Camco RV filters are replacement cartridges and housings designed for the specific plumbing and systems in recreational vehicles

Camco manufactures filters for three main RV systems: freshwater, greywater, and black tank treatment. Unlike automotive oil filters, which sit in an engine bay, RV filters typically mount under cabinets, in exterior compartments, or inline with water lines. The most common Camco filter you'll encounter is the freshwater filter cartridge, which removes sediment, chlorine, and odors from water you fill at campgrounds. Camco also makes inline water filters that connect directly to your city water inlet, and tank treatment systems that help manage waste tanks.

The reason RV filters differ from standard household filters is that RV water systems are smaller, more exposed to temperature swings, and often sit unused for weeks. Camco designs its cartridges and housings to handle freeze-thaw cycles, vibration from travel, and the mineral content in different regional water supplies. Most Camco filters are plastic housings with replaceable paper or carbon cartridges, not metal canisters like you'd find on a truck engine.

Key Takeaways

  • Camco freshwater filters remove sediment and chlorine from campground water and mount under your sink or at your city water inlet.
  • Filter cartridges need replacement every 3 to 6 months depending on water quality and how often you use your RV, not on a mileage schedule.
  • Camco makes different filter models for different tank sizes and water flow rates, so you need to match the model number to your RV's plumbing setup.
  • Replacement cartridges cost between $15 and $40 each, and changing one takes 10 to 15 minutes with basic tools.

Freshwater filter cartridges and when to replace them

The Camco TastePURE freshwater filter cartridge is the most widely used model in RVs. It's a white plastic cylinder that screws into a housing mounted under your galley sink or in an exterior compartment. The cartridge contains a paper filter media that traps sediment down to 20 microns — fine enough to catch sand and rust but not bacteria or viruses. It also has an activated carbon layer that removes chlorine taste and odor.

You should replace the cartridge when water flow slows noticeably, when the water starts to taste or smell like chlorine again, or every 3 to 6 months if you camp regularly. If you fill your fresh tank at the same campground every time and the water is clean, you might stretch a cartridge to 6 months. If you move between different water sources or notice sediment in your tank, replace it every 3 months. The cartridge itself costs $15 to $25 depending on where you buy it.

To replace it, turn off your water pump, open a faucet to release pressure, unscrew the old cartridge by hand or with a filter wrench, and screw the new one in hand-tight. Some people wrap the threads with plumber's tape to prevent leaks, though Camco cartridges come with a rubber seal that usually works without it. Run water through the system for 30 seconds before using it to flush out any loose carbon dust.

Inline water filters for city water connections

Camco also makes inline water filters that connect between your city water inlet and your freshwater tank. These are smaller, more compact units than under-sink filters and are useful if you want to filter water before it enters your tank rather than as you use it. The most common model is the Camco Inline Water Filter with a 20-micron cartridge.

Inline filters work the same way as cartridge filters but are positioned outside your RV, usually in a compartment near your water inlet. They're helpful if your freshwater tank is already contaminated or if you want an extra layer of filtration. The trade-off is that they add a connection point where leaks can happen, and you have to remember to replace the cartridge on the same schedule as an under-sink filter.

Installation requires connecting the inlet side to your city water connection and the outlet side to your freshwater tank fill line. Most RVs don't come with inline filters pre-installed, so you'll need to buy the filter housing, cartridges, and hose adapters separately. Camco sells kits that include everything, priced between $30 and $50.

Tank treatment systems and black tank filters

Beyond freshwater, Camco makes treatment systems for black and greywater tanks. The Camco Waste Valve Lubricant and Camco RapidCamp Waste Digester are chemical treatments, not filters, but they work alongside your tank system to break down waste and reduce odors. Some RVers use these in combination with a freshwater filter to maintain their entire water system.

Camco does not make a traditional filter for black tanks — black tank waste is too thick and variable for a cartridge filter to handle. However, some RV owners install a black tank flush system (which Camco makes) that uses water pressure to clean the tank walls. This is maintenance equipment rather than a filter, and it connects to your freshwater system to spray water inside the tank.

