How to Build a Playa Shower frame for Burning Man

How to Build a Playa‑Proof DIY Shower Frame Using Our Fittings + a Tarp

Few things feel better on playa than a quick rinse after a day of dust, heat, and whiteouts. A simple shower setup can massively improve your camp's comfort — and with the right fittings, it's easy to build a sturdy, reusable frame that survives Black Rock Desert conditions.

This guide walks you through how to build a strong, lightweight, playa‑ready shower frame using galvanized fittings + EMT conduit + a tarp. It's designed for beginners, fast to assemble, and easy to break down for transport.

🛠 Why Use Galvanized Fittings on Playa

Galvanized steel fittings hold up extremely well in the harsh Black Rock Desert environment. They resist corrosion, tolerate high heat, and stay rigid under load — unlike plastic connectors, which warp, or untreated steel, which rusts when playa moisture hits.

This makes them ideal for temporary structures like showers, shade, and camp infrastructure.

📐 Shower Frame Overview

Your shower frame is essentially a simple 4‑leg vertical structure with crossbars at the top to support a tarp "privacy wrap." Think of it like a mini shade structure — just narrower and taller.

Most camps build a 3' x 3' or 4' x 4' footprint with a height of 6'–7' for comfortable standing room.

🧰 Parts You'll Need (Using Our Fittings, a tarp and ball bungee) for different kits:

You can actually make any size you want. If using our poly tarp you will just have to adjust the size and count of bungees. You can also just use our fittings for the frame and use whatever you want as the cover like shower curtains, etc.

Crossbars at the top and bottom: (4 x 4 kit that is 8' tall)

Fittings Needed:

Tarp & Bungees Needed:

Pipe Needed: (purchase separately at a hardware store)

  • 4× Vertical legs (EMT conduit, cut to 8')
  • 8× Horizontal top & bottom rails (EMT conduit, 4' each)

Crossbars at the top and foot pads on the bottom: (4 x 4 kit that is 8' tall)

Fittings Needed:

Tarp & Bungees Needed:

Pipe Needed: (purchase separately at a hardware store)

  • 4× Vertical legs (EMT conduit, cut to 8')
  • 4× Horizontal top rails (EMT conduit, 4' each)

To add the shower bag hanger at the top you can do either design by adding the following fittings for the straight bar or the 2 small bars to make an L shape. You can cut the pipe for these any length you prefer:

These fittings match the same hardware used for playa shade structures.

Here are several pictures of the different styles:

Enclosed playa shower Shower with water bag holder

Shower with straight bar Shower stall with L holder bar

📏 Step‑by‑Step Build Instructions

1. Choose Your Footprint

A 3×3 or 4×4 layout works best. Smaller = less tarp, less wind load. Larger = more comfort, more stability needed.

2. Cut Your EMT Conduit

Standard EMT comes in 10' sections. Cut into lengths needed for your size build. EMT is the standard for playa builds and pairs perfectly with galvanized fittings.

3. Assemble the Top Square

Use your 3‑Way Flat Corners to connect the four top rails into a square.

4. Add the Vertical Legs

Insert each leg into the bottom opening of the corner fittings.

5. Attach Foot Pads

Foot pads prevent sinking and give you anchor points for rebar. Unless of course if you are doing the bars across the bottom you will not need the foot pads. 

6. Stand the Structure Up

It's easiest with two people. Once upright, check that it's level.

7. Wrap the Tarp

Use ball bungees to secure the tarp around the frame. Tips:

  • Overlap corners for privacy
  • We left one side open so you will need a shower curtain or something
  • Add a second tarp for a roof if desired

8. Anchor the Frame

Use rebar stakes through the foot pad holes. High winds can hit 60–70 mph on playa. If not using foot pads make sure to tie the kit down. 

🚿 Water Delivery Options

You can use:

  • Solar shower bag
  • Gravity-fed bucket
  • Pump sprayer
  • Camp water jug with a hose nozzle (common at Burning Man)

Keep the nozzle clean — playa dust gets everywhere.

💧 Greywater Management

Burning Man requires Leave No Trace. Common options:

  • Small kiddie pool under the shower
  • Mesh screen + pump system (used by large camps)
  • Evaporation pond
  • Capture + haul out

Choose based on your camp size.

🏁 Final Thoughts

A playa shower doesn't need to be complicated — it just needs to be strong, simple, and easy to maintain. With galvanized fittings and EMT conduit, you get a structure that:

  • Survives dust storms
  • Doesn't warp in heat
  • Breaks down easily
  • Can be reused for multiple burns
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