10 Best Camping Toilets of 2021 - Top Reviews Guide

1. Camco Portable Travel Toilet

4.6/5





2. BranQ 1306 Camping Toilet

4.5/5

3. Porta Potti 565E Thetford Corp

4.5/5
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Spending days outdoors can easily regenerate body and mind, but finding modern facilities while you’re out there in the middle of nowhere could be troublesome. Unless you want to stick to modern campsites for good, you might want to figure out how to wash yourself and use the restroom even in remote locations. 

Luckily for all of us, you can find a wealth of portable showers and camping toilets on the market. This guide is dedicated to the latter, so read on to find the best camping toilet for you.

How We Rated Best Camping Toilet?

  • Functionality

    Is it clearing waste?

  • Set Up

    Is it easy to set-up?

  • Cleaning

    Is it easy to empty?

  • Seating

    Is it designed for comfort?

  • Usability

    Is it easy to use?

  • Portability

    Is it easy to carry?

  • Lifespan

    Is it build for years to come?

  • Durability

    Is it sturdy enough?

How We Conducted Research?

  • 14

    Hours Researched

  • 16

    Products Evaluated

  • 5k

    Reviews Considered

  • 3

    Sources Researched

1. Camco Portable Travel Toilet

4.6/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Camco Portable Travel Toilet:

Topping the charts as one of the best camping toilets around, the Camco portable toilet brings into the wilderness all the advantages of modern living. Suitable for the entire family, it can withstand up to 330 pounds, but it’s light enough for easy carry.

The flushable tank has a capacity of 2.5 gallons and is very easy to fill with freshwater, while the waste tank can hold up to 5.3 gallons. Complete with seat and bowl, it delivers the comfortable home toilet feel to the outdoors.

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2. BranQ 1306 Camping Toilet

4.5/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the BranQ 1306 Camping Toilet:

Whether you have a lower budget or want a simple outdoor toilet for your shorter camping trips, the BranQ 1306 could suit you. Practically a bucket with a seat on top of it, this simplistic toilet is compact and as straightforward as it can be.

The model comes with a removable seat, so you can use it as a regular bucket, too. Simply pair it with a pack of large garbage bags to keep it clean when you’re taking a dump. Using garbage bags also makes waste management easier. Sturdy, durable, and cheap, it’s a great choice for campers on a budget.

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3. Porta Potti 565E Thetford Corp

4.5/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Porta Potti 565E Thetford Corp:

The Porta Potti by Thetford might not be the cheapest camping toilet, but it’s a great choice for those who want ultimate comfort. With little difference between it and a home toilet, it can deal with all your messy business during your trip.

Not only it’s flushable, but it features automatic flushing that cleans out the bowl. A 4-gallon clean water tank and 5.5 gallons waste tank also make it able to hold the mess of the whole family before you have to empty it. The seat is wide and comfortable enough, even for larger people. Relatively light, it’s perfect for both RV and car camping.

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4. Drive Medical Steel Folding Toilet

4.6/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Drive Medical Steel Folding Toilet:

An alternative to the classic bucket, this folding toilet comes with a bunch of advantages. Not only it’s light and compact enough to transport, but it’s also incredibly comfortable. It has a high weight limit and can accommodate users of all sizes.

The bowl is relatively small and needs frequent emptying. However, that shouldn’t be too much of an issue. We like that it comes with a lid of its own, so you won’t be bothered by foul smells. 

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5. Alpcour Portable Toilet

4.5/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Alpcour Portable Toilet:

Sturdy and dependable, the Alpcour portable toilet is another flushable model that’s made it to our list. Designed with adventurers in mind, but also suitable to use at home, it boasts a 5.3-gallon waste tank and a water tank large enough to hold over 50 flushes.

We particularly like the 360-degree flush technology, that cleans the entire bowl quickly and effortlessly. Another highlight is the washing sprayer you can attach to the water tank to clean the toilet after every use. Compact and easy to transport, it is perfect for car camping, tailgating, and RVs.

