Top 10 Best Portable Camping Sinks in 2021 (Coleman, Wakeman, and More)

Here are the best, most practical, and most efficient portable camping sinks we found online! We picked camping sinks for solo adventurers and large groups. 

Buying a portable sink can be confusing at first. To help you, we've made a detailed buying guide that explains factors you should consider, like the design, materials, features. 

The first factor to consider when buying a portable camping sink is its type. Generally, you can choose between a dish basin that looks like a basket or a freestanding portable sink. 

A collapsible dish basin is perfect for solo campers looking for something highly portable, easy to store, and multipurpose. They usually come with handles and are made from a range of durable materials, like tarpaulin, BPA-free plastic, silicone, or PVC.

If you’re planning a solo camping trip and need a sink for storing things, including live fish, a collapsible dish basin is for you. When you’re not using the sink for washing dishes, you can use it for other purposes like gathering wood and storing food! 

One downside of this type of camping sink is that you will have to manually fill and empty the basin, unlike standalone types that come with tubes and a water tank. 

While some collapsible dish basins have a drainage hole in their base, most are solid. This style camping sink also does not have handy features like a faucet and water tank. 

Standalone sinks are either attached to a tabletop or base. Some bases have wheels for better portability. They are perfect for long camping trips with a large group because of their utility. They usually have preinstalled water tanks that can hold gallons of water. So, there’s no need to lug water back and forth to wash dirty dishes and clothes.

Portable sinks attached to a table come with one basin or two, making washing dishes and laundry an easy feat even out in the wilderness. These standalone sinks often have pipes that attach to water tanks and faucets, too.

Unlike collapsible dish basins, these camping sinks come with multiple parts and can get a bit bulky. These are not ideal for solo travelers or people camping in multiple places during one trip. 

Another factor worth looking into is the sink’s materials. As mentioned above, collapsible basins are made from tarp, PVC plastic, nylon, or silicone. 

On the other hand, standalone camping sinks are commonly made from stainless steel and plastics like polyethylene (PE), a lightweight yet durable plastic widely used in making tubes. 

When deciding on what material to go for collapsible basins, thermoplastic rubber (TPR) is the most widely used and most durable. This material feels a lot like silicone but is tougher and more resilient. For standalone camping sinks, go for polyvinyl chloride plastic (PVC). Compared to PE, PVC is more waterproof and fire-resistant.

Since you will be using these sinks with water, it’s always essential to go for leak- and rust-resistant materials. The safest material to buy is waterproof nylon for collapsible basins and PVC for a standalone. To confirm if the materials hold up well over time, check out the customer reviews.

Another point worth looking into when buying a portable camping sink is the water tank and basin capacity. Freestanding or standalone portable sinks usually have one of two water tank designs: a built-in water reservoir or a water receptacle you fill. On the other hand, collapsible dish basins come in different sizes.

Think about how many plates and dirty clothes you plan to wash with your portable sink. If you’re camping with a large group, it’s worth getting a standalone portable sink with a large water tank of around five gallons to accommodate everyone’s needs. 

However, a freestanding sink with a water reservoir may be cumbersome and unnecessary if you're camping alone. A collapsible basin that can hold about two gallons is ideal for one person.

When purchasing a camping sink, always consider its components and features. Here are a couple that we think are particularly useful.

Collapsible dish basins usually have handles and a drainage hole. If you don't want to spend time manually emptying your dish basin, go for one with a drainage hole. Getting a dish basin with handles is helpful if you plan to carry wood or other materials around the campground. 

Freestanding camping sinks often have a faucet, foot pump, towel dispenser, towel holders, extra basins, and even a hot water option. Nowadays, you can find camping sinks that come with a system that runs hot water through rechargeable batteries.

In addition, make sure a freestanding sink has secure locks, latches, hinges, or pegs that keep it stable. If you opt for a portable sink with wheels, make sure it comes with a lock.

Lastly, go for sinks that are easy to install and store. Collapsible dish basins require no installation and can be used right away. This type is also very easy to store and takes up little space.

Meanwhile, a freestanding camping sink has multiple parts and can take some time to set up. Luckily, tools aren't usually needed for installation. Storing this type of sink will also take up more space as some models can get bulky, especially if the water tanks are separate.

Always consider how much space you have and how long you will use the portable sink. If you plan to move from one campsite to another, assembling and disassembling a sink could get cumbersome. 

Now that you have your camping sink, let's look at more gear that can make your time in the outdoors more convenient. Take a look at some of our favorite helpful items below!

Portable camping sinks turn washing dirty dishes and clothes into an easy task out in the wild. As long as you have a water source, you can make camping more enjoyable with this irreplaceable piece of camping gear.

Keep in mind how many people are camping when buying your portable sink. Other factors to remember are the sink's type, capacity, and features. Your next camping trip will surely be a blast! 

Author: Kazuko Otsuka

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Along with a camping sink, having a source of clean water is important when you're camping. Here's a gravity filter that backpacker and photographer Alec Sills-Trausch relies on when he's in the great outdoors!