The Complete Guide to Using and Caring for Your Portable Camping Toilet
For many campers, one of the key conveniences of modern life sorely missed when out in the wilderness is a clean, private toilet. While this may motivate some to cut camping trips short and head home, the good news is that bringing the bathroom along is possible thanks to portable camping toilets!
Camping toilets allow you to comfortably take care of your business while spending days or weeks off the grid, without resorting to less sanitary options. Just like at home, you can sit, do your thing, flush, and have your waste safely contained without any unwanted sights or smells.
But to keep your portable toilet operating properly throughout your camping adventure, there are some important best practices to follow when setting up, using, and maintaining your camping toilet. Taking a little time to understand how to properly use and care for your portable throne away from home will ensure off-grid bathroom bliss.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to become a portable toilet pro, from initial setup to waste management to storage and cleaning. So read on to master camping toilet basics, learn handy usage tips, and discover the secrets to a fresh, functional portable potty, no matter how deep in the woods you roam!
Setting Up Your Camping Toilet
Assuming you’ve already bought a decent camping toilet, start by choosing a level, stable site to place it on. Stay at least 60 metres from any streams, rivers or other water sources. This helps avoid contaminating natural water.
Next, unpack the portable toilet from its carrying case. Remove any detachable parts like privacy tents or removable side panels.
Read the manufacturer’s instructions. Follow their steps to assemble the toilet components. Connect the toilet seat and bowl unit to the waste tank or cassette.
Position the assembled toilet inside your selected privacy shelter. Unfold any attached legs or stands to stabilise the toilet.
Check that the toilet sits level on the ground. Rocking or tipping could cause leaks or spills.
Add initial chemical preparations and water into the waste tank, if needed for your model. Double check that all seals and valves are tightened closed.
Attach the provided toilet paper holder and add a roll of paper. Also bring spare rolls for later replacement when needed.
Before first use, give your camping toilet a test flush to ensure everything is connected and functioning properly.
Refer back to the manufacturer’s guide anytime you are unsure of proper setup steps. Following their instructions helps ensure your toilet operates safely.
Using Your Camping Toilet
Enter the privacy shelter and lock or zip the door closed. This gives you a private space to use the camping toilet.
Lower your trousers and underpants then sit on the toilet seat just as you would at home. Relax and do your business in the bowl.
After finishing, use the provided toilet paper to wipe thoroughly. Place used paper into the bowl.
Before standing, close the toilet lid or any sliding covers to contain odours.
Now flush the toilet using the foot pedal, hand pump or electric button system. Check the bowl empties fully.
A thorough flush helps move waste into the holding tank and leaves the bowl clean for the next person.
When not in use, keep the camping toilet lid closed and the privacy shelter entrance secured. This prevents insects or animals from entering.
Replenish the toilet paper roll when running low. Having spare rolls avoids anyone being caught short.
Follow the same bathroom hygiene you would at home. Wash hands after using the camping toilet when possible.
Proper toilet usage keeps waste contained and the portable toilet pleasant for everyone in your camping group.
Managing Waste in Your Camping Toilet
For cassette toilet models, slide out the detachable waste cassette tank when full. Grasp the handle and pull smoothly.
Carry the waste cassette to the nearest approved disposal point. These are available at many campsites and service stations.
Position the cassette over the disposal opening. Remove the drain plug and let the contents empty out.
Rinse the empty waste cassette with water. Use a toilet wand to scrub inside if needed.
Refit the drain plug securely and slide the rinsed cassette back into the toilet. Check for any leaks.
For chemical models, open the release valve to drain waste into a suitable container.
Add more chemical and water mixture to the waste tank after draining according to the product instructions.
Dispose of drained waste at designated disposal points. Do not bury waste or release near water sources.
Avoid overfilling waste tanks. Drain regularly for optimal toilet function and to avoid leaks or spills.
Can you poop in a camping toilet?
Yes, you can poop in a camping toilet. In fact, portable camping toilets are specifically designed for safely containing and managing human waste, including poop, while out in the wilderness. Here are some tips on how to poop in a camping toilet:
- Get a portable toilet with a comfortable height toilet seat and bowl design that allows you to sit and poop normally.
- Make sure to provide privacy with a portable tent or shelter enclosure. This allows you to relax and “do your business” comfortably.
- After pooping, use toilet paper as you normally would, and always close the lid before flushing waste into the holding tank.
- Flushing and sealing waste into the tank helps contain odors. Well-designed camping toilets prevent unwanted smells.
- Empty and clean waste tanks at designated stations, not into the environment. Proper disposal of human waste is critical.
- Following the same bathroom manners you would at home keeps the portable toilet pleasant for fellow campers.
So don’t shy away from pooping in your camping toilet. The self-contained, hygienic waste management allows you to confidently poop off the grid, making camping more comfortable and convenient. Just be sure to practice leave no trace principles and clean up properly.
Emptying and Cleaning Your Camping Toilet
Start by emptying any remaining waste from the tank using the steps covered previously.
Spray the inside of the bowl with bathroom cleaner. Scrub the bowl and under the rim with a toilet brush.
Remove the toilet seat and clean thoroughly. Spray both sides with disinfectant.
Wipe down all surfaces of the toilet with anti-bacterial wipes or disinfectant spray.
