Portable Toilets for Camping -
​A Guide & What to Buy

When going camping for many, a toilet or where you will go to the toilet is a big question.  Some people will not even consider camping unless there a flushing toilet nearby, and it is one of our most asked questions - "does this location have a toilet?"  But if there is no toilet, you might have to invest in one, so what do you choose?

So if you are wondering about purchasing a portable camping toilet, we have put together a portable camping toilet guide  - choosing a toilet, what is available, tips to  using and emptying a Porta Potti.  Everything you need to know when buying your first camping toilet.

Why a portable camping toilet is good and bad

What's good about a portable camping toilet?

- peace of mind knowing you have a place 'to go' that is close to you
- easier if you have little children with very urgent needs
- middle of the night options
- not having to dig holes or squat behind bushes
- not having to share facilities with strangers
- cleanliness (all depends on you)
- gives you more options on where you can go camping if you want a toilet


What's bad about a portable camping toilet?

- disposing of contents and then cleaning it can be unpleasant
- some models take a up considerable room in vehicle
- need to purchase a privacy tent if in a busy area
- chemicals needed for some toilets
- the more people use this option the busier you will have to be emptying it/disposing of the waste
- depending on the option you choose, ongoing expenses
- not every location will allow a portable toilet
- can be heavy when full and difficult to move


So before buying one, consider the good and the bad side of toilets and work out your what you want in a toilet, because there is a big range of portable toilets and finding the one that suits your camping style is going to be important. It's easy just to think a toilet is going to be make life so much simpler for your camping trips, but it might just add extra work and stress as well.  

I know there are people who are happy to take a shovel and go all rugged when they are camping - and good on them.  But there are many who don't feel that comfortable or have medical conditions where having a toilet nearby relieves them of their anxiety.  

We  have previously done a story on 31 toilets for every camper's bottom. Some of these toilets were for pure entertainment, but if you want to see a huge variety that others have either invented  or purchased, read our story.

What one to buy?

Before you rush out and buy a portable toilet, think about your camping style. 

Are you keen on caravan park camping?  Then these parks already have full facilities available for campers, so your style of toilet is going to have to suit the park.  A toilet that sits over a hole in the ground is not the toilet for you.

Remote bush campers have more options on what they can take but if water is a problem at your location, buying a flushing portable toilet means extra water to bring with you.

Look at your budget.   

How much are you prepared to pay for the convenience of having a toilet? There is a big range available, and you don't want to spend a lot of money if you are a once a year camper, so your choice will be dictated by your budget.  

Ease of use and expense

Some are more complicated than others.  You might just have a seat that goes over a hole in the ground (or into a bag), or a dual tank that requires chemicals and topping up with water. Or ongoing additional purchases to make it functional.  If it gets too hard, chances are that you will soon tire of using it as it becomes more trouble than it is worth. 

Do you have space for a toilet.

The bigger the toilet, the more room you will need in your vehicle.  Can you fit a toilet plus all your other gear.  If space is at a premium, maybe some toilets will be better if they can go flat when not in use.

How many people will be using it

If there is just you and one other person, then that may not be a lot of use in one day (maybe).  But as a family of say 4 people, that means that some of the toilets on offer will fill faster than others.  The result is that you will need to be emptying more regularly and depending on your toilet of choice, lifting waste tanks/bags that will increase in weight over the day.


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What sorts of toilets are there?

Here is a quick overview of some of the most common portable camping toilets you will find in the stores and what we think of them based on experience.

​Porta Potti

Probably one of the most common toilet options for camping that you would see when you Google 'camping toilets'.  There are 2 major companies that do this style of toilet - Thetford and Dometic.   You can read our review on the Thetford toilet here.

This sort of toilet needs no plumbing or drainage. All waste is collected in the bottom in what is known as the 'waste tank'.  A separate section that sits on top of this waste tank is the seat, with flushing tank attached.  You add water to flush in the top section as well as a chemical to help with the cleaning and flushing. The waste tank also needs chemical added to water in this section, to minimise smells and help waste break down faster. 

To help keep the toilet bowl clean, you can buy liners that flush away after use because sometimes the bowl may get some stains on it, and then you would need a brush.  So if you are going to invest in a Porta Potti, have a look at these toilet bowl liners as well.  I think, speaking from personal experience, that it's a good purchase.

Benefits: 

• It's like sitting on a mini toilet, and there is a flushing mechanism as well (differs between models). 
• It's clean and comfortable and easy to use. 
• Holds the odour in better than expected if you use the right chemicals.
• Seat size is adequate

Issues: 

• You will need to empty it (more on that later). 
• The more you use it the more quickly it will need emptying. 
• Chemicals required for both tanks so ongoing costs.
• Bulky.
• One of the more expensive options in toilets. 
• You need to have plenty of water ready for refills and rinsing it later. 
• Cleaning it prior to end of camping trip can be laborious and problematic, especially if you are somewhere remote and not a lot of water nearby - otherwise a dirty toilet comes in your car with you. 
• Heavy to carry when full of water and waste.

