How to refill fresh water tank during camping: a detailed article

How to refill fresh water tank during camping? Access to a reliable source of fresh water anytime and anywhere is an essential aspect of maintaining a fun and amazing camping experience. In this article, we will provide valuable insights and explore various methods to efficiently fill your freshwater tank as we explore “How to refill fresh water tank during camping”.

Locating a water source

Finding a good and healthy water source is important before you can refill your RV’s fresh water tank, below are popular and easy-to-find water sources you can go for to refill your freshwater tank.

Water spigot

Water spigots are commonly found in campgrounds, RV parks, service stations, rest areas, and public places, making them readily accessible for RV travelers in need of fresh water.

Water spigots are conveniently located in campgrounds and designated RV areas, allowing campers to easily access fresh water.

Water spigots are made to supply clean, healthy drinking water, guaranteeing that the water you use to refill your RV’s fresh water tank is drinkable and suitable for use.

Water spigots frequently have a high flow rate, making it possible to fill your RV’s fresh water tank quickly and effectively. Water spigots are frequently maintained and examined to make sure they are in good operating order and are a reliable source of water.

Most campgrounds and RV parks have designated areas with a water spigot for campers to refill their fresh water tanks, these areas are often conveniently located throughout the campground.

When traveling, service stations along highways often have a water spigot where you can refill your RV fresh water tank.

Public campsites, especially those with developed facilities, usually provide accessible water spigots for campers to use.

Lakes and reservoirs

Large bodies of water, such as lakes and reservoirs, provide an abundant and dependable source for refilling your RV’s fresh water tank.

Lake or reservoir water is usually pure and fresh, making it a perfect supply for basic uses in your RV, camping near a lake or reservoir can offer a serene and private camping experience, away from the bustling crowds of campgrounds.

Seek recommendations from local campgrounds, visitor centers, or fellow campers about nearby lakes or reservoirs.

Consider using water quality test strips or a portable water testing kit to ensure the water is healthy for consumption.

Collecting rainwater

Rainwater is a natural and pure source of water since it doesn’t contain the chemicals and additives added to treated water.

To collect rainwater, use a neat barrel or any other suitable container, and place it close to the RV’s rooftop to maximize collection.

Consider installing a screen or water filter at the entry point of the collection system to prevent debris and contaminants from entering.

Store the collected rainwater in the designated container, ensuring it remains healthy and free of any contaminants.

If you haven’t filtered the rainwater at the collection stage, consider using a water filter, the safety and purity of the water is guaranteed by a water filter.

Transfer the rainwater from the collection container to your RV fresh water tank using a hose or bowl.

Local stores and visitor centers

Local shops and visitor centers provide access to potable water for tourists, they are frequently found in or close to camping places and can offer a simple and convenient way to refuel your RV fresh water tank.

These places are easily accessible, making it quick and easy to fill up your RV fresh water tank.

Healthy and potable water is frequently available at local stores and visitor centers, ensuring the purity and quality of the water you are refilling to your RV’s fresh water tank.

Stores and visitor centers are prevalent in urban and populated areas, making them readily available for RV campers traveling through or staying in these areas.

Ensure the water source, whether it’s a store or visitor center, provides neat and healthy drinking water.

Waterfalls

Waterfalls are not only breathtaking in their natural beauty but also offer several advantages for RV campers

Waterfalls usually provide fresh and pure water, free from many contaminants making it an amazing alternative to city water. You should visually inspect the waterfall and its surroundings to ensure the water is healthy and okay for consumption.

Leave no trace and respect the natural surroundings, avoid introducing any harmful substances into the waterfall, use sustainable practices, and ensure you’re not causing any harm to the natural environment or disrupting the waterfall ecosystem.

Using waterfalls as water sources to refill your RV fresh water tank is an adventurous and eco-friendly choice, allowing you to experience the beauty of nature while ensuring a healthy water supply.

Wells

Wells often provide a consistent and reliable source of healthy, underground water, water from wells is usually pure and free from chemicals often present in treated water, ensuring a healthy and refreshing water source if city water is unavailable.

Wells typically yield a high volume of water, making them amazing for filling large RV fresh water tanks, using well water can be cost-effective, especially in rural areas where city water or water from other sources might be scarce or expensive.

Follow any private property rules and ensure you have the necessary permissions to access the well.

You can swiftly transfer the well water to your RV fresh water tank using a hose or portable container.

