Camco Standard Portable Camping Toilet
Rothco Camping Commode Portable Camping Toilet
Porta Potti White Thetford Corp
When you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go, and when nature calls when you’re firmly stuck in the middle of nature, the best portable camping toilet is the product you need to enjoy yourself without fear of being caught short on the trail. With a camping toilet, or camping loo as the British would call it, you can forget all those horror stories about bear attacks, nettle stings, and being mistaken as Sasquatch and photographed for National Geographic (you’re just hairy, we get it!), and instead you can go to the toilet almost like at home!
While most people expect to be a little dirty while camping, hunting, traveling, or hiking, it’s still important to practice hygiene, and a camping toilet is as useful as the best camping showers. It can also help with comfort, and if you’ve already found the best camping cot, a portable toilet should be the next thing on your list.
Just because you’re roughing for the weekend, it doesn’t mean you have to live or sleep rough. You’re an adult. You pay taxes; you use your blinkers when making turns, and you have your own opinions about politicians and policies you’re 99% sure you didn’t get from the internet. So why shouldn’t you enjoy all the comforts of home away from home? You should, you’ve earned it, so take a seat and see what we’ve got for you.
The Best Camping Toilet
1Camco Standard Portable Camping Toilet
Our pick for the best portable camping toilet is the Camco Standard Portable Travel Toilet which is a great option for creating your own personal bathroom wherever you are. It’s sturdy, and suitable for both adults and kids, while the sealing slide valve keeps your campsite safe from odors and gross leakage should someone knock it over.
The flush is powerful to eliminate residue and is also water-efficient, capable of lasting throughout a weekend for a family of four with around half a tank left over for when you go home. The seat measures 13 inches across, so you’ll feel you’re at home, except for the buzzing of mosquitoes around you.
5.3 gallon detachable holding tank and 2.5 gallon flush tank
Sealing slide valve locks in odors and protects from leakage
Side latches secure tank to the toilet
Bellow-type flush and sturdy construction for peace of mind
Total seat width measures 13 inches
- BrandCamco
- Model41541
- Weight10.8 pounds
2Reliance Products Hassock Portable Self-Contained Camping Toilet
Our second pick is the Reliance Products Hassock Portable Self-Contained Toilet ideal for those lacking in space while still providing efficiency and effectiveness for all environments. It’s compact and easy to transport, and its small size makes a great camping potty for younger kids.
The self-contained construction is perfect for reducing mess, and with a useful toilet roll holder, you can fit into the basin when not in use, you prevent losing it or getting it lost in the grass. While it may seem too small, and therefore prone to odor, you’ll be surprised at how well it locks it in, ensuring comfort and enjoyment around the campfire.
Portable, lightweight, and self-contained construction with Eco-Fresh packet included
Contoured seat ensures comfort and toilet roll holder is convenient
Removable inner bucket for easy waste disposal
Inner splash cover ensures comfortable and mess-free use
Anti-odor design allows simple placement close to tent or camping area
- BrandReliance Products
- ModelB07PNCMDGY
- Weight5 pounds
3Reliance Products Fold-To-Go Collapsible Camping Toilet
Those looking for a constant and reliable on-the-go bathroom solution should consider the Reliance Products Fold-To-Go Collapsible Toilet. It’s easy to everyone to use and boasts a convenient carry handle while the whole thing folds down to just 5 inches in size.
Despite this compact size, it’s sturdy enough to support up to 300 pounds, which eliminates the risk of stinky bumps and falls in the night while you’re trying to sleep. The leg locking system is crucial for this, but it may be a little too low for the ground for taller dudes.
Integrated handle for simple portability with one double Doodie bag included
Folds down to 5 inches for easy storage
Leg locking system provides support up to 300 pounds
Compatible with Reliance Products’ standard accessory bags for easy clean up
Easy to clean and remove bags when full
- BrandReliance Products
- Model9824-21W
- Weight4.5 pounds
4Reliance Products Hunter’s Loo Camouflage Portable Toilet
If you’re after complete privacy from creatures, critters, and fellow campers, the Reliance Products Hunter’s Loo Camouflage Portable Toilet is the perfect option for you. It may look like just a bucket, but it’s still a hugely effective option, especially if you’re looking for ways to minimize your load.
It’s lightweight enough to carry comfortably along your hunts and hikes, but at less than 3 pounds, it’s easy to carry, while still offering robust and reliable construction for whoever uses it. The traditional snap cover helps eliminate potential odors, and should this cover break, you can replace it to ensure you can continue using it for years.
