Camper Van Bathroom Secrets: How, Where, And When?

Camper vans are a popular choice for those seeking adventure and the freedom of the open road. But what about when nature calls? For those considering renting or buying a camper van, the question of how to use the bathroom is a pressing one. The good news is that there are several options available, from camper vans with built-in bathrooms to creative solutions for those without.

Some camper vans come equipped with toilets and showers, offering the convenience of home while on the road. However, this option does come with some considerations, such as limited space and the need for regular maintenance and cleaning. For those who prefer a more minimalistic approach, there are also camper vans without bathrooms, which can provide more room for other features.

For those without built-in bathrooms, there are still several ways to answer the call of nature. Public restrooms at campgrounds, rest stops, gas stations, and coffee shops are often easily accessible and provide a quick solution. Portable toilets and privacy structures are also available for purchase, offering a discrete option when other facilities are not available. And for those who truly want to embrace nature, there's always the option of following leave-no-trace principles and answering the call of nature outdoors, being sure to follow proper waste disposal procedures.

So, whether you're seeking the comforts of home or the adventure of roughing it, there are plenty of options for using the bathroom while enjoying the freedom of the open road in your camper van.

Camper van toilets: pros and cons

Camper van toilets are a highly debated topic in the van life community. Some people swear by having a toilet in their van, while others prefer to go without. There are several options for camper van toilet setups, each with its own pros and cons. Here is a detailed look at the most common choices:

Cassette Toilet

Cassette toilets are a popular choice for camper vans due to their compact size and lack of external plumbing. They typically have a water tank that can be flushed, but the tank is smaller than that of a plumbed toilet and requires more frequent emptying. Cassette toilets are easy to install and can be hidden away in a drawer or storage bench when not in use. However, their small size may be uncomfortable for some users, and the waste tank must be emptied regularly.

Pros:

• Compact and portable
• No external plumbing
• Can be hidden away when not in use

Cons:

• Smaller waste tank requires more frequent emptying
• Low profile may be uncomfortable for some users

Composting Toilet

Composting toilets are environmentally friendly and self-contained. They use a biological decomposition process to manage waste, and some models divert urine to a separate container. However, composting toilets are larger and require permanent installation with venting to the outside of the van. They also require regular maintenance and can be more expensive than other options.

Pros:

• Environmentally friendly
• Self-contained
• Urine-diverting models available

Cons:

• Larger and more expensive
• Require permanent installation and venting
• Need regular maintenance

Portable Toilet

Portable toilets are a good option for vans without a built-in bathroom. They are small and can be easily stored or carried. However, they have limited waste capacity and need to be dumped frequently. Some portable toilets do not have a flush mechanism, and they may not be as comfortable to use as a permanent fixture.

Pros:

• Small and portable
• Affordable and easy to use
• Can be stored away when not in use

Cons:

• Limited waste capacity
• Need to be dumped frequently
• May not have a flush mechanism

Plumbed RV Toilet

Plumbed RV toilets are similar to household toilets and are connected to the freshwater system and a black water tank. They have the largest waste capacity and are always ready to use. However, they are permanent fixtures that take up more space and require regular maintenance, including the use of special toilet paper and chemicals to eliminate fumes. They also need to be emptied at RV dump stations.

Pros:

• Largest waste capacity
• Always ready to use
• Similar to household toilets

Cons:

• Permanent fixture that takes up space
• Require regular maintenance
• Need to be emptied at RV dump stations

Ultimately, the decision to include a toilet in a camper van depends on personal preference and the individual's needs. Some people prefer the convenience and privacy of having their own toilet, while others find it more hassle-free to use public facilities or follow leave-no-trace principles when camping.

Camper van toilet options

When it comes to using the bathroom in a camper van, there are several options available. Some camper vans come with built-in toilets, while others do not. If your camper van does not have a toilet, you may need to get creative and find alternative places to use the bathroom during your travels. Here are some of the most common camper van toilet options:

Cassette Toilets

Cassette toilets are a popular choice for camper vans as they don't have external plumbing. They are compact toilets with water tanks that can be flushed. However, the tank is smaller than that of an externally plumbed toilet, and it will need to be emptied more frequently. Cassette toilets are usually stored in a shower or a hidden compartment when not in use.

