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Best Portable Camping Toilets Reviews 2023 – (A Complete Buyer’s Guide)
Is there anything better than being in the open outdoors? While its great to take in the fresh air and be away from the hustle-and-bustle of city life, there is one dirty downside of camping. When nature calls, the lack of modern plumbing can be a bit of a downer. That’s where the best portable camping toilets come in.
Right now, your only option to use the bathroom when you’re out camping is likely to go find a private bush and pop a squat. But that’s not exactly the most sanitary option, is it?
Bacteria are very easy to spread. Even if you use the most precautions to stay as clean as possible, there’s a good chance that you’re putting yourself and everyone around you at risk.
Imagine having a sanitary bathroom option wherever you go.
A portable camping toilet is a great way to stay comfortable and clean on your camping trips. They offer a modern way to do your business while keeping waste contained. We’ve rounded up a collection of some of the best portable camping toilets that the market has to offer. Later on in this guide, we’ll also provide you with some crucial information you need to make a purchasing decision you won’t regret.
Top Rated Portable Camping Toilets Comparison Chart 2023
Portable Travel Toilet: Provides a convenient bathroom spot while on-the-go; Ideal for camping, RVing, boating, road trips and other recreational activities; Detachable...
Don’t have a ton of space for a toilet? The Camco portable camping toilet has you covered. It has a very small footprint, allowing you to tuck in a cabin corner without any issues. Despite this, the unit is solidly built and capable of supporting more than 300 pounds!
Technology:
This is a flushing system that has two separate tanks. On the bottom, you’ll find the black tank that holds the waste. It’s pretty sizable. The largest model can fit 5.6 gallons. Above that, there’s the clean water tank that’s used for flushing.
Performance:
After you do your business, all you have to do is pull on the pump located below the seat. Doing so will send some of that clean water down to flush waste away. When it comes time to empty the black tank, you can easily separate the seat with the side latches.
Specs:
Flushing campting toilet
Available in 2 tank capacities
Secure tank latches
Supports up to 330 pounds
Holds 2.5 gallons of clean flushing water
Convenient hand pump
Measures 15.5 inches tall, 14 inches wide, and 16 inches deep
Pros
Made of sturdy polyethylene
Weighs less than 11 pounds when empty
Comfortable carrying handles
Can be used with or without odor solution
Integrated seat lid
Cons
Height may be uncomfortable for some
Not the best for larger users
Final Verdict
Camco has checked off all the boxes with this toilet. It’s easy to use, convenient, and durable. The toilet is definitely worth checking out.
[VERSATILITY]: Award-winning, top-of-the-line portable toilet, suited for RVs, boats, trucks, vans, healthcare, medical, camping and even off-the-grid lifestyle, with a 4...
This product doesn’t look like any potable camping toilets you’ve seen before! It’s sleek, modern, and made of some high-quality plastics for lasting durability. Inside, the toilet is packing even more cool features.
Technology:
One unique thing about this commode is that it has a battery-powered flush. If needing to supply batteries for power isn’t a deal-breaker for you, the user-friendly operation will win you over. All you have to do is pull a lever on the front of the toilet. An electronic pump will take care of the rest.
Performance:
From a performance standpoint, this toilet does well across the board. It has a sizable tank that can last for quite a while with regular use. There’s even a urinal funnel and tank level indicator for convenience.
Specs:
Flushing campting toilet
5.5-gallon waste tank
4-gallon clean water tank
Urinal funnel and hose
Weighs about 10 pounds when empty
Sealed to prevent leaks and odors
About 17.5 inches tall, 15.25 inches wide, and 17.75 inches deep
Pros
Comfortable height
Sleek design
Built-in toilet roll holder
Mess-free pouring spout
User-friendly flush
Tank level indicator
Cons
Pump is prone to damage
Requires batteries
Final Verdict
You can’t go wrong with this toilet. Whether you’re preparing for a weekend getaway or need something to put in your RV, this toilet is a great choice.
