Beginner’s Guide to Portable Hot Water for Camping

Quick Answer: 

The easiest way to get hot water when camping is to use a portable gas hot water system designed for outdoor use. These units heat water instantly using LPG and pressurised water that can run from a water pump, tank, jerry can, or mains tap. A beginner-friendly model like the Country Comfort Portable Water Heater provides fast, reliable hot water for showers, washing, cooking, and general campsite use.

Exploring the Australian outdoors is an incredible experience, but being comfortable makes it even better. While many first-timers focus on the tent and sleeping bag, one small addition can completely change your trip: hot water. It brings a touch of home to the bush, improving hygiene, comfort, and even safety. This guide will walk you through everything a beginner needs to know about portable hot water for camping.

How Portable Hot Water Systems Work (Simple Explanation)

Thinking about how to get hot water camping can seem complicated, but modern systems are surprisingly simple.

What is a portable hot water system? 

A portable hot water system is a compact, tankless unit that heats water on demand using a standard LPG bottle. It's designed to be lightweight and easy to set up at a campsite, giving you instant hot water for showers and cleaning without needing mains power or plumbing.

Here’s a basic breakdown of the process:

Water Flow: Cold water enters the unit, either from a pressurised tap or pushed through by a 12v water pump.

Gas Ignition: A sensor detects the water flow and automatically ignites the gas burner inside the unit.

Instant Heating: The water passes through a series of pipes (a heat exchanger) that are heated by the burner, warming it to your desired temperature almost instantly.

Hot Water Out: The hot water is controlled and flows out through a connected hose and shower nozzle, ready for use.

The best part is that quality AGA-approved systems are built with safety as a priority. They have features that automatically shut off the gas if the flame goes out or if the unit gets too hot. For a more detailed look, you can explore our full portable hot water comparison guide.

What You Need for a Camping Hot Water Setup

Creating your own camping hot water system is like putting together a simple kit. Here is the beginner "shopping list" to get you started:

Portable Hot Water Unit: The core of your setup. This is the box that does all the heating.

LPG Bottle: A standard BBQ-style gas bottle (e.g., 4.5kg or 9kg) is all you need to heat the water.

Hose Fittings: A quality unit will come with the gas hose and regulator. You'll also need a water hose to connect your water source to the water heater.

Water Source: This can be a jerry can of fresh water, an onboard tank in your caravan or 4WD, or even a nearby creek (just be sure to use a filter to protect your pump from debris).

Water Pump: Unless you are connecting to a pressurised tap, you will need a 12v water pump to push water through the heater. This is the most common setup for off-grid camping in Australia. See our guide on choosing the right pump size for more help.

Shower Rose/Nozzle: This attaches to the water outlet on the water heater and starts/stops the water flow, just like a shower at home.

Setting Up Your Portable Hot Water System at a Campsite (Step-by-Step)

Once you have your gear, setting up is quick and easy. This process takes only a few minutes.

How do I set up a portable hot water system when camping? 

First, hang the unit from a tree, camper trailer, vehicle, etc, in a well-ventilated outdoor area, ensuring the unit is completely vertical, as there is a tilt switch that the unit will not operate if mounted on an angle. Connect your water source to the inlet using a hose (with a pump if needed). Attach the shower hose to the outlet. Finally, connect the gas regulator to your LPG bottle and Gas Inlet, making sure you do not over-tighten. Start the water flow by releasing the shower rose either via the on/off button or trigger, then turn your gas bottle on.

Here are the steps in more detail:

Choose a Safe Location: Hang your heater from a sturdy tree branch, the side of your vehicle, or a tent pole. It must be upright and in an open, well-ventilated space, never inside a tent.

Connect Water Source: Run a hose from your water source to the "Water Inlet" connection on the unit.

Connect Pump (If Required): Clip the 12V pump's alligator clips to your car battery or a portable power pack.

Attach Shower Hose: Connect the shower hose and nozzle to the "Water Outlet" connection.

