Updated on Feb 29, 2024 6:43 PM EST
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For some people, the prohibitive factor to camping is the bathroom situation. As long as you follow Leave No Trace guidelines, all of nature can be your bathroom, but popping a squat over a dug hole is outside most people’s comfort zone. Upgrading your car camping kit to include a portable toilet may be the key to a successful camping trip, especially when nature calls unexpectedly.
For this piece, I concentrated on basic portable camping toilets that have a holding tank for fresh and black water with a simple flush. I did not include composting or cassette toilets. Below are some of the best camping toilets to consider.
I’ve used different systems over the years for bathroom duties in nature while backpacking, car camping, and living in a van. Now that I live in a dry cabin and rely on an outhouse all year round, I really appreciate having an upgrade and a few features to my toilet. Testing was simple: I sat, did my business, and cleaned up my mess.
This potty has a simple and stylish design that is compact, affordable, and easy to move and store. The Thetford was the lightest toilet I tested at just under 8 pounds. It can fit in small spaces and would be ideal for a van or campsite.
The top of the toilet connects to the base, which is the holding tank, and with a simple one-touch lever, it detaches very easily. The holding tank has a sealed valve and pour-out spout that rotates for easy emptying. The holding tank also has sealed pullout valve, so when not in use, you can lock in the odors along with a vent button to release a small amount of air pressure inside the tank. Both the our lids (intake and outtake) have caps with a gasket for a secure fit. One key feature I love is that the toilet lid can latch and snap shut.
The overall footprint of the toilet is smaller in height than a regular toilet, as it stands only 12 inches off the ground. The base has a storage area where you can keep toilet chemicals or a small roll of toilet paper. Bonus: Optional carrying bag can be purchased for $23.
This still has a simple design, but it has a larger 5-gallon holding tank for extended trips. At 17 inches tall, the Reliance is the same height as your traditional throne at home, so it definitely is a more comfortable sitting option than some of the others.
Although it is a bit bulky at 12 pounds empty, it is still a great option for bigger families or longer trips where emptying is harder to do. In fact, my sister and her partner have been using this toilet in their van for the last two years.
Setup is simple, with a hinged two-handle release option to separate the top from the bottom. Both the toilet and holding tank have a handle for a sturdy grip and easy moving.
The freshwater tank holds 2.6 gallons of water and has a push pump to send water and the goods into a 5-gallon holding tank. The specs state that the toilet can hold up to 325 pounds. My sister didn’t weigh her excrements for the test but said they empty it every 3-4 days. No level indicator shows when it’s full, but practice makes perfect. The secure pull cap locks out odors when not in use.
This is your typical 5-gallon bucket with a couple of upgrades for those who want a no-frills option for quick bathroom use. I am not going to sugarcoat this … this is a bucket that you poop in, simple as that. However, the Reliance Luggable Loo is my go-to for mountain climbing expeditions on snow where I can’t dig a hole with one of the best camping shovels and on rafting trips where I need to pack out my waste.
It has a couple of added features, such as a toilet seat on top of the bucket and a lid that locks. However, I would not turn the bucket over when full because that locking lid would not hold your waste from spilling. The seat/lid is removable for cleaning and dumping. There is a carrying handle, and the bucket’s underside has a handle you use while pouring it out.
The lid does not seal out smells, so I would not recommend storing it full for very long. I also use a liner bag to make for easier cleaning. It stands at 15.6 inches tall, so it is a comfortable option to sit and do what you have to do. The total package weighs just over 3 pounds empty, so definitely a great option is if you are trying to travel light.
For a simple camp toilet, this one has the most features, especially the level indicator to let you know when it is time to empty. Unlike the other toilets, the Dometic doesn’t require any pumping to get the water moving in the bowl. It has an easy one-push button to flush the water and waste quickly and efficiently.
The other bonus feature is the level indicator on the holding tank. With the other toilets, it takes a little trial and error to know when it’s time to empty, but this simplifies that task.
The package is very robust and well-constructed with high-strength ABS plastic, so long-term durability is another plus. It weighs 12 pounds empty, so still one of the best camping toilets for portability and especially great for a longer time at base camp.
If you are camping in a more public area or want to add a little privacy to camp life, the Discovery H2GO is the way to go. It stands just over 7-feet tall, has an interior of about 4 feet by 4 feet, and is very ventilated. The door zipper is two-way, so you can air out from the top of the door. It also has a side window higher up that zips opens with a screen. Additionally, the ceiling is made of complete mesh and has separate rain fly to add in the case of bad weather.
There are several pockets inside to store your toiletries and a string towel holder on the outside. There is a center hook that can hold a shower bag and a removable floor with a drain. On the back wall is an access panel (velcro) that allows you to pass a shower hose through.
This is not made for backpacking, as it weighs 14 pounds and the steel poles are very bulky. The whole package fits nicely in the included storage bag with bonus shoulder strap. I found setup to be a pain solo, but once it is up, the space upgrades camp life.
Read Next: Where to Go Camping to Beat the Crowds
Read Next: The Best Composting Toilets
If you spend a lot of time in nature and want to bring some comforts of home, one of the best camping toilets is a bonus. Make sure it is easy to move, use, and clean. Look for options that make the whole process easier for you. This could be a perfect addition to your Leave No Trace lifestyle as you won’t need to dig a hole or venture into the stinky and dirty campground privy.
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