor. A mesh caddy or hanging toiletries bag with compartments makes it easy to keep everything upright, dry, and organised.
"The Campaq shower bag fits everything — even a bath mat! Total lifesaver." – Jodi E.
3. Pack a Portable Bath Mat, a Foam Square or Even a Puppy Pee Pad
"Who would have thought a puppy pee pad could be so much? Well, it is when you're in a public shower cubicle — and there's nothing worse than standing naked on a soggy wet floor not knowing who or what else stood there before you." - Abby L.
Standing in puddles is the worst. A lightweight bath mat or even a foldable foam mat gives you a clean place to dry off — and keeps your thongs dry too.
"Cheap bath mats from Kmart work a treat. We always keep a dry one in the van ready to go." – Tash J.
4. Lanyards for the Win
Clip your travel-size shampoo, conditioner and body wash to a lanyard and hang it from the showerhead. No bending, no juggling.
"A lanyard with clip-on bottles was a total game changer — especially when helping the kids!" – Bel M.
5. Waterproof Bags or Tubs for Clothes
Don’t risk soggy pyjamas. Mums love using waterproof tote bags, flexi tubs, or wet bags to carry clean clothes in and wet ones out.
"We use Woolies reusable bags or IKEA bags — cheap, waterproof, and stand up on their own!" – Angela S.
6. Shower Shoes are Non-Negotiable
This might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many first-timers forget their thongs. Always wear something on your feet.
"Thongs in the shower = essential. My kids know the drill now." – Jessica C.
7. Prep Ahead Like a Pro
Have your shower bag packed before the sun goes down. Set it near the van door so you can grab and go without a fuss.
"We prep ours in the morning and leave it near the van door. Makes sunset showers easy after a big day out." – Elle H.
8. Go Hands-Free with Surf Ponchos or Swim Parkas
These are a camping mum's secret weapon. Surf ponchos are warm, wearable, and make the dash back to camp fuss-free.
"We ditched clothes altogether and just use ponchos with pockets for soap. Game changer!" – Naomi S.
9. Skip the Queue with a Family Shower Routine
Avoid peak hour! Go before dinner or after little ones are down — and always have your bag ready. Divide and conquer if you can.
"We rotate who goes with which kid and keep our shower stuff in separate bags. Smooth sailing." – Shel H.
10. Have a Laugh and Lower the Bar
Some days are just chaos — and that’s okay. A soggy sock or shampoo meltdown doesn’t mean the whole day’s a write-off.
"Honestly, I’ve learned to laugh. The kids think it’s a game now, and so do I (most days!)." – Kat F.
Want More Real Mum Camping Hacks?
Join the 30,000+ other Aussie mums inside our free Mums Who Caravan and Camp Facebook group — it’s where all the best advice comes from!
FREE Download: Quick Camp Dinner Wins PDF Need ideas for dinner after your shower block adventures? Download our Quick Camp Dinner Wins cheat sheet — no prep, no stress, and all approved by Aussie mums.
