Camping Gear: Best Portable Toilets On The Market — Update
There is one thing that always irritates when camping – making the inevitable trips to the toilet. It always seems like all campsites set up the bathrooms at the extreme ends of their grounds. When nature calls, you have no choice but to stumble your way around the dark trying to navigate through tents or RVs to make it to the facilities. Worse yet is camping in the great outdoors where there are no facilities available.
The obvious solution is to go for portable toilets which are designed for use virtually anywhere. We searched and came up with a list of the best camping toilet reviews.
Related Articles:
Best Portable Toilets For Camping Comparison
The below links will bring you to Amazon:
- Camco Standard Travel Toilet — Our top pick!
- Hassock Portable Toilet — Best For Outdoors
- Porta Potti Portable Toilet For RV Camping By Thetford
- Palm Springs 5 Gal Outdoor — Camping Toilet
- Nature’s Head Self Contained Camping Composting Toilet
- Thetford Cassette Toilet
On To Our Camping Toilet Reviews
The products we reviewed made the cut based on the mentioned features, customer reviews, and their ability to give you the best value for your money.
1. Camco Standard Travel Toilet — Our top pick!
No products found.
Our highlights:
- Flush model.
- Self-contained unit.
- It is one of the highest rated portable potties on Amazon.
- Much like a household toilet, it offers maximum and convenience.
Who should buy it:
- Long duration campers.
- RV, trailer, boat, and homestead owners.
The Camco toilet meets the needs of regular and long-term camping. It is a self-contained portable toilet with lightweight construction and amply-sized holding tank. Top and side placed handles make the outdoor loo more convenient to transport.
It comes with a top placement for the water tank which makes it quite heavy when filled. When using it inside a recreational vehicle, it needs securing to prevent it from topping over when in motion.
Some Awesome Features:
- There are 5.3 and 2.6-gallon detachable holding tank options. Each comes with a 2.5-gallon flush tank with an easy-drain cap.
- Sealing valves, which slide to lock, help to seal odors in and prevent leakages.
- It comes with sturdy construction and a bellow-flush mechanism.
- The unit measures 15.5 (H) by 14 (W) by 16 (D) inches.
- It supports a maximum weight of 330 lbs, and the width of the seat is 13 inches.
- Side latches attach the waste tank to the flush tank.
- Integrated side and top handles make it easier to transport.
- The unit is made using polyethylene making it highly durable.
- It is also available in standard and premium size options.
- The deal includes a pack of Camco’s TST biodegradable chemical to minimize odors.
2. Hassock Portable Toilet — Best For Outdoors
No products found.
What we like:
- It is lightweight, weighing just 5 pounds.
- A contoured seat makes it more comfortable.
- It comes with a five-year warranty.
Who should get it?
- Fishers and hunters.
- Hikers.
This lightweight bucket toilet is not only suitable for the outdoors but also for anyone putting together a disaster preparedness kit. However, it is not the highest porta potty which means sitting much lower and closer to the ground.
Some notable features:
- The package includes a packet of Eco-Fresh to help with odor neutralizing.
- A contoured seat design offers added comfort.
- The commode also comes with an inner splash cover as well as toilet paper holder.
- It includes an inner bucket which is removable making it easier to dispose of waste.
- The portable toilet can accommodate Reliance Double Doodle waste bag liners or regular trash bags for a less messy experience.
- Its dimensions are 14 (H) by 14.7 (W) by 14.7 (D) inches and weighs in at just 5 lbs.
- The product is backed up by a 5-year warranty.
3. Porta Potti Portable Toilet For RV Camping By Thetford
No products found.
Our highlights:
- Features a sturdy and sleek, modern design
- It is an award-winning porta potty.
- The camping toilet is leak-proof and odorless.
Who is it for?
- RVers and truckers.
- Cabin campers.
The Porta Potti looks very different from most outdoor toilets and looks much like your indoor sleek, modern lavatory. The extent of its uses includes home/bedside, healthcare, marine, and toddler training. It suits a small group of people with a 5.5-gallon waste capacity.
It uses a battery-powered flush mechanism which may be troublesome for some people.
Some Cool Features:
- This outdoor loo comes with a 4-gallon flush water tank and a 5.5-gallon waste tank capacity.
- It uses a battery-powered flush system.
- A tank level indicator lets you know when to refill the water tank or empty out the waste.
