Camping trips are all fun and games until you realize you do not have room for enough water. Big and potable water containers are important in all types of camping.
Table Of Contents
−- Best camping water container storage
- Buyer’s guide: How to choose the best camping water container storage
- How much water do I need for camping?
- Where to fill your camping water container
- Verdict
By big, we mean multi-gallon big! You do not want to be in the middle of nowhere without enough water supply.
Even when your campsite has access to drinking water, there’s no better assurance than bringing your water supply. But, again, it’s better safe than sorry!
Best camping water container storage
Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer 7-Gallon Water Container
This is a true go-to for many campers for maximum capacity and dependable durability. It is made of BPA-free plastic for safety and has a 7-gallon capacity.
That’s a whopping 26.5 liters! The water container is 15.75 x 11 x 11 inches in dimension, so it has great space. However, while it’s great for camping, its size is not ideal for backpacking and hiking.
But for RV’s, truck campers, and car campers, this one’s for you! Plus, this container’s simple design makes it fuss-free and extremely easy to use. Thanks to its reversible hideaway spigot and screw-on vent. It also boasts an ergonomic handle for a smoother experience!
Pros
- High quality
- Durable and reliable
- Simple to use
- Can eliminate chemicals and bacteria
- Perfect for camping
- Easy to install
- Provides safe and healthy freshwater
Cons
- May leak
Coghlan 5-Gallon Collapsible Water Container
This is a budget-friendly option but with a smaller capacity. While its capacity is significantly smaller than the previous container, 5 gallons of water can still take you somewhere. It is best for day trips, picnics, hiking, and backpacking. Thanks to its 11 x 11 x 12 inches dimensions, when folded.
Coghlan’s water container is made of food-grade, BPA-free plastic. Another great thing is that it does not retain odor and flavor. In addition, this water container is cold-resistant with easy-to-handle handles. Finally, this is extremely easy to use with its one-handed fixture with a large spout, so you can easily throw in some ice cubes.
Pros
- Eliminate pollutants
- Great longevity
- Multiple layers of filtration
- Portable
- Easy to operate
Cons
- May leak
Arrow Home Products Slimline Beverage Container
If you’re all for some high-quality build, you should check out this one from Arrow Home. It has a 2-gallon capacity with high flow. It houses an effective carbon to keep the bacteria away. Nothing like a safe water supply, even when you’re outdoors! Plus, it works effectively in decreasing odor, chlorine, and sediment.
Pros
- Time-saving high flow rate
- Minimizes bacterial growth
- Affordable
- Decreases odor, sediment, and chlorine
- Quick to clean
- Easy to use
- Portable
Cons
- The filter is not built-in
WaterBrick 1833-0001 Water Container
Another go-to in the market is the WaterBrick 1833-0001. Again, this is versatile as it can be used on different trips: boat, RV, motorhomes, and camping. In addition, it has a special hose that makes it easy to connect.
Customers also adore this product’s slim design, which fits well in many spaces and conditions. It’s also made to be filled in quickly. Additionally, this model has high flow rates and great odor- and bacteria-reduction capabilities.
Pros
- Flexible hose for easy connection
- High flow rate
- Reduces odor and bacteria
- Slim design
Cons
- Easy to twist the hose
igloo corporation 42154 Water Container
Shaped like a typical jerrycan, this water container from Igloo makes it easy to transport up to six gallons of water at a time. Two handles are built to make it easier to carry; one on the top and one on the side. And if you need to transfer your water to another container, there’s even a pouring spout with plenty of reaches.
One thing we liked about this container is the slim design. It’s less than eight inches wide, making it compact enough to fit into some tight spaces. This made it much easier to fit into a vehicle with other camping gear!
However, the vent plug was a bit of an issue. It doesn’t lock, so a little water was able to splash out. But we fixed it with a little tape, and it was good. Since this plastic container is very easy to clean and doesn’t hold onto odors or tastes, plus t’s affordably priced, which we always appreciate.
Pros
- Built-in pouring spout
- Slim design fits in compact spaces
- Affordably priced
- Easy to clean
Cons
- The vent plug doesn’t lock
WaterStorageCube Collapsible Water Container Bag
Though they have a smaller capacity than some of the other containers we tested, the WaterStorageCube Collapsible Water Container Bags make excellent water containers for camping. They’re soft plastic, so they roll up completely flat, making them one of the smallest and most portable containers we’ve seen.
There is a catch to the soft plastic, though. When full, these bags won’t stand on their own. They have no rigidity or support, so they fall over. They’re also very difficult to pour from since the bag won’t hold shape on its own, and there is nowhere to hold from to pour. There is a top handle, but since the bag collapses under its weight, it isn’t easy to pour from the top handle.
