Camping Toilets: The Ultimate Guide

Going camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it can also be a bit of a challenge when it comes to using the bathroom. If you’re not careful, you could end up ruining your trip with a messy accident. That’s why it’s important to have a good camping toilet.

There are a few different types of camping toilets available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a rundown of the most popular types:

  • Portable toilets: These are the most common type of camping toilet. They’re lightweight and easy to carry, and they can be used in a variety of settings. However, they can be messy to empty, and they don’t always have the best odor control.
  • Chemical toilets: These toilets use chemicals to break down waste, which helps to keep them odor-free. They’re also relatively easy to empty, but they can be more expensive than portable toilets.
  • Dry toilets: These toilets use sawdust or another absorbent material to absorb waste. They’re very environmentally friendly, and they don’t require any chemicals. However, they can be more difficult to find and they can be more expensive than other types of camping toilets.

When choosing a camping toilet, there are a few factors you’ll need to consider:

  • The size and weight of the toilet: You’ll need to make sure the toilet is lightweight and portable enough to carry with you.
  • The type of waste disposal system: You’ll need to decide whether you want a toilet that uses chemicals, sawdust, or another type of waste disposal system.
  • The price: Camping toilets can range in price from around $20 to $200.

Once you’ve considered these factors, you’ll be able to choose the best camping toilet for your needs.

Here are some additional tips for using a camping toilet:

  • Choose a spot that is at least 200 feet away from water sources and trails.
  • Dig a hole that is at least 6 inches deep and 12 inches wide.
  • Place the toilet paper in the hole.
  • Cover the hole with dirt when you’re finished.

By following these tips, you can help to keep the outdoors clean and healthy.

The Best Camping Toilets of 2023

Based on our research and analysis, here are some of the best camping toilets of 2023 that you can buy online or in stores:

  • Best Camping Toilets Overall: SereneLife Portable Toilet with Carry Bag
    • This camping toilet is a self-contained unit that features a CHH piston pump and a level indicator. It has a 5.3 gallon large waste tank that can hold up to 100-120 flushes. It also has a 3.2 gallon fresh water tank that provides enough water for flushing. It has a secure slide valve that locks in odors and prevents leaks. It also has a detachable waste tank that makes it easy to empty and clean. It comes with a carry bag that makes it easy to transport and store. It has a durable and sturdy construction that can support up to 440 lbs of weight. It has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon Reviews1
  • Best Budget Camping Toilets: Camco Portable Toilet Bucket with Seat and Lid Attachment
    • This camping toilet is a simple and affordable solution that consists of a bucket with a seat and lid attachment. It fits most 5 gallon buckets and includes 3 bonus toilet waste bags. It has a snap-on seat and lid that provide comfort and hygiene. It also has an attached carry handle that makes it easy to move and dispose of the waste. It has a lightweight and compact design that makes it easy to store and carry. It has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon Reviews2
  • Best Camping Toilets for Families: Dometic SaniPottie Toilet 966
    • This camping toilet is a flushable unit that features an adult-size seat and lid. It has a 5 gallon holding tank that can hold up to 50 flushes. It also has a 2.6 gallon fresh water tank that provides enough water for flushing. It has a push-button operation that makes it easy to use. It also has a prismatic tank level indicator that shows the fill level at a glance. It has a sealed valve that prevents odors and leaks. It also has an easy-to-empty spout that makes it easy to dispose of the waste. It comes with mounting brackets that make it easy to secure and remove from the floor. It has a durable and sturdy construction that can support up to 300 lbs of weight. It has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon Reviews.3

FAQs

How do camping toilets work?

Camping toilets work in a variety of ways, depending on the type of toilet. Portable toilets use a bag or holding tank to collect waste, while chemical toilets use chemicals to break down waste. Dry toilets use sawdust or another absorbent material to absorb waste.

What are portable toilets called?

Portable toilets are also called camp toilets, travel toilets, or RV toilets. They are lightweight and easy to carry, making them a popular choice for camping.

