Love camping but not a fan of squatting in the woods? Worried that the kids might need number 1 (or worse) in the middle of the night and won’t make it across the camp site? Maybe you have a cabin with no running water…
Turns out you’re not alone!
Don’t be put off camping by the thought of having to take a midnight trip across a campsite, or worrying about being out in the middle of nowhere trying to do your thing. I’ve done the research and decided on the best camping toilet to make doing your business easy and safe, no matter where you are.
We’ll look at the best folding portable camping toilets, the best bucket-style options, and the best portable but non-folding camping toilets. Whatever your personal preference, I‘m sure that you will find a suitable option here that you’ll be able to take with you on all your future camping adventures.
Here are my top ten choices for the best camping toilet:
Folding Portable Camping Toilets
- Cleanwaste Go Anywhere Portable Toilet System — Best Camping Toilet Overall
- Go Anywhere Portable Toilet System — Best Upgradable Toilet System
- Green Elephant Folding Commode — Best Foldable Commode
Bucket Style Camping Toilets
- Stansport Bucket Style Portable Outdoor Toilet Set — Best Bucket Toilet
- Stansport Easy-Go Portable Camp Toilet — Best For Privacy
- Camco Portable Toilet Bucket with Seat and Lid Attachment — Best Basic Toilet
Camping Commode: Best of Both Worlds?
- Spotlight Review: Cabela’s Camp Commode Camping Toilet — Most Comfortable
Portable Toilets
- Thetford Porta Potti 135 — Most User-Friendly
- Porta Potti Curve — Best Modern Style
- Camco (41541) Portable Travel Toilet— Best Budget Choice
Cleanwaste Go Anywhere Portable Toilet System — Best Camping Toilet Overall
Specs
This portable toilet requires no assembly and is made from UV resistant plastic; this makes it both highly durable and easy to clean. It’s lightweight and easy to transport, weighing only 7 pounds and has a surprisingly high weight capacity, supporting 500 pounds. At 15 inches x 17 inches, it folds into a compact package and has an easy-carry handle.
The toilet has three folding legs that lock into place and has a round-edged seat, making it comfortable to sit on. A mesh bag holds the waste bag in place so you can go about your business with no fuss. You would, however, need to make sure you attach the bag properly to avoid any awkward situations.
Disposing of the waste is easy, as the waste bag, known as the WAG Bag, comes preloaded with Pooh Powder. This powder will solidify your liquid waste, prevent odors, and has a decay catalyst that initiates decomposition. It also comes with a biodegradable zip-close disposal bag that you can throw in the trash bin.
The Verdict
You won’t want to go anywhere without this portable toilet! It’s convenient, with an easy setup that can be done in seconds. Its sturdy design means that you can use it indoors, outdoors, and even on boats. It comes with a nifty mess-free mesh bag holder that will prevent the WAG bag from falling out and spilling. With this portable toilet by your side, you’ll never have to worry about having to dig a hole or leave your tent’s safety at night.
In Summary
Whether you’re going hiking, fishing, or camping at a campsite, the Cleanwaste Go Anywhere Portable Toilet System will be easy to take along, as it weighs only 7lbs. You won’t have to worry about where to store it, as it folds into a square the size of a briefcase. This toilet is literally no-mess, no-fuss; the strong mesh bag holds the waste bag in place so it won’t be moving around.
Go Anywhere Portable Toilet System — Best Upgradable Toilet System
Specs
This system is a complete camping toilet set. You’ll receive a portable toilet, a privacy shelter, waste bags, and a backpack for storage. The enclosure is light, easy to set up, weighs only 18 pounds, and is 78 inches tall. It has a 4 x 4-foot floorless base and a 64-inch privacy door that zips closed so nobody can surprise you.
The privacy shelter has screened window flaps that allow for ventilation. It’s multi-purpose and can be used as a changing room or shower, as well as a toilet stall. It comes with handy storage pouches so you can leave your hand wash, hand lotion, or extra toilet paper in it.
The backpack is large, fitting the portable toilet (15 inches x 17 inches) and the privacy shelter, which folds into a rectangle of 28 x 6 inches, as well as holding 15 waste kits. After all that, it still has space for extra toilet paper.
