If you are new to camping, or you are just shopping for a new camping toilet, then this is the article for you. This post won’t tell you which of the portable camping toilets is best for you and your campervan or tent, but it will help explain what options there are out there.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means we will earn a small commission on the products or services you purchase using the links. There is no additional cost to you and if you do purchase, then I thank you for supporting the website.
As a result of a little bug that was going around in 2020, campsites were not always allowed to open their toilet facilities. Therefore, we took the plunge and bought a camping toilet.
We did a little bit of research but rushed into it. Here, this article may help explain all the different options.
Why do I need a Camping Toilet?
Well, you don’t!
Particularly in the UK as Wild Camping, in England and Wales especially, is frowned upon, and there are hundreds if not thousands of Campsites around the country with onsite facilities.
But, there are also many campsites that don’t have facilities. Take the New Forest for example. There are lots of campsites with no facilities at all, so having your own is a must.
In addition, there are only certain types of portable camping toilets they accept, so getting the correct one is essential.
Different Types of Campervan Toilets
When we were looking for a campervan toilet, we discovered many different shapes, sizes and styles. The two main varieties we found were portable flushing style chemical toilets or the more basic, seat and bucket type toilet.
Listed below are the different types, with a short description of how they work. This hopefully will help you decide which camping toilet you need for your tent or campervan.
Chemical Camping Toilet
From what I have seen, these are by the far the most popular type of camping toilet. Not only are they probably the most popular type of portable camping toilets, but they are also probably seen as the ‘cleanest’.
Simply put, you do your business, and it mixes with the chemical you have added. This can then be emptied into a suitable disposal point at a campground.
Examples of Chemical Camping Toilets
Here are a few examples of chemical camping toilets.
For Chemical Toilets, you obviously need chemical, which helps break down the waste, and aid with the smells. There are different types of chemicals, some better for the environment than others.
You add a small measure of chemicals to the tank you flush from. Then you top up with water.
You do the same for the waste tank, although this is a different chemical to that mentioned above. We tend to use capsules or sachets for the waste tank, as they are easier to store, and travel with.
The toilet generally has a lever or handle you pump to build up pressure. Pressing a button then releases clean chemical water down the toilet. It flushes into the waste tank where it is mixed and broken down.
Emptying
Emptying is relatively easy. The top part comes away from the waste tank, and you carry the waste tank to the Elsan / Chemical Toilet Disposal unit.
Take care when opening the waste tank. The first time I did it, I opened the wrong part first and was sprayed as there can be a pressure build-up in the tank. We always wear disposable gloves now!!
Composting Camping Toilet
These work on the basis of separating the number ones and number twos! I have never used a composting toilet, but after doing a couple of hours of research, I have learnt the following.
Composting camping toilets are designed to separate the number ones and twos, mainly so the number twos can dry out and break down into compost.
Apparently, the worst of the smells from human waste comes from the poo not being able to dry out, so if the liquid and solids are kept separate, it can dry out and the smell isn’t as bad.
Examples of Composting Toilets
The number ones are collected in their own reservoir and can be disposed of anywhere you would usually do your number ones.
The number twos mix in a bag with any number of materials you want to cover it with. I have read many things that people have used. Sawdust, Cat Litter, and also something called coffee chaff.
This bag is then disposed of ideally in a compost bin, although this may not always be possible.
I would strongly suggest you think carefully about the disposal of your waste from a composting toilet.
Bucket and Bag Camping Toilet
This, I am afraid, is as crude as it sounds, You poo and wee into a bucket or a bag.
The bag then gets disposed of.
My research has led me to believe the bag can be disposed of in a standard bin, or buried in the ground. The latter, only if you are using the correct type of special bag.
Examples of Bucket and Bag Toilets
As you can see, these are pretty crude, and there are some on the market that is even more basic. According to PopaLoo, as long as you are using the right bag you can dispose of them in the normal waste bin.
If you are thinking of going down this route, then it is important you choose the correct bag and dispose of them in the correct way.
Accessories for your Camping Toilet
Yes, that’s right. Accessories!
Once you have chosen your toilet, depending on the toilet you choose, you will need to purchase the bits that go with it. Special loo paper, chemicals or bags may be needed, so I have just put together a few things that you may find useful
Summary
So there we have it. A rundown of the campervan or camping toilet options, to help you decide which one may be best for you.
Did you find this post useful? If so, why not sign up for the newsletter? This means you will never miss another post, as you will get them straight to your inbox!
You can also check out my YouTube channel where you can see videos of all my trips and campsite reviews. Like the one that may be at the top of this page.
Whatever you decide, thanks for checking out this post, and I look forward to seeing you here again soon.