Connect Gas Bottle: Attach the gas regulator hose to the "Gas Inlet" and securely connect the other end to your LPG bottle. Double-check that all fittings are tight and check for any gas leaks.

Test Ignition: Turn the "Gas" to medium and the "Water Flow" dial on the unit to a low setting. Turn on your shower nozzle, and the unit should ignite automatically with a distinct tick-tick-tick sound. Open the valve on your gas bottle.

Adjust Temperature: You can now adjust the gas and water flow dials to get the perfect water temperature for your shower.

Many beginners find a Country Comfort portable water heater ideal because of its straightforward, reliable setup.

Best Ways to Use Hot Water When Camping

A portable hot water system is for more than just a quick shower. It's a versatile tool that makes campsite life much easier.

Hot Showers: The most obvious benefit! A warm shower after a day of hiking or swimming is pure luxury.

Washing Dishes: Cleaning greasy pans and plates with cold water is a chore. Hot water cuts through grease easily, making cleanup faster and more hygienic.

Cleaning Gear: Wash down muddy boots, fishing equipment, or your bike before packing it away.

Off-Grid Hygiene: A warm washcloth can go a long way for a quick clean-up when you don't need a full shower.

Washing Pets: If you bring your dog along, a warm wash is much more comfortable for them than a cold hose.

There are many creative ways to use your portable hot water system to make your campsite feel more like home.

Safety Tips for Portable Gas Hot Water While Camping

Is a portable gas hot water system safe for camping? Yes, as long as it is AGA (Australian Gas Association) certified and you follow basic safety rules. Always operate it outdoors, keep it clear of flammable materials, and never use it in an enclosed space like a tent or caravan.

Follow these simple rules for peace of mind:

Use Outdoors Only: Never operate a gas appliance in a tent, swag, or enclosed annex due to the risk of carbon monoxide.

Keep the Unit Upright: Heaters are designed to work in a vertical position.
Maintain Clearance: Keep the unit away from tent walls, dry grass, and other flammable materials.

Keep Away from Children: Ensure children understand the unit gets hot and should not be touched.

Allow Cooling Before Packing: Let the unit cool down completely before you pack it away in its carry bag.

Choosing the Right Portable Hot Water System for Camping

For a beginner, the choices can feel overwhelming. Focus on these simple questions:

Do you need a pump?

If you're camping off-grid away from taps, you will need a pump. Some systems come in kits that include one.

How often will you use it?

If you're a frequent camper exploring regional VIC or remote WA, invest in a durable, well-built unit designed for Australian conditions.

What’s your vehicle setup?

Consider how you'll transport and power your system. A 12V pump running off your car battery is a simple and effective setup for most vehicles.

The right system works well for Australian bush campsites, caravan parks, and off-grid travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use river or creek water?

Yes, but it's essential to use a filter on the pump's intake. This stops sand, leaves, and other debris from entering and damaging the pump or heater. This is a common practice for off-grid camping in Australia.

How long do portable heaters run on a gas bottle?

A 9kg gas bottle can last for many hours of continuous use—often over 20-30 hours, depending on the heat setting. For most campers, a single gas bottle will last for weeks, months, or even a year of weekend trips.

Do portable camping showers use much water?

They can be very water-efficient. A typical camp shower uses 3-6 litres per minute, much less than a home shower. By turning the water off while you soap up (a "navy shower"), you can have a comfortable wash using less than 5 litres of water.

What temperature do they reach?

Most portable gas heaters can increase the water temperature by around 25°C to 50°C above the starting temperature, depending on the model and flow rate. This is more than enough to provide a steaming hot shower, even on a cold day.

Can I use my car battery to run the pump?

Yes, this is a common way to power a 12V water pump. The pumps draw very little power, so they will not drain a healthy car battery during normal use for showers or washing up.

Ready to add hot water to your next camping trip?

Country Comfort’s Australian-designed portable water heaters are built for outdoor conditions and work with low-pressure water sources, making them ideal for bush camping, caravanning, and off-grid travel.

Explore the range or contact our friendly team for help today.