Figuring out what is the best portable toilet for camping can make or break your trip. A good choice means comfort and convenience, while a bad one leads to hassle and mess.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We’ll look at the main types, key features, and top models to consider. You’ll get clear advice to pick the perfect portable toilet for your specific adventures.
What Is The Best Portable Toilet For Camping
There isn’t one single “best” toilet for everyone. The best one for you depends on your camping style, group size, and budget. We’ll break down the top contenders in each category so you can decide.
Types of Portable Camping Toilets
First, let’s understand your main options. Each type has its pros and cons.
1. Bucket Toilets (The Simple & Affordable Option)
These are the most basic design. They consist of a seat that fits on top of a standard 5-gallon bucket. You line the bucket with a disposable or reusable bag.
- Pros: Very cheap, lightweight, and simple to use. No chemicals needed.
- Cons: Offers the least privacy and comfort. You must handle waste bags directly. Not ideal for frequent use or larger groups.
- Best For: Budget-conscious car campers, short trips, or as a backup option.
2. Pop-Up Privacy Tents & Lugable Loos (The Classic Combo)
This is a two-part system. You use a portable “lugable loo” toilet (often a bucket-style seat with a screw-on lid) inside a standalone pop-up privacy tent.
- Pros: Provides real privacy and containment. More comfortable than a plain bucket. The tent can also be used for showers or changing.
- Cons: Requires more setup and packing space. You still need to manage waste bags or a cassette.
- Best For: Most car campers and family camping trips. It’s a versatile and popular solution.
3. Flushable Portable Toilets (The RV-Style Comfort)
These mimic a home toilet. They have a freshwater tank for flushing and a separate sealed waste-holding tank with chemicals to break down waste and control odor.
- Pros: Most comfortable and familiar experience. Hygienic, sealed waste system. Best for longer trips or larger groups.
- Cons: Heavier, bulkier, and more expensive. Requires chemical additives and regular emptying at a dump station.
- Best For: Extended car camping, RV camping without a built-in toilet, and campers who prioritize convenience.
4. Collapsible & Bag-Based Toilets (The Lightweight Backpacker’s Choice)
These are ultra-compact toilets that use a foldable frame and waste bags. Some include a chemical pouch for waste gelification.
- Pros: Extremely light and packable. Good for managing waste in environments where catholes are not allowed.
- Cons: Less stable and comfortable. Relies entirely on bag integrity.
- Best For: Backpackers, bikepackers, and anyone where weight and space are the top concerns.
Key Features to Compare
Once you know the type, compare these specific features.
Capacity and Size
Capacity is crucial. Waste tank size is measured in gallons. A 5-gallon tank might last two people about 3-4 days. Consider your group size and trip length. Also, check the unit’s packed dimensions to ensure it fits in your vehicle.
Portability and Weight
Empty weight matters a lot. A flushable toilet can weigh 10-15 lbs empty, plus the weight of water and waste. Bucket toilets are the lightest. Look for built-in handles for easier carrying, especially when full.
Setup and Ease of Use
How many steps are involved? A pop-up tent sets up in seconds. A flushable toilet needs fresh water and chemical prep. Think about how simple it is for everyone in your group to use and maintain.
Waste Disposal and Cleanliness
This is the most important factor. How do you empty it?
- Bag Systems: You tie off the bag and dispose of it in a designated trash receptacle (where permitted).
- Cassette Tanks: You detach the sealed tank, carry it to a campground dump station or vault toilet, and empty it. A rotating spout makes this cleaner.
Look for models with a sealed valve to prevent leaks and smells. Non-porous materials are easier to wipe clean.
Comfort and Height
Seat height and design vary. Standard height (around 16-18 inches) is most comfortable for adults. Some models even have a padded seat. If you have mobility issues, this is a key detail.
Top Contender Models in Each Category
Here are some highly-regarded models to start your research.
Best Budget Bucket Toilet: Reliance Products Luggable Loo
It’s a basic, durable seat that snaps securely onto any 5-gallon bucket. You provide the bucket and bags. It’s a no-frills workhorse that’s been used for decades.
Best Pop-Up Privacy Shelter: WolfWise Pop-Up Shower Tent
This tent is quick to set up, has good ventilation, and includes pockets for supplies. It works perfectly with a bucket toilet inside. The quality is solid for the price.
