Best Portable Toilets for Camping — Rental vs Buy
For car camping, rent a porta potty delivered to your site ($75-$150/week). For backcountry or occasional use, buy a personal portable toilet ($25-$150). Top options: Thetford Porta Potti ($80-$150, chemical flush), Reliance Luggable Loo ($25, bucket-style), or Cleanwaste Go Anywhere ($15-$30, disposable bags). For glamping, rent a deluxe flushable unit ($150-$300/week).
Cost Breakdown
| Service | Low | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disposable bag system | $15 | $30 | Backpacking, emergency |
| Bucket-style toilet | $25 | $50 | Simple, reusable |
| Chemical flush toilet | $80 | $150 | Most comfortable |
| Composting toilet | $150 | $400 | Off-grid, van life |
| Rental porta potty | $75 | $150 | Per week, delivered |
| Rental deluxe unit | $150 | $300 | Per week, flushing |
Camping Toilet Options
Rent vs Buy
Rent a porta potty if you are at a fixed campsite, hosting a large group, or need a full-size unit. Rental companies deliver to campgrounds and private land. Cost: $75-$150/week including servicing.
Buy a portable toilet if you camp frequently, go to remote locations, or want something you can throw in the car. Prices range from $15 for disposable bag systems to $150 for chemical flush toilets.
Types of Camping Toilets
- Chemical flush ($80-$150): Thetford Porta Potti and similar. Uses a small amount of water and chemical to flush into a sealed holding tank. Most comfortable — feels like a real toilet. Holding tank needs emptying at dump stations every 20-40 uses.
- Bucket-style ($25-$50): Reliance Luggable Loo and similar. A 5-gallon bucket with a snap-on toilet seat. Use with waste bags and bio-gel. Simple, cheap, and effective. Empty bags into trash.
- Composting ($150-$400): Separates liquid and solid waste. No chemicals needed. Solid waste composts over time. Best for extended off-grid living, van life, or cabins.
- Disposable bag systems ($15-$30): Cleanwaste Go Anywhere and similar. Lightweight folding frame with waste bags containing gelling powder. Each bag handles one use and goes in the trash. Best for backpacking and emergency kits.
Dump Station Etiquette
Chemical flush toilets need a dump station (RV parks, campgrounds, some gas stations). Always use the designated rinse water, clean up any spills, and leave the station clean. Never dump waste in the woods, streams, or regular trash.
Related Questions
Can I dump a portable camping toilet in a regular toilet?
Small chemical flush toilets (Thetford etc.) can be emptied into a home toilet or RV dump station. Never pour chemicals into a septic system — use a dump station instead. Bag-style waste goes in regular trash.
How do you keep a camping toilet from smelling?
Use the recommended chemical treatment, keep the lid sealed when not in use, empty the holding tank before it gets full, and keep the toilet in a ventilated area. Bio-gel packets in bucket-style toilets control odor effectively.
What do you do with portable toilet waste when camping?
Chemical flush: empty at RV dump stations. Bucket with bags: seal bags and dispose in campground dumpsters (most allow this). Composting: follow manufacturer instructions for curing. Never dump waste in nature or water sources.