Camper Pooping: What You Need To Know

Camper vans are a great way to explore the outdoors, but what happens when nature calls? It's not the most glamorous part of the camping experience, but it's an important one. So, can you poop in a camper? The short answer is yes, but there are some important things to consider. For example, camper vans with built-in toilets typically use a holding tank that requires regular maintenance and specific habits to avoid clogs and odours. On the other hand, if your camper van doesn't have a built-in toilet, you'll need to get creative with DIY solutions or opt for portable toilets. Either way, proper waste disposal is crucial to minimise environmental impact and maintain hygiene.

Camper van toilets

DIY Camper Van Toilets

Creating a DIY camper van toilet is a cost-effective and straightforward solution. Here's a simple guide:

• Get a 5-gallon bucket, preferably with a lid for privacy and odour control.
• Line the bucket with a Wag Bag, which is a puncture-resistant bag designed to hold human waste. These bags usually come with odour-killing powder, hand wipes, and a small amount of toilet paper.
• Secure the Wag Bag in place with a pool noodle or pipe insulation for added comfort.
• After use, add Poo Powder to help firm up the waste and reduce odours.
• If reusing the Wag Bag, lightly knot it and place it into the smaller, ziplock-style bag that comes with it. Store it in a sealed receptacle until proper disposal.
• Keep the bucket outside your van when in use and secure it with a bungee cord to prevent spills during transit.

Other Camper Van Toilet Options

If the DIY approach isn't for you, there are several other options available:

• Cassette Toilets: These are popular in RVs and van conversions. They use a removable black water tank inside a larger container that houses the toilet seat. This allows for easy removal and disposal of waste in a regular toilet or dumping station.
• Portable Flushing Toilets: These provide a more comfortable and familiar bathroom experience with flushing capabilities. They are more expensive but offer a homey touch to your camper van.
• Composting Toilets: This option involves using a 5-gallon bucket with fresh sawdust. However, it requires access to a composting bin to dispose of the waste properly, making it more suitable for short trips.
• Chemical Toilets: Chemical toilets, like the Thetford Porta Potti 135, use water and chemicals to flush waste into a waste chamber, minimising odours. They are bulkier and require regular dumping but offer a more comfortable and stable option.

General Tips for Camper Van Toilets

• Always have a sufficient supply of toilet paper, hand sanitiser, and waste bags.
• Properly dispose of human waste by following Leave No Trace (LNT) principles. Bury waste in catholes at least 200 feet away from water sources, trails, and campsites.
• Use plain, white, and non-perfumed toilet paper to minimise environmental impact.
• Consider natural alternatives like smooth river rocks, clean leaves, or snow for wiping.
• Urinate on hard surfaces like rocks, pine needles, or gravel to prevent attracting wildlife.
• Keep your toilet area clean and odour-free by regularly emptying and sanitising your toilet setup.

Burying waste

Firstly, choose a site that is at least 200 feet away from your camp, trails, and water sources. This will ensure that you select a spot that is out of the way and unlikely to be disturbed by other campers. The hole you dig, known as a "cathole", should be at least 6 inches deep. A camping trowel, which is typically about 6 inches long, can be used to measure and dig the hole.

Once you have finished using the cathole, fill it with the original dirt and disguise the area with natural debris to restore it to its previous state. It is important to note that burying toilet paper is not recommended, as it does not disintegrate like waste and can harm the ecosystem. Instead, pack out your used toilet paper in a duct-tape-covered Ziploc bag to ensure discretion and odour control.

Before burying your waste, always check the local regulations and guidelines for the specific campground or area you are visiting. These regulations may vary depending on the location, so it is essential to inform yourself beforehand. Additionally, consider using alternative waste management options, such as WAG bags, which are designed to safely and discreetly collect human waste.

Catholes and latrines

If you absolutely have to bury your waste, choose a site that is at least 200 feet away from camp, trails, and water sources. Catholes should be at least 6 inches deep, and once you've finished your business, fill the hole with the original dirt and disguise it with debris to make it look natural again. Latrines should be dug to the same depth but should be 12 inches long or more, depending on the size of your group and the length of your stay.

Toilet paper should always be packed out and stored in a duct-tape-covered Ziploc bag. It won't disintegrate like waste and can harm the ecosystem, even if burned.

