Water challenges off-grid camping — The RV life

Water is essential for life, but securing a reliable and safe supply while RV camping or living off-grid can be a challenge. Depending on the time of year and location, getting water can be more difficult. In the winter, places cut off the water because of the risk of the lines freezing. In some areas, free water just isn’t readily available. I’ve stayed in areas where I’ve only been able to buy bottled water. And you can’t blame the people for not having water available for the public. With 50-100 gallons of water or more here and there from heavy dispersed camping traffic or people without wells on their property can really add up.

This season, I was told the concessionaires (the ones who are contracted to run the campgrounds) in part of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest started charging for water for those who aren’t paid campers. They had no choice. They’re in an area with high mineralization and sand. They simply couldn’t afford the continued breakdowns from thousands of people who aren’t paying campers. So, you always want to check ahead and know what’s available in the area you’re heading to. When in doubt or without doubt, ALWAYS bring drinking water with you. From personal experience, you never know when and where you could break down as well. If you don’t have water in the desert, that’s a recipe for disaster.

Myth: In Arizona, you can refuse to give someone water. FALSE. No such law exists.

So, be prepared to pay for water.

Also, remember, you don’t really realize how much water you use in a home. Be very conservative with water, especially when taking baths and cleaning.

Let’s dive a little deeper with some tips and considerations.

Limited water storage

RVs have small freshwater tanks (typically 20-100 gallons), which can deplete quickly with daily use (e.g., drinking, cooking, showering, washing dishes). A family of four might use 10-20 gallons per day, exhausting a 40-gallon tank in 2-4 days. Use low-flow showerheads (1.5-2 GPM vs. standard 2.5 GPM), take “navy showers” (turn water off while soaping), and wash dishes in a basin rather than under running water. If you’re RV has tanks and you don’t have a water meter, consider installing one to track consumption and avoid running dry unexpectedly. When you have an onboard water tank, carry extra water in portable jugs (5-7 gallons) or install an auxiliary tank if space allows.

Finding reliable water sources

Remember, off-grid locations (e.g., boondocking on BLM land) often lack potable water. Refilling tanks requires planning, as water sources may be distant or unreliable. Be sure to research ahead.

Apps like iOverlander or Campendium can be helpful to locate free or low-cost water fill stations (e.g., gas stations, campgrounds, or public parks). In wet climates, you could also collect rainwater using tarps or RV awnings funneled into containers. Be sure to use proper filtration for drinking. You’re digestive system will thank you for keeping it safe.

Keeping the water safe to drink

Water from natural sources (rivers, lakes) or unverified fill stations may contain contaminants, bacteria, or sediments, risking health or even clogging RV plumbing from extra sediments. Our bodies are not often used or able to handle these contaminants. It’s not worth the risk.

Consider using a multi-stage water filter (e.g., Berkey or inline RV camping filters) to remove sediments, bacteria, and chemicals. A basic setup might include a sediment filter and a carbon filter. You can also boil water, use UV purifiers, or add water purification tablets for drinking water from questionable sources.

Also, don’t forget to regularly clean and sanitize RV freshwater tanks and storage containers with a bleach solution (1/4 cup per 15 gallons) to prevent algae and bacterial growth.

Managing gray and black water

Off-grid RVing means no access to dump stations for gray (sink/shower) and black (toilet) water tanks, which fill up fast (e.g., 20-40 gallons each). Improperly disposing of the water can harm the environment and violate local regulations. You can’t legally dump black water on the ground in most places, and gray water may be restricted by location. Never dump it near water sources as you risk contaminating groundwater. Always, check with the local jurisdiction before dumping gray water.

Winter and summer considerations

Both heat and cold carry some serious considerations. In cold climates, water lines and tanks can freeze, halting water flow or damaging plumbing. Plumbing parts are very expensive, and plumbers are even more expensive. In the winter, I only used my 5-gallon Scepter military jugs. I also have a secondary pump with a hose that I can use to draw water from the jugs. I cut off waterflow to the rest of the RV and can for the least use the sink. However, I still have to be careful with inside temperatures.

In hot climates, water can overheat or develop bacteria in tanks or both. You want to keep your water cool.

Preventing problems

Insulate and heat: Use pipe insulation and heat tape on water lines and tanks if you can. Keep the RV interior above freezing with a small heater. If you can’t do these things, you don’t want to use your pipes. The risk really isn’t worth it.

Drain in winter: Winterization. Part of winterization involves draining all the water and using antifreeze in the plumbing for any long-term storage or period of time that you’re not using the pipes.

Shading and ventilation: In hotter climates, you want to try to shade your water storage and trailer as much as you can to not only help you stay cooler but to keep the water cooler to reduce the risk of bacterial and algae growth.

Conclusion

Managing water while RVing or camping off-grid demands foresight, resourcefulness, and respect for both nature and local regulations. By conserving water, using reliable filtration, planning for seasonal challenges, and researching water sources ahead of time, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure a safe, sustainable experience. Whether you’re boondocking in the desert or winter camping in the mountains, these strategies will help you stay prepared, protect your equipment, and make the most of your time in the great outdoors.