Welcome, urban van campers! As you probably already know or can imagine, living the van life in a city environment has its challenges. One of the most pressing concerns for urban dwellers is finding a reliable source of water to fill up your van’s tank. But no fear, fellow van lifers, we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we will explore various options for filling your water tank while staying within the city limits. So let’s dive right in!
1) Sanidumps:
Is a “comprehensive” RV dump station search. While it intended use is for Back & Grey water dumping, it is also a great way to find free water sources. Basically go to sanidumps and enter: Country and Postal Code, then drill down on the map to find stations that provide water. The stations are categorized by:
- For Everyone,
- For Registered Users Only,
- For Members Only, and
- Reported as being closed.
Sanidump is a great resource and it will keep you hydrated and purged out on the road.
2) RVDumpSites:
Another useful is RVDumpSites. This search engine requires where you are looking for dump sites and provides a map with color coded stations. On the right they are categorized and described as to what you can expect to find there and how far they are from the location you indicated.
3) Friendly Gas Stations:
Gas stations can be your best friend when it comes to filling up your water tank in the city. While not all gas stations have water spigots or faucets available, many do. Just pop in, ask the friendly staff if they have potable water available, and they might just point you in the right direction. Of course, buying your gas there always helps.
4) Urban Campgrounds and RV Parks:
While they may be few and far between in some cities, campgrounds and RV parks can provide an excellent source of water. Many of these locations offer water filling stations for a small fee, and you might even meet some fellow van dwellers along the way!
5) Public Parks:
Take a stroll in your local public park, and you might just find a potable water spigot near restrooms, picnic areas, or maintenance buildings. Be sure to confirm that the water is safe to drink before filling your tank, and enjoy the greenery while you’re at it!
6) Gyms and Fitness Centers:
If you have a membership at a gym or fitness center, consider asking the staff if they have a water source available for you to use. Not only will you stay fit and healthy, but you’ll also keep your water tank full – a win-win situation!
7) Friends and Family:
Sometimes, the best water source is closer than you think. If you have friends or family living in the area, don’t hesitate to ask if you can fill up your water tank at their home. Chances are, they’ll be more than happy to lend a hand.
8) Car Washes:
Some self-service car washes come with the added bonus of a water faucet. Just make sure to ask permission before using the water source, and you’ll be good to go.
9) Supermarkets:
Last but not least, keep an eye out for large retail stores with outdoor garden centers. These stores may have water spigots available for public use. Always remember to ask permission and express your gratitude for their generosity.
10) A few other places you might get some water:
Check out Visitor Centers, Rest Areas, etc…
Wrapping It Up
Urban van camping can be a thrilling adventure, and with a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you’ll have no trouble keeping your water tank full. By exploring these options and always asking permission before using any water source, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable van life experience in the city. Happy camping, urban van dwellers!
In future posts, we will look at how to conserve the water you have.
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