Picture this - a starry night, a peaceful campsite, and a sudden urge to relieve yourself. Instead of wandering into the darkness in search of a distant facility or resorting to less desirable options like squatting behind a tree or digging a hole, a portable camping toilet offers the convenience and privacy you need. In this blog, we'll take a comprehensive look at various types of camping toilets and discuss critical factors to bear in mind when buying one. To further assist you in making an informed decision, we've done the research for you, presenting 9 best portable camping toilets in the UK. Whether you're a luxury-seeking camper or an eco-conscious adventurer, we've got you covered. Let's dive in and find the best camping toilet for you!
What Are the Different Types of Camping Toilets?
There are several types of camping toilets available, each designed to cater to different preferences and camping styles. Here are some common types:
- Bucket Toilets: Bucket toilets are a straightforward and cost-effective solution consisting of a sturdy container with a snap-on lid. Waste is collected in disposable bags or biodegradable waste treatment products for proper disposal.
- Collapsible Toilets: Ideal for backpackers and hikers, these lightweight toilets fold easily to fit into a bag. They use disposable bags with absorbent material for liquid waste, ensuring convenience and odour control.
- Portable Flush Toilets: Resembling indoor toilets, these camping toilets offer a flushing mechanism using water or chemicals to sanitise waste. They provide a more familiar and comfortable experience and can be emptied at designated dump stations.
- Composting Toilets: Composting toilets are an eco-friendly choice for campers who want to minimize their environmental impact. These toilets turn human waste into compost through natural decomposition using organic material, such as sawdust or coconut coir. They can handle larger amounts of waste, suitable for longer camping trips.
Things to Consider When Buying a Camping Toilet
Apart from the different types of camping toilets, there are several other factors to keep in mind when buying one:
- Size and Portability: Assess the toilet's size and weight to ensure it's easy to transport and store during your camping trips.
- Capacity: Choose a toilet with ample waste-holding capacity for convenience and fewer emptying needs, especially if you're going on longer trips or camping with family and friends.
- Waste Disposal Method: Choose a waste disposal method that aligns with your preferences and adheres to camping regulations in the area you'll be visiting.
- Comfort and Design: Opt for a camping toilet with a design that offers comfort and stability. Some models have features like contoured seats and non-slip bases for added convenience.
- Odour Control: Cheque if the toilet has features like tight seals or odour-reducing chemicals to minimise unpleasant smells during use.
- Cost: Compare prices and features to find a camping toilet that fits your budget while still meeting your requirements.
9 Best Portable Toilets for Camping
What is the best portable toilet for camping? With an abundance of portable toilets available in the market, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. To make your decision easier, here are some of the best portable camping toilets we picked, along with their pros and cons:
1. Thetford Porta Potti 565E Curve
- Price: £154.08
- Type: Portable Flush Toilet
- Dimensions: 44.8 x 38.8 x 45cm
- Weight: 5kg
The Thetford Porta POTTI 565E Curve is a luxurious camping toilet with an electric flushing system, powered by 4 AAA batteries. It has a 21-litre waste tank and a 15-litre flush-water tank, providing ample capacity for extended use. The level indicators for both tanks make it easy to monitor usage. Coming with a toilet roll holder, its rotating pour spout makes waste disposal easy and splash-free.
Pros:
- Electric flush for convenience and hygiene.
- Level indicators for both tanks.
- Comfortable and stylish design.
- Large waste tank capacity.
Cons:
- Premium price compared to other portable toilets.
- Bulkier and heavier.
- No manual backup for electric flush.
2. Thetford Porta Potti 335 Toilet
- Price: £136.70
- Type: Portable Flush Toilet
- Dimensions: 31.3 x 34.2 x 38.2cm
- Weight: 3.3kg
The Thetford Porta Potti 335 is a space-saving small camping toilet. With dimensions of 31.3 x 34.2 x 38.2 cm, it can fit discreetly into small campervans or tents. It features a two-section design: the upper section houses a 10L water tank with a manual flush pump and a loo seat with a lid, while the lower section accommodates the 10L waste tank. A sliding valve and mechanical seals are integrated into the design to effectively contain odours and prevent splashing.
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry, store, and travel with.
- Simple operation with a manual flush and easy-to-use pump.
- Both the upper and lower units are equipped with handles for easy separation and carrying.
Cons:
- Smaller waste and flush water capacity.
- Requires more frequent emptying.
- Pricier.
3. Camco Premium Portable Travel Toilet
- Price: £93.61
- Type: Portable Flush Toilet
- Dimensions: 47.3 x 41.4 x 43.5cm
- Weight: 5.31kg
The Camco Camping Toilet is a convenient and cost-effective flushable option for outdoor enthusiasts. With a 20L detachable waste tank and a 14L flush tank, it offers ample capacity for camping and road trips. Constructed with slick ABS material, the interior surface is designed to prevent odours from clinging and allows for easy cleanup. The manual pumping flush action, combined with a swivel dumping elbow, ensures effortless waste removal.
Pros:
- The strong lid and sliding valve effectively seal in odours and prevent leaks.
- Slick interior surface for smooth waste removal and easy cleaning.
- More affordable than other flushable options with similar tank capacity.
Cons:
- The lid is difficult to unlock, especially for children.
- Lack of handles may cause difficulty in emptying waste.
4. Kampa Khazi Portable Toilet
- Price: £34.95
- Type: Bucket Toilet
- Dimensions: 121.92 x 83.82 x 101.6cm
- Weight: 2.23kg
The Kampa Khazi Portable Toilet is an excellent budget-friendly option with a 5L waste bucket. It features a full-sized toilet seat for added comfort and includes an integrated toilet roll holder in its design. Weighing only 2.23kg, it is one of the lightest portable toilets with a full-sized seat, making it easy to move around. When it’s time to empty, simply remove the waste bucket, which comes with a separate lid to help contain smells.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to transport.