The Verdict
I love this set’s backpack, as it makes trips easier and more convenient. You don’t need to carry individual bags for everything, so it’s a real space saver. When you go for a day hike, you can simply pick it up and know that everything is in there. It’s lightweight, takes minutes to set up, and is far more comfortable than squatting or using an outhouse.
What makes this product really unique is the space. You won’t have to worry about your knees rubbing up against the sides. It also has the best value for money when you buy the complete set—it can be more expensive when you purchase the items separately.
In Summary
This is our best upgradable toilet system, as it comes with the privacy shelter, backpack, and 15 waste kits. It’s quick to set up and easy enough for one person to do alone. The backpack is lightweight (even when fully packed), and you can take it with you whichever adventure you’re on.
Green Elephant Folding Commode — Best Foldable Commode
Specs
This foldable commode is extremely light, weighing only 3.5 pounds, and can be used in conjunction with a 2-gallon bucket or disposable waste bags. When in a seat-down position, its height is non-adjustable and sits at 15.3 inches from the ground. The front-to-back seat width is 15.7 inches, and the side-to-side width is 15 inches. The opening is 10.2 inches x 8.6 inches, which is fairly spacious.
This toilet is very easy to keep clean. The waste bag will cover the seat completely and is held down by your body weight. It’s recommended to use the Green Elephant 8-gallon replacement bag; however, you can use any other 8-gallon waste bags.
It features a long-lasting plastic seat with a stainless steel frame that can handle 250 pounds of weight. The legs have rubber on the tips to prevent slipping. It folds quickly and easily, and it has a locking mechanism that will keep it closed.
The Verdict
This foldable toilet has a well-built, easy folding mechanism that locks when opened into the seat-down position. It’s sturdy, non-slip, and also allows for easy disposal of waste. Due to its next-to-nothing weight, it’s easy to carry and can be stored virtually anywhere as it folds flat.
You can use a 2-gallon bucket or disposable waste bags which will fit over the toilet seat; this also means that the seat will never come into contact with waste, making it quite hygienic as well.
In Summary
The Green Elephant Folding Commode is our best foldable commode as it’s extremely lightweight. It offers flexibility for your situation, as it can be used with either a 2-gallon bucket or an 8-gallon waste bag. It’s great for space-saving, as it folds down flat and fits easily under a bed or behind a car seat.
This portable commode is hard-wearing and durable due to its stainless steel frame and comes with an easy, useful lock mechanism. You won’t have to worry about cleaning as the bag fits snugly over the seat, and your body weight will hold it in place.
Stansport Bucket Style Portable Outdoor Toilet Set — Best Bucket Toilet
Specs
The Stansport bucket-style toilet weighs hardly anything, and the bucket base has the capacity to hold up to 5 gallons of waste. Made from strong plastic, it will easily support 300 pounds. It’s compatible with waste bags that are 21.5 inches x 18 inches, or you can use most 13, 10, or 8-gallon waste bags.
It has a hinged lid and a comfortable seat, which helps contain odors. The lid is easy to put on or remove, as it simply clicks on. The handle is strong and durable and makes it easy to carry, whether empty or full.
It’s also very easy to clean. All you need to do is remove the waste bag, dispose of it safely, and wash the bucket with soap and water. You can choose if you would like to use a portable toilet chemical, but it works just as well with just soap.
The Verdict
The Stansport Bucket Style Portable Outdoor Toilet Set is ideal when you need a toilet that is easy to use and requires very little cleaning. It has a large capacity holding up to five gallons of waste, which means you won’t have to clean it daily.
Due to the lightweight and strong handle, you can carry this bucket everywhere, and because it’s compatible with most waste disposal bags, you won’t have to worry about finding one that will fit. Its clip-on lid and seat help to prevent odor and make this bucket style toilet very easy to clean.
In Summary
The Stansport Bucket Style Portable Outdoor Toilet Set is our pick for the best bucket toilet as it’s solid and can support a weight of up to 300 pounds. It’s easy to set up, and you’d just need to insert the disposable waste bag and clip the seat and lid into place.
