Water is one of the most important things you need. So being able to find where to refill water for campervans, RVs, or campers is crucial to the lifestyle. Luckily, theres a host of great apps and websites that can help you locate water refill options. It’s good to have a variety of options so that you always find something before you run out. The places you can find water varies regionally and by country, so be prepared to be flexible when your go-to water refill isn’t available.
Just a few tips and warnings before we start.
- Never drink water unless you can verify that it is potable
- Don’t be afraid to call ahead or ask around
- Patronize businesses that let you refill water for free
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Campgrounds & RV Parks
This is a convenient option for many vanlifers because we often find ourselves paying for campgrounds and RV parks anyway. Most will have free water fill-ups, but sometimes there is a fee.
RV Dump Sites
RV dump sites are often accompanied by free water fill-ups. Theres various camping and dump site apps that you can use to find these (listed below).
Water Vending Machines
Water vending machines are another option for getting water. They usually charge about 25-40 cents per gallon. These are more abundant in certain areas. We see them most often in the Southwest US (they go by the names Glacier, Primo, Watermill Express, to name a few). They are often located in front of grocery stores and gas stations. A quick search on google maps usually identifies any nearby.
A couple of chain stores that nearly always have water vending machines inside are Wal-Mart, Winco Foods, and Whole Foods Market.
The nice thing about these is that the water is filtered, so it always tastes great. But these are only suitable for campervans with portable water jugs. You must carry your water jugs right to the machine. There’s no option for hose filling. So for that reason these are not a viable option for vans and RV’s with large mounted water tanks.
Cabela’s
Cabela’s is a chain outdoor retailer that often has water fill-ups.
National Parks, State Parks, & County Parks
Most parks will have a place to refill water for campervans, RVs, and campers. They can be stand-alone spigots near campgrounds or visitor centers. Or sometimes they are paired with RV dump sites.
Rest Stops & Travel Centers
Rest Stops and Travel Centers are another common place to refill water for campervans, RVs, and campers. They can be a convenient stop if you find one on your route.
Gas Stations
Many gas stations have water spigots on the side of the building. It’s always a good idea to call ahead or ask inside to verify that the water is potable.
At Work
If you work a traditional job, you may be able to fill up at work. We worked at a coffee shop one summer, and with our boss’s permission, we filled our portable water jugs there.
Apps And Websites For Where To Refill Water For Campervans, RVs, or Campers
These are some of the best apps and websites for finding places to refill water for campervans, RVs, or Campers.
iOverlander, Campendium, The Dyrt, Sekr, Sanidumps.com, RVdumpsites.net, Freecampsites.net, Google Maps, Apple Maps
Tips For Where To Refill Water For Campervans, RVs, or Campers
Most water fill stations don’t provide a hose, so make sure you have a drinking water hose if that is how you plan to fill up your containers.
If you are picky with the taste of water, then you might want to consider getting filtered water or have a water filter system in your campervan. Check out our campervan water filtration system step-by-step guide.
Conclusion | Where To Refill Water For Campervans
In conclusion, finding a place to refill water for campervans, RVs, or campers is easier than ever, especially with the abundance of apps and websites. And yet, if you are traveling in new or remote places it’s not always easy and convenient. That’s why we recommend having a variety of options that you rotate among.
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