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6. Camco Premium Portable Travel Toilet

4.3/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Camco Premium Portable Travel Toilet:

Camco makes its second entry on our list of best camping toilets. The main difference between this model and our best choice is the oval design that enhances aesthetics. A lower seat height also makes it more suitable for kids and teens, but taller adults could find it uncomfortable.

The seat width is generous, as well as the weight capacity. This toilet comes in two different sizes, with 2.6- or 5.3-gallon waste capacity. Regardless of your choice, rest assured this toilet will enhance your primitive camping experience.

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7. Thetford Porta Potti 365

4.5/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Thetford Porta Potti 365:

The Porta Potti 365 is another premium choice from Thetford. Like its 565E counterpart, it has attractive looks and a sleek, full-size design. The main difference between the two is the manual flush on this model.

We can’t say that’s a bad thing, though – no electric parts mean fewer malfunctions and less maintenance. Another difference is the design, with the Porta Potti 365 featuring square rather than curved lines. Outstanding quality and durability make it a winner – a perfect choice if you don’t mind spending a buck.

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8. Giantex Portable RV Toilet

4.9/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Giantex Portable RV Toilet:

If you’re a large person looking for a heavy-duty camping toilet, this one from Giantex might be it. Withstanding up to 441 pounds, it’s suitable for users of all sizes. We also like the taller height – a feature that makes it perfect for big guys.

Design-wise, the toilet is very similar to the other manual flush portable toilets on the market. It has a square design and comes with separate tanks, for easier maintenance and transport. The thing we like less is its price tag, but if you want a heavy-duty model, it’s well worth the investment.

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9. Carex 3-in-1 Folding Porta Potty

4.5/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Carex 3-in-1 Folding Porta Potty:

Similar to the Drive Medical, the Carex folding porta potty is an excellent choice for no-frills camping. Boasting a 3-in-1 design, it can also be used as bedside commode, raised toilet seat, or toilet safety frame.

Supporting up to 300 pounds, the portable toilet comes with a height-adjustable steel frame, toilet seat and lid, as well as a removable bucket. It folds compactly for storage and transport, and is easy to use by kids, adults, and seniors alike.

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10. SereneLife Outdoor Portable Toilet

4.5/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the SereneLife Outdoor Portable Toilet:

Last but not least, the SereneLife concludes our rundown of best portable toilets. It is similar to our best choice in terms of functionality and design. With a weight capacity of 350 pounds, it’s also a good choice for the whole family.

The toilet features a single flush nozzle, which could leave some solid waste residues. We like the tank level indicator, that tells when it’s time to empty it, as well as the large clean water tank. Excellently priced, this portable toilet brings true value for money.

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Camping Toilet Buying Guide

 

It can be pretty hard to find a public toilet that fits your standard of cleanliness. This is especially true when you are outdoors. A portable camping toilet saves you this hassle. Camping toilets provide a certain level of privacy when nature calls while outdoors. A camping toilet proves to be very efficient, especially when traveling with kids. 

If you think about it, camping toilets should be pretty straightforward with one purpose. Yet there are factors like personal choice, use, duration, and size that should also be considered.

Here is a buying guide that compiled all these factors to help you pick the best camping toilet that would fit your needs.

Different Types of Camping Toilets and Their Uses

There are two types of camping toilets that vary in design, comfort and how waste is managed. There is a little bit of complication in setting-up a self-contained unit; you will have to consider the flushing system and how to seal the waste, clean the toilet storage and empty them afterwards. A portable bag is much easier to set-up as you do not have to think of a flushing system as it does need one. The only downside to a portable bag is waste storage while traveling. If you did not opt for a legged portable bag, you need to ensure that the bag is tied to prevent leakage.

Self-Contained Unit

  • These self-contained units have two separate tanks.
  • The first tank is a water reservoir while the second tank is where the waste is kept.
  • Some newer versions already have a flushing mechanism. We particularly like the Camco Portable Travel Toilet, which has a 2.5 gallon capacity for  flushing water and a 5.3 gallon waste storage capacity.

