How Do You Get Hot Water While Camping?
Hot water is one of those comforts you may not think about until you're camping without it. After a long hike, a warm shower can make a big difference. Hot water is also useful for washing dishes, cleaning muddy gear, rinsing off sand, and washing your hands or pets.
So, how do you get hot water while camping?
The good news is that you don't need a traditional home water heater or a campsite with full hookups. Depending on your camping style, you can heat water with a camp stove, use a solar shower, or bring a portable water heater for camping. For campers who want hot water on demand, a portable propane water heater offers a convenient way to create an outdoor hot-water system using a water container, pump, propane, and a shower head. Here's what to know before choosing a camping hot water solution.
What Are Your Options for Getting Hot Water While Camping?
There isn't one solution that works for every camping trip. The right option depends on how much hot water you need, how long you're staying, the weather, and whether you're camping at an established campground or somewhere completely off-grid.
1. Heat Water on a Camping Stove
The simplest approach is to heat water in a pot or kettle over a camping stove. This method requires very little equipment and works well when you only need a small amount of hot water. You can use the heated water for coffee, washing dishes, cleaning, or mixing with cold water for washing.
However, it isn't particularly convenient when you need several gallons of hot water. You'll also need to wait for the water to heat and manually manage the temperature. For a quick cup of hot water or occasional cleanup, a stove works well. For regular outdoor showers, you'll probably want a more dedicated solution.
2. Use a Solar Shower
A solar shower is another simple option for camping. These systems typically use a dark water bag or container that absorbs heat from sunlight. After sitting in direct sunlight, the water can become warm enough for a basic shower.
The biggest limitation is consistency. Cloudy weather, short daylight hours, shade, and cold temperatures can all reduce heating performance. Solar showers can be useful for summer camping, but they're less predictable if you need hot water at a specific time.
3. Bring a Portable Propane Water Heater
If you want hot water while camping without waiting for the sun or heating a pot, a portable propane water heater is worth considering.
A camping propane water heater heats water as it passes through the unit rather than storing a large tank of preheated water. This means you can produce hot water when you need it for an outdoor shower, washing dishes, cleaning gear, or other campsite tasks. A typical setup includes:
Water source → Pump → Portable water heater → Shower head or water outlet
This type of system is particularly useful for camping, overlanding, RV travel, boondocking, and other off-grid situations where a conventional water heater isn't practical.
How Does a Portable Water Heater Get Water Hot?
A portable propane water heater generally uses propane as the heat source. Water is drawn from a bucket, tank, or other suitable water source and moved through the heater. Inside the unit, a propane burner heats the water as it flows through the heat exchanger. The heated water then exits through a hose or shower head.
This is different from heating a large container of water in advance. Instead, the system provides on-demand hot water, which can be useful when you're trying to keep your camping setup compact. If you'd like to understand the heating process in more detail, see our guide to How Does a Portable Water Heater Work?
Can You Get Hot Water Without a Campsite Water Hookup?
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of a portable water heater is that you don't necessarily need a permanent water connection. For example, you can bring water in a portable container and use a pump to move it through the heater.
This setup can be useful for:
- Boondocking
- Overlanding
- Remote camping
- Off-grid cabins
- Beach camping
- Hunting camps
- RV and van trips
The water source can be as simple as a suitable bucket or portable water container, provided it meets the heater manufacturer's requirements. This gives campers more flexibility when staying somewhere without campground plumbing.
How Do You Get Hot Water for a Camping Shower?
For many campers, the main reason to bring a water heater is simple: a hot shower outdoors. A basic camping shower setup consists of four components:
Water Source
You need a supply of clean water. Depending on your campsite, this could be a portable water container, bucket, or tank.
Water Pump
A pump moves water from the container into the heater and helps provide the necessary flow.
Portable Water Heater
The heater raises the water temperature using its selected energy source. Propane models are particularly useful for off-grid camping because they don't depend on a campsite's electrical or hot-water system.
Shower Head
The heated water is delivered through a hose and shower head, allowing you to create a portable outdoor shower. You can also combine the setup with a shower tent or other privacy solution if you're camping in an open area.