Refilling your fresh water tank

There are different approaches on how to refill fresh water tank during camping, the best and most popular ones are explained below.

Using a hand water pump

A hand water pump is a very popular option for individuals looking for how to refill fresh water tank during camping.

Hand pumps are manually operated pumps that require you to use your hand to pump water from the source into your water tank, they are portable and easy to use, making them amazing for camping.

Electric pumps are also amazing for camping, they run on battery power or can be connected to your camper’s power system, they also provide a more automated and effortless way to get water in your tank.

Choose a drill pump that is simple to operate and doesn’t require a complex setup, you should consider the pump’s flow rate, this determines how quickly your tank will be filled, and a higher flow rate means faster refilling.

Make sure your RV’s freshwater tank is free of any debris or contaminants, a clean freshwater tank ensures the purity and safety of the water you’ll be storing. Verify that all hoses, valves, and connections are in good working order, and check for any signs of wear or damage on the pump before your trip.

If you use hoses, ensure that they are firmly connected to the tank and pump to avoid any leaks, set up the water pump in a convenient location near the water source and close to your tank.

If you are making use of a submersible pump or hose, ensure the submersible pump is fully submerged in the water source, and activate the pump according to the water pump type.

If you are making use of a manual pump, begin pumping with your hand. If you are using an electric water pump, you should simply switch on the power source, and keep an eye on the fresh water tank’s fill level to prevent overflows.

Once the tank is adequately filled, turn off the water pump to stop the flow of water, disconnect any hoses, and store the water pump in a safe and dry place.

Using jerry cans

If you are confused about how to refill fresh water tank during camping, using jerry cans is a very straightforward option, especially for people new to camping.

A jerry can is a portable container made of durable materials like plastic or metal that is designed for transporting and storing liquid. It is equipped with a secure lid and handle for ease of use and transport.

Jerry cans are popular for their durability and ability to properly store city water for extended periods making them ideal for storing city water when dry camping.

Plastic jerry cans are lightweight and less prone to rust, making them amazing for camping, when dry camping you can easily store city water in potable water jerrycans in case your tank goes empty.

Choose a jerry can with an appropriate capacity based on your camping needs, they typically range from 5 to 20 liters.

Ensure the jerry can have a secure and leak-proof lid to maintain water quality and prevent any spillage during transport.

Clean the jerry can properly with soap and water before using it, rinse it thoroughly to get rid of any residue, fill the can with a mild bleach solution to disinfect it, and then thoroughly rinse it with neat water.

Fill the jerry can with healthy and potable water from a reliable source, preferably city water as city water is generally considered very healthy.

You can easily refill your tank with the extra water stored in the jerry can anytime anywhere.

Store the jerry can in a cool, dark area away from sunlight to prevent algae growth and to maintain water quality so you can refill your tank with city water anytime.

Using a hose with a campground source

A fresh water hose is a flexible tube typically made of rubber or plastic that allows water to flow through it. It is a versatile tool that can be used for various purposes, including your fresh water tank fill during dry camping.

Hoses come in different lengths and diameters, making them adaptable to various camping setups, to guarantee that the water is kept clean and healthy for consumption, choose a fresh water hose made of materials that are good for drinking water.

Select a hose length that will enable you to comfortably connect the water source to your RV fresh water tank fill and easily fill RV fresh water tank fill.

To ensure a swift and stress-free fresh water tank fill choose a hose diameter that provides an adequate water flow rate. Additionally, make sure the potable water hose is sturdy and made to resist harsh outdoor conditions and regular use.

Park your camper or RV in a suitable location close to the water source to ensure that the potable hose can reach the RV tank. To fill RV fresh water tank securely attach one end of the hose to the water source and the other end to the freshwater inlet of your tank.

Turn on the water source to start the flow of water through the potable water hose and into your RV’s fresh water tank, you can regulate the water flow by adjusting the faucet or water source.

Keep an eye on the fill level to avoid wasting city water and guarantee a full fresh water tank.

Once the fresh water tank is filled to your satisfaction, turn off the water source to stop the water flow and disconnect the hose from your RV’s fresh water tank

Using faucets

A faucet is a common water outlet that delivers a controlled flow of water. In camping scenarios, faucets can be found in designated water areas within campgrounds, RV parks, or sometimes in portable setups. The faucet serves as the intermediary between the water source and your fresh water tank.

