To all our campers out there, we know there isn’t much better than planning your next adventure. From new hikes to check out, to carefully choosing your campsites, camping is an exciting time to escape into the wilderness and take in all of its glory.
When we’re planning our camping trips, it’s simple to forget one important thing: where and how are we going to use the bathroom? Have no fear. In this blog we compiled 8 of our top camping bathroom solutions so that you can camp stress-free.
1. The Bathroom Inside Your Camper or Travel Trailer
If you’re staying in a camper or a travel trailer with a built-in bathroom, then your bathroom problems are as good as solved. Having a portable camping toilet built into your camper or travel trailer is as easy as it gets — just follow the instructions of your camper or trailer and you’ll have a great bathroom solution for you and everyone you’re camping with.
Plus, with advancements in modern technology, many of these bathrooms now can be found with sinks and showers. This provides you with an all-in-one camping bathroom solution that combines comfort with convenience for an all-around great experience. Plus, if privacy is something that you value, this is the best way to achieve that.
2. Use Campground Restrooms
Depending on the campsite you’re staying at, you may have access to full-fledged bathrooms within the site. Many of them are built as their own building, and some even include full sink setups, water fountains, and showers. This provides campers with a great place to go to handle their business in a comfortable way.
However, don’t just assume that the campground that you’re going to will have these facilities. The availability of facilities like these varies greatly between campsites, so take the time to do a search on the Internet to see if you can expect facilities like this (Hint: the campsite website should list it pretty clearly). Be sure to do your research to ensure that you’re picking a campsite with showers and toilets before you plan your trip around that fact.
3. Stop at a Gas Station
If your camping trip is going to be mobile and includes lots of driving between locations, then your best bet may be to rely on gas station bathrooms. Gas stations provide all sorts of benefits to campers and travelers, and since you’ll be stopping at them anyways to fuel up, it’s the perfect opportunity to handle your business.
Unfortunately, you can’t expect the same level of quality to translate across all gas station bathrooms. Some gas stations have incredible bathrooms that are well-maintained, clean, and filled with features like baby changing stations, nice sinks, and sometimes even showers.
Meanwhile, some stations only stick with the bare minimum and provide a toilet and maybe a sink. You can usually tell what the quality of the bathroom will be by looking at the quality and cleanliness of the rest of the gas station, so be prepared for some variety.
4. Stop at a Truck Stop
If you’re looking for a more reliable and consistent option, truck stops are almost always a nicer and cleaner version of the gas station bathroom option. Truck stops are built for truckers who spend entire days on the road.
Because of this, they are in need of amenities like showers, drinkable water, and sinks, which means that these bathrooms are almost always held to a higher standard of cleanliness and features.
5. Run Into a Store or Restaurant
When you have to go, you have to go. We’ve all been in a situation where time is of the essence, and in these cases, running into a store or restaurant is your best bet. They won’t be filled with extra features like a baby changing station or shower, but they will always have a bathroom, a sink, and access to drinking water — plus, they’re held to strict sanitation guidelines, meaning they’ll almost always be clean.
The main downside to a store or restaurant is that many times, the staff will make you purchase something before you can use their bathrooms. In some cases, the bathroom is even locked and you’ll need to get a key from the staff in order to use it. This can be a problem if you’re strapped for cash or if you’re really fighting the clock. But, if neither of these is the case, a store or restaurant is a great solution.
6. Invest in a Portable Toilet or Shower
If your camping trip is going to be happening deep in the woods and far from any gas station, truck stop, or any other place with plumbing, then you’ll likely want to opt for a portable camping toilet and shower.
Thanks to advancements in camping tech and gear, there are now options for you to bring your toilet and camper with you. This is a huge win in terms of convenience, but it’s also a bit of a basic option. You obviously will be without amenities like a sink or access to drinking water, but if you just need a way to handle your basic needs, then this option works perfectly.
7. Dig Your Own Toilet
Yes, really. If you’re strapped for space in your bag and don’t have access to a portable camping toilet, then your best option is to dig your own toilet. Digging your own toilet is perhaps the most popular bathroom solution for people who are boondocking — which is a form of “free camping” that avoids any unnecessary costs.
This is a cost-effective camping bathroom solution that only requires you to learn the basics before you can implement it into your camping routine. It may seem a little strange at first, but once you learn the fundamentals and are able to do it consistently, it’s one of the best camping bathroom solutions available.
8. Use the Great Outdoors
If you understand outdoor bathroom etiquette and have camping poop bags or pee bottles, then there’s no reason why you can’t just use the great outdoors. This solution works best if you are in a remote location and not surrounded by other campers. The more privacy, the better off you’ll be with this option.
Basic Outdoor Bathroom Etiquette
Leave no trace! The basic rules of using the outdoors as your bathroom are to try to preserve the area and keep it looking as good as you found it. This of course means to pick up any waste — both from trash and from you — and dispose of it whenever and wherever you can.
Check local laws - each state has different rules for where you’re allowed to “go”.
Get the gear - Bring along some toilet paper, baby wipes, poop bags, and hand sanitizer. That way, you’re all set to go and to clean up afterward. If you’re bathing, make sure you have some biodegradable soap, shampoo, and/or conditioner.
Find the right spot - Get at least 200 feet from any trail, water source, or campsite, and find some flat ground.
Perfect your stance - Pull your pants and undergarments completely out of the way. If you’re crouching, make sure to get as low to the ground as possible. Keep your legs spread as much as you can and aim downhill so that you don’t get any urine or feces on your shoes or boots.
Don’t Let Your Bathroom Hold You Back
Now that you have all the necessary tips and tricks for lightening the load while on the road, it’s time to go out and practice! To go deeper into what we here at Vistabule recommend, take a look at our Ultmate Guide to Teardrop Trailer Bathrooms. Need other camping advice? Visit the Vistablog to learn more.