There’s plenty to love about getting off grid: quiet campsites, open roads and having everything you need packed into the caravan or 4WD. An icy shower after a long day on the road? Probably not quite as appealing.
That’s where a portable water heater for camping can make life a fair bit more comfortable. With the right setup, you can have hot water on hand for showers, washing up and cleaning muddy gear without needing a permanent hot water system.
The tricky bit is choosing one that works with the rest of your setup. Water pressure, flow rate, fuel or power supply, available space and safety requirements all matter. A heater that works brilliantly for one camper might be completely impractical for another.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how portable camping water heaters work, gas versus electric options, flow rates and water use, what to check before buying, and a few practical tips for setup, maintenance and safe use around camp.
What Is a Portable Water Heater?
A portable water heater is a compact unit designed to heat water without a permanent hot water system. Depending on the model, it may run on LPG or electricity and connect to mains water supply, a caravan water tank or another suitable water supply.
For campers and caravanners, the big advantage is flexibility. Instead of building a permanent hot water system into your setup, you can have hot water available where and when you need it, provided the heater is compatible with your water, fuel or power supply.
How Does a Portable Camping Water Heater Work?
Most portable camping water heaters are fairly straightforward. Water enters the heater from your water source. Pressure from mains water or a compatible pump moves it through the unit, where it’s heated before flowing to your shower head or tap.
A typical setup looks something like this:
- Water source: Mains water, a caravan water tank or another suitable supply.
- Water pressure: Mains pressure or a compatible pump moves water through the heater.
- Heat source: LPG or electricity heats the water.
- Outlet: Hot water flows to a shower head, tap or other compatible outlet.
If you’re starting from scratch, it helps to think about the whole water system rather than choosing the heater on its own. Your pump, water supply and heater all need to work together. Our beginner’s guide to building an off grid water setup explains how the key components work together.
How a portable LPG shower setup works off-grid
What Types of Portable Water Heaters Can You Take Camping?
For most camping setups, you’ll be comparing two main options: gas and electric. Neither is automatically “better”. The right choice comes down to where you camp, the power you have available, and how you plan to use your hot water.
Gas Camping Water Heaters
Gas camping water heaters typically use LPG to heat water as it passes through the unit. That can make them particularly handy if you like getting away from powered sites. Some models still require batteries or a low-voltage power supply for ignition, controls or a water pump, so don’t assume LPG means the whole system runs without electricity.
Provided the required water flow, pressure and gas supply are available, an instantaneous LPG heater can provide hot water on demand.
💡 Helpful safety note: Before using any LPG outdoor water heater, check the manufacturer’s requirements for ventilation, clearances, connections and where the unit can safely operate.
Electric Camping Water Heaters
Electric camping water heaters use electricity rather than LPG to heat the water. They can make good sense when you regularly stay at powered caravan sites or already have an electrical system capable of supporting the heater.
The important thing is checking the electrical demand. Water heating can require a fair amount of power, so make sure your campsite supply, caravan electrical system or portable power setup is suitable for the particular model.
Is Gas or Electric Better for Camping?
If you regularly camp away from mains power, LPG is often the more practical option. If most of your trips are to powered caravan parks, an electric heater may fit neatly into your setup.
Here’s a quick comparison:
Choose based on your site's power availability.
Think about where you camp most often. If you spend most weekends well away from a power point, choosing a heater that relies heavily on mains electricity probably won’t make much sense. On the other hand, if you almost always pull into powered caravan sites, LPG may not offer the same advantage. Whichever way you go, check the manufacturer’s specifications against your water, gas and electrical setup before buying.
What Size Portable Water Heater Do You Need?
When people talk about the “size” of a portable water heater, one of the most useful figures to look at is its flow rate, measured in litres per minute (L/min). This tells you how much water can pass through the heater each minute. More flow can mean a stronger shower, but there’s a trade-off: you’ll also get through your stored water more quickly. That matters when every litre has come with you in the caravan or 4WD.
What Flow Rate Is Best for a Camping Shower?
There isn’t one perfect number for every camper. Instead, look at three things together:
- How much water you normally carry
- How much pressure your pump or water supply provides
- The minimum flow and pressure your heater needs to operate correctly
If you’re camping with a limited tank, a lower flow setup can help stretch your water further. Just make sure it still meets the heater’s minimum operating requirements.