Composting Toilets

Composting toilets are environmentally-friendly options that separate liquids and solids. They are larger to accommodate the composting process, and you will still need to find a place to dispose of the urine. Composting toilets typically need to be bolted down and require venting to the outside. They also require regular maintenance and emptying, usually every few weeks depending on usage.

Portable Toilets

Portable toilets are a good option for camper vans without a built-in bathroom. They are small and can be easily moved around. However, some portable toilets don't have a flush mechanism, and due to their smaller size, they will need to be emptied more frequently.

Public Restrooms

Many people who choose to rent a camper van without a built-in toilet opt to use public restrooms during their travels. This can be more comfortable and convenient, especially when compared to the limited space of a camper van bathroom. Campgrounds, rest stops, gas stations, and coffee shops usually have easily accessible restrooms.

Leave-No-Trace Practices

When there are no public restrooms available, it is important to follow leave-no-trace principles. This means digging a cathole about 6-8 inches deep for solid human waste and disposing of toilet paper and hygiene products responsibly. It is also crucial to maintain a safe distance from water sources and trails when answering the call of nature outdoors.

Camper van bathroom setups

Camper van bathrooms are a popular topic among the van life community, with many different styles and opinions. Some vanlifers swear by the full indoor showers and toilets in their vans, while others prefer to keep things simple and forego these amenities altogether. The good news is that there are lots of different options for camper van bathroom setups, so you can find something that suits your needs and preferences. Here are some of the most common setups:

The Wet Bath

The wet bath is a very popular option, mainly due to the privacy it provides. This setup typically includes a toilet and shower in one location, with all surfaces finished so they can get wet or damp. While it offers excellent privacy and ease of use, the biggest drawback is the amount of space it takes up in the van. It can also be heavy, depending on the materials used.

The Hidden Bathroom

The hidden bathroom is perfect for those looking to save space in their van. This setup uses a combination of drawers, sliders, and secret trap doors to reveal the toilet and shower. It's a great way to ensure all spaces in your van are multi-functional. However, it may not provide the same level of privacy as a dedicated bathroom, and there is some setup required each time you use it.

The No Bathroom Option

Some vanlifers choose to forego a dedicated bathroom altogether and rely on public restrooms, campground facilities, or the great outdoors. This option saves space and money, and eliminates the need for plumbing. However, it may require adjusting your lifestyle and schedule, and you'll be constantly relying on other people's facilities.

Cassette Toilets

Cassette toilets are a popular choice for those who want the convenience of a toilet in their van without the hassle of external plumbing. They are lightweight, compact, and don't require electricity or batteries. The tank is smaller than that of a plumbed RV toilet, so it needs to be emptied more frequently.

Composting Toilets

Composting toilets are environmentally friendly and don't require external plumbing. However, they are larger to accommodate the composting process, and you'll still need to find a place to dispose of the urine separately.

Portable Toilets

Portable toilets are a good option for those renting a van without a built-in bathroom. They are small and don't take up much space. However, they usually need to be dumped more frequently, and some models don't have a flush mechanism.

Camper van bathroom alternatives

Camper van bathrooms are a popular topic among the van life community. While some van-lifers prefer a full indoor bathroom, others choose to keep things simple and forego a dedicated bathroom in their van. There are several alternatives to consider when it comes to using the bathroom in a camper van:

Public Restrooms

Many people who choose to rent a camper van without a bathroom find that stopping at public restrooms is a more comfortable and convenient option. Campgrounds, rest stops along major highways, gas stations, and coffee shops typically offer free access to restrooms and can be easily found during road trips.