If you prefer not to use chemicals with your outdoor bucket toilet, then you’ll be happy with this one as it can be used without them. Once you’ve used the toilet, close the lid to help prevent any odor. The waste bag sits inside the bucket toilet, making it easy to clean and prevent any mess.
Stansport Easy-Go Portable Camp Toilet — Best For Privacy
Specs
This portable bucket outdoor toilet is 14 inches x 14 inches, is light, and has built-in handles for easy carting around. It has a full-sized toilet seat, which is contoured for comfort. It features a storage compartment at the back, where you can keep your disposable waste bags within easy reach for when you need to replace one.
The Stansport Bucket is made from thick, hard, high-quality plastic, and is very rigid so you won’t topple over while busy. It’s self-contained, and the disposable waste bags are easy to insert. Just four simple clips help keep everything in place.
It’s effortless to use—just flip the lid and do what you need to do. It may look small, but it can handle a weight of up to 350 pounds.
The Verdict
The Stansport Easy-Go Portable toilet is one of the more aesthetic options, and with the lid down, most people won’t even realize that it’s a toilet. I love the fact that it has a full-sized toilet seat for home-style comfort. The storage compartment is a nice touch, as you don’t have to go far to replace the bag.
Its design makes it convenient and user-friendly. Made from strong, thick plastic, you’ll find this toilet very reliable and comfortable to use, and it won’t overturn, which is always a good thing with a toilet. A little trick is to use kitty-litter to help absorb liquids.
In Summary
The Stansport Easy-Go Portable toilet is our best camping toilet for privacy. It’s easy to move to wherever you need it so you can have some space. The design of this portable toilet is deceiving but aesthetically-pleasing—it doesn’t look like a toilet until you lift the lid.
It’s super easy to clean, as the bowl is removable; this is a great benefit, in case you run out of disposable bags on your camping trip. If this happens, you can use the bowl without a bag—all you need is some soap and water to clean up afterward.
With its full-sized seat and contours, using this will make you feel like you’re in the comfort of your own home. Made from very resilient plastic, you won’t have to worry about weight as it can support up to 350 pounds. It’s very stable, so you won’t be interrupted by wobbling while taking care of business.
Camco Portable Toilet Bucket with Seat and Lid Attachment — Best Basic Toilet
Specs
This is a simple design portable toilet bucket that only weighs 4 pounds and is 13.4 inches x 16.1 inches x 13.8 inches in size. It’s made from hard-wearing, easy to clean, UV-resistant plastic, and due to its round base, it is very sturdy wherever it’s placed.
The Camco portable toilet has a capacity of 5 gallons, and most waste liners will fit it. The seat and lid attachment fits snugly and very securely to the rim of the bucket. The seat closes tightly on the rim so that there’s no spillage. It has an easy to carry handle so you can take it anywhere for emptying.
The Verdict
For all of its simplicity, this is an excellent choice as both the exterior and interior are very easy to clean. The lid fits tightly over the bucket’s rim, ensuring that the waste bag doesn’t move and also seals in any odors. Even when it’s full to its capacity of 5 gallons, it‘s still lightweight and easy to carry.
The lid and seat combination make it easy and comfortable to use. There’s extra protection from spillage if it’s accidentally knocked over, as it seals tightly. It’s extremely durable, and with UV protection plastic, it won’t succumb to wear and tear from direct sunlight.
In Summary
The Camco Portable Toilet Bucket with Seat and Lid Attachment is our best basic toilet. With this one, you won’t have to worry about changing the contents every day due to its 5-gallon capacity.
Its round base means you can put it anywhere and not have to worry about the bucket wobbling. At 13.4 inches x 16.1 inches x 13.8 inches, it’s not too low to the ground, making it easy to use by all.
Spotlight Review: Cabela’s Camp Commode Camping Toilet — Most Comfortable
Specs
The Cabela’s Camp Commode Camping Toilet has foam-padded, thick polyester armrests and a backrest. It also has a pop-up table on the side so that you can store your hand-wash, and toilet freshener, or mosquito repellent. There’s also a mesh pouch on the opposite side to store your toilet paper. The toilet seat is round and closes tightly, with a strap that clicks into place to keep it from opening.