5 gallon capacity with camouflage design to blend in when camping or hunting
Traditional snap on hinge and replaceable cover
Compatible with Reliance Product’s standard waste bag products
Comfortable and reliable construction maintains lightweight aspects for easy movement
Odorless for unobstructive placement beside campsite.
- BrandReliance Products
- Model9863-03
- Weight2.9 pounds
5Reliance Products Luggable Loo Portable Toilet
Simple but effective, the Reliance Products Luggable Loo Portable Toilet is another highly portable option for experienced campers, long trips into the wilderness, or just anyone who want to go to the bathroom off the grid. At 5 gallons, it’s a substantial size for long trips, while the snap-on lid prevents spills and odors.
The seat is both wide and comfortable, meaning you can answer nature’s call without feeling the strain. This also ensures it accommodates most body sizes, ensuring nobody feels left out. If your house is prone to plumbing failures (either your kids’ fault or not) or disasters, this provides substantial support when the plumber can’t make it in time.
5 gallon capacity ideal for large camping groups and families
Simple design is easy to assemble and hassle-free
Traditional snap-on lid prevents odors and spillages
Wide and comfortable seat accommodates most body sizes
Convenient and easy to transport for emergencies and outdoor activities
- BrandReliance Products
- Model9853-03
- Weight2.98 pounds
6Porta Potti White Thetford Corp
If you’re after a portable toilet that mimics the luxury you’ve become oh-so accustomed to the Porta Potti White Thetford Corp is the camper toilet for you. It’s so useful and so classy, we’re half-surprised it’s not actually a porcelain throne, and it’s ideal for a variety of applications including but not restricted to hunting, RV road trips, and even when the plumbing fails.
The battery-powered operation ensures the highest quality performance you’ll find and the sleek design ensures there won’t be too much nervousness when going for the first time. Its large 5.5 gallon capacity is perfect for large families, and the odorless construction ensures there’ll be no baseless accusations between the kids.
Versatile product for RV, camping, hunting, trucks, vans, healthcare, and disaster situations
Sleek modern, homelike design with comfortable seat height and shape
Battery-powered flush ensures efficiency and cleanliness
5.5 gallon capacity allows for all-day use before emptying
Odorless and leak proof for hygienic use for everybody with pour out spout to prevent backsplash
- BrandPorta Potti
- Model92360
- Weight10 pounds
7Rothco Camping Commode Portable Camping Toilet
Our final choice for the best portable camping toilet is also our best value pick, too. The Rothco Camping Commode Portable Camping Toilet is a simple choice for quick trips and hassle-free use. While it doesn’t boast the home-comforts of other options, it’s ideal for those who don’t have the patience to deal with cleaning, disinfecting, and lugging larger options around.
The durable steel frame supports up to 260 pounds, but don’t throw all your weight at it, regardless of how heavy you are. The seat is also comfortable and avoid digging into your thighs when you spend a little longer there than expected. As for portability, it folds easily, allowing you to carry it with ease and slide it neatly into your car, just make sure you give is a scrub down first.
Heavy duty steel support frame
Durable plastic molded seat is comfortable and wide to accommodate most users
Six plastic commode bags included for your first trips
Foldable design is easy to carry and easy to store without taking up space
Ideal for camping, hiking, or working in the fields
- BrandRothco
- Model5188
- Weight2.85 pounds
Camping Toilet Buying Guide & FAQ
Features To Look For In Camping Toilets
Before making your final decision on the right camping toilet for you, make sure you check out these important features to think about to ensure you find the perfect option for you and your outdoor needs.
Portability - They aren’t given the Portaloo nickname for nothing, so anything that makes it as portable as possible without being too small is something to consider. This includes weight, handles, and features that prevent spillages when in transit.
Comfort - Everyone wants to feel comfortable on the toilet, and different ranges provide different levels of comfort. Some are identical to your home toilet, but others are more functional as opposed to luxurious. If your seat isn’t comfortable, look for a portable toilet seat to overcome this issue.
Also consider the height of the toilet, especially if you’re tall, and if you’re someone who needs high levels of privacy to feel truly comfortable, you can consider small tents or similar walling-off options to make you feel at home away from home.
