Introduction
Spending time in nature is a beautiful way to disconnect from the stresses of modern life. However, answering nature’s call can quickly become uncomfortable.
These toilets are designed for ease of use and portability, making them a must-have for anyone venturing into areas with limited or no restroom facilities.
Enter the portable camp toilet, a handy device that makes outdoor adventures more convenient and hygienic. Campers, hikers, and RV enthusiasts no longer worry about digging holes or finding rest stops miles away. With a suitable portable camping toilet, waste disposal can be handled efficiently while minimizing environmental impact.
These toilets are designed for ease of use and portability, making them a must-have for anyone venturing into areas with limited or no restroom facilities. They range from simple bucket models to more complex flushing systems, each with unique features that cater to different needs. Whether on a week-long RV trip or backpacking in a remote location, a portable camp toilet offers a convenient, clean, and eco-friendly solution.
In this expanded guide, we’ll look at the various types of portable camping toilets, the accessories you’ll need, and the pros and cons of each option. We’ll also highlight top product recommendations, drawing from personal experiences and expert insights.
Different Types of Portable Camp Toilets
Portable camp toilets come in various types, each offering unique benefits depending on your camping style and needs. Below, we’ll explore the most popular categories in detail, with multiple product recommendations for each.
Cassette Toilets
Cassette toilets are one of the most advanced options for campers and RV users. These units feature a sealed waste tank that can be easily removed and emptied at dump stations. The design minimizes odors and reduces the risk of spills, making it one of the most hygienic portable camp toilet options. Many cassette toilets also have built-in flush systems and water tanks, adding convenience.
Product recommendations:
This model is widely regarded as one of the best cassette toilets on the market. It has an electric flush and an integrated pour spout for easy waste disposal. The large waste tank allows for multiple uses before needing to be emptied. From personal experience, this portable camp toilet was a breeze to use during a week-long RV trip, especially when visiting campsites with limited facilities. The electric flush feature adds a level of comfort that makes it feel closer to a home bathroom.
This is a reliable and compact solution for campers and RV enthusiasts seeking convenience on the go. It has a 5-gallon waste tank and a 2.6-gallon fresh water tank, offering ample capacity for extended trips. The push-button flush makes it easy to use, while the locking lid ensures secure transport with no leaks or spills. Made from high-strength ABS material, the Dometic 976 is built to withstand outdoor conditions and provide long-lasting durability. Its lightweight design and user-friendly features make it an excellent choice for a hassle-free portable toilet. During a long desert camping trip, this model’s sturdy build and easy-to-empty cassette tank made it a reliable choice.
Thetford 92860 Porta Potti 135
is a compact and efficient portable toilet, ideal for camping, RV trips, and other outdoor adventures. It features a 2.6-gallon fresh water tank and a 2.6-gallon waste tank, balancing capacity and portability for shorter trips. The easy-to-use bellows pump flush ensures quick waste disposal, while the sealed valve keeps odors contained and prevents leaks. Lightweight and durable, the Porta Potti 135 is crafted for convenience, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a simple, reliable portable toilet solution for outdoor activities. This model performed well during a recent camping trip in a national park where dump stations were available but not always nearby. The manual flush was simple to use, and the odor control was excellent.
Bucket Toilets
Bucket toilets are the most straightforward and affordable portable camp toilets. These models generally consist of a 5-gallon bucket with a toilet seat and lid. While they don’t offer flushing capabilities, they are lightweight, easy to use, and ideal for short trips or emergencies. Using liners can make cleanup quick and hassle-free.
Product recommendations:
Reliance Products Luggable Loo
A favorite among campers due to its simplicity and affordability, this bucket with a snap-on toilet seat and cover is rugged, easy to transport, and perfect for car camping or short-term use. I’ve used the Luggable Loo on a three-day camping trip in a remote area and appreciated the lightweight design. With the proper biodegradable liners, cleanup was a breeze.
Another reliable option is the Camco Portable Toilet Bucket, which has a seat and lid attachment for extra comfort. It’s compatible with most standard liners, making it easy to manage waste. This portable camp toilet proved invaluable during a week of primitive camping, and the additional seat cushion provided a surprising level of comfort.
The Reliance Hunter’s Loo is a durable and straightforward no-frills bucket toilet designed for hunters and campers alike. It’s perfect for quick, easy use in rugged conditions. While it’s not as comfortable as some higher-end models, it does the job when you’re off the grid. On a solo backpacking trip, this toilet was a lightweight option that packed easily and served its purpose well.