It’s 14 inches in length, with a width of 8 inches, and is 17.5 inches from the ground to the seat. The seat-to-ground ratio means that you can use a bucket with a capacity of up to 6 gallons.
Made from aluminum, the chair part of this toilet is strong and can support weight up to 300 pounds, as well as only weighing 12.8 pounds. It folds down to 33 x 6.5 inches and will fit in all types of vehicles.
The Verdict
I’m a fan of the Cabela’s Camp Commode Camping Toilet, as it has added comfort features. The foam-padded armrest, backrest, pop-up side table, and mesh toilet paper pouch make life easier and more comfortable, and you won’t need to worry about where you left the TP.
The ground-to-seat height of 17.5 inches means a 6-gallon bucket can fit under it and makes it easy and comfortable to use, regardless of how tall you are. Due to its aluminum frame, it’s sturdy and robust, holding a weight capacity of 300 pounds.
The whole chair is lightweight and folds down nicely, making it very easy to carry or store, and with the seat locked into place, you won’t have to worry about odors.
In Summary
Cabela’s Camp Commode Camping Toilet is the most comfortable portable toilet, and its design means that it can be used in most privacy shelters. You may find it hard to leave the comfort of this toilet, as it sports a padded armrest and backrest. With a side shelf and mesh pouch to store your toilet valuables, you won’t have to look around for an air freshener or worry about dropping the toilet paper.
With a great ground-to-seat height, you can use a bigger bucket, which means fewer trips to empty it. The round toilet seat is comfortable and has a convenient locking mechanism to keep the lid tightly shut, preventing any odor. When it’s time to leave, this light and easily collapsible chair will take seconds to fold.
Thetford Porta Potti 135 — Most User-Friendly
Specs
This portable toilet has a height of 15 inches when its lid is closed. It’s 13.5 inches x 12.1 inches and weighs only eight pounds. It comes with a freshwater tank with a capacity of 2.6 gallons for flushing and a waste tank that holds 2.6 gallons; this will give you an impressive 27 flushes before having to refill the water tank.
It’s made from durable plastic, but is still light and has a functional carry handle, making it easy to move about when you need to empty it. It can support a weight of up to 250 pounds. If you want to check how full it is, all you have to do is pull the slide handle of the trap and take a peek.
The wastewater tank comes with a seal valve and has a pour-out spout that rotates. The lid latches when you close it. The seat and cover are removable, which makes cleaning it a breeze. This toilet also comes with a 3-year warranty.
The Verdict
The Thetford Porta Potti 135 has been given a facelift and has a contemporary look and feel about it. I love the convenience it offers by being able to flush, and the 2.6-gallon water tank allows for 27 flushes before needing to be refilled. You’ll need to keep an eye out for how full the waste tank gets as it doesn’t have an indicator to let you know when it’s getting full.
The sturdy handle makes it easy to carry, and the pour-out spout can rotate to an angle that will make it easy for you to empty. The seat and lid are easily removed without much effort and makes cleaning simple.
In Summary
The Thetford Porta Potti 135 is by far the most user-friendly portable toilet. The design of the handle, as well as the removable seat and lid, make this easy for carrying, emptying, and cleaning.
It’s also really convenient—you don’t need to worry about replacing waste bags because, with the 2.6-gallon water tank, you’re able to flush.
It’s small and light, with no assembly required. Before you use it, just add your water and a portable toilet chemical (if you wish) and start using it.
Porta Potti Curve — Best Modern Style
The Porta Potti Curve has a height of 17-⅝ inches when the lid is closed, with a width of 15-¼ inches. The larger bowl offers a depth of 17-¾ inches, and it only weighs 10 pounds. This fashionable toilet offers better flushing, as it’s battery-powered. The freshwater tank capacity is 4 gallons, while the wastewater holds 5.5 gallons.
If that wasn’t enough, this toilet boasts a flush lever, built-in toilet paper roll holder, and will let you know when the levels of both tanks are reaching capacity, as it comes with indicators. The toilet has a sealed valve, to prevent odors. The flushing system allows for an impressive 56 flush on a tank—all it takes to power this feature is six double-A batteries.
