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: June 2020
Collaps with a lid and handle
We saw a Swiss couple using this over the summer and it really won us over. Lots of uses, big enough for proper washing up and the handle is VERY helpful.
Not cheap at around £45, but a good buy all the same.
Sea to Summit washing up bowl
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. From around £12.
Joseph & Joseph sinks
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. Around £35.
The basic version without the draining side costs around £25. A choice of colours as well.
Multipurpose boxes
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. Around £11. 48 x 48 x 20cm
Colapz 2-in-1 buckets
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.
Beldray wash and drain
A cheap version of the Joseph+Joseph washing bowl. This Beldray sink costs around £9. 34 x 24 x 17cm and a rather small 8l capacity. Use it as a colander too, though.
A sturdy foldaway washing bowl
Strong and practical, the Yachticon washing up bowl has handles, folds flat and costs around £25. Holds 15l and sized 33 x 33 x 17cm. Pretty robust for carrying camping kit when you’re not washing up.
Kampa basic washing bowl
Cheap and OK at £7, 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.
Folding drainer
A collapsible drainer NOT a sink. Around £9. 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.
Outwell and Orbit folding bowls
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!
For washing clothes
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!
And what about portable camping showers? Here are our favourites that REALLY work.
Portable camping showers
