Shower water

[Boanerges4]

Ive never camped in a camp ground of any kind, so dont think Im crazy when I ask this question. What are the rules and regulations about shower water? Do you have to have a holding tank for your used water or can you let it run out on the ground? If you have to have a holding tank what size do you need?

[pete42]

While I have never camped out west in one of the government sites
none of the state or private campgrounds allow you to dump waste water on the ground.
the ground could be come contaminated and would look like a pig sty if everyone dumped their water on the ground.
I have poured water onto a campfire to make sure it is out before leaving a camp site.
as for the size of tank needed that all depends on how conservative you are in the use of your water supply. some are only 12 gallons some are 50 or more gallons since water weights a little over 8 pounds a gallon the weight can add up quickly in a small trailer.
8 gallons would be 96 pounds.
pete

[Shadow Catcher]

There is a difference between waste water and what is coming from a shower, particularly if you are using a biodegradable soap such as camp suds. There are however collection options i.e. the Paha Que drain capture floor http://www.pahaque.com/product.asp?productID=4836 for those parks that do not allow shower water to touch the ground.

[48Rob]

In general no, dumping gray water on the ground is either a major offense that can get you a fine and removed from the campground, or is frowned upon by other campers because they are the ones who will be "camping" in the mudhole you leave behind.

That said, there are some places/situations where running a 25' long garden hose over a ravine, cliff, into the woods, etc, may be a realistic way to dispose of gray water without causing harm.

You really should have a small holding tank for those times when it is required.
If careful, 1 (average) person can shower with 3-4 gallons of water.
A 10 gallon holding tank would be reasonable for a couple.
A portable tote tank is also a good less expensive option than a built in tank.

Rob

[bobhenry]

Gray water disposal in a state park as Rob said can get you in trouble. I have disposed of the dish water by pouring it around the ash near the outside of the campfire. If a ranger should notice he simply thinks you are being fire conceious. The food stuffs in dish water will draw critters and they can play hell with a campsite. By disposing of the water in the ash it is much less attractive to the local wildlife. There is no reason shower water could not be disposed of just the same. Just don't leave the mud hole mentioned above.

Someone on here mentioned that for a light misting "navy" type shower they simply stood in a large plastic tote box and used it to collect the spent shower water.

[TENNJIM]

Plastic shelving can be used to make a stand on legs. A tote can be placed underneath to catch shower water. Then, dump it as necessary.

Jim B / Utah

[Blumie]

I'm one of those people who stand or sit on a small plastic stool inside a Rubbermaid Roughneck tub to take a shower. That and other wash water goes into the ash of the firepit. I rationalize that carbon is an effective water filter, and water is an effective campfire damper.

[hugh]

I have a portable propane shower made by ZODI, the tank holds 1 gallon. First you rinse then lather then wash off, the 1 gallon works just fine, you just can,t take long protracted showers, but it sure is nice to feel clean.

[bdosborn]

I use a blue container to hold the grey water, you can just see it under the rear of our trailer sitting on the ground.



Its made for grey water and has a hose connection on the lid. I think I got it at Camping World.

Bruce