Portable, lightweight and self-contained toilet; comes with one eco-fresh packet
Ideal for those situations when getting to a toilet isn’t possible, this model from Reliance Products covers the basics. It’s a self-contained bucket-style toilet that can store waste for disposal at a later date.
Technology:
When it comes to design, there’s not much to this toilet. It has a durable plastic shell and a plastic inner bucket. To add even more protection, you can use a disposable waste bag.
Performance:
The toilet is lightweight and relatively easy to use. There are no complex components. Thus, it’s virtually foolproof. Thanks to its compact size and lightweight design when emptied, you can carry this toilet with you on long hikes to a desolate destination.
Specs:
Bucket-style camping toilet
Removable inner bucket
Compatible with disposable bags
Only weighs 5 pounds when empty
About 14 inches tall and 14.7 inches in diameter
Entirely self-contained
Pros
Built-in toilet roll holder
Tight seals
Multiple layers of protection against messes
Comfortable contoured seat
Cons
Doesn’t work well with water
No flushing mechanism
Short seat height
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a no-frills camping toilet, this option may be a good choice for you. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of flushing models, but it serves its intended purpose well.
EASY. One peron can set up or tear down in about a minute.
The Go Anywhere system from Cleanwaste comes with everything you need to use the bathroom wherever you go. It’s a complete kit that comes with a privacy tent. Best of all, the system collapses for easy transport.
Technology:
In terms of portability, this is probably one of the easiest toilets to take with you when you’re camping. The tent folds up like any other tent. Just assemble a few poles, anchor it to the ground, and you’re good to go. Even the toilet itself is compact when traveling. It comes in a plastic case with a handle.
Performance:
This isn’t the most high-tech toilet you’re going to see on the market. It’s a simple bucket-style toilet without the bucket. The toilet seat is propped up like a stool. Below that, the disposable bag hangs to catch waste as you go.
Specs:
Simple camping toilet kit
Comes with zippered privacy tent
Collapses for easy transport
Uses sanitary powder
Works with disposable bags
Pros
Very portable
Space-saving design
Seat is made from durable plastic
Tent provides ample weather protection and privacy
Cons
Seat is very low to ground
No the sturdiest option
Final Verdict
Overall, this toilet is a pretty decent choice. It may be too simple for some. But if you can overlook that, you should have no problem doing your business in privacy.
PORTABLE & COMPACT: The FOLD-TO-GO toilet is sturdy, compact & portable. Its 3-legs are designed for use where a toilet is required. When not in use it stores easily &...
Here’s another option from Reliance Products that you can take anywhere. It’s a well-designed toilet that’s built for portability. Not only is it lightweight and compact, but the legs fold down so that you can toss it in a bag or the trunk of your car.
Technology:
Don’t expect a ton of high-tech features with this unit. It’s a simple toilet that uses disposable bags to contain waste. The bags attach to the underside of the seat and can be tossed in the garbage when you’re done.
Performance:
Thick plastic is used to mold this unique portable camping toilet. While plastic might not be the strongest material out there, the legs of this product are built with extra reinforcement. Thus, they can support up to 300 pounds without breaking a sweat.
Specs:
Bucket-style toilet
Utilizes waste bags
Supports up to 300 pounds
Folding design
Contoured seat with lid
Measures 14.5 inches tall by 14.5 inches in diameter
Pros
Integrated carry handle
Folds down to 5 inches tall
Very easy to use
Ultra portable
Cons
Low height may be uncomfortable for some
Legs can be difficult to fold down
Final Verdict
Don’t let the no-frills design of this toilet fool you. It’s perfectly capable of taking care of your needs at any camping site.
CONVENIENT, COMPACT, AND PORTABLE – The SereneLife portable toilet is small enough to fit in the trunk of your car but large enough to sit on comfortably. Its...
With the SereneLift toilet, you can perform up to 50 flushes before you need to empty out the black tank. This unit is considerably larger than some other options on the market, making it a suitable option for anyone who needs a high-capacity toilet.
Technology:
No need to worry about replacement waste bags with this toilet. It has a full flush system complete with a clean water tank. The flushing lever is located on the front of the toilet. When it’s not in use, the pull system’s tight seal works to keep odors under control.