Bag Portable Toilets

  • There are two types under this category; one version is just the portable bag while the other one is a legged-version like the BranQ 1306 Camping Toilet which is basically a bucket that you can actually sit on. You can just a bag over this bucket and you have a portable toilet.
  • Both are relatively lighter and easier to pack than self-contained units because there are no tanks needed. You just need to attach the disposable bag into the ring.
  • Some models use simple biodegradable plastic while some use plastic that is designed to carry human waste.
  • There are a few brands that have a small amount of desiccating chemical that dries out the waste for easier disposal.

Waste Tank Capacity

You have to consider that it would be very difficult to empty your portable toilet and it is not that easy when you’re traveling.  So you need to be mindful of the waste capacity your toilet can hold.

The waste storage tank capacity varies and there is no hard rule on how big the capacity should be. This will be mainly dependent on your use; how big is your party and how long between will you be able to empty the storage.

Average capacity of the toilets in this list is 5 gallons. We particularly like the 5.5 gallon capacity of Porta Potti 565E that also features an automatic flushing capability for bigger groups. While we recommend the Drive Medical Steel Folding Toilet with 1.87 gallon capacity for a small party.

Detachable Waste Tank

There are some units that are designed that their waste tank is detachable from the toilet seat. This is usually seen on flushable toilets. And is a great feature to add waste tank capacity to your camping toilet. Another good thing about detachable waste tank is, it is easier to clean and dispose of waste after use.

The Giantex Portable RV Toilet has a separate 5.3 gallon tank separate from the toilet seat. This allows for easier transport and refill of waste water when needed.

Stability

 

Camping toilets are designed to be lower than your toilet at home. You will need to squat lower when using it. This will be extremely uncomfortable especially when the camping toilet is placed in a rocky or inclined area. That is why we recommend the SereneLife Outdoor Portable Toilet which has a taller height at 18.6″ than most of the toilets in the list.

This is the consideration for some units to offer a more stable and sturdy camping toilet mechanism. Some add bases to their toilet that have like a skeleton for the toilet, which elevates the toilet a bit and has handles on both sides. Take a look at the Carex 3-in-1 Folding Porta Potty that has a height adjustable steel frame for a more stable use.

Dimension

 

Camping toilets come in different sizes and weights. If you’re a backpacker a bag type will  probably be your choice for its ease of use and weight consideration. 

But if you want a more comfortable toilet, a self contained unit would probably be your choice. Keeping in mind that camping toilets are commonly designed to be lower than your toilet at home.

There are no standards as to the size of camping toilets. Some are only 12-14” high, while bulkier models can be as tall as 20”.

A bulky model like the Alpcour Portable Toilet features a unique 360-degree flush technology that is not present among other unit in the list. A good compromise between a more lightweight model that only has the basic feature. A good example is the Thetford Porta Potti 365 which has a manual flushing system but is relatively lighter.

FAQ

• What is the Best Portable Toilet to Buy?

The Camco Portable Travel Toilet is one of the best camping toilets you can buy. The model is excellently priced and made from high-quality materials. Almost the same size as a standard toilet, it can accommodate kids and adults alike. If you’re looking for a smarter model with automatic flush, you should go for a Porta Potti

• What Type of Camping Toilet is Best?

Flushable toilets could be more expensive than the bucket or folding varieties, but they are your best bet for camping. Not only the waste is dumped into a sealed tank, but you won’t have to worry about disposal until you get back home or to an RV campsite.

• How Does a Camping Toilet Work?

Flushable camping toilets consist of an upper side with a clean water tank, bowl, and toilet seat with lid, as well as a bottom waste tank. To prevent messes from building up, you should flush clean water into the bowl, do your business, then open the waste tank seal to flush the toilet. Empty and sanitize the waste tank when full, and that’s it!

• Is it Illegal to Throw Poop in the Garbage?

According to the law, it is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage. Human fludis and solid waste are considered hazardous waste, posing various biological risks. Thus, you shouldn’t throw poop in the garbage.

• Where Do You Dump Portable Toilets?​

Portable toilets should be emptied in authorized vault toilets or RV dump stations. Alternatively, you can empty the portable toilet in your own toilet when you get home.