Stargazing, swinging in a hammock, sitting around the fire, hiking, and...going to the bathroom in the wild. Camping is all fun and games until that moment when nature calls, and you have to get creative to do your duty in a safe place and try to stay clean in the process. Sounds familiar? It looks like you need a camping toilet!
With so many portable loos in the market, choosing the one that best fulfills your needs can be an overwhelming process, but don't worry! We did the research for you. We loved the Camco Portable Travel Toilet because of its waste capacity, sturdiness, and ability to neutralize odors. Keep reading our guide if you want to learn about nine other great toilets that will make your outdoor adventure only fun and games.
Quick List - Top Portable Camping Toilets
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Table of Contents
We created a guide explaining the the main aspects keep in mind in order to find your perfect toilet for the wild. Being aware of your usual camping habits and means goes a long way when it comes to choosing your ideal portable potty.
Based on the way they work, there are four main types of porta potties. They go from simple foldable seats to full-out toilets that can be used for months. Keep reading to learn more!
This type of toilet looks like a foldable stool with a hole in the middle. They are very light, easy to carry, and excellent for hikers and other lightweight campers.
The way to set them up is very simple. You unfold it and put a special bag in the middle, covering the seat. Then you attend nature’s call. Whenever you’re ready, remove the bag and throw it away at the camp’s designated area. You can also add waste-solidifying powder or cat litter in the bag and toss it in the trash.
There are two ways to use bucket seat toilets. The first option is to cover the inside of the bucket with a bag and use it just like a foldable toilet. We recommend this option since there's very little chance of accidents and it's more hygienic.
The second one is to add specially designed gel, powder, or liquid chemicals to the bucket before using it. This way, you can use the toilet more than once before you have to throw away the waste. However, we recommend that you don't let a lot of time go by before dumping the waste because buckets will retain the smell!
Since there’s no drain, you will have to tip the bucket over to dump it out. If that grosses you out too much, you can always go back to option one or consider a different toilet type. Nonetheless, if you want something light and super easy to transport, add this to your list.
These toilets have a flushing system that's a little more complex, but they're still easy to set up. They consist of a water tank, a seat, and a waste tank.
After you finish your business, just flush the toilet as you do it at home, and the tank will release water that will take the, ahem, stuff to the waste tank. The latter will be preloaded with chemicals that will neutralize the waste and the odor. After the trip is over or the tank is full, throw away the waste at your camp's designated dump station.
Some versions of these toilets have a battery-powered flushing system that makes them cleaner and more efficient. These do tend to be bulky, but they're available in different sizes and are easy to empty. If you go for these models, make sure to have extra batteries on hand!
These loos have a completely dry system that separates the solids from the liquids. This way, you can empty the liquids daily around trees or plants and dispose of the solids every couple of weeks after they have started to decompose. You can even bury the compost if you wish.
They usually have an air system that ventilates the toilet to neutralize any odors. This system needs to be plugged in to an electricity source, so if you don't have an RV or an outlet nearby, you may not be able to use the fan. But, most of the time, the fan is not entirely necessary when the toilet is set up in an open space.
Bucket toilets and foldable seats are very light and compact, whereas their flushable and compost counterparts are on the heavier side. It usually takes two adults to carry the latter.
Choose a flushable or compost toilet only if you have a car to transport them. On the other hand, if you are a lightweight camper, choose a foldable seat or a bucket-style potty.
If you’re hiking, definitely pick a foldable seat. It will lighten the load on your back and save you valuable packing space.
We know that the lack of home comfort is a big part of your outdoor adventure. However, after a few days, it can become burdensome to have to throw away a bag every time you need to go to the bathroom. If you’re camping for more than a few days, we recommend getting a flushable or compost toilet.
However, some campsites won’t have an area where you can dump toilet chemicals. That means you might be stuck with your waste for a while. Check to see if you’ll be able to dump your stuff ahead of time or go with something non-chemical!
Seniors or people with a disability can have a hard time squatting on lower-seat toilets. Also, consider the stability. Foldable toilets may be too wobbly to use for some campers.
On the other hand, children will have the opposite problem using a seat that they have to climb to use. Take a close look at the size of the toilet before you buy it!