Best Flushable Portable Toilet: Thetford Porta Potti 365
A top seller for good reason. It has a 5-gallon waste tank, a battery-powered flush, and a familiar household toilet shape. The level indicator shows when it’s time to empty. It’s reliable and user-friendly.
Best for Backpacking: Cleanwaste GO Anywhere Portable Toilet
This kit includes a foldable seat, a pop-up privacy tent, and WAG bags with a chemical gelling powder. It packs small and handles waste effectively in sensitive environments.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Flushable Portable Toilet
If you choose a flushable model, here’s how to use it properly.
- Assembly: Attach the seat to the waste holding tank. Then, fill the upper freshwater tank with water and a deodorizing solution (follow product instructions).
- Pre-Treatment: Before first use, add a holding tank chemical and a small amount of water to the waste tank. This starts the breakdown process and controls odor from the begining.
- Using It: Open the slide valve, use the toilet, then close the valve. Press the flush lever to rinse the bowl. The water comes from the freshwater tank.
- Emptying: When the waste tank is about 2/3 full, it’s time to empty. Detach it from the top section. Carry it to a dump station or approved toilet. Open the vent, then the waste valve, and empty completely. Rinse the tank with clean water.
Essential Maintenance and Cleaning Tips
Good maintenance keeps your toilet sanitary and extends its life.
- Always use the recommended chemicals. They break down waste and paper, and they are crucial for odor control.
- Rinse the waste tank thoroughly after each emptying. Use a dedicated toilet brush for the bowl.
- Store the toilet with both the slide valve and the pressure relief valve open. This prevents seals from sticking and allows air circulation.
- For bag systems, double-bagging is a smart precaution. Use kitty litter or absorbent gel in the bag to reduce liquids.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others errors to have a better experience.
- Overfilling the Waste Tank: This makes emptying messy and heavy. Empty at 2/3 full.
- Using the Wrong Chemicals: Don’t use household cleaners like bleach in plastic tanks; they can damage seals and tanks. Use only camping-specific toilet chemicals.
- Forgetting the Privacy Shelter: Even a great toilet feels exposed without walls. Plan for privacy.
- Not Practicing at Home: Do a dry run of setup and emptying in your driveway. It’s much better than figuring it out in the dark at camp.
Environmental and Leave No Trace Considerations
Responsible waste disposal is non-negotiable.
Always follow local regulations. In many parks, you must pack out all solid human waste. This is where bag systems with gelling agents (like WAG bags or Restop bags) are essential. They seal waste completely for safe transport to a trash bin.
Never bury waste in high-use or sensitive alpine areas. Only dig catholes where it is explicitly allowed, at least 200 feet from water sources, and 6-8 inches deep.
Making Your Final Decision
Ask yourself these questions before buying.
- How many people are using it and for how many days?
- What’s my primary camping style (car, backpack, RV)?
- How much storage space do I have in my vehicle?
- What is my budget for the toilet and ongoing supplies?
- How important is a “home-like” experience versus simple functionality?
Your answers will point you to the right category and model. Remember, investing in the right solution greatly increases your overall camping enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you empty a portable camping toilet?
It depends on the type. Bag systems are tied off and placed in a trash can. Flushable models with a cassette tank are emptied at a campground dump station or into a vault toilet. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and campground rules.
Are portable toilets sanitary for camping?
Yes, when used and maintained correctly. The sealed systems of flushable toilets and the contained bags of other types are designed to be hygienic. Regular cleaning and proper hand washing are, of course, essential.
What is the lightest weight portable toilet?
Collapsible bag toilets are the lightest, often weighing under 2 pounds. Simple bucket seats are also very lightweight, though you must add the weight of the bucket itself.
Can you use regular toilet paper in them?
For flushable toilets, yes, but use RV/camping-specific toilet paper because it breaks down faster. For bag systems, it’s usually fine, but check the bag instructions. Some backpacking waste systems recommend putting used paper in a separate zip bag.
Where can you empty a portable toilet waste tank?
The best place is a designated RV dump station, which are found at many campgrounds and some gas stations. You can also empty them into a permanent vault toilet at a campground. Never empty waste onto the ground or into a standard pit toilet not designed for it.