We liked the large opening on this bag, making filling and emptying it much easier. For those who don’t want to intake unnecessary toxic chemicals, this container is BPA, PVC, and DEHP-free, so you have nothing to worry about. In addition, this bag is freezer-friendly, so you can freeze your water if desired. A one-year warranty also protects, so you know that your investment will last.
Pros
- Free from BPA, PVC, or DEHP
- Rolls up for storage
- Large opening
- Freezer-friendly
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Small capacity
- Won’t stand on their own
- Difficult to pour from
Buyer’s guide: How to choose the best camping water container storage
Water containers come in different shapes and sizes, and many market variants may overwhelm you. So, we prepared a buyer’s guide to help narrow your options.
Capacity and size
This depends on what you need. For emergency water supper backup, the larger, the better. 2 gallons of water will be gone quickly if you completely lose access to drinking water. In such cases, 7 gallons and up will work best for you.
Collapsible vs. hard-shell
A hard-shell design is easy to stack and is the more durable option. But, it is also heavier and space-consuming. On the other hand, while a collapsible model is portable, lightweight, and does not take up a lot of space, it is prone to punctures because it is thin. The key here is to know what you need!
Spigots and leak points
Spigots make the water usage experience a breeze but not all water containers have one. But the more important thing to consider is the seal. Rubber gasket seals are less prone to leaks. Also, note that fixtures on the sides are great for pouring but are prone to creating a mess if not properly closed.
Cleaning
Water tanks with bigger openings are easier to clean so take note of this!
Material and build
While there are stainless steel water containers, the most preferred ones are made of plastic. This is because plastic options are almost always cheaper and lightweight. For your safety, always opt for food-grade and BPA-free options.
Price point
Whatever your budget is, there’s a water container in the market for you. Basic tanks such as the Coghlan Collapsible Water Container are cheap yet great and efficient options!
How much water do I need for camping?
Before we get too far, let’s talk about how much water you need for camping. The US National Park Service recommends that campers drink at least 1/2 gallons (2 liters) of water daily. However, this amount can increase substantially to about 1 gallon (3.9 liters) of water in a hot climate.
In addition to the 1/2 gallon (2 liters) people need for daily drinking, campers also need to factor in how much water they’ll need for cooking, cleaning dishes, and washing their hands. With this in mind, we’d recommend at least 3 gallons (11 liters) of water per person per day of camping – if you’re good at rationing your water.
To be safe, 3.5 gallons (13 liters) per person per day is likely sufficient for normal weather conditions, but upwards of 4 gallons/person/day (15 liters) might be necessary for very hot climates.
Here’s a simple formula you can use to determine how much water you need:
Water (in gallons) = 3.5 x # People x # Days
If you’re traveling somewhere particularly hot, consider bumping 3.5 up to 4 or even 4.5 to account for this extra water usage.
This may sound like a lot, but considering how much water we often use at home, 3.5 gallons (11 liters) for a single day of camping is nothing. The USGS estimates that we use between 80-100 gallons (302-378 liters) of water daily at home, most of which goes to flushing our toilets. That figure makes 3.5 gallons (11 liters) seem like a drop in the ocean.
Where to fill your camping water container
You might be surprised to find that it’s easy to get a hold of free water to fill your water container (at least in North America). Of course, nearly every campground is going to have a water spigot on-site, but here are some other locations you may not have considered:
Visitor centers: National Parks, State Parks, Forest Service Offices, and City Visitor Centers often have a water spigot outside. If you don’t see one, go inside and ask! They should be able to direct you to the nearest potable water spigot.
Dump Stations: Not all dump stations have potable water, but many do, and they will be marked accordingly. You can find dump stations outside many marine and RV retailers, some gas stations like Flying J and Pilot, or check out this website to find a dump station near you.
Beaches and Parks: Some beaches and parks will have free water available. This is a great place to look if you happen to be near one—make sure it’s a potable spigot.
Paid Campgrounds: Even if you’re not staying at a campground, drive in and ask the host.
Grocery Stores: If all else fails, stop into your local grocery store or Walmart. Many have water fill stations inside where you can purchase water by gallon. We’ve seen prices around 37 cents per gallon if you bring your jug. Many will allow you to fill up your water tank for a small fee;
Verdict
The truth is: there’s no one best option for everyone. As I’ve said, it largely depends on your needs. If you need decision-making, go back to our list of best water containers with our buyer’s guide in mind. We hope we have helped you come closer to your dream water container. Happy shopping!
Jay
Self assessed Germaphobe, specializing in everything water, water filters, health and nutrition. Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, I've acquired immense amount of knowledge when it comes to natural, biology, and everything about human anatomy.