Every type of toilet needs different consumable items to work. Bucket-style and foldable seats will need specially-designed bags. These are usually biodegradable and very heavy-duty. Don’t attempt to use regular bags for this purpose!
To avoid messes, you can add a little cat litter to the bags so the waste will become more manageable. If you’re using a bucket-style toilet without a bag, you should buy neutralizing powder. Flushable toilets require the use of waste digestant chemicals for the waste tank.
Compost toilets need a compost medium, such as sphagnum peat moss or coconut coir. However, these materials are usually extremely cheap and last for a long time!
A lot of portable toilets have extra functions that can make your camping life easier. Ventilation systems, toilet paper holders, full tank indicators, and different flushing handles are a few perks that you can get with your new toilet! Consider what types of situations you'll be in and the level of comfort you prefer. For example, if you're sensitive to smell, a ventilation system might be a necessary feature!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Camco Portable Travel Toilet|41541 | ![]() | A Classic, Flushable Toilet to Make You Feel at Home | |
2 | Porta Potti Portable Toilet|565E | ![]() | A Battery-Powered Flush for a Cleaner Bowl | |
3 | S AFSTAR Portable Toilet With Splash-Free Dumping | ![]() | A Toilet With a Spout for Mess-Free Dumping | |
4 | Camco Premium Travel Toilet With Detachable Tank|41544 | ![]() | A Basic Flushable Toilet With a Larger Seat | |
5 | Nature's Head Self Contained Composting Toilet | ![]() | A Compost Toilet That is the King of Toilets | |
6 | Reliance Products Luggable Loo | ![]() | A Bucket Loo for Simpler Campers | |
7 | Playberg Basicwise Portable Travel Toilet | ![]() | A Practical Bucket That Looks Like a Toilet | |
8 | Reliance Products Hassock Portable Lightweight Self-Contained Toilet | ![]() | A Very Portable Bucket Toilet | |
9 | Blika Folding Commode Portable Toilet Seat | ![]() | A Super Lightweight and Foldable Seat | |
10 | Emergency Zone Brand Honey Bucket Emergency Toilet Seat | ![]() | BYOB: Bring Your Own Bucket |
This toilet has been in the market for more than nine years, and there's a reason why everyone loves it! Just fill the water tank with fresh water, add the specially designed chemicals to the waste tank, and voilà! You'll have a toilet just like the one at home.
It features a sliding gate valve to seal in odors, a removable cap for emptying the waste tank, and handles for easy transportation. It is also decently lightweight when it's empty, making it easy to take to and from the camping site.
Some reviewers were concerned that the regular flush doesn't quite clean all of the waste from the bowl. They suggest that if this is a problem for you, buy a spray bottle and give it an extra rinse after use.
Other happy reviewers loved its size, and they mentioned that it's great for children and shorter people. Plus, they confirm that it's easy to use and doesn't smell!
Unlike the rest of the flushable toilets that are powered by gravity, this one uses six AA batteries for a more thorough flush. This allows for any waste that may be left in the bowl to go straight into the waste tank where it belongs!
It also features a toilet paper handle and a waste tank indicator so you will always know when it's time to dump the waste!
Some reviewers were disappointed that the toilet doesn't have an emergency gravity-based flushing system. This means that it's non-functional when the batteries are dead.
Happy reviewers loved is versatility, and they mentioned that they even use it at home for emergencies! They also liked the easy maintenance and that it felt like a "real" toilet.
While portable toilets have a lot of wonders, there is one thing that makes the experience unpleasant: the dumping. Fortunately, that is not a problem for this potty since it comes equipped with a spout that makes the emptying process completely splash-free.
It also features a waste tank indicator, a double-sealed drain valve to protect against odors, and handles for easy transportation. Its water tank allows for around 50 flushes.
Some reviewers advise that this toilet swells when it's taken to high altitudes, which makes the bottom become rounded. If you're planning to go to the mountains, probably you should look at a different model.
Nevertheless, other reviewers were very happy with how easy it is to use, from the set up to dumping. Many also said that it's very reliable, and they have used it again and again without issues.
This portable toilet is all that you need if you want a flushable loo. It has all the basic features such as a valve for odor control, latches to separate the tanks, and a pumping flush.