Flushable Portable Toilets
Flushable portable toilets are the way for those who prefer a more traditional toilet experience. These portable camp toilets come with a freshwater tank for flushing and a sealed waste tank, which means less exposure to waste and odors. They are perfect for long-term camping or RV trips where comfort and cleanliness are priorities.
Product recommendations:
SereneLife Outdoor Portable Toilet
This popular model features a sizeable 5.3-gallon waste tank and a 3.2-gallon freshwater tank, providing ample flushing power for multiple uses. Thanks to its compact size, the toilet is easy to transport and offers a full-size seat for extra comfort. I’ve found it particularly useful for family camping trips, where the waste tank’s large capacity meant fewer trips to the dump station.
Camco Premium Portable Travel Toilet
Known for its rugged build, this flushable toilet has a 5.3-gallon waste tank and a 2.6-gallon freshwater tank, making it ideal for multi-day use. The swivel dumping elbow makes emptying the waste tank much more manageable than other models. During an extended RV road trip, the Camco Premium became our go-to option, offering a more sanitary experience without compromising portability.
Thetford Curve Portable Toilet
This sleek, high-end model offers style and substance. It features an electric flush, a built-in water tank, and an enormous waste capacity, making it one of the most comfortable and easy-to-use flushable portable camp toilets. I used this model during a weeklong boondocking trip, and the electric flush feature felt luxurious compared to manual options. Plus, the tank was easy to clean and odor-free.
Composting Toilets
Composting toilets provide a sustainable waste solution for eco-conscious campers. These toilets break down waste naturally, often using peat moss or coconut coir to aid in the decomposition process. While they are bulkier and require more maintenance, composting portable camp toilets are perfect for those who camp off-grid or for extended periods.
Composting toilets provide a sustainable waste solution for eco-conscious campers.
Product recommendations:
Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet
This top-of-the-line composting toilet is perfect for extended camping or off-grid use. It separates liquid and solid waste, significantly reducing odors, and is built to last with stainless steel hardware. The manual agitator inside the unit helps speed up the composting process. I used this model during a month-long off-grid stay, and it performed admirably. The lack of odor and the ease of maintaining the compost were significant pluses.
The Separett Villa is one of the most sophisticated composting toilets available. It uses a fan to accelerate the composting process and separate urine, minimizing odors and making it highly efficient. While a larger investment, this portable camp toilet is perfect for long-term use in cabins or off-grid living situations. I haven’t personally used this model, but fellow campers have raved about its efficiency and low-maintenance design.
Accessories for Portable Camping Toilets
It would be best to consider packing several accessories to enhance your portable camp toilet setup. These add-ons ensure your portable camp toilet remains clean, functional, and odor-free throughout your trip.
Toilet Brushes
Toilet brushes help keep your portable toilet clean and sanitary, preventing the buildup of residue and bacteria. They are handy for flushable models that require more maintenance to stay fresh.
Product recommendation: The Camco RV Toilet Brush is a compact, space-saving solution designed specifically for RV and portable camp toilets. Its bristles are durable enough to tackle stubborn stains yet gentle enough for plastic surfaces.
Toilet Repair Kits
Accidents happen, and having a toilet repair kit can save you from a messy situation while out in the wild. These kits typically include seals, valves, and other small parts to repair minor issues that may arise with your portable toilet.
Specialized Toilet Paper
Using regular toilet paper in a portable camp toilet can cause clogs and breakdown issues. Using toilet paper explicitly designed for camping or RV toilets is essential. These options dissolve quickly, preventing blockages and reducing the need for excessive maintenance.
Using regular toilet paper in a portable camp toilet can cause clogs and breakdown issues.
Product recommendations:
- Camco RV & Marine Toilet Tissue: This biodegradable toilet paper is designed to break down quickly, preventing clogs and damage to your portable, RV, or marine toilet. The 2-ply construction is strong enough to handle waste but gentle enough for quick disintegration. I’ve used this toilet paper on various camping trips, and it’s proven reliable, especially for longer stays when maintaining the tank is a priority.
- Thetford Aqua-Soft Toilet Tissue: Another highly recommended option is the Thetford Aqua-Soft, known for being gentle on both your portable camp toilet and your skin. It’s quick-dissolving and safe for all RV and portable camping toilets. This tissue performed well during a week-long family camping trip, where it was durable enough for heavy use yet easy to dispose of.
- Scott Rapid-Dissolving Toilet Paper: This brand is a household name, and its rapid-dissolving toilet paper is perfect for portable toilets. It’s safe for use in any portable camp toilet and works just as well in standard RV holding tanks. In my experience, it’s been an excellent middle-ground option—affordable, effective, and easy to find.