Waste Bags - If you’ve not purchased a chemical toilet, you must consider which type of waste bag you need to use. Biodegradable bags are preferred, as they reduce waste and are better for the environment (similar to dog poop bags), but check their sturdiness first.
If you’re concerned about odors, you can add cat litter or similar odor-removing products to make the whole experience much more pleasant
Volume - Smaller toilets are fine for short trips with a small group, and many times you’ll get away with 2.6 gallons. However, larger groups on longer trips require at least 5 gallons, and often more.
If you can’t fit a large toilet in your RV or car but are taking a longer trip, you’ll need to empty and clean your toilet more frequently, which could prove challenging if you’re in the middle of nowhere.
How To Use And Maintain A Portable Camping Toilet
To ensure your portable camping toilet stays in top condition ready for your next adventure, you must not only maintain it but also use it properly. Much like your toilet in your own home, neglecting to clean, look after, and correctly use your camping toilet can cause disaster, and when you’re from home, the last thing you need or want is to be wading through a certain creek without a paddle, and in this case, even a canoe.
Before Using Your Portable Camping Toilet
Before even using your portable toilet, it’s advised you go over the surface using a disinfectant or deodorant you would have received with the product. This isn’t because you’re buying a used camping toilet (at least we hope not, anyway), but to ensure it is clean for you before anyone uses it.
After pouring the disinfectant into the toilet, latch the water and waste tank and fill the water tank with water. When this is done, pump the water using the flush handle a few times to reach every area of the toilet and close the water tank. You only need a small amount of disinfectant as portable toilets are smaller than standard home one.
When Using Your Portable Camping Toilet
Considering you’ve been using toilets all your life, we will assume you don’t forget this basic human function just because you;re not surrounded by pastel-colored walls and the scent of air freshener (although if you’re camping there may be a familiar smell of pine). However, there are differences between using a home toilet and a camping toilet.
For your benefit, sit on the toilet to prevent any splashes, regardless of whether you’re going 1 or 2, because the last thing you want is a mess all over your favorite hiking trouser - or worse: your own shins. Because portable toilets are often much lower than traditional home commodes, this will also improve your aim, which is good news for whoever uses it next.
You should use biodegradable tissues, but this isn’t always necessary, as you will empty the bag, anyway. If you want to help the environment, though, biodegradable is the best option. When you’re done, pull the level (if there is one). This opens the waste tank and then pump water in to flush the waste. However, it’s important you don’t over pump, and one of two flushes should suffice.
To prevent odors and spillages, close the water tank and seal the lid for the next user.
Before Emptying Your Portable Camping Toilet
There will be a time when your portable toilet gets full, and to prevent people assuming you’re the bad smell that lingered for days now, empty it and also where to empty it.
It’s like this will be the end of your trip, so it won’t be too hard to find the perfect place, especially if you’re in an area where lots of people go camping and use a portable toilet. If the toilet uses chemicals to break down waste, you should not throw it into the woods. Instead, find a local chemical waste disposal plant. If you can’t find one, you must wait until you get home and empty it into your septic tank.
How To Empty Your Portable Camping Toilet
Emptying the camping toilet the first time may be a little difficult, but every time after that will be easy. Here’s how to do it:
- Separate the water tank and waste tank by following the guide provided by the manufacturer to prevent accidentally breaking it.
- Ensure it is sealed to avoid in-transit spillages and carry it to the disposal area.
- Detach the cap from the waste tank and carefully (because you don’t want any gross splashes) pour it out.
- If you’ve got a hose or bucket nearby, you can use it to rinse any remaining waste.
- Thoroughly wash both tanks and the whole toilet using the disinfectant. If there’s a stretch of time between your next use, add some water to the disinfectant.
- If possible, allow it to dry and air out in the yard before finding a place to store it to prevent disinfectant odors
When You’re Not Using Your Portable Camping Toilet
Your portable toilet should be kept somewhere it won’t get damaged, so the garage or basement, or an unused room in the house should suffice. You should also avoid leaving water in the tank, as it risks freezing in cold weather and damaging the toilet.
Before Next Time
To make sure you’re not caught out next time you take a trip, make sure you’ve got everything you need for your portable camping toilet for when you next find yourself away from civilization for a couple of days. This includes getting waste bags and checking for any damage, which is not something you want to do half an hour before you set out next time.
Sources:
- How to Use А Portable Camping Toilet - The Toilet Zone
- Camping Toilets - Campfire Mag
- How Camping Toilets Work - How Stuff Works