Performance:
All in all, there’s nothing bad to say about the toilet’s performance. It does what it’s supposed to do and has a sizable waste tank. Thanks to the two-piece design, maintaining the toilet is a cinch.
Specs:
Flushing camping toilet
5.3-gallon tank capacity
3.5-gallong clean water tank
Pull waste tank seal
Made of thick polyethylene
Integrated lid and tank level indicator
Measures 20.9 inches by 20.5 inches by 18.6 inches
Pros
Very large design for comfort
Mess-free waste spout
Secure side latches
Simple flushing controls
Comfortable seat
Cons
Large size may limit portability
Seat has small opening
Final Verdict
The SereneLife toilet makes an excellent addition to your camping arsenal. It’s particularly effective for RVs and remote cabins.
Compact, portable toilet for use camping, boating, or in RVs
Simple and compact, this camping toilet from Stansport is very simple. It doesn’t contain any unnecessary features. Just a basic seat with a bagging system is all you need with this product.
Technology:
The contoured seat sits on top of a folding metal frame. The frame uses an accordion-style mechanism, so you can easily collapse the toilet in on itself when it’s not in use.
Performance:
This toilet uses disposable bags to collect waste. The bags attach to the seat using a plastic ring, which isn’t the most secure option out there. However, you can also choose to use this commode with a traditional cat hole if necessary.
Specs:
Bucket-style toilet
Metal legs
Works with disposable bags
Folding design
13.5 inches tall
Pros
Very easy to use
Simple bag attachment system
Rubber feet for stability
Comes with 6 bags
Cons
No flushing system
The only thing holding the bags is a plasting ring
Might be too short for some
Final Verdict
If a simple and affordable toilet is what you’re after, this unit is certainly worth considering. It may not have all the features that some of the other flushing toilets have, but it serves its purpose without any major issues.
A Complete Buying Guide on Portable Camping Toilets
Portable camping toilets are a unique product that you’re not going to find lining your favorite big-box store’s shelf. Designs vary quite a bit from manufacturer to manufacturer. The good news is that you have plenty of options to choose from.
To ensure that you’re getting the very best camping toilet for your needs, there are many different factors to consider. The last thing you want to deal with is a cheap toilet that doesn’t serve its purpose. Lucky for you, we’ve done our homework. In this buying guide, we aim to break down what these toilets have to offer and give you all the information you need to find the right one.
Types of Portable Camping Toilets
Portable Flushing Toilets
Let’s face it: using a portable camping toilet can take a bit of getting used to if you don’t have a ton of experience “roughing it.” There’s no shame in that! The conveniences of modern homelife have eliminated the need to deal with waste manually.
One of the best ways to ease yourself into the concept of not using modern plumbing is with a flush camping toilet. These units closely resemble that of standard toilets you see in your home.
As the name would suggest, these portable fixtures feature a built-in flushing mechanism. This isn’t like your average flush because the toilet doesn’t get rid of waste. Instead, it’s sent to a holding tank. Usually, the tank is located beneath the seat.
When you flush with the hand or foot lever, some water is sent down into the holding tank. Built-up pressure works to agitate the waste to speed up the breakdown process. Many units work alongside chemicals to help keep odors at bay and make the waste more manageable. Whenever you’re done with your camping adventures, you can dispose of the holding tank’s contents. We’ll get into that soon. Also we have reviewed some other types of best tankless toilets for home right here!
Simple Bucket-Style Toilets
If you’re looking for something a bit more cost-effective and simple, bucket-style units are the way to go. These toilets are nothing more than a large bucket with a toilet seat for comfort.
These commodes are meant to be used with biodegradable waste bags. The bags are specifically designed to handle human waste and will not harm the environment when thrown out.
The biggest perk of a bucket toilet is that it’s lightweight and very easy to use. You don’t have to worry about any special chemicals or complex components like you would with a flushing camping toilet. However, these toilets do lack many of the comfort and odor-control features of some other options.