- It features an ergonomic carry handle as well well as an integrated toilet paper holder.
- Its sealed valve model locks in odors and makes the loo leak-proof as well.
- A rotating drain-out spout with a cap seal makes it easy to empty and minimizes the mess too.
- An optional hold down kit secures this porta toilet in place.
- The Thetford measures 18 (H) by 18 (D) by 16 (W).
4. Palm Springs 5 Gal Outdoor — Camping Toilet
No products found.
What we like:
- It comes with a full-size seat.
- The most reasonably flushed toilet on our list.
- It is self-contained.
Who should buy it?
- Recreational vehicle users.
- Tent/cabin campers.
This outdoor toilet would make anyone feel right at home when going about their business. Its flushing system is lacking and does not get the job done quite as you would expect.
However, its reasonable price and with the help the right cleaning supplies you might be able to overlook the flushing coverage.
Some Noteworthy Features:
- This portable john features sturdy construction with a full-size seat with a lid.
- It uses a push-button flushing system similar to standard residential toilets.
- The camping loo comes in a one-piece design with a 3-gallon holding water tank and a 5-gallon waste water tank.
- Corrosion-resistant heavy-duty side latches lock the two tanks together.
- A double-sealed drain valve prevents leakages and seals in odors.
- The outer casing made out of high-density polyethylene features a matte finish helping to keep it relatively scratch-free.
- It also includes a built-in handle.
- Its dimensions are 16.5 (H) by 13.5 (W) by 12 (D) inches and it weighs 9.75 lbs when it is empty.
5. Nature’s Head Self Contained Camping Composting Toilet
No products found.
Our highlights:
- Full-size elongated seat with lid.
- It features a fan and vent hose.
- It is USA-made and designed for marine use.
Who is it for?
- Boat and trailer users.
- Cabins and off-the-grid shelters.
This portable toilet comes designed for use on land, road or the water. It is the most expensive on our list and requires floor installation. The portable lavatory would best serve the needs of he off-the-grid vacation cabin or campsite cabin with no existent plumbing system.
Its compositing design allows the disposal of waste in a more hygienic and eco-friendly way.It comes with a short venting hose which limits its placement, and you must open the seat to empty it out.
Some Cool Features:
- It comes with all stainless steel hardware.
- A fan and vent hose come with the package.
- Its elongated full-size seat provides added comfort.
- The fan is battery-powered.
- The lavatory also features a spider-style compositing handle on the side.
- Its dimensions are 22 by 20.5 by 21.7 inches, and it weighs 28 lbs.
6. Thetford Cassette Toilet
No products found.
What we like:
- It comes with a wheeled holding tank.
- The Cassette toilet supports both right and left installment.
Who should buy it?
- Rv’ers and truckers
- Cabin campers.
- Portable restroom
As the only Cassette Toilet on our list, this convenient portable WC comes with a bench-style design. The wheeled holding tank makes it easy to move around and set up in your desired location.
Some Notable Features:
- It comes with a removable working mechanism making the holding tank more accessible for easy cleaning and maintenance.
- The toilet comes with a 5.1-gallon waste tank and a 4-gallon flush water tank.
- An LED display indicator shows the waste tank levels.
- It uses an electric push-button flushing system.
- An integrated pour spout makes it easy to drain this portable lavatory.
Top Features To Aim For When Buying A Camping Compositing Toilet
The ideal portable camping toilet will ideally combine comfort, convenience, and durability. Overall, you want a portable toilet that will solve all of your bathroom problems when camping.
What Should You Look For In a Camping Potty?
Beyond saving you the inconvenience of possibly having to go behind a tree, they should also serve as a valuable investment in your overall camping experience. Some of the not so obvious considerations include easy setup, hygiene, cleanliness, and odors.
You want an outdoor bathroom that you can setup and use within no time. When anyone mentions a toilet, questions about hygiene always come to mind. You want an outdoor potty that you can quickly empty out and clean with ease. The issue of odors and possible leaks should also guide your choice, and all these elements are discernable based on the particular product’s features and functions.
The task of buying a toilet for camping starts with determining which type and design would serve you best.
Portable Flushing Toilets
Even when camping in the bush, we all still want a given level of comfort, and the portable flush toilet is considered an outdoor deluxe luxury. They look pretty much like any other regular toilet and offer a high level of comfort and sturdiness.