How Much Hot Water Do You Need for Camping?
This depends largely on what you're using the water for. If you only need hot water for dishes and handwashing, a small amount may be enough. A shower requires more continuous water flow.
For this reason, don't choose a camping water heater based only on its physical size. Pay attention to water flow rate and heating output as well. For example, the current BougeRV portable propane water heater has a maximum flow rate of 3 L/min and maximum heating power of 20,500 BTU. Its average flow rate is listed at 2–2.5 L/min.
Actual performance can vary depending on incoming water temperature, flow rate, desired outlet temperature, and other operating conditions. For a more detailed explanation, read How BTU & Flow Rate Affect Propane Heater Performance.
BougeRV Portable Propane Water Heater for Camping
For campers who want a more convenient alternative to manually heating water, the BougeRV Portable Propane Outdoor Water Heater is designed for outdoor hot-water applications.
The current model combines propane heating with a built-in 4,000mAh rechargeable battery and water pump, allowing water to be drawn from a container and heated on demand. BougeRV lists a maximum heating output of 20,500 BTU and a maximum water flow rate of 3 L/min.
It is designed for several common outdoor applications, including:
- Camping showers
- Overlanding
- RV travel
- Off-grid cabins
- Dishwashing
- Pet washing
- Gear cleaning
- Campsite cleanup
The unit also features digital controls and constant-temperature control. BougeRV states that it can heat water in approximately 3 seconds, while its built-in safety features include flame-failure protection and overheat protection. The package includes a shower head and hose, water pump and hose, gas valve, AC adapter, and 12V car power cord, giving campers several options for setting up their outdoor hot-water system. You can pair it with a BougeRV car shower tent for privacy and convenience on the road.
What Can You Use Hot Water for While Camping?
A portable water heater can be useful for much more than showers.
- Outdoor Showers: A warm shower can be especially useful after hiking, swimming, cycling, or a day of outdoor work.
- Washing Dishes: Hot water can make it easier to clean cookware, plates, utensils, and other camping equipment.
- Cleaning Gear: Mud, sand, and dirt are part of many outdoor adventures. Hot water can make it easier to rinse camping equipment, shoes, bikes, and other gear.
- Washing Pets: If your dog joins you on camping trips, portable hot water can make it easier to clean muddy paws or rinse off after swimming.
- Campsite Cleanup: A portable supply of warm water can also be useful for general cleaning around camp.
Is a Propane Water Heater Good for Off-Grid Camping?
For campers who spend time away from electrical hookups and permanent plumbing, propane can be a practical heating source.
A propane water heater doesn't require a conventional electric water heater or campground hot-water connection. Combined with a portable water source and an appropriate power supply for the pump and controls, it can form a compact outdoor hot-water system. However, propane appliances should always be used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Operate the heater outdoors in a properly ventilated area, keep combustible materials away from the appliance, and inspect propane connections before use.
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Camping Water Heater?
Before buying a portable water heater, consider these factors:
1. Heating output: Higher heating capacity can provide more flexibility when heating water, especially when the incoming water is cold.
2. Water flow: Check the heater's flow rate and consider how much water you actually need for showering and cleaning.
3. Water source: If you're frequently camping off-grid, look for a setup that can draw water from a portable container.
4. Power source: Consider how the pump and controls are powered and whether the system works with your existing camping setup.
5. Portability: Weight, dimensions, hoses, and accessories all matter when packing for a campsite.
6. Safety features: Look for appropriate protections such as flame-failure and overheat protection, and always follow the operating instructions.
What's the Best Way to Get Hot Water While Camping?
There are several ways to get hot water outdoors. A camping stove is simple and works well for small amounts of water. A solar shower can be useful in warm, sunny conditions. But if you want hot water for showers, dishes, cleaning, and other tasks without relying on a campsite water hookup, a portable propane water heater provides a more complete solution.
For campers, overlanders, RV travelers, and off-grid adventurers, the BougeRV Portable Propane Outdoor Water Heater provides an on-demand way to create hot water from a portable water source. With the right setup, getting a warm shower at the end of a long day doesn't have to mean giving up the freedom of camping away from home.