The majority of well-established campgrounds have designated water stations with faucets where campers can refill their fresh water tanks.

Some campgrounds have areas with taps where campers can get water for a variety of uses, including filling fresh water tanks.

To avoid contamination or leftover residue from previous uses, make sure your fresh water tank is empty and clean. Verify that the fresh water tank’s connections and valves are secure and functioning as they should.

Park your camper or RV close to the faucet for a secure connection and to reduce the length of the hose required

Attach an appropriate hose and secure it to the faucet with a tight, leak-proof connection.

Attach the other end of the hose to the fresh water inlet of your RV or camper, and turn on the faucet to start the flow of water into your fresh water tank.

RV service stations

RV service stations are facilities that have been specifically constructed and equipped to meet the needs of RV travelers. These facilities provide a variety of services, such as propane filling, waste tank disposal, and freshwater tank refilling.

Locating nearby RV service stations is often made easier by features found on modern GPS devices and RV-specific navigation apps. The staff at the campground or other campers may also be able to recommend any nearby RV servicing centers.

Make sure your fresh water tank is empty and very neat to guarantee the water you are planning to use will be healthy and consumable. Ensure the fresh water tank’s connections and valves are safe and in good working order.

Park your RV close to the designated area for water refills to ensure easy access to the inlet. 

The spigot and the fresh water tank inlet should be connected with the appropriate hose, this hose is usually provided by the RV service station.

Turn on the water spigot to start the flow of water into the hose and your fresh water tank, monitor the fill level to avoid overflows, and make sure the fresh water tank is filled.

Once the fresh water tank is filled to your satisfaction, turn off the water spigot to stop the flow of water. Gently disconnect the hose from the RV’s fresh water tank and the source, returning it to its designated storage area.

Using gravity fill

Gravity fill systems offer a simple and reliable method to refill your fresh water tank while camping.

Gravity-filling systems use gravity to provide a natural flow of water from a higher point to a lower point without the need for additional mechanical devices.

Refilling fresh water tanks with gravity filling during camping involves positioning a water source (such as a container) higher than the fresh water tank in your RV or camper. The force of gravity then allows water to flow down and into the tank.

To provide the necessary height for gravity fill, place the container on an elevated surface like a table or raised platform, you will need a solid and elevated location where you can place the container.

Attach one end of the hose to the water container’s outlet or nozzle and attach the other end to the fresh water inlet of your RV or camper.

Adjust the nozzle or funnel to control the flow of water as it travels down the hose and into the fresh water tank.

You should keep an eye on the fresh water tank’s fill level to prevent overflows, once the fresh water tank is filled to your satisfaction, carefully remove the hose from the inlet and close the inlet to prevent any spills from the gravity fill.

What to do if you don’t find clean water?

There are some situations where you can’t find city water or nearby dump stations, if you find yourself in a situation like this below are some approaches to try.

Boiling

If you don’t have access to city water, boiling is a straightforward and highly effective method for rendering any water healthy for drinking. If you have access to a heat source, like a stove or campfire, boiling water for a while can effectively kill harmful or dangerous microorganisms.

This method is particularly useful when you suspect the water’s purity or if you’re not sure if it’s healthy, remember to allow the boiled water to cool before using it to fill RV fresh water tanks.

Filtering

When going camping, it’s a good idea to bring reliable filtration and purification devices, especially if the city water supply or any genuine water sources will be unavailable.

By removing dangerous bacteria and pollutants, these systems are intended to render potentially contaminated water healthy for consumption.

You can feel confident using a variety of water sources after treating the water to make it healthy by bringing filtration devices.

Purchase bottled water

Consider purchasing bottled water as a substitute when finding a clean city water source to refill your RV’s fresh water tank seems challenging.

Find the closest shops, petrol stations, or convenience stores that sell bottled water, stocking up on bottled water ensures you have a readily available water source for drinking and cooking purposes until you can find a suitable water source to fill RV fresh water tank.

Bottled water is perfect for meeting your short-term hydration needs when camping.

The gray water tank is where most of the used water ends up, you should avoid wasting city water as much as you can when camping, this helps prevent your grey water tank from getting filled.

FAQ

Conclusion

Ensuring a healthy and steady water source is vital to ensure successful camping, this article on “How to refill fresh water tank during camping” helps you understand how you can fill your fresh water tank using various methods to guarantee an amazing camping experience.