The flush models are self-contained, which is usually a requirement in some campsites. However, they come in varying heights, and some may need a pedestal to raise them to a comfortable height.
Much like your conventional toilet, you can flush this portable loo which sends the waste to a containment area. The residue is easy to dump out, and the outdoor bathroom can accommodate chemicals to minimize odors.
Other Types Of Camping Toilets
In general, you will come across four main types of portable toilets including the flush toilets mentioned above as well as bucket, collapsible and cassette designs.
Bucket-Style
In essence, the commode pail is just a toilet seat placed atop a specially made waste bucket. These varieties are often relatively sturdy and do not tip over easily like other camping toilets. Their height is also comfortable for an adult but might be too tall for smaller children.
Unfortunately, most toilet buckets do not come with lids, and they exclude a flushing mechanism. That means that they are the most pungent options and are not suitable for use in a tent/trailer. It also means having to use removable liners to make cleaning easier and biodegradable tissue paper to eliminate smells.
You will need a strong stomach when emptying the bucket potty.
Collapsible
As implied, these units feature foldable legs making them highly portable and the best space savers. When unfolded for use, they usually go over a hole dug out in the ground or a bag is placed underneath it to collect the waste.
Most come with three legs which does not make them the sturdiest of options. The foldable toilets can become quite pungent and should ideally be placed far away from the tent/trailer.
While you can place odor eliminators in some of the collapsible toilet waste bags, they prove to be quite messy during removal.
Cassette Toilets
These types of portable toilets require factory rig installation or retrofitting in your desired location. The process involves the creation of an outside access panel and matching it up with the dimensions of the bathroom panel inside.
When it comes to camping, they may be an option for use in cabins/cottages. They appear much like a permanent installation and do not require sewerage connections or separate black tanks.
Number of Users for a Portable bathroom
One of the critical concerns when buying a portable bathroom is its ability to accommodate several users. In fact, most camping toilet buyers are usually families or small group of friends.
The unit should factor in the weight of the users and waste containment capacity. Even if only a few users make use of the portable loo, it should have a large enough waste carrying capacity. It means having to empty it less during your stay at camp.
You also want an outdoor lavatory that indicates waste and water levels to let you know when to clear out the containment unit. The flush models would work best for multiple users, but you still want a water efficient model.
Portability
The last thing you want is to get a portable toilet that ends up being a nightmare to transport and setup. It will all depend on the type you go for, but most fall between the 3-pound to 15-pound range.
The construction of an individual product will determine its weight. You ideally want to go for a model made using lightweight material but is still sturdy enough and can stand through harsh weather.
Some also come with several removable parts which could make it a bit of a hassle when setting them up or taking them apart. Collapsible models would be ideal but come with some of the limitations we have mentioned.
Comfort
While you might not intend to spend hours on the bucket reading a paper or even fiddling with your phone in the great outdoors, you still want a comfortable enough experience. The chances are you will take several trips to the bathroom which makes it equally necessary to get a porta potty that allows you to go about your business conveniently.
There are no set criteria to determine the level of satisfaction you will receive from each portable WC. However, elements like the toilet height, seat size, and flushing mechanism ensure a satisfying experience. It does not hurt to go for a portable toilet that guarantees privacy, especially in a group setting.
Price
Anything that is available for sale comes in a selection of different choices with varying price points. It is the same case when it comes to portable toilets.
You might want a toilet that will allow you the luxury you get from your regular loo at home, but your wallet will have the final say. Regardless, there is always one that comes with all the bells and whistles within your budget.
Worth noting is that the size (standard, deluxe or luxury) will also affect the price. Also, models that make use of waste bags come with a recurrent cost making them costlier in the long run. Several brands also offer warranties on their products which protects your purchase in case the unit does not hold up as expected.
The Final Word
The best camping toilet is one that meets all your outdoor bathroom needs. Our reviews outline the best of the best, but you might still want to figure out which one to would best serve your needs.
Anyone who wants a short-term and inexpensive solution should go for the Hassock commode. RV campers and vehicle users looking for a more permanent portable bathroom solution, in general, will find the Porta Potti or Thetford Cassette much more suitable.
The Camco and Palm springs are ideal choices for the tent camper. If you want an environmentally-friendly option, then Nature’s Head Portable loo would work just fine.