How Much Water Does a Camping Shower Use?
Here’s a handy calculation to remember:
Flow rate × shower time = water used
Say your shower is running at 5 L/min and you stay under it for four minutes:
5 L/min × 4 minutes = 20 litres.
Two four-minute showers would use around 40 litres.
That’s why the biggest flow rate number on the box isn't automatically the best choice. When you’re carrying your own water, comfort and sensible water use need to work together.
What Should You Look for Before Buying?
Evaluate all core specifications prior to purchasing.
This is where it pays to look beyond the heater itself. Before choosing a portable hot water system for camping, work through the rest of your setup and make sure everything is compatible. Keep these factors in mind as you browse portable water heaters to find a model that works with your existing setup.
Will It Fit Where You Need It?
Check the dimensions and weight, but also think about where you’ll carry, store and operate the heater. Space can be tight in a caravan, camper trailer or packed 4WD. Also check how the unit needs to be positioned or mounted during use. A compact heater still needs a suitable place to operate safely. Check the manufacturer’s placement, mounting, ventilation and clearance requirements.
What Fuel or Power Does It Need?
Look at the heater’s complete energy requirements. An LPG model might use gas for heating, but still require batteries or 12V power for ignition, controls or a pump. Electric models need a power supply capable of supporting their rated load. Knowing this before you buy can save a fair bit of head-scratching at camp.
Will Your Pump Provide Enough Flow and Pressure?
Your heater and water pump need to play nicely together. Check the heater’s minimum flow and pressure requirements, then compare them with what your pump can actually provide. If the pump isn’t suitable, you may end up with poor performance or a heater that won’t activate properly. When choosing the right water pump, check its compatibility with the heater before buying.
How Easy Is the Temperature to Control?
Depending on the model, temperature may be adjustable through the heat input, water flow or a dedicated temperature control. Easy, responsive adjustment is useful at camp because you don’t want to waste half your water supply trying to find a comfortable shower temperature.
What Safety Features Does It Have?
Look for features such as flame failure protection, over-temperature protection and automatic shut-off, where applicable. For LPG heaters, also check that the appliance is approved for use in Australia and read the manufacturer’s requirements for ventilation, clearances, gas connections and operating location.
Will It Work With the Rest of Your Setup?
This is one of the easiest things to overlook. Check compatibility with your:
- Water source
- Water pump
- LPG or electrical supply
- Hoses and connections
- Shower fittings
There’s not much benefit in buying a high-output heater if your 12V pump can't provide the required pressure. A few minutes checking specifications now can also save you from hunting down unexpected adaptors or fittings once you’re on the road.
How Do You Set Up a Portable Hot Water System for Camping?
Example of an externally positioned caravan water heater setup.
Every model is different, so the manufacturer’s instructions should always be your starting point. In general, though, a camping setup will involve a few familiar steps:
- Find a suitable spot for the heater. Look for a stable location that meets the manufacturer’s ventilation and clearance requirements.
- Sort out your water supply. This might be mains water, a caravan tank or a suitable water container. If there isn't enough water pressure, you may need a compatible pump.
- Connect the LPG or power supply. For LPG models, use the correct hose, regulator and fittings. Connect any required batteries, 12V supply or mains electricity according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- Connect your shower head or outlet. Make sure hoses and fittings are secure and check for leaks.
- Test everything before jumping in. Once the heater is operating, check the water temperature and adjust it according to the manufacturer’s directions before showering.
When you’re finished, turn off the water and fuel or power supply and let the heater cool. Drain and pack it away as recommended.
💡 Camp Tip: Give the whole system a test run at home before your first trip. Finding out you’re missing an adaptor is much easier in the driveway than when you’re kilometres from the nearest camping shop.
How Can You Use a Portable Gas Water Heater Safely?
Follow these basic safety practices when operating a portable gas water heater.
LPG water heaters deserve a little extra attention because combustion appliances can produce carbon monoxide. Without adequate ventilation, that can become dangerous. The safest approach is to treat the manufacturer’s instructions as specific to your heater rather than assuming that what worked with another unit will work with yours.