- Full-sized toilet seat for added comfort.
- Integrated toilet roll holder.
- Removable waste bucket for easy emptying.
Cons:
- Smaller waste capacity.
- Not as durable as other options.
- Slightly bulkier than other bucket toilets.
5. KINSPORY Collapsible Camping Loo
- Price: £29.99
- Type: Collapsible Toilet
- Dimensions: 33 x28 x 30.5cm
- Weight: 1.8kg
The KINSPORY Camping Loo is an oval-shaped, hard plastic collapsible toilet designed for outdoor use. Weighing only 1.5kg with a folded format of 32.5 x 27.5 x 6.5 cm, it's light and easy to carry. Unfolding and setting up the toilet is quick and easy. This versatile item functions not only as a collapsible outdoor toilet but also serves as a combination of storage and seating, a trash receptacle, a compact stool, a fishing rod holder, and more. The toilet comes with 12 spare bags, allowing for mess-free use. After use, simply remove the bag and dispose of it properly.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly.
- Suitable for various outdoor activities and functions, offering versatility.
- Its lightweight design and compact folded size make it easy to carry and store.
Cons:
- The lid is a bit flimsy.
- Comes with bags but no absorbent sachets to absorb liquids and neutralise odours.
- May not be tall enough for comfortable sitting.
6. Bivvy Loo Camping Toilet
- Price: £59.99
- Type: Collapsible Toilet
- Dimensions: 41 x 34.9 x 25cm
- Weight: 2.9kg
The Carplife Bivvy Loo is a practical and efficient solution for campers seeking a simple and easy-to-use portable toilet. Weighing just 2.9kg, it folds flat and comes with a circular carrying case for easy transportation. The sturdy steel axis frame can support up to 140kg, ensuring stability and durability. Waste is captured in its biodegradable liner bags, which need to be removed after each use. Coming with a starter pack of 12, these bags contain special powder that transforms waste into a neutral end gel, allowing for convenient disposal in a regular bin.
Pros:
- Simple and sturdy design, folding flat for easy transportation and storage.
- The use of liner bags ensures clean and easy waste disposal.
- Biodegradable bags with special powder align with eco-friendly practices.
Cons:
- Ongoing costs for purchasing additional liner bags.
- Not tall enough for comfortable sitting.
7. Blue Diamond Nature Calls Composting Toilet
- Price: £279.00
- Type: Composting Toilet
- Dimensions: 52 x 32 x 42cm
- Weight: 7.8kg
The Blue Diamond Nature Calls Composting Toilet is an eco-friendly and innovative portable option for campers and travellers. Made from robust and recyclable Polyethylene, it can bear up to 200kg and features two separate containers for liquids (8L) and solids (7.5L). Unlike traditional toilets, it doesn't require water or chemicals; instead, users are advised to use a biodegradable liner in the solid’s container and sprinkle materials like wood shavings or sawdust after each use to aid in composting and odour control. The separation of waste allows for greener disposal, with solids being compostable and liquids drainable. Its portability is enhanced by sealable containers, ensuring no mess during transit.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly option with no need for water or chemicals.
- Solids and liquids are separated for greener waste disposal.
- Made from robust and recyclable materials for high load capacity.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Requires additional purchase of biodegradable liners and composting materials.
8. BOXIO Composting Toilet
- Price: £196.13
- Type: Composting Toilet
- Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 28cm
- Weight: 2.8kg
The BOXIO Toilet is an ultralight and compact composting toilet made from recycled plastic. Designed as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical toilets, it features a 5L solid waste container, a 5L liquid waste canister and a urine diverter. The use is simple: liquids are channelled into the canister for effortless disposal into the closest drain, while solids are gathered in a compostable bag within the waste container and can be dried using a desiccant such as BOXIO hemp litter. The filled bag can then be discarded on the compost heap or simply in the next trash can. This system ensures a no-odour experience and easy green disposal with no chemicals.
Pros:
- Made from recycled plastic.
- Designed for easy and mess-free disposal without chemicals.
Cons:
- Limited waste capacity.
- Requires additional purchase of compostable bags and hemp litter.
9. BogInabag Foldable Camping Toilet
- Price: £27.99
- Type: Collapsible Toilet
- Dimensions: 69.9 x 12.9 x 10.1cm
- Weight: 1.0kg
The BogInabag Foldable Camping Toilet is a versatile and compact portable toilet designed for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly suited for wild campers. It serves as both a camping stool and a portable toilet, with a 62 x 8cm packed size to allow easy transport. The biodegradable bags used with the toilet convert waste into a harmless gel and covers the lid completely, ensuring a hygienic experience.
Pros:
- Functions both as a toilet and a general-purpose stool.
- The specific biodegradable bags are leak-proof with super absorbent pads.
Cons:
- Require separate purchase of the bags.
- Careful handling might be required to prevent the bag from getting caught on the stool's legs and splitting.
Conclusion
A portable toilet is a game-changer to put in your camping tents, offering convenience and privacy. There are various types to choose from, like bucket toilets, collapsible options, portable flush toilets, and eco-friendly composting toilets. When choosing the best camping toilet, consider size, waste capacity, disposal method, comfort, and cost. With the right camping toilet in hand, you can venture into the great outdoors with confidence, knowing you're equipped with a practical and hygienic solution for your nature calls. Happy camping!
