We love washing up time at campsites. It’s a chance to chat to fellow campers. But you do need a decent washing up bowl that you can carry over to the sinks…or use when wild camping.
Here are the best camping sinks we’ve found.
Latest update: March 2021
Clever and at a good price. The washing up bowl has good handles and a plug for draining.
When you fold it down, the base becomes a chopping board.
40.5 x 30.5 x 14cm
A cheap version of the Joseph+Joseph washing bowl (see below). This Beldray sink. 34 x 24 x 17cm and a rather small 8l capacity. Use it as a colander too, though.
Really Useful boxes are…really useful. This 18l one with a lid makes a great sink and you can store your stuff in it while travelling. 48 x 48 x 20cm
You probably won’t want to use this on a serious expedition but at a great price, it’s surprisingly good. Waterproof with taped seams.
Well-designed options from Joseph & Joseph.
The Wash and Drain Plus is a washing up bowl with plug, with the addition of a draining side for sponges and liquid or for cutlery.
The basic version without the draining side. A choice of colours as well.
Simple and foldable, the Kampa basket makes a decent washing up sink, but go for the large one so you can fit pans and plates inside.
This Outwell Collaps washing bowl comes in a few colours and costs around £16. Slightly small at 12 x 38 x 28cm, but simple and handy.
The Orbit version is identical and costs half the price!
Cheap and OK at the price, but not terribly strong or big. 30 x 30 x 17cm. They tend to collapse as you fill them with hot water, so not our number one (or two!) choice.
Dave and his mates have thought of everything. Their Colapz buckets come with a lid, tap and bung. Great for washing up small items (though plates won’t fit in), storing water and for using with their brilliant portable shower.
They even do a mains water adapter kit for caravans and campervans.
The Scrubba bag is an ingenious sort of wet drybag with a scrubbing area inside. Fill it with water and clothes and get agitating! From £40 and a choice of colours.
Don’t forget your pegless clothesline!
Probably the lightest sink you’ll find. The Sea to Summit basin comes in 5l or 20l capacity and is perfect for backpackers.
It opens up to a round bowl with a wire rim. Really needs to be full to hold its shape, but if weight is important to you, it’s ideal.
Strong and practical, the Outdoor Panda washing basin has handles, folds flat. Holds 15l and measures 30 x 30 x 17cm. Pretty robust for carrying camping kit when you’re not washing up.
A collapsible drainer NOT a sink. There are draining holes in the base and no drip tray so you can’t stand it on a decent surface. Folds to just 5cm. Size 31 x 36 x 13cm when in use.
And what about portable camping showers? Here are our favourites that REALLY work
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