Camp Water Needs Calculator
Plan drinking and cooking water before you load the cooler, and stop guessing how many bottles the group needs.
| People | Liters | Gallons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6.0 L | 1.6 gal |
| 2 | 12.0 L | 3.2 gal |
| 3 | 18.0 L | 4.8 gal |
| 4 | 24.0 L | 6.3 gal |
| 5 | 30.0 L | 7.9 gal |
| 6 | 36.0 L | 9.5 gal |
Drinking water is only part of the total
The number here covers drinking, cooking, coffee, and a light wash. It does not include water for a full dish tub, a shower, or filling a large cooler. Groups that cook real meals and rinse dishes should add a couple of gallons on top for the table. Keep drinking water separate from wash water when you can.
Heat and effort move the number fast
Cool weather at a sit-down camp is close to the base 2 liters per person per day. A hot day over 85 F adds about a liter, and a long climb adds another. Two people hiking hard in the heat can drink 5 liters each before dinner. When in doubt, carry more water than the plan calls for and refill at a trusted tap.
Bottles, jugs, and refills
A 1-liter bottle is easy to carry and count, but groups usually move water in a jug or two for camp. Match your containers to the total. A 5-gallon jug holds about 19 liters. If the campground has a potable tap, bring less and refill. If the only water is a backcountry stream, add a filter and treat it before you drink.
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Questions about this calculator
How much water should I bring camping per person per day?
Plan on about 2 liters per person per day as a base for drinking and cooking. Add roughly a liter in hot weather and another for hard hiking. Most campers land between 3 and 4 liters per person per day in summer.
How much water does a family of four need for a weekend?
Four people for two days at 3 liters each per day is about 24 liters, or a little over 6 gallons. Add 2 more gallons if you cook and wash dishes at camp. That is roughly one full 5-gallon jug plus a few refills.
Does hot weather change how much water you need?
Yes. Heat and sweat can add a liter or more per person per day. A hot, exposed camp at over 85 F can push a hiker past 5 liters. Drink before you feel thirsty and keep a bottle within reach all day.
Should I carry extra water for cooking and dishes?
Yes. The calculator covers light cooking and a quick rinse. A full dish tub, a big pasta night, or handwashing for a group adds water fast. Pack an extra gallon or two, or bring a rig to refill from a trusted tap.
How many 1-gallon jugs is 20 liters?
One US gallon is about 3.79 liters, so 20 liters is a little over 5 gallons. A standard 5-gallon jug holds about 19 liters, just short of 20. Plan for one full jug plus a bottle or two.
Is it better to bring water or filter it at camp?
Bring water when you can refill from a potable tap or leave from home. Filter or treat it when the only source is a stream or lake. A filter saves weight on long trips but adds time and a step before every drink.
How do I store drinking water at camp?
Keep drinking water in a clean, food-safe jug or bottles, out of direct sun. Use a separate container for wash water so soap never mixes with what you drink. Dry containers open after the trip so they do not smell.