THETFORD PORTA POTTI 365 - a larger toilet

Above is the  Thetford Porta Potti 365.   Priced at $150 with free delivery.   It is the larger one with a flushing tank of 15L, but a capacity to hold 21L.  So quite a lot.  Best suited to family or people who don't like to empty the waste tank as often.

Available at Tentworld - buy here.

If you think this is a big big for your needs, look at the Porta Potti 335 - only holds 10L waste tank, so better if the use is  not a lot or a couple of people.
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Remember - when you buy your potti, buy the chemicals as well.  You can see the range and prices here.

A cheaper option for portable toilets that look like toilets, is the Adventure King model also with a 20L waste tank.  Similar to the above Thetford Porta Potti 365.  We haven't tried this one, but at the price of $89 including free delivery from Amazon, it might be worth looking at if you are concerned about spending a lot of money.

ADVENTURE KINGS OUTDOOR PORTABLE TOILET

Portable Toilet Seats

PRIMUS PORTABLE TOILET

This is just what it sounds like.  A toilet seat on a stand.  Then you can put a plastic bag underneath the toilet seat to catch waste. Alternatively, you can put this stand over a deep hole and let waste go into the hole.  There are a couple of options.  Just the stand, or ones that look more like a chair and the seat is more padded.

Before you buy - make sure the toilet can support your weight (or that of others). 
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Benefits:

• Packs up small. 
• Not uncomfortable to sit on.
• Inexpensive. 
• Easy to clean the stand.

Issues: 

• Disposing of the plastic bag full of waste is a problem.
• No odor control. 
• If you dig a hole underneath the seat (no bag) going to toilet through the seat can cause splash and no guarantee of accuracy into the hole in ground.
• Stability can depend on the ground it's sitting on.

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 The above image of the Primus Portable Toilet  - available at Tentworld for the price of $29.90 - buy  here

The OZtrail folding toilet chair works on a similar principle but is a more padded option - you can put it over a hole or or put a bucket underneath.   Buy it here for $29.90   Weight rating - up to 120kg.

OZTRAIL FOLDING TOILET CHAIR

Max load:  70kg.  This no name brand comes via Amazon with free delivery.

10 bags included.

Available here for $31.

Portable Toilet Seats with  Gel/Powders

More advanced than the previous option but with a similar concept on design.  This is the toilet option where in a  bag  a gel or powder is contained that turns the liquids into a solid.

You can use a bag (as above with an existing toilet seat, or below in a bucket arrangement) but you add a special powder to it.

eg.  Elemental Portable Toilet Bags  - see these bags here for pricing and availability.

You can put these bags with any toilet that supports bags, such as the Pop Up Pooper.


Pop Up Pooper is using biodegradable bags and powders, but the difference here is that this toilet when not in use, flattens down so doesn't take up much room.  Boat owners and small campers have recommended this. 

Ezygonow works on same concept, also with a seat you can purchase separately.  To understand the process, here is excerpt from the website

"Poo Powder is a waste treatment powder that gels and solidifies liquid waste to a solid. Poo Powder encapsulates solid waste and controls odour and contains a decay catalyst with natural enzymes to break down the solid waste. The powder must be activated by a liquid to begin the encapsulation process. Pre-loaded in the Pee-Wee unisex urine bags and the GO anywhere toilet kits."


Benefits: 

• Liquid is not sloshing around in a bag. 
• Bags can be used without the toilet kit/stand. 
• Can be disposed of in bins ONLY (do not bury or add to toilets).
• Can put the toilet bag in a bucket or some other toilet stand.

Issues: 

• There is an ongoing cost to buy pre-loaded bags/additives for the bags. 
• If multiple people use the bag, you will need to make sure you don't exceed the limits recommended. 
• Bog in a Bag and Pop Up Pooper is best for urine only. 
• Ezygonow can take both, but you do need liquid to set the process going.
• If you are remote, you will need to carry bags with you until you can find a suitable bin.
• Can feel a bit flimsy when sitting

Below - the Pop Up Pooper.  Available here via Tentworld for $70.  Bags/powder are $15

POP UP POOPER

TOILET BAGS FOR POOPERS

More expensive than the  Pop Up Pooper but with a similar concept is the TripTips Portable toilet.  It can take weight up to 150kg, and flattens down.  It too, works on the basis of a special bag inside with powder. 

You can buy via Amazon here.  

Ezygonow portable system known as Cleanwaste, has a wide variety of options and price range.  You will need to visit their site to find out what suits you and your needs best.   We  have reviewed this product before - you can read our review for more info.

​Toilet Buckets

Very basic buckets that come with a lid, seat and strong handle. You can use this bucket with or without a bag (see above), under a seat (see above), or just as is and let the contents go straight into the bucket.  May need to add some chemical of choice to minimise smell.  