Holding Tank Chemicals and Deodorants
Using holding tank chemicals or deodorants is a wise choice to keep your portable camp toilet smelling fresh and functioning well. These products help break down waste and minimize odors, ensuring a more pleasant camping experience.
Product recommendations:
- Thetford Aqua-Kem Deodorant: Aqua-Kem is one of the most popular holding tank chemicals on the market. It controls odors and helps break down solid waste, making disposal easier. On a two-week camping trip with a family of four, Aqua-Kem worked wonders in keeping odors at bay, even in hot weather.
- Camco TST Ultra-Concentrated Orange Citrus: If you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly option, Camco’s TST Ultra-Concentrated Deodorant is excellent. It’s formaldehyde-free and uses natural enzymes to break down waste and eliminate odors. This product worked exceptionally well during a summer camping trip, and the citrus scent added a refreshing touch.
- Walex Porta-Pak Deodorizer Drop-Ins: For ease of use, Walex Porta-Pak Drop-Ins are pre-measured, mess-free options that dissolve in the waste tank and eliminate odors. They’re ideal for short trips or when you don’t want to fuss with measuring liquids. I’ve used these on multiple trips, and the convenience of simply dropping a pack in the tank is hard to beat.
Pros and Cons of Portable Camp Toilets
Before investing in a portable camp toilet, it’s essential to understand the benefits and potential downsides to make an informed decision.
Pros:
- Convenience: With a portable toilet, you no longer need to find public restrooms or make a makeshift one in the woods.
- Hygiene: Portable toilets contain waste, reducing the risk of contamination or environmental impact.
- Portability: These toilets are designed to be easily transported, even for extended camping trips. Models range from lightweight buckets to more complex flushable systems catering to all types of outdoor enthusiasts.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Composting toilets offer an environmentally conscious way to handle waste without needing water or chemicals.
Cons:
- Maintenance: Depending on the model, portable camp toilets require regular emptying and cleaning to avoid odors and buildup.
- Size and Weight: While bucket toilets are lightweight, larger flushable or cassette models can be bulky and heavy, making them less ideal for backpackers or those with limited vehicle space.
- Cost: High-end composting and flushable models can be pricey, especially when the price of chemicals and maintenance supplies are added in.
- Regulations: In some areas, portable camp toilets may be restricted or regulated, so it’s important to check local rules before use.
FAQs
What do you do with the waste from a portable camp toilet?
Properly dispose of the waste at an approved dump station or sewage treatment facility. Do not dump it on the ground or in bodies of water.
Where do you empty a portable toilet when camping?
When camping, you can empty a portable toilet at a designated dump station or RV dump site.
Can you put toilet paper in a portable camp toilet?
Yes, you can use toilet paper in a portable camping toilet, but it’s essential to use the right toilet paper to prevent clogs and ensure smooth operation. Standard household toilet paper may not break down as quickly, leading to waste tank blockages, especially in smaller or more delicate systems.
For best results, it’s recommended to use RV or marine-specific toilet paper, designed to dissolve quickly in water and won’t damage the internal mechanisms of your portable toilet. These types of toilet paper are also more eco-friendly, as they help reduce the need for harsh chemicals to break down waste. If you don’t have access to camping-specific toilet paper, using biodegradable tissue is another good alternative, as it’s designed to decompose rapidly without causing issues.
Can you put a portable camp toilet in a tent?
Yes, you can put a portable camp toilet in a tent, but there are a few considerations for comfort and sanitation. Many campers use portable toilets inside privacy tents or separate sections of larger tents to create a dedicated bathroom space. This setup offers convenience, especially during nighttime or in areas where outdoor facilities are unavailable. However, ensuring proper ventilation is crucial to prevent odors from building up inside the tent. Choosing a tent with mesh windows or a designated ventilation area can help with airflow.
Conclusion
A portable camp toilet is a valuable addition to any camper’s gear. It offers convenience, cleanliness, and peace of mind when you’re far from traditional bathroom facilities. Whether camping in an RV, backpacking in the wilderness, or simply enjoying a day at the beach, having a portable toilet makes the experience much more comfortable.
With so many options available—from simple bucket toilets to advanced flushable and composting models—there’s something to suit every budget and camping style. When choosing a suitable model, consider the length of your trips, how many people will be using the portable camp toilet, and the level of convenience you want. Additionally, don’t forget to stock up on the necessary accessories like toilet paper, brushes, and deodorants to ensure your setup stays clean and odor-free.
Investing in the right portable camp toilet will prepare you for your next adventure, no matter where the road (or trail) takes you.
