How long can a camel last without water?

According to the California Academy of Sciences, camels can survive for up to six months without drinking water. Camels consume large quantities of water at one time and can drink up to 35 gallons of water in six minutes, allowing for optimal fluid conservation.

A camel's excellent water conservation ability allows it to lose up to 40 percent of its body weight and survive. While the common belief is that camels use their humps to store water, they actually store fat in their humps and utilize it as an energy source when food and water is scarce. Storing fat in the humps allows for minimal body insulation and helps camels stay cool in extremely hot environments.