RV Toilets
RVs, or recreational vehicles, have all the luxuries of home. This includes a toilet. Technically speaking, RV toilets are permanently installed into the motor home. However, you can easily remove, install, and upgrade the unit to meet your needs.
RV toilets have some complex plumbing to make them feel like a traditional residential toilet. But, they are relatively simple in design. When you flush, waste is sent to a black water holding tank.
Located beneath the RV, this tank holds everything from toilet waste to water from the sinks. These tanks are very large and can be pumped out at designated areas in RV parks.
Small Chemical Toilets for Vehicles
Camping out of your car, truck, or SUV? There’s no need to make a pit stop if you have a small chemical toilet. Compact enough to keep in your backseat or trunk, these toilets work on the same principles as larger portable toilets you see at festivals and construction sites.
Basically, there’s a small holding tank filled with chemicals. The chemicals neutralize odors. The entire system is self-contained and can be emptied once you reach your destination.
Also known as cartridge toilets, this is a great option if you’re tight on space and don’t need a ton of holding space. They can be used anywhere because they contain a removable storage tank. Usually, the tank can hold less than 10 gallons of waste.
What makes a cassette toilet different from an RV toilet is that you can easily empty out the contents of the tank in a bathroom. The tank pops right off and is small enough to hand carry to the nearest bathroom you find.
The Multi-Purpose Nature of Camping Toilets
There are several kinds of portable camping toilets that you can try out. While some are reserved for very specific applications, such as RV toilets, others can be used in many different ways. For example, you can easily use a cassette toilet in your RV or car. Most of the designs work just fine on your campsite as well.
Ultimately, portable toilets are all about flexibility. So, most units are designed to be used just about anywhere.
What are the Most Important Features to Consider Before Buying?
No matter which type of camping toilet you choose to go with, there are some common features you need to pay attention to. Even small details can affect the user-friendliness of the toilet and have an impact on how you can use it.
Weight
One often-overlooked aspect is a toilet’s weight. Typically, portable toilets are made of lightweight materials. They are designed to be moved frequently after all.
If you think that the weight of a toilet is no problem for you now, think about how difficult it will be to move when it’s filled.
Without getting into too many graphic details, a single person can excrete up to a pound of solid waste every day. That’s not counting liquid waste, chemicals, water, or toilet paper.
A small 8-gallon tank on a cassette toilet can end up weighing more than 40 pounds when filled! This can prove to be a huge problem when you need to empty it. Keep this in mind when choosing a camping toilet.
Set Up Process
For the most part, portable camping toilets are pretty easy to setup. Unlike traditional toilets that require you to install plumbing and connect to a drainpipe, most camping units are entirely self-contained. This means that the setup is as simple as finding a private spot to use it.
That said, some commodes will need a bit more preparation than others. For example, you’ll need a disposable bag for bucket-style toilets. For cassettes and chemical toilets, you might need to invest in the formaldehyde to keep odors at bay.
Flushing toilets require the most work of all. Even still, the most you’ll have to do is provide some water for the plumbing system.
Comfort and Overall User Experience
Next up, there’s comfort. Don’t expect a portable toilet to provide you with the same levels of comfort as your commode at home. Because portability is the top priority, manufacturers have to cut corners and sacrifice comfort in some areas.
For example, the firm and stable experience you get with porcelain is non-existent. Heights can vary quite a bit as well. While most are made to provide you with a decent sitting experience, they are not comfort or even standard height.
You can find portable toilets with some cozy seats. Most units will feature molded seats to provide as much comfort as possible.
Construction Quality and Materials
One of the most important things to pay attention to is the build quality. Camping toilets are inherently weaker than that porcelain throne at home. They have to be lightweight and easy to carry, so toilet makers will use lighter materials that are prone to damage.
Polyethylene or some other type of plastic is most commonly used. It’s usually molded to be thick and rugged enough to withstand years of use. Thinner plastic construction comes with a ton of risks, so be wary of sacrificing durability for a lightweight design. Plastics can degrade over time. This is especially true if left out in the sun. Thinner plastics are prone to cracking and leaks, which could leave a very unfortunate mess behind.