Matching the right Camco filter to your RV

Camco makes several filter models, and choosing the wrong one can mean it won't fit your housing or won't deliver enough water flow for your needs. The most common mistake is buying a cartridge that's the right diameter but the wrong height, or buying a filter rated for a smaller flow rate than your RV's water pump produces.

Check your RV's manual or the existing filter housing to find the model number. Common Camco housings are labeled with numbers like 40043 (standard under-sink housing) or 40044 (compact housing). Once you know the housing model, you can order the correct cartridge — usually a TastePURE model with a number like 40621 or 40623. Camco's website and most RV supply retailers have cross-reference charts that match housing to cartridge.

If you don't have the manual, you can unscrew the old cartridge and look at its label, or measure the diameter and height of the housing. Most Camco housings are 2.5 inches in diameter and 9.75 inches tall, but some compact models are smaller. Taking a photo of the old cartridge and showing it to a parts counter at an RV dealer is the fastest way to get the right replacement.

Cost and where to buy Camco filters

Camco filter cartridges range from $15 to $40 depending on the model and where you buy them. Online retailers like Amazon and RV-specific sites like Camping World and RVupgrades typically stock the full Camco line. Local RV dealers and some Walmart locations carry the most common models. Buying in bulk — a two-pack or three-pack of cartridges — usually costs less per unit than buying one at a time.

If you camp frequently or use your RV year-round, buying a spare cartridge or two to keep on hand is practical. A clogged filter can reduce water pressure enough to make showering difficult, and you can't always find a replacement at a small campground. Storing a cartridge in a cabinet takes almost no space and costs less than an emergency trip to a dealer.

Some RV insurance or roadside information plans cover filter replacement as part of maintenance, but most do not. This is a maintenance cost you'll pay out of pocket, though it's one of the cheapest regular expenses in RV ownership.

Signs your Camco filter needs replacement

Water pressure dropping is the most obvious sign. If your shower goes from a strong spray to a trickle, the filter cartridge is likely clogged. You might also notice sediment in your sink or toilet tank, or a return of chlorine taste or smell in your water. Some RVers keep a log of when they replace cartridges so they don't have to guess based on symptoms.

If you replace the cartridge and pressure doesn't improve, the problem might be elsewhere — a kinked hose, a closed valve, or a failing water pump. But if pressure improves when ready after replacing the cartridge, you've found the culprit. Keep the old cartridge until you're sure the new one solved the problem, in case you need to return it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I clean and reuse a Camco filter cartridge instead of replacing it?

No. Camco cartridges are designed to be replaced, not cleaned. The paper and carbon media break down and lose effectiveness once they're saturated. Rinsing a cartridge might temporarily improve flow, but it won't restore filtration. Replacement cartridges are inexpensive enough that reusing them isn't worth the risk of contaminated water.

What's the difference between a 20-micron and a 5-micron Camco filter?

A 5-micron filter catches smaller particles than a 20-micron filter, so it removes more sediment and some bacteria. However, it also clogs faster and reduces water flow more. Most RVers use 20-micron filters because they balance filtration and flow. Use a 5-micron filter only if your water source is very dirty or if you have specific health concerns — ask your doctor or local health department before upgrading.

Do I need both an inline filter and an under-sink filter?

Most RVers use one or the other, not both. An inline filter at your city water inlet filters water before it enters your tank. An under-sink filter filters water as you use it. If your freshwater tank is already clean and your water source is reliable, one filter is enough. Use both only if you're dealing with very poor water quality or if you want redundancy for peace of mind.

How do I know if my RV already has a Camco filter installed?

Look under your galley sink or in the exterior compartment near your water inlet. If you see a white plastic cylinder with a screw-on cap, it's likely a Camco filter housing. Check the label on the housing or cartridge for the Camco name and model number. If you don't see a filter housing anywhere, your RV either doesn't have one or it's in a location specific to your model — check your owner's manual.

Can I use a Camco filter in a travel trailer, fifth wheel, and motorhome?

Yes, as long as you match the cartridge to your RV's housing model. The same Camco cartridges work in any RV with a compatible housing. The housing itself is what's specific to your RV — it's usually installed by the manufacturer. If you're buying a used RV or upgrading an older model without a filter, you can install a Camco housing and cartridge yourself with basic plumbing connections.