Clean the outside of the waste tank or cassette using wipes. Leave lids open during storage to air dry.
Replace any removable waste bags. Seal used bags and dispose in the general rubbish.
Check valve seals and other components. Replace any worn parts for optimal function.
Refresh deodorising products in the toilet shelter to keep smells pleasant for users.
Proper cleaning after each camping trip helps keep the toilet fresh and prevents odours.
Can I Empty a Camping Toilet At Home?
You can empty and clean a camping portable toilet at home but with some important precautions:
- Do not empty untreated human waste directly into a household toilet, sink or tub. This risks exposure to bacteria and disease.
- Wear protective gloves, mask and eyewear when handling waste and chemicals from the toilet.
- For cassette toilets, dispose of waste contents properly at a sanitation station, outhouse, or RV dump station before bringing the empty cassette home.
- For self-contained portable toilets, completely drain and dispose of waste into the garbage, not down a household drain.
- Thoroughly clean and sanitize the empty toilet using bathroom disinfectant before bringing indoors.
- Rinse tanks with water and a sanitizing agent like bleach before storing the empty toilet.
- Air dry the clean portable toilet fully before packing away to prevent mold.
While not recommended, you can complete the emptying, cleaning and drying process at home. But untreated human waste should never enter household drains or septic systems. Always wear protective gear when handling waste. Dispose of waste responsibly.
The best practice is to utilize designated waste disposal points to empty camping toilets when possible. But if needed, a homeowner can take steps to safely manage waste and properly clean portable toilets on their property.
Breaking Down and Storing Your Camping Toilet
Start by emptying all waste and rinsing the tanks thoroughly after your last use.
Remove any removable waste bags, absorbent pads or deodorizers and dispose of properly.
Detach any connecting pipes or accessories from the main toilet unit.
Take apart the shelter. Collapse any popup tent frames or folding side panels.
Wrap detached parts like privacy tents in their carry cases for easy packing.
Check manufacturer’s instructions for correct disassembly steps.
Place the toilet back into its main protective carrying case. If needed, wrap in a trash bag to contain any residual moisture.
At home, unpack the camping toilet and air dry fully before long term storage.
Store the camping toilet and accessories in a clean, dry space protected from extreme temperatures.
Following proper breakdown procedures will increase the lifespan of your portable toilet.
Troubleshooting Common Camping Toilet Issues
If your camping toilet is not flushing properly, check the freshwater level and refill as needed. Pumping air instead of water prevents flushing.
For persistent clogs, use a toilet plunger or wand to loosen blockages. Avoid overfilling the waste tank.
Leaking between the toilet and waste tank may indicate a loose connection. Check seals are tightened properly.
If odours persist despite cleaning, drain the waste tank fully and replace any worn gaskets or valves.
Insufficient chemicals lead to strong waste tank smells. Recharge chemicals per the usage instructions.
Tank overflows or leaks often result from overfilled waste levels. Drain regularly.
For other performance issues, refer to the troubleshooting section in the manufacturer’s instructions.
In rare cases, damaged parts may need replacement. Contact the company for repair recommendations.
Patience and proper maintenance can resolve most common camping toilet troubles. But seek help for issues persisting beyond DIY fixes.
Selecting the Right Camping Toilet Supplies
Stock up on extra toilet paper and carry rolls in a sealed dry bag. Used paper should always go in the toilet, never on the ground. Pick softer brands that are gentler on the skin.
Pack a supply of moist towelettes or sanitizing hand wipes. These allow washing up without access to water for proper hygiene.
A toilet cleaning brush, disinfecting spray and protective gloves make maintaining a pleasant portable toilet much easier. Look for natural and biodegradable products.
Choose holding tank chemicals made specifically for portable toilets. The right chemicals control odours and break down waste efficiently.
Invest in durable leak-proof trash bags that properly fit your toilet’s waste tank for tidier disposal.
When buying a shelter, check it sets up easily and has a ventilation window for airflow. Sturdy privacy tents prevent exposure.
Portable toilet deodorizers and fragrances help keep the interior smells pleasant for users. Pick natural scented gels versus harsh aerosols.
Carry spare seals, gaskets and parts for repairing leaks or worn components as needed. Check sizing for your model.
Securely closing lids are essential for containing odours and preventing spills when transporting your toilet.
Packing the proper supplies makes using and maintaining a camping toilet much more convenient.
Closing Thoughts
Getting comfortable with using and maintaining a camping toilet takes a bit of prep and practice. But being able to privately “go” without compromising the beautiful locales you travel to is worth the effort.
Following the tips covered in this guide will help you master portable toilet setup, usage, waste management, cleaning, and storage. Soon, handling the ins and outs of your camping bathroom will feel like second nature.
With the right supplies and habits, your portable throne will provide a pleasant, convenient bathroom experience trip after trip. You can focus on enjoying the serenity of nature without sacrificing hygiene or contributing waste.
So embrace the portable potty! Let it take your camping adventures to new heights, without losing access to one of life’s most basic comforts. Just remember the cleaning mantra: “If it’s yellow, let it mellow, if it’s brown, flush it down!”
If you’ve read this guide and still prefer a real toilet, then check out our article highlighting UK Pub Stopovers with Toilets – loads of choices there!