Design and Size
The overall shape and dimensions of a toilet are going to have a huge effect on where you can take it.
Do you really want to take a full-sized flushing toilet to a remote campsite in the wood?
Consider your usually camping activities when selecting a toilet. If you’re going to be leaving your vehicle behind and hiking to a tent site, you might want to keep things as small as possible. Alternatively, you can invest in the biggest model you can find if you like to enjoy nature in your RV.
Disposal System
At some point, you’re going to need to empty out your toilet. Some models make this task easier than others. Bucket-style units with disposable bags are the simplest of all. All you need to do is remove the bag and toss it in an approved area.
The same goes for cassette toilets that you can empty out in a public facility.
RV toilets be a bit of a challenge. These toilets have the largest holding tanks of all. Not only that, but they are located beneath the RV and can’t just be pulled out. To remove solid and liquid waste, you need to utilize an integrated pump. The pump is attached to a large hose that can suck the tank’s contents right out. The tricky part is finding a place to do this. Most states have strict laws of where you can legally dump the waste.
Maintenance Requirements
Like any other toilet, portable units need to be maintained. Otherwise, you run the risk of long-term damage and quick degradation of the plastic. Think about what you’re willing to do and how often maintenance is required.
Again, bucket-style commodes are the easiest to maintain over the long run. The only concern is the recurring costs of buying new bags. With chemical toilets, you also need to purchase chemicals, which could cost you a pretty penny with regular use.
All of the other styles of camping toilets need some regular care, too. Aside from emptying the tanks out, it’s a good idea to wash the tanks every so often. This helps to prevent a buildup of dried waste that could damage the plastic material.
Privacy Capabilities
Unless you’re exploring the wilderness on your own, you’re going to need some form of privacy. Most toilets do not come with any privacy whatsoever. As a result, you’re going to have to find a secluded space free of prying eyes. Many campers choose to invest in a pop-up privacy shield that you can use around the toilet. It’s basically a small tent that’s just large enough to surround the entire commode.
Odor Control
Now, let’s talk about a rather stinky issue with portable camping toilets. Using one of these products is going to be a smelly experience. There’s no way around that.
However, some toilet makers do implement some features to manage smells as much as possible. For flushing toilets, you’ll often see a fan system that’s built into the tank. It helps to drive odors out. Some may even have a carbon filter that can latch onto odor particles.
If you have a cassette toilet, you can utilize formaldehyde or modern solutions. Have you ever wondered what that blue liquid in portable toilets was? In the past, it was just formaldehyde. However, newer formulations don’t use formaldehyde at all. Instead, they contain healthier ingredients that are capable of hindering the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Benefits of Using Portable Camping Toilets
If you’re still on the fence about portable camping toilets, here me out. These toilets have a lot to offer campers and remote travelers. Just because you’re out in nature does not mean that you have to leave those modern conveniences behind. A camping toilet is an excellent investment that can enhance your trip and provide you with several benefits.
Portable Toilets Can Be Used Anywhere
One of the biggest reasons why you should use a camping toilet is that they are accessible no matter where you go. These days, many modern camping sites have on-site bathrooms. While those are great for some outdoor enthusiasts, many seasoned campers don’t even consider that to be a true camping experience.
Primitive camping sites offer a much more authentic experience. There, you’ll have no access to electricity, water, or a public restroom. A portable camping toilet allows you to have at least one comfort from home no matter how far away from civilization you are.
They are More Sanitary to Use
Whether you’re in your home or squatting behind a bush outside, doing your business when nature calls is a dirty endeavor. But, it’s much dirtier when you don’t have a toilet on hand to collect waste.
Fecal matter and bacteria can quickly spread after using the bathroom. It can get on your hands, on your clothes, and anywhere else that you touch. Not only is this gross, but it poses a huge health risk. Waste is filled with dangerous pathogens and viruses that could easily be transmitted.
A portable toilet makes it easier to keep waste contained. The less contact you have with it, the more sanitary the experience will be.
Camping Toilets Are Better for the Environment
Have you ever thought of the impact human waste has on the environment when it’s not dealt with properly? Many campsites around the country are littered with waste because not enough people are using camping toilets!
