Camels do not store water in their humps. The humps on a camel's back are actually made up of fatty tissue, which helps camels to survive in harsh desert environments by providing a source of energy when food is scarce. Camels store fat in their humps, not water. Camels are able to survive for long periods without water because they are highly efficient at conserving water in their bodies and can rehydrate quickly when they do have access to water.