Campgrounds with Facilities

When booking a campground for your trip, look for those that offer amenities such as bathrooms. Since you will likely spend your evenings, nights, and early mornings at the campground, having access to a bathroom can be a significant advantage.

Portable Toilets

If you prefer not to rely on public facilities, you can purchase or rent a portable toilet. Options include the Luggable Loo, a privacy structure that is foldable and easy to assemble, and compact portable toilets that can be stored in your van. These provide a private and discrete solution, especially when combined with a foldable privacy shelter.

Leave No Trace Practices

In some cases, you may find yourself in a remote location without access to public restrooms. In such situations, it is important to follow leave-no-trace principles when answering the call of nature. This includes going at least 200 feet away from water sources or trails, using a trowel to dig a cathole about 6-8 inches deep for solid waste, and carrying out any paper waste in a ziplock bag or container. Remember to cover the waste and disguise the hole afterward.

Retractable or Hidden Showers

If you want a shower but are concerned about space, consider a retractable or hidden shower. These innovative solutions can be easily set up when needed and then stowed away, saving valuable space in your van. Some designs include a hidden water box that stores a porta-potty and converts to a shower pan, or a custom shower pan built into a drawer that pulls out when needed.

Composting Toilets

Composting toilets are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional flush toilets. They use a biological decomposition process to manage waste and can be installed permanently in your van. However, it is important to note that you will still need to find a place to dispose of the urine, as it cannot be mixed with the composting mixture.

Ultimately, the decision to include a bathroom in your camper van depends on your personal preferences and the type of van life you envision. Some people prefer the convenience and privacy of a dedicated bathroom, while others opt for more space and flexibility by using alternative solutions.

Camper van bathroom considerations

When it comes to the world of camper van bathrooms, there are a lot of options and considerations to keep in mind. From full indoor bathrooms to no bathroom at all, the choice is yours! Here are some things to think about when deciding on the best setup for your needs:

Space

One of the biggest considerations when it comes to camper van bathrooms is space. Class B camper vans are already compact, and adding a bathroom can take up a significant amount of room. The average camper van bathroom is about 2 feet wide by 3 feet long, which doesn't leave much space to move around. If you're looking for a more spacious option, consider a retractable or hidden shower that can be stowed away when not in use. This type of setup saves space and gives you the best of both worlds.

Plumbing

If you opt for a bathroom in your camper van, you'll need to consider the plumbing. Compact plumbing setups can be more prone to clogging and maintenance issues. You'll also need to empty the toilet tank regularly, which can be inconvenient. Cassette toilets are a popular choice as they don't have external plumbing, but their tanks are smaller and need to be emptied more frequently. If you're looking for a more permanent option, a plumbed RV toilet might be a better choice, but it will require regular maintenance and the use of special toilet paper and chemicals to eliminate fumes.

Waste Disposal

No matter what type of toilet you choose, you'll need to consider waste disposal. For cassette and portable toilets, you'll need to find a place to dump the waste, such as a campground waste emptying point or a chemical disposal point. Composting toilets are a more environmentally friendly option, but they are larger and you'll still need to find a place to dispose of the urine. If you're going the toilet-free route, you can follow leave-no-trace principles and dig a cathole for solid waste, being sure to cover it up when you're done.

Privacy

Another important consideration is privacy. If you're travelling with others, you may want to opt for a full bathroom or at least a private space to do your business. Hidden bathrooms can be a great space-saving option, but they may not provide the same level of privacy as a dedicated bathroom. If privacy is a concern, consider a wet bath, which offers the most privacy and can also serve as a dual-use space for the toilet and shower.

Cost

Adding a bathroom to your camper van will also impact the cost. Not only will you have the initial expense of the toilet and shower setup, but you'll also need to factor in the cost of maintenance and waste disposal. If you're on a budget, you may want to consider a portable toilet or no bathroom at all, as these options can save you money and space.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to include a bathroom in your camper van comes down to personal preference and your specific needs. There are a variety of options available, so you can choose the setup that works best for your lifestyle and comfort level.

Frequently asked questions