What is another name for camp toilet?

Another name for camp toilet is “bucket toilet.” Bucket toilets are a simple and inexpensive type of camping toilet that uses a bucket to collect waste.

What do you use for a camping toilet?

You can use a variety of things for a camping toilet, depending on the type of toilet you have. For portable toilets, you will need to use a disposable bag or holding tank. For chemical toilets, you will need to use the chemicals that come with the toilet. For dry toilets, you will need to use sawdust or another absorbent material.

Here are some additional FAQs about camping toilets:

  • Where should I put a camping toilet?

You should put a camping toilet in a secluded area that is at least 200 feet away from water sources and trails.

  • How do I empty a camping toilet?

If you have a portable toilet, you will need to empty the bag or holding tank into a designated waste disposal area. If you have a chemical toilet, you will need to follow the instructions that come with the toilet to empty it.

  • What are the different types of camping toilets?

There are three main types of camping toilets: portable toilets, chemical toilets, and dry toilets.

  • What are the pros and cons of each type of camping toilet?

Portable toilets are lightweight and easy to carry, but they can be messy to empty. Chemical toilets are more expensive than portable toilets, but they are easier to empty. Dry toilets are environmentally friendly, but they can be more difficult to find.

Thetford Porta Potti 365 Portable Toilet (for RV, Marine, Camping, Vans, Trucks, Healthcare) 92820, White

Features:

  • Self-contained unit with a piston pump and a level indicator
  • 5.3 gallon waste tank and 3.2 gallon fresh water tank
  • Secure slide valve that locks in odors and prevents leaks
  • Detachable waste tank that makes it easy to empty and clean
  • Carry bag that makes it easy to transport and store
  • Durable and sturdy construction that can support up to 440 lbs of weightz

The Porta Potti 365 is a portable toilet that can provide comfort and convenience for camping, boating, traveling, or van living. It has a large waste tank that can hold up to 120 flushes, a fresh water tank that provides enough water for flushing, and a piston pump and a level indicator that make it easy to use. It has a secure slide valve that locks in odors and prevents leaks, and a detachable waste tank that makes it easy to empty and clean. It comes with a carry bag that makes it easy to transport and store. It has a durable and sturdy construction that can support up to 440 lbs of weight. It is a low-tech and affordable option that does not require permanent installation or a dump-station.

Pros:

  • Affordable and low-tech compared to other options
  • Not permanently installed, can be moved around as needed
  • Can hold up to 100-120 flushes, suitable for multiple days of use
  • Normal toilet height, comfortable for most people
  • Can be emptied in any regular bathroom or pit-toilet
  • No smell in the van or the toilet when not in use

Cons:

  • Heavy and bulky when full, hard to carry for some people
  • Stinky when emptying, especially when loaded with solids
  • Needs regular deep cleaning with chemicals to keep it sanitary
  • May burp up at high elevations if not opened and closed before use

What people say:

Most people who bought this toilet are happy with it and find it useful for their outdoor adventures. They say it is easy to set up, use, and maintain. They also say it does not smell in the van or the toilet when not in use, and it can hold up for multiple days of use. They also appreciate the normal toilet height, the carry bag, and the ability to empty it in any regular bathroom or pit-toilet. They use it for camping, boating, traveling, or van living.

However, some people also have some complaints about the toilet. They say it is heavy and bulky when full, and hard to carry for some people. They also say it is stinky when emptying, especially when loaded with solids. They also say it needs regular deep cleaning with chemicals to keep it sanitary. They also mention that it may burp up at high elevations if not opened and closed before use.

Check price on Amazon
About the author

Vu Tuan Tran is a passionate camping enthusiast with over 20 years of experience. He has camped in all kinds of terrain and is an expert in setting up tents, cooking over campfires, and finding the best spots to stargaze. He is also a skilled photographer who loves capturing the beauty of the natural world. If you are looking for a camping partner who is knowledgeable, experienced, and fun-loving, then Vu is your guy.

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