Harvest Hosts is a unique RV camping membership that offers self-contained RVers unlimited overnight stays at 9,600+ unique locations across North America with no camping fees. Stay at farms, wineries, breweries, museums, golf courses, attractions, and other one-of-a-kind destinations while enjoying memorable travel experiences and the peace of mind that comes with knowing a safe place to stay is always nearby.
When you're living the RV lifestyle, ensuring clean and safe water is a top priority. Whether you’re boondocking off-grid or parked at a campground, having a reliable water filtration system is essential for cooking, drinking, and bathing. RVers have tried and tested a wide variety of water filtration systems, and we’ve compiled the best tips and recommendations directly from the community to help you find the right solution for your travels.
Why Water Filtration Matters for RVers
Most RVers agree that campground water quality can vary greatly. While some campgrounds offer clean, potable water, others might present higher risks of contamination. A good filtration system not only ensures you’re drinking safe water, but it also helps protect your RV’s plumbing and appliances from hard water and sediment buildup. Below, we break down popular options and highlight key systems recommended by experienced RV travelers.
Popular Types of Water Filtration Systems for RVs
1. In-Line Water Filters
- How it works: These filters attach directly to your water hose and filter all the water coming into your RV, making them a basic yet effective solution for many RVers.
- Why RVers like them: They are easy to install, affordable, and effective for filtering out sediment and chlorine.
- Example: Camco Taste Pure is a favorite among RVers for an affordable, quick solution to filter water directly from the campground spigot.
What RVers Say:
- "I use a simple in-line filter on the hose, and it works just fine for all non-consumable purposes." - @roamingburros
- "Camco is great for washing dishes and brushing teeth, but we carry bottled water for drinking." - @tamarasmithwagner
2. Three-Stage Filtration Systems
- How it works: A three-stage filter system uses sediment, carbon, and sometimes a third filter for added purification. These systems can be installed outside or inside the RV and are often paired with UV filters for complete water sterilization.
- Why RVers like them: They provide advanced filtration, removing bacteria, heavy metals, and other contaminants.
- Example: Blu Tech’s new NSF-certified three-stage filter system, which includes stainless steel connectors and a UV filter for safe drinking water, is highly praised by RVers.
What RVers Say:
- "We installed a Blu Tech three-stage filter with a water softener, and we drink straight from the tank with no issues." - @jennycyboron
- "I built my own three-stage filter for our rig. It handles all the water coming into the trailer." - @floridanative62
3. Gravity Purifiers and Portable Filtration Options
- How it works: Gravity-based systems like the Berkey filter or portable reverse osmosis systems offer an additional layer of safety by purifying smaller quantities of drinking water without needing power.
- Why RVers like them: These systems are perfect for those who prefer to drink purified water without filtering all the water in the RV.
- Example: The Berkey filter is widely loved by RVers as an easy countertop solution for filtering drinking water.
What RVers Say:
- "We have a Berkey for drinking water. It’s been with us for years and always does the job." - @dannathomas
- "Berkey all the way for clean drinking water." - @sparks_and_rec_
4. UV Water Purifiers
- How it works: UV purifiers kill bacteria and viruses in the water, providing an added level of safety, particularly when drawing water from questionable sources. These systems are often paired with other filtration methods like sediment filters.
- Why RVers like them: They provide peace of mind by ensuring all microorganisms are eliminated from drinking water.
- Example: The Acuva system is a popular UV purifier that works well in RV setups.
What RVers Say:
- "We use the Acuva UV system for drinking water. Works like a charm." - @kawboy01
5. Reverse Osmosis Systems
- How it works: Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are highly effective at removing impurities by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. These systems are more commonly found in households but can be adapted for RVs.
- Why RVers like them: They provide some of the cleanest water possible by removing contaminants such as lead, fluoride, and arsenic.
- Example: Portable countertop RO systems offer RVers flexibility, as they can be used in the RV or at home.
What RVers Say:
- "We use a countertop RO system in both our house and RV. It’s perfect for making sure our drinking water is safe no matter where we are." - @jessland
Key Takeaways from RVers
Layering Filters
Many RVers recommend using a combination of filtration systems for maximum water safety. For example, using an in-line filter for all water entering the RV, combined with a Berkey or reverse osmosis system for drinking water, is a popular approach.
What RVers Say:
- "We use a three-stage Clear Source filter outside and a Berkey Royal inside for drinking water." - @martyborden
- "I use a filter on the hose and then a Brita pitcher for drinking water." - @route.ready
Focus on Drinking Water
While many RVers trust their filtration systems for all water usage, others choose to take extra precautions and only filter their drinking water with specialized systems like the Berkey or Acuva UV filter.
What RVers Say:
- "We don't drink the water in our RV, but we use a Lifestraw pitcher for when we need purified water." - @craiggann
Final Thoughts
Finding the right water filtration system for your RV depends on your water usage, travel destinations, and personal preferences. Whether you prefer the simplicity of an in-line filter or the advanced protection of a three-stage system with UV purification, there are plenty of options to keep your water clean and safe on the road. Listening to advice from fellow RVers is a great way to discover what works best in real-world conditions, and ultimately, the key is finding a solution that fits your lifestyle and travel habits.
What’s your go-to water filtration setup? Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know what system works best for you.
