When camping, managing human waste properly is essential for hygiene, comfort, and protecting the environment. Options range from using campground restrooms to carrying your own portable toilet or digging a cathole. This guide covers the main types, Leave No Trace guidelines, and how to handle waste safely.
Using Campground Restrooms When Available
The simplest option is a campground restroom. Many developed campgrounds offer flush toilets, pit toilets, or vault toilets. When these are available and well-maintained, use them. They reduce your impact on the surrounding area and simplify waste management. Always check the campground amenities before your trip. If restrooms are present, follow posted rules about flushing, trash, and cleaning. Keep the facilities clean for the next user. Carry your own hand sanitizer or soap and water, as restrooms may not always be stocked.
Portable Flush Toilets
Portable flush toilets, often called cassette toilets, have a fresh water tank for flushing and a separate waste tank. They operate much like a home toilet but are self-contained and portable. These are popular for family car camping, RV travel without a built-in toilet, or for use in a privacy shelter. The waste tank must be emptied at a designated dump station or RV sanitation station. Never empty it into a lake, stream, or campground drain. Some models use a hand pump or electric pump for flushing. You can find portable camping toilets in various sizes. Choose one that fits your vehicle and camping style. Consider the capacity of the waste tank and how often you are willing to empty it. A larger tank means fewer trips to the dump station but more weight to carry.
Bucket Toilets with Waste Bags
A bucket toilet is a simple, low-cost solution. It consists of a standard bucket with a snap-on toilet seat and disposable waste bags. The bags often contain a gelling agent or powder that solidifies liquid waste and controls odor. After use, you seal the bag and pack it out. This type is lightweight and easy to store. It works well for car camping, tent camping, or as a backup. For privacy, set up a privacy shelter around the bucket. Dispose of the sealed waste bags only in designated trash receptacles or dump stations. Check local regulations; some areas require you to pack out all waste, including these bags, and dispose of them at home or at a proper facility.
Privacy Shelters
A privacy shelter is a pop-up tent or enclosure that provides a private space for using your toilet. It can be used with any toilet type, from a portable flush toilet to a bucket or even a simple cathole setup. Privacy shelters are lightweight, easy to set up, and fold flat for storage. Place the shelter in a discreet spot away from your cooking and sleeping areas, and always at least 200 feet from water sources. Stake it down if wind is a concern. Some shelters have a floor, while others are open to the ground. Choose one that suits your needs and the terrain.
Digging Catholes (Leave No Trace)
In backcountry areas where regulations allow, digging a cathole is the standard method for disposing of human waste. The Leave No Trace Seven Principles provide detailed guidance: Leave No Trace Seven Principles. Key rules include:
- Dig a hole 6 to 8 inches deep (about the length of a trowel blade).
- Locate the cathole at least 200 feet (about 70 adult paces) from water sources, trails, and your camp.
- Choose a spot with organic soil that can decompose waste. Avoid rocky or sandy ground.
- After use, cover the hole with the original soil and disguise it with natural debris.
- Pack out all toilet paper and hygiene products in a sealable bag. Do not bury them.
Catholes are not appropriate in high-use areas, fragile deserts, or where land managers require packing out waste. Always check local regulations before relying on this method.
Areas That Require Packing Out Human Waste
Some popular camping areas, river corridors, deserts, and alpine zones require you to pack out all human waste. This is common in places with fragile soils, limited decomposition, or heavy use. In these areas, you must use a portable toilet or waste bag system and carry the sealed waste out with you. Disposal is typically at a designated dump station, a trash receptacle that accepts waste bags, or at home following local guidelines. Research the land manager rules for your destination. Many national parks, wilderness areas, and state parks have specific regulations posted online or at the trailhead.
Disposing of Waste Bags and Cassette Contents
Proper disposal is critical for safety and the environment. Only empty waste into designated dump stations, RV sanitation stations, or trash receptacles that accept human waste. Never empty into lakes, streams, campground drains, or regular trash cans that are not approved for waste bags. Dump stations are often found at campgrounds, RV parks, and some gas stations. For cassette toilets, use the dump station’s rinse hose to clean the tank. For waste bags, seal them tightly and place them in a trash bin that is specifically labeled for human waste, or pack them out to a proper disposal facility. Follow all local health and land management rules.
Hand Hygiene and Toilet Paper
Hand hygiene is non-negotiable. Carry hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, or bring a small bottle of biodegradable soap and a water container. Wash or sanitize your hands immediately after handling any waste-related items. For toilet paper, the best practice is to pack it out. Use a small sealable bag to store used toilet paper. Do not bury toilet paper, as it takes a long time to decompose and can be dug up by animals. If you must use wipes, choose biodegradable ones and pack them out as well. Never flush wipes in a portable toilet or dump station; they can cause clogs.
Common Mistakes
- Not checking regulations: Each campground, park, or wilderness area has its own rules. Failing to check can lead to fines or environmental damage.
- Emptying waste improperly: Dumping cassette contents or waste bags into a lake, stream, or regular trash can is unsanitary and often illegal.
- Using too much toilet paper: Excess TP fills up waste bags quickly and creates more trash to pack out. Use sparingly.
- Digging a cathole too shallow: A shallow hole may be uncovered by animals or fail to decompose waste properly. Follow the 6–8 inch guideline.
- Forgetting hand sanitizer: Without it, you risk spreading germs to your food and gear.
- Not packing out TP: Burying toilet paper is not recommended in most areas. Always pack it out.
FAQ
Can I bury toilet paper in a cathole?
Leave No Trace recommends packing out all toilet paper. Even biodegradable paper takes a long time to break down in many environments and can be dug up by animals. Use a sealable bag to carry it out.
What if there are no dump stations near my campsite?
If you are using a portable flush toilet or waste bags, you may need to pack the waste out to a dump station or approved disposal facility. Some campgrounds have designated bins for waste bags. Plan your route accordingly. In remote areas, you may need to use catholes instead, if regulations allow.
Is a portable toilet worth it for car camping?
Many car campers find portable toilets convenient, especially at night or when restrooms are far away. They add comfort and reduce the need to walk to a shared facility. Choose a model that fits your vehicle and camping style. Consider how often you will need to empty it.
How do I clean a portable toilet?
After emptying the waste tank at a dump station, rinse it with fresh water. Use a specialized toilet cleaner or a mild bleach solution (follow the manufacturer’s instructions). Clean the seat and exterior with disinfectant wipes or soapy water. Allow parts to dry before storing.
Choosing the right toilet option for your camping trip depends on the type of camping you do, local regulations, and your comfort preferences. Always follow Leave No Trace principles and land manager rules. Prioritize hygiene by carrying hand sanitizer and packing out all waste. With the right preparation, you can manage human waste responsibly and enjoy your time outdoors.
