Camping Toilets

Make Camping More Comfortable and Convenient

Not every camping trip comes with clean, nearby or open toilet facilities. Even on well-equipped campsites, the toilet block may be a long walk away, busy at peak times or less convenient during the night.

A camping toilet gives you a practical backup at your pitch, in your tent setup, beside a campervan or inside a suitable toilet tent. It can be especially useful for families with children, night-time use, remote camping where permitted, mobility needs, festivals and longer stays.

For UK camping, where wet weather and muddy walks to the facilities are common, having your own toilet option can add a lot of comfort and reassurance.

How to Choose a Camping Toilet

Start by thinking about who will use it and how often. A simple toilet bucket or folding toilet may suit occasional use, short trips or emergency backup. A larger portable chemical toilet may be more comfortable for regular use, family camping or campervan trips.

Key decision factors include capacity, seat height, stability, packed size, weight, ease of cleaning, waste disposal method, privacy setup, odour control and how much space you have in your tent, vehicle or campervan.

You should also check what accessories are needed, such as toilet bags, chemicals, waste containers, toilet paper, cleaning supplies or a separate toilet tent. Always follow the product instructions and dispose of waste only at approved disposal points.

Portable Toilets vs Chemical Camping Toilets

Simple portable camping toilets are usually lightweight, affordable and easy to store. They can be a good choice for short breaks, festivals, children or emergency use when you only need a basic toilet setup.

Chemical camping toilets are designed for more regular use and usually separate waste into a holding tank. They can feel more like a normal toilet and may offer better odour control, depending on the model and products used. The trade-off is that they are bulkier, need chemicals or treatment products, and must be emptied correctly.

The right choice depends on your trip. If you only need occasional convenience, a compact option may be enough. If you’re camping for several nights or travelling with family, a more robust portable toilet may be worth the extra space.

Toilet Tents and Privacy Accessories

A camping toilet is much easier to use when you have a private, well-planned space. Toilet tents are useful for campsites, festivals, campervan trips and longer stays where you want a dedicated area away from sleeping and cooking spaces.

A toilet tent can also double as a changing area or shower space, depending on the design. Look for enough headroom, ventilation, easy access, stable pitching and enough floor space for your toilet and supplies.

If you’re using a toilet inside an awning or tent area, make sure it is positioned safely, kept clean and separated from food preparation, sleeping bags and children’s play areas.

Useful Camping Toilet Accessories

The right accessories can make a camping toilet easier to use and maintain. Useful items may include toilet chemicals or treatment products, toilet bags, cleaning wipes, toilet paper, hand sanitiser, waste carriers, privacy tents and storage bags.

For family camping, it helps to keep toilet supplies together in one box or organiser. That way, everything is easy to find, especially during the night or in bad weather.

Before buying, check whether the toilet needs specific bags, chemicals, liners or replacement parts. Choosing compatible accessories from the start helps avoid awkward surprises once you’re at the campsite.

Using Camping Toilets Responsibly

Camping toilets must be used and emptied responsibly. Never empty toilet waste into hedges, streams, drains, public toilets or general campsite bins unless the site specifically allows that disposal method.

Use designated chemical disposal points, waste points or campsite facilities as instructed. If you’re staying somewhere without facilities, plan ahead and make sure you have a safe, legal and hygienic way to manage waste.

Keep your toilet clean, wash or sanitise hands after use, and store chemicals, cleaning products and waste containers safely away from children, pets, food and drinking water.

Camping Toilets for UK Campsites, Festivals and Campervans

For campsites, a portable toilet can be useful for night-time trips, children and pitches far from the facilities. For festivals, compact and easy-clean options are often more practical because space and carrying distance matter.

For campervans, a portable toilet can add flexibility when travelling between sites or staying somewhere with limited facilities. Just make sure you have enough storage space and know where you’ll empty it before you set off.

A well-chosen camping toilet should make your trip more comfortable without creating extra mess, stress or disposal problems.

Shop Camping Toilets Online

Browse our camping toilets range to find practical toilet solutions for campsites, festivals, campervan trips, family camping and outdoor adventures. Compare portable toilets, chemical toilets, toilet tents and useful accessories to choose a setup that suits the way you camp.

Camping Toilets FAQs

What is a camping toilet used for?

A camping toilet is used as a portable toilet option when you are away from normal bathroom facilities. It is useful for campsites, festivals, campervans, family camping, night-time use and remote outdoor trips where permitted.

What type of camping toilet should I choose?

Choose based on how often it will be used, who will use it and how much space you have. Simple portable toilets suit occasional use, while chemical camping toilets are usually better for longer trips or regular family use.

Are camping toilets worth it?

Yes, camping toilets can be worth it if you camp with children, stay at busy sites, travel in a campervan, attend festivals or want a convenient night-time toilet option near your pitch.

What is the difference between a portable toilet and a chemical toilet?

A basic portable toilet may use bags, buckets or simple waste storage. A chemical toilet usually has a waste tank and uses toilet chemicals or treatment products to help manage waste and odour.

Where do you empty a camping toilet?

Empty a camping toilet only at approved disposal points, such as campsite chemical waste points or designated toilet disposal facilities. Always follow the campsite’s rules and the product instructions.

Can I use a camping toilet inside a tent?

You can use a camping toilet inside a suitable toilet tent, awning or dedicated private space if it is safe, stable and hygienic. Keep it away from food, sleeping areas and cooking equipment where possible.

Do camping toilets smell?

Camping toilets can smell if they are not cleaned, sealed or emptied properly. Using the correct chemicals, liners or cleaning products, and emptying the toilet regularly, can help reduce odours.

What accessories do I need for a camping toilet?

Useful accessories include toilet paper, toilet chemicals or liners, cleaning supplies, hand sanitiser, waste bags, a storage bag and possibly a toilet tent for privacy.

Can I take a camping toilet to a festival?

Many campers take portable toilets to festivals, but rules vary. Check the festival guidance before travelling, especially for waste disposal, toilet chemicals and what can be brought onto the site.

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