In addition to that, its seat size is bigger than most other toilets, and its bowl size is deeper, making it more comfortable for larger people.
Some reviewers have complained that their toilets had some leaks. However, most of the time the problem got solved by making sure that the rings around the emptying cap were tight enough before use.
Some other reviewers were very pleased to find that there was no odor coming from this toilet, and they loved that it was just as functional as more expensive products.
This USA-made toilet was originally designed for the Navy - that pretty much summarizes it all! It's super sturdy, it retains absolutely no odors, and it's so easy to empty. A lot of people use this toilet in permanent ways, such as making it their backyard's bathroom.
It keeps liquids apart from the solids. You can get rid of the former every other day and throw away the latter every two weeks or so when it's already in the composting process.
The toilet also includes a 12-volt fan that will neutralize odors. This will work great if you have an RV. If you don't, you'll be ok without the fan as long as you keep it in an open space.
Some reviewers have complained that they have had issues with the fan. Other reviewers loved the fact that they didn't need water to use it and how odorless it is.
This toilet is perfect if you would rather not getting into the trouble of setting up a flushable or compost toilet. You just need to add a bag and some solidifying powder for a bathroom in nature. You can change the bag as often as you'd like.
The lid on top latches to the bucket to minimize odors and to prevent messes. The bucket can be replaced by any other 5-gallon bucket.
Most reviewers adored the practicality and simpleness of this toilet. Some others were disappointed to find that the seat can be uncomfortable, but it's a bucket with a lid! Many reviewers liked that it's a reliable option that gets the job done at a fraction of the cost of other portable toilets.
This upgraded bucket is great if you want to feel at home, at least while you sit. It consists of a bucket that sits inside of an outer shell. Both the inner bucket and seat have lids to prevent any odors from coming out.
It also features a built-in toilet paper holder to make everything easier and, when closed, the toilet can also be used as a seat. (In case that sitting on the toilet is your thing.)
Reviewers adored how it feels like a real toilet and does a good job containing odors. Other reviewers were concerned that it's larger than it says in the description, so we advise you to contact the manufacturer if this is important to you. Some reviewers recommend using it with bags instead of just the inner bucket for added convenience!
This toilet is as compact as a bucket-style potty gets. It has a contoured seat for comfort and two lids to contain odors. The first lead includes a toilet paper holder, but reviewers advise against using it since the humidity makes it soggy. The top lid seals the bucket, making it easy to carry.
This is the best option if you love a bucket toilet but your portability options are limited. Some reviewers were delighted with its size and how easy it is to clean. Some others mentioned that the seat feels flimsy, though it hasn't broken on anyone yet.
Overall, reviewers say this is a sturdy, reliable toilet that is easy to maintain. They note that it does a great job sealing in smells, but they suggest using kitty litter for extra odor-prevention.
This is the best option for hikers and lightweight campers who want to have a comfortable toilet but don't want to carry a waste container around. Just unfold the seat, put a bag on it, and discard the bag every time you use it.
Some reviewers didn't like the fact that the ring that secures the bag is sold separately. However, other users loved how sturdy this is. This seat was the favorite of seniors and people with injuries who have trouble squatting, as well. Plus, it has rubber grips on the feet to prevent it from slipping.
It doesn't get any simpler than this seat. Get your own 5-gallon bucket and you will be ready to go. This lid is very useful in emergencies or if you want to wash and air one bucket while you use another.
Some reviewers complained that it doesn't really fit all 5-gallon buckets. However, it is advised that warming it with a hairdryer can be useful to loosen it up before attempting to attaching it to a bucket.
Overall, reviewers liked how simply this works and that they were able to use it with buckets they already had. They also noted that it's very sturdy, and many different types of people were able to use it with ease.
If you are already planning your next venture in the wild, you may want to make it as comfortable as possible. Take a look at some other items that will make your camping trip all play and no work!
No. 1: Camco|Portable Travel Toilet|41541
No. 2: Porta Potti|Portable Toilet|565E
No. 3: S AFSTAR|Portable Toilet With Splash-Free Dumping
No. 4: Camco|Premium Travel Toilet With Detachable Tank|41544
No. 5: Nature's Head|Self Contained Composting Toilet
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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