Cleaning this toilet is quick and easy. It comes with a pour-out spout that allows for easy rotation and emptying without the contents splashing.
The Verdict
The fresh look of this toilet is unique, and the larger bowl makes life and toilet-business more convenient. You won’t have any difficulty using it; with a height of 17-⅝ inches, you don’t have to get down too low.
Both tanks have an increased capacity. The 4-gallon freshwater tank will give you 56 flushes before having to refill. It’s easier to manage the tanks’ levels, as this toilet comes with indicators, and the pour-out spout makes it super easy to empty. This stylish toilet is light and compact, which means you can take it with you anywhere.
In Summary
The Porta Potti Curve is our best modern style camping toilet. With a fashionable look and feel, this toilet comes with a bigger bowl, and at the height of 17-⅝ inches high, you’ll find it quite comfortable to use. There’s no need to look for toilet paper or worry about forgetting to bring some, as this has a built-in toilet paper holder.
It offers convenience if camping in larger groups. Batteries power the flush, and with the larger freshwater tank capacity, you can get up to 56 flushes before having to refill it. Keeping an eye on the tanks is easy, as this toilet comes with indicators that let you know when it’s time to empty or refill.
Camco (41541) Portable Travel Toilet— Best Budget Choice
Specs
This toilet has a Bellow flush system and is made from resin, which is tough and long-lasting and can support up to 330 pounds. The toilet size is 15.5 inches x 14 inches x 16 inches, and the seat width is 13 inches, with the inside of the seat having an 8.5-inch width and 9-inch diameter. It only weighs 11 pounds and has sturdy handles to carry it.
It has a detachable holding tank with a 5.3-gallon capacity and a flush tank with a 2.5-gallon capacity. The removable waste tank has an outgoing valve to make getting rid of waste easy. To lock odors in, it uses sealed sliding valves; these also safeguard against spillage or leakage. It’s secured with side latches to keep the tanks in place.
The Verdict
This toilet allows the waste tank to detach, making carrying it easy when you need to get rid of the waste. With the bellow-flushing system, you won’t have to worry about batteries dying or a pump malfunction. The sealed sliding valves ensure that odors don’t escape and that there’s no spillage.
With a 5.3-gallon capacity and a flush tank with a 2.5-gallon capacity, you can be sure that you won’t have to wander far at night to use the toilet. This one is easy to carry, and its size means that it won’t be in your way. It’s also easy to transport.
In Summary
The Camco (41541) Portable Travel Toilet is our best budget choice, as you won’t ever have to worry about replacing pumps or batteries. When you need to get rid of your waste, it has been made easy as all you need to do is detach the waste tank and empty it.
Choosing the Best Camping Toilet
When I set out on my research, there were a number of factors that I took into account which are:
- Size & Portability.
- Waste Storage.
- Privacy.
Size & Portability
When you’re considering buying a portable toilet, size is a factor to consider. It may vary based on the size of the family, or if it will be kid-friendly. It should be small and light enough for you to carry, should you want to take it with you on a day hike. You also want to make sure that the waste capacity would cater to your needs while camping.
If you have a privacy shelter, you need to make sure that the toilet you choose would be able to fit inside and still have some room around it. It’s important to have durable handles that won’t break from wear and tear while you’re carrying it.
If you’re going to have the toilet inside a camper van, storage space is going to play a big part in making your decision. You need something that would be space-saving, or at least be able to be stored in a cupboard or under the bed.
The last thing you want is a portable toilet that’s too heavy to carry. Look at the weight of the product and consider how heavy it will be once it’s full.
Privacy
We all need privacy when we go to the bathroom, especially if you suffer from a shy bladder. The best thing to consider when buying your portable toilet is whether it would fit into a privacy shelter, tent, camper van, or RV.
Most toilets are small enough to fit into privacy shelters and tents. However, if you’re hiking and taking your toilet with you, you’re going to have to try and hide behind a tree when nature calls.
The activities you plan to do will also indicate the level of privacy that you may need. Some portable toilets can be bought together with privacy shelters and carry bags, which will just make your life easier.