A few practical habits can help:
- Choose the operating location carefully. Check exactly where your heater is approved to operate. Don't assume a portable LPG heater is suitable inside a caravan, tent, shower enclosure or other enclosed space.
- Give the heater room to breathe. Maintain the ventilation and clearances specified by the manufacturer, and keep combustible materials away.
- Have a look over the gas gear before use. Check the hose, regulator and fittings for damage and make sure connections are secure.
- Position and store the LPG cylinder as specified. In a typical setup, this means keeping it upright, but always follow the instructions supplied with your particular system.
- Stick with compatible components. Avoid modifying gas connections or safety features. Use the hoses, regulators and fittings specified as suitable for the appliance.
- Shut things down properly when you’re done. Turn off the gas as directed and give the heater time to cool before moving or storing it.
For additional guidance, see Energy Safe Victoria’s guidance on gas and LPG safety outdoors.
Before using an LPG water heater, check the manufacturer’s documentation and confirm that the appliance and installation are suitable for your intended use and applicable Australian requirements.
How Do You Maintain a Portable Camping Water Heater?
Inspect the unit to ensure the buttons, switches and hose attachments are still functioning.
Portable water heaters don’t need to make your pre-trip checklist complicated. A few regular checks can help you spot problems before they become campsite problems.
Here are a few simple maintenance habits:
- Drain it after use. Remove remaining water as directed, particularly before long-term storage.
- Inspect hoses, fittings and LPG components. Check for leaks, cracks, loose connections and other signs of wear before each trip.
- Keep it clean and dry. Remove dirt and moisture before storage and keep air inlets, outlets and burner areas clear.
- Manage mineral build-up. If required, flush or descale the heater according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Check batteries. If the heater uses batteries for ignition, check them regularly and follow the recommended storage procedure to reduce corrosion.
- Store it somewhere protected. Keep the unit dry and away from weather or anything that could damage its fittings and hoses.
If the heater has been sitting unused for a while, test it at home before your trip. A worn hose or flat battery is much easier to deal with before you leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a portable water heater for a camping shower?
Yes. Portable water heaters can be used as part of a camping shower setup. Check the specific model’s connections, flow and pressure requirements to make sure it suits your water supply, pump and shower fittings.
How long does a portable water heater take to heat water?
Many portable camping water heaters are instantaneous, so they heat water as it flows through the unit instead of heating a storage tank first. Hot water is generally available soon after sufficient water flow activates the heater. Exact performance depends on the model, incoming water temperature and operating conditions.
Are portable water heaters energy efficient?
Instantaneous heaters only heat water when it’s needed, so there’s no tank being kept hot between uses. Actual energy consumption depends on the model, water flow, incoming water temperature and selected outlet temperature. Check the manufacturer’s fuel or energy consumption specifications when comparing models.
Set up on stable, flat ground before use.
What water sources can you use with a portable water heater?
Depending on the model, you can use mains water, a caravan tank or a suitable portable water container. Tank and container setups may require a compatible pump. For more information on choosing and storing water for your setup, see our guide to off grid water systems.
Take extra care with water from rivers, creeks and lakes. Untreated water can contain sediment and contaminants that may affect the heater or make the water unsuitable for some uses. Check the manufacturer’s water-quality requirements and local rules before collecting water.
Can you use a portable gas water heater indoors?
Don't assume you can. Many portable LPG water heaters are designed for outdoor use because they produce carbon monoxide and other combustion gases. Only use the heater in locations permitted by the manufacturer, particularly around caravans, tents and shower enclosures.
How often should you maintain a portable water heater?
Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and inspect the heater before camping trips. Check hoses and connections, drain the unit before storage as directed, and flush or descale it when required.
Find the Right Portable Water Heater for Your Next Trip
A portable water heater can take some of the rough edges off camping, giving you hot water for showers, washing up and cleaning gear wherever your travels take you. Before buying, check your water supply, available fuel or power, space and camping habits. A little planning upfront will help you choose a system that’s practical to use and easy to pack for the next trip.
Ready to sort out hot water for your camping setup? Explore Eco Off Grid’s range of portable water heaters and find an option that suits your caravan, camper trailer or campsite.