While you could easily find a safe spot to do your business, camping toilets offer a new level of control. You can remove the waste from the site entirely and do your part to keep the Earth clean.
They Provide a More Comfortable Experience
One of the biggest benefits a camping toilet has to offer is sheer familiarity and comfort. No one likes to use the bathroom primitively. We have been spoiled so match that not using a toilet becomes a very uncomfortable experience. Investing in a portable toilet can restore some of that comfort no matter where your adventures take you.
How Do Portable Camping Toilets Actually Work?
Camping toilets don’t have much innovative technology to speak of. In fact, you might see them as a step backward when it comes to toilet technology. While residential and commercial fixtures are equipped with all the bells and whistles, portable units keep things much simpler.
That’s what makes them so suitable for use in remote locations. There’s no plumbing or electronics to worry about. Only a seat and a tank or bag.
A portable camping toilets only job is to keep waste contained and provide you with a designated space to do your business. Of course, some products are a bit more complex and take care of the job differently than others.
Even still, the most advanced flushing portable toilet is not going to have a ton of components that you have to maintain. Aside from some basic flushing mechanisms, there’s not much difference between an advanced flush model and a simple bucket-style model.
Tips to Clean and Maintain a Portable Camping Toilet
The best thing you can do to keep your portable toilet in good shape is to treat it like your commode at home. It requires cleaning and regular maintenance just the same. Here are some good tips to keep in mind.
Read the care instructions for your specific toilet
Invest in biodegradable bags
Always keep extra bags or odor solution on hand
Don’t overfill your toilet
Carry extra water on hand for flushing units
Replace filters regularly
Always check the tank seals before use
Use thin and biodegradable toilet paper
Wash and rinse the tank out regularly
Use disinfecting products when cleaning
How to Get Rid of the Waste
There are many different ways that you can get rid of waste once it’s time to empty out your toilet. What method is right for you will depend on your location and the design of your commode.
Garbage Disposal
Perhaps the easiest method you can use is throwing the waste into the garbage. This option is best if you have a bucket-style toilet with a bag. The bags that are used with these products are safe for the environment. Many also render the waste inert so that they pose no threat at the landfill.
When the bag is ready for disposal, just tie it off and toss it in the trash. Make sure that you do some research about your local municipality beforehand. Some jurisdictions have stricter rules about human waste disposal than others.
Sewage Disposal
Great for RV toilets and cassette toilets, sewage disposal puts waste right where it belongs. If you own an RV, you can use your vehicle’s integrated pump system to empty out the black tank in an approved sewage outlet.
For smaller cassette toilets, you can use any toilet. Just open the tank lid, pour it in the toilet, and flush the waste away.
Cat Holes
The last method is acceptable if you’re unable to use the previous two options. Generally, it’s recommended that you try to remove waste from the campsite. But if that’s not possible, you can dig a cat hole.
Using a shovel or spade, dig a sizable hole that’s 6 to 8 inches deep. You may have to make a deeper hole if the toilet tank contains several days worth of waste. Make sure to dig the hole far away from trail paths and any areas that people frequent. Also, the hole needs to be at least 200 feet from any water source.
If possible, choose a spot that gets ample sun exposure. This can speed up the decomposition process. After your hole is dug, pour the waste in and cover it up with dirt. Disguise the hole with natural foliage to prevent animals from exploring the area.
Wrap Up: Are Best Portable Camping Toilets Worth Buying?
Just because your exploring the wilderness doesn’t mean that you have to give up every modern convenience. A toilet is just something that most people can’t live without. Luckily, the best portable camping toilets can bridge the gap and provide you with a comfortable experience no matter where you are.
Whether you’re a seasoned camping enthusiast always looking for an adventure or a casual camper who prefers the luxury of RV travel, a portable toilet will ensure that you’re never too far away from comfort when nature calls.
Paul is a compulsive tinkerer and inventor who loves writing about latest machines technology. He is especially inclined towards home improvement, exercise and outdoor equipment that every sports enthusiast and house dweller would love to get their hands on.