Waste Storage
When it comes to disposing of waste, the easier, the better; do you want a portable toilet that means you have to mix cleaning chemicals, or would you prefer one that doesn’t need them?
Are you comfortable with tipping the waste out, or are biodegradable waste bags containing Pooh Powder more up your alley of comfort? I’d have to say that it comes down to your personal preference and what makes you comfortable.
When it comes to disposing of your waste bags, you can’t just throw them away in the trash bin. Depending on where you are, the law will vary, and it’s always best to confirm with the local land management agency before you go on your trip. They’ll advise you on the best and proper way to get rid of your waste.
Tips for Using a Camping Toilet
When setting up your camp, there are a few things you can do to make your life easier.
Create a Space
If yours isn’t a toilet system with a shelter, create one (if you’re settled and aren’t going to be moving around too much). Create a space for your portable toilet that’s still close enough to get to in the dark, but is away from food preparation or where it could get knocked over.
If it’s going to be stationed outside and you don’t have a privacy shelter, try and get some protection from an awning or trees that will prevent direct sunlight or keep you from getting soaking wet if it rains.
Ensure that the waste is sealed completely, as you really don’t want to invite a bear or other animals over for dinner unwittingly. Keep toilet paper in a bag and close to the toilet, so that it’s easily accessible, dirt-free, and dry.
Keep It Clean
Most portable toilets are designed to stay as clean as possible and to make sure that waste bags don’t slip. Even with this, it’s always a good idea to use warm water and soap to wash your portable toilet, or if you want to, use a sanitizer.
If you’re using a flushable toilet, you can purchase chemicals to add to the tanks that will help break down the waste. It will help if you flush your waste tank with water after you empty it.
Empty It Before It Needs to Be Emptied
Depending on the type of portable toilet you decide to go with, you’ll have to keep an eye on the level. Some flushable toilets come with tank level indicators that will show you when it needs to be emptied, others you may have to peek in to see where the level is. It’s always best not to let it get too full.
If you’re using disposable waste bags, some campers have said that they like to double up on the bag, just as a precaution against breakage; this is entirely up to you. You would need to consider the capacity of your waste bag, the size of the camping group, and how long you plan on camping, for your own needs.
Conclusion
The Cleanwaste Go Anywhere Portable Toilet System is the winner for the best folding portable camping toilet. It’s one of the lighter toilets in its category, is easy to use, made from UV-resistant plastic, and it’s tough enough for all camping and outdoor excursions. With a weight capacity of 500 pounds, you can rest easy, knowing this toilet won’t give in while using it.
The Stansport Bucket Style Portable Outdoor Toilet Set is my pick for the Best Bucket Toilet. It can hold 5 gallons of waste, is made from strong plastic, and is easy to set up. All you need to do is insert the bag, clip the seat into place, and it’s ready to use. This toilet is easy to carry and supports 300 pounds in weight.
Cabela’s Camp Commode Camping Toilet is my top choice for the commode camping toilet. This commode is extremely comfortable as it comes with foam-padded armrests and backrest. You won’t have to worry about storage as it has a pop-up table on the side so that you can store your toiletries. The toilet paper won’t go missing in the middle of the night as it has a mesh pouch to store it in. It has an impressive ground-to-seat ratio of 17. 5 inches, which means anyone will enjoy using it. Made from aluminum, the chair part of this toilet is strong and can support weight up to 300 pounds, as well as only weighing 12.8 pounds.
Porta Potti Curve is my recommendation for the best portable toilet, especially if you are camping as a large group. This impressive portable toilet has a freshwater tank capacity of 4 gallons, holds 5.5 gallons of waste will, and gives you up to 56 flushes. It has level indicators for each tank, so there is no need to open a flap and peek inside the container. When empty, it weighs only 10 pounds, and with a height of 17-⅝ inches when the lid is closed, you can store it virtually anywhere. There’s no need to look for toilet paper or worry about forgetting to bring some, as this has a built-in toilet paper holder.
Whatever your portable toilet needs, there is an option on this list that will meet your requirements. Happy camping!
