The Most Comfortable Ways to go to the Bathroom When Camping Without Access to a Public Bathroom

When camping in the great outdoors, are you willing to walk to the restroom at night time?

Campsites often have restrooms, they may be located far from your tent.  Even if the restroom is close by, it may still be a considerable distance to walk especially in the dark.

I can tell you from my own experience the problem of this situation, as I have faced the challenge of needing to use the restroom in the middle of the night.  It is a risky and frightening experience because you don’t know what is out there at night time.  Think about an encounter with the wildlife while you are walking in the dark to use the restroom.  You don’t want to be in that situation, nor your family, things can happen very quickly.

Locating a suitable spot to relieve the urge to use a restroom can be a challenge, especially in the absence of a public restroom or at night time.  However, with a little preparation and basic knowledge, you can ensure that your camping experience is comfortable and hygienic.  Here are some of the most comfortable ways to use the restroom when camping without access to a public restroom.

1. Portable Toilets

One of the most comfortable ways to go to the restroom when camping is to use a portable toilet tent.  Portable toilets come in a variety of styles and sizes, from simple bucket-style toilets to more sophisticated models with built-in tanks and flushing systems.  They are easy to set up and provide a clean and comfortable option for when nature calls.  Just be sure to dispose of waste properly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance.

When you’re spending time in the great outdoors, having a comfortable and convenient way to “go” is essential.  That’s where a portable camping toilet comes in.  Whether you’re a regular tent camper, RV, overlander, van lifer, or simply spend a lot of time on the go, a small portable toilet is a must-have.

Having your own portable toilet is a great way to add a touch of home to your outdoor adventures.  With so many unsanitary public campground bathhouses, it’s nice to have a backup that is both safe and convenient. For those who struggle with using crowded campground bathhouses or squatting over a hole in the woods, a portable toilet offers a comfortable and private solution.

By having your own portable toilet, you can enjoy the freedom to “go” whenever and wherever you need to, without having to worry about finding a suitable location or waiting in line for a public restroom.  It’s a simple and practical solution that can greatly enhance your camping experience and make your time in the great outdoors more comfortable and enjoyable.

2. Catholes

If you don’t have access to a portable toilet, you can also dig a cathole to use as a makeshift toilet.  A cathole is a small hole dug in the ground that you can use to relieve yourself.  To dig a cathole, find a spot at least 200 feet away from water sources, trails, and campsites, and use a small shovel or camp trowel to dig a hole 6 to 8 inches deep and approximately 8 inches by 8 inches wide.  After using the cathole, cover it with soil and pack it down to discourage animals from digging it up.

To maintain proper hygiene while camping in the great outdoors, it’s important to follow certain protocols when it comes to going to the bathroom.  One of the most important rules is to never use the same cathole twice, and if you’re camping with a group, ensure that the catholes are located far apart from one another.  While it’s best to pack out your toilet paper, if you must use it, all toilet paper will break down readily in a properly dug and positioned cathole.  However, to ensure that the breakdown process is as efficient as possible, we recommend using biodegradable camping toilet paper, as it breaks down at a faster rate than standard wood fibrous toilet paper.

Once you’ve finished using the cathole, it’s important to refill the hole with the original dirt and cover it with nearby organic debris, such as leaves or pine needles.  This will help to minimize the environmental impact of your bathroom break.  Additionally, it’s crucial to wash your hands immediately after using the bathroom or use hand sanitizer to prevent the spread of bacteria.  By following these simple guidelines, you can maintain proper hygiene while camping in the great outdoors and ensure that you leave the natural environment as you found it.

3. WAG Bags

WAG Bags, or Waste Alleviation and Gelling Bags, are a portable and convenient option for camping without access to a public bathroom.  They are essentially large ziploc bags that contain a gel that solidifies human waste, making it easier to carry out and dispose of properly.  WAG Bags are easy to use and provide a hygienic and comfortable way to go to the bathroom when camping.

When you’re camping in a location without a running toilet, a Waste Bag is an essential tool to help you alleviate yourself and dispose of waste in a sanitary manner.  The goal of a Waste Bag is to provide a dry toilet system that is convenient and portable, and also allows you to carry the bag safely until you can dispose of it appropriately.  WAG Bags are necessary because disposing of waste without bagging it creates a biohazard that is illegal to throw out.

WAG Bags contain chemical crystals that gel human waste and render it inert, making it safe to dispose of in a garbage can.  It’s important to always pack out your WAG Bags and not to deposit them in pit toilets or composted.

While WAG Bags generally contain some toilet paper and a sanitizing towelette, it’s often not enough for a camping trip.  To ensure you have enough supplies, it’s recommended to pack extra toilet paper and hand sanitizer.  By doing so, you’ll be able to keep yourself clean and comfortable while also being environmentally conscious and responsible with your waste.  With the help of a Waste Bag and a few extra supplies, you can enjoy your camping trip in the great outdoors without having to worry about proper waste disposal.

4. Urination Devices

For women who prefer to stand up while urinating, there are several urination devices on the market that make it easy and comfortable to do so.  These devices are designed to fit over the female anatomy and allow women to pee while standing up.  They are small and portable, making them a great option for camping.

A stand and pee device is a convenient tool for women who want to alleviate themselves while camping without the hassle of squatting or removing their pants.  When you’re in the great outdoors or in the tent and need to relieve yourself, using a stand and pee device can save you time and make the process much more comfortable.

With a stand and pee device, you can quickly and easily position yourself to urinate while standing up, without the need to remove your pants or find a private area to squat.  This can be particularly useful when you’re camping in a crowded area or when there are no suitable bathroom facilities nearby.  By using a stand and pee device, you can avoid the hassle of walking far away to find a private spot or worrying about being seen by others.

Using a stand and pee device is simple and easy.  Just position the device over your private area, and the specially designed funnel will allow you to direct your urine into a nearby container or onto the ground.  With a stand and pee device, you can stay clean, comfortable, and dry while enjoying your camping trip in the great outdoors.

5. Portable Showers

While not directly related to going to the bathroom, having access to a portable shower can make your camping experience much more comfortable.  Portable showers come in a variety of styles and sizes, from simple solar showers to more sophisticated models with built-in heaters and water pumps.  They provide a clean and convenient way to wash up after using the bathroom or engaging in other outdoor activities.

In conclusion, there are several comfortable ways to go to the bathroom when camping without access to a public bathroom.  Whether you choose a portable toilet, a cathole, a WAG Bag, a urination device, or a combination of these options, the most important thing is to dispose of waste properly and follow Leave No Trace principles to ensure that you leave the natural environment as you found it.

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