You can add the  plastic bag  option (see above) if you want to add the bag to the basic bucket.


Benefits: 

• Cheap and basic concept so not too much can go wrong.
• Can be poured into a toilet as it is just waste (if you haven't used bags - just watch out for splashes upwards).
• Buckets specifically for toilet use are sturdy
• Fancier style buckets that can take up to 150kg, and pack down are available.

Issues:

• Emptying it if it contains mixed waste is not pleasant as no chemicals are added to contribute to breakdown. 
• Can get smelly if left too long. 
• Unpleasant to empty

The Elemental Down Under is a basic bucket with lid and seat attached.

Priced at $30.  Available via Tentworld


Also available from Amazon .

THUNDER DOWN UNDER

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Below is a fancier bucket option with seat, lid and toilet role holder - the bucket is built into the design. You remove the bucket and empty.  You can use the bag option if needed or just the bucket alone.  Depends on your personal choice.
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Available for $62 with free delivery - via Amazon  plus there is another version, cheaper also via Amazon for $51.  On either of these options, I cannot vouch for manufacturer.

In the bucket category, I have also added this Kookaburra Bush Dunny because you could put an everyday common bucket under this.  As it packs down flat, it won't take up much room.  You could put it over a deep hole if required.

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Available via Tentworld for $83.

KOOKABURRA BUSH DUNNY

What else will you need with your camping toilet?

Depending on your toilet of choice and where you are camping will determine what else you will need to bring.  But some things to think about that you will need in addition to your toilet of choice are:
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• Privacy Shelter
• Toilet Paper
• Hand Sanitiser
• Extra bags and/or additives
• Chemicals
• Additional water
• Disinfectants/Wipes to clean toilet

Tips for Toilet Use

Based on our experiences, here are some tips we would give new campers.

1)  Encourage family to use existing facilities (if there are any) for poo. It's harder to dispose of via the toilet methods mentioned.
2)  Make sure you read all instructions on emptying a Porta Potti  - read our guide below too!
3)  Dig deep holes when possible for your seat over a hole option.  30cm minimum.
4)  Privacy tents are a great idea even when you think you are alone.  Sometimes your remote campsite is not as remote as you first thought.  It's quite alarming to be on the toilet when you hear someone coming.
5)  Dispose of waste exactly as manufacturer recommends.  Don't try to 'cut corners'
6)  Some people put cat litter in normal biodegradable bags instead of the pre-made toilet options as discussed above.  We cannot vouch for how this works.
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​Emptying your Porta Potti  - How you do it

This would be the least fave job of the camping trip.  It's unpleasant but it wasn't as bad as I imagined.  And I imagined it to be horrific.  I also added lots of chemicals to minimise smell and breakdown solids as much as possible.

First experience was in a very remote location, and I had to dig a hole, a long long way from anywhere and then carry the Porta Potti waste tank to this location, then go and get a large jerry can of water for rinsing to complete the job - all before I dug a very big and deep hole in the bush.  I know this was not the best option, but we were a long way from anyone and anywhere, and I didn't want that full toilet on top of our car driving down a highway at 110kph.
We have also emptied it at waste stations (dump points) at designated areas which is the best option.  Also poured it down a toilet.

But how do you do it?   


1.  Separate the water tank and the waste tank.  It's the bottom tank that you are dealing with.  There will be a latch that releases the 2 tanks. Check your manufacturers instructions to find the one for your model.  Wear gloves if you have any during this entire process.

2.  There is a swivel arm (pour out spout) which you will move outwards towards the side.

3. Holding the carry handle, you will tip the tank so the spout is pointing downwards.  There is a button on the Thetford which is a vent button. Press that as you empty.  That stops splashing.

4.  The contents will come out as you watch in horror.  If the chemicals have done their job, everything will be like a slurry.

5.  You might need to shake it a bit.  If you can hear "stuff" still sloshing around inside, add some water.  If you are at a waste station there will be hose for that purpose.  Fill up the water tank, swish it around, and pour again.  It should be clear water that is emptying by the end.

6. If your camping trip is continuing, you will need to add required chemicals to both top and bottom tanks before next use plus water.

7.  If your camping trip is over, we recommend disinfecting all parts of the Potti thoroughly, inside and out.  We leave some chemicals in the bottom tank as well when not in use.

8.  Wash hands with soap and water even if you used gloves.



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Conclusion

Buying a camping toilet is a good option if you think it will make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable but do you think of your location, nearby campers and facilities before you go out and buy one.  Ours sits idle in our garage most trips because it just became too laborious to take on trips and too bulky.  Yes, it limits locations on where we will go, because of a preference for a proper toilet, but that is a decision I am currently comfortable with.  Other campers won't leave home without one and some campsites we have been - I truly understand why a chemical toilet would be 100% necessary.

You can't try before you buy in this situation so choose wisely to meet your needs.