Always look up local and campground regulations before burying your waste outdoors.

Portable toilets

DIY Composting Toilet

This simple setup consists of a 5-gallon bucket, some fresh sawdust, and an optional composting bin if you want to dispose of your waste properly. While it's a cheap and easy option, it does require some extra steps for waste disposal, and it might not be suitable for extended trips or large groups.

Stansport Portable Outdoor Toilet

The Stansport toilet is a step up from the basic DIY toilet. It consists of a 5-gallon bucket, a toilet seat, and a lid. You can add a Wag Bag, which is a puncture-resistant bag coated with an odour-killing powder, to make waste disposal easier. This option is inexpensive and easy to use but may not be as stable as other options.

Cleanwaste Portable Toilet

The Cleanwaste Portable Toilet is a foldable and space-saving option. It has three legs and a toilet seat, providing a basic but functional toilet solution. While it's more compact than some other options, it may not be as stable due to its lightweight construction.

Thetford Porta Potti 135

The Thetford Porta Potti 135 is a chemical toilet with a flushing mechanism. It has a waste chamber that mixes waste with chemicals to control odours. The waste compartment holds 2.6 gallons, so it can be used multiple times before needing to be emptied. However, emptying it can be heavy and unpleasant. This option provides a more homely bathroom experience but is more expensive.

Premium Portable Flushing Toilets

If you're looking for a more luxurious option, premium portable flushing toilets offer a comfortable and homely experience. These toilets have flushing features, either operated by a foot pedal, wall switch, or hand-wave technology. Some models even have a swivelling seat to fit any space. While they provide a high level of comfort, they come at a higher price point.

Cassette Toilets

Cassette toilets are a popular choice for RVs and van builds. They consist of a removable black water tank inside a larger container that houses the toilet seat. This design allows for easy removal and disposal of waste in a regular toilet or dumping station. Cassette toilets are more comfortable, stable, and discrete than some other portable options but are bulkier and may not be suitable for small spaces.

Luggable Loo

The Luggable Loo is a 5-gallon bucket with a toilet seat and lid. You can add pipe insulation or a pool noodle for comfort and to secure the waste bag. This option is affordable and functional but may not offer the same level of stability and comfort as other choices.

When choosing a portable toilet, consider your budget, space constraints, ease of use, and waste disposal options. Remember to follow proper waste disposal guidelines, such as the Leave No Trace principles, to minimise your environmental impact.

Toilet paper alternatives

While camping, it's important to be mindful of the environment and opt for toilet paper alternatives that are biodegradable and eco-friendly. Here are some alternatives to consider when answering nature's call in the great outdoors:

• Biodegradable Wet Wipes: These are a convenient option, especially when paired with biodegradable wet wipes. Look for wipes made from biodegradable materials like cellulose, which break down quickly and are hypoallergenic and chemical-free. Ensure that you pack these out, as burying them is not recommended, even if they are biodegradable.
• Paper Towels: Paper towels, such as Brawny, are a durable and biodegradable alternative to regular toilet paper. They are scored down the middle, making it easy to tear off a half sheet. However, be mindful of the amount you use, as they can be bulkier than regular toilet paper.
• Biodegradable Toilet Paper: Opt for specialised biodegradable toilet paper designed for camping and outdoor use. Examples include COLEMAN'S Camper Toilet Paper, which has a handy plastic dispenser, and SEVENTH GENERATION Bath Tissue, made from 100% recycled paper and free of dyes, inks, and fragrances.
• Compressed Toilet Paper Tablets: These tablets are extremely compact and expand into usable wipes when wet. They are a great space-saving option and often come in closable carrying tubes, ensuring your toilet paper stays clean and dry.
• Natural Alternatives: If you're in a pinch and don't have any toilet paper, you can use natural alternatives such as large, hoof-shaped leaves from striped maple trees or soft, moist moss. Just be sure you're familiar with the leaves to avoid any irritation or allergic reactions.
• Pee Rags: For women, pee rags, such as the KULA Cloth, are a reusable and absorbent option to cut down on the amount of toilet paper needed. They are easy to clean and can be hung on your bag to dry.

Frequently asked questions