How to Use a Composting Toilet While Camping: Easy Guide

Camping trips should feel like an escape from stress—not a battle with messy toilets or awkward bathroom moments. Yet, many campers have stories about smelly, dirty pit toilets or late-night walks to a cold, distant outhouse. Even worse, some end up digging “cat holes” in hard, rocky ground or worry about breaking campsite rules.

If you’ve felt this frustration, you’re not alone.

Many outdoor lovers are now switching to composting toilets for camping. These portable toilets promise a cleaner, more comfortable solution. But using one isn’t always as simple as “just go and forget it.” There are steps, rules, and a learning curve. This guide will show you exactly how to use a composting toilet while camping—so you can stay clean, follow the rules, and enjoy your trip without stress.

Why Consider A Composting Toilet While Camping?

Traditional camping toilets are often smelly, hard to clean, or even illegal in some places. Digging holes damages the environment and can break local laws. Public toilets can be far away, dirty, or closed at night.

A composting toilet changes this. You get a private, odor-free, and eco-friendly bathroom—right at your campsite or inside your RV. Composting toilets turn waste into safe compost, so you protect nature and avoid health risks. They are especially useful for:

Remote camping with no facilities
Long stays at one site
Family trips where kids need comfort
Leave No Trace camping

But, are they really as easy as some ads say? Let’s break down how to use them, what to expect, and what most guides don’t tell you.

How A Composting Toilet Works

A composting toilet uses no water. It separates liquids (urine) and solids (feces). Solids mix with a carbon-rich material like sawdust, peat moss, or coconut coir. Good airflow helps break down waste and control smells.

Here’s what happens inside:

You go—liquids and solids are separated.
Solids drop into a container with cover material.
Cover each use with more sawdust or other material.
Air vents move odors outside and speed up composting.
Liquids collect in a bottle for safe, easy emptying.

Most portable composting toilets are simple to set up and clean. But, using them right takes some practice.

How to Use a Composting Toilet While Camping: Easy Guide

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Choosing The Right Composting Toilet For Camping

There are many brands and models. Each has different features, sizes, and prices. How do you pick the right one?

Key Factors To Consider

Capacity: For solo campers, a small toilet may last days. Families need a larger one.
Weight and Size: Will it fit in your car, van, or tent? Can you carry it easily?
Separation: Good models keep liquids and solids apart—this controls odor.
Ease of Use: Some have handles, liners, or built-in fans.
Emptying and Cleaning: How often will you need to empty it? Is it easy or a hassle?
Price: Expect to pay $100–$900 depending on quality.

Common Mistakes When Buying

Many beginners choose the cheapest model, only to find it leaks, smells, or breaks. Others buy a big one that’s hard to move. Always check real user reviews, not just product claims.

For detailed reviews and specs, see the Wikipedia guide to composting toilets.

Setting Up Your Composting Toilet At Camp

Proper setup is key to a good experience. Here’s how to do it right:

Pick A Good Location

Place the toilet on flat, stable ground.
Keep it away from food and water sources.
Choose a spot with privacy—inside a tent, privacy shelter, or camper.

Prepare The Toilet

Add a layer (about 2 inches) of sawdust, peat moss, or coconut coir to the solids container.
Check the urine bottle is empty and secure.
Make sure air vents and fans (if any) are working.

Keep Supplies Handy

Have these items nearby:

Extra sawdust or cover material
Toilet paper (eco-friendly, fast-breaking)
Hand sanitizer or wipes
Spray bottle with water/vinegar for cleaning

Weather Tips

In cold weather, keep the toilet inside your tent or van. Composting slows down in freezing temps, but still works for a few days if you add enough cover material.

Credit: www.amazon.com

Using A Composting Toilet: Step-by-step

Let’s break down the process. It’s simple, but small habits make a big difference.

Open the lid and sit (or stand, if using a urinal funnel for men).
Go to the bathroom. Make sure urine goes in the right spot—most toilets have a divider.
Add cover material over solids. Use enough to hide waste and keep it dry.
Close the lid tightly after each use.
Wash hands with sanitizer or wipes.

Odor Control Tips

Always add enough cover material.
Never let liquids mix with solids.
Empty the urine bottle daily.
Air out the toilet if you notice smells.

For Families And Groups

Teach everyone (even kids) how the toilet works. Many problems happen when people forget to add cover or mix up the containers.

Comparing Composting Toilets Vs Other Camp Toilets

Here’s how composting toilets stack up against the most common options:

Type	Odor Control	Eco-Friendly	Ease of Use	Maintenance
Composting Toilet	Good	Excellent	Simple	Weekly Emptying
Chemical Toilet	Fair	Poor	Easy	Frequent, Chemicals Needed
Pit Toilet	Poor	OK	Depends on Site	Site Staff Only
Cat Hole	Depends	OK	Labor Intensive	Daily Digging

Many campers find composting toilets are the best mix of comfort and sustainability—if used properly.

Emptying And Disposing Of Waste

Many first-time users worry about emptying the toilet. Here’s what you need to know:

Urine

Urine is usually collected in a bottle.
Empty it daily, away from water sources and campsites.
Dilute with water if pouring on soil. Or use a public toilet or RV dump.

Solids

Wait until the container is 2/3 full.
Solids should be dry, covered, and odorless.
For long trips, carry waste out in a sealed bag (double-bagged) or approved container.
Never bury or dump waste in sensitive areas.

Where To Dump?

Use RV dump stations, public toilets, or approved compost piles.
Check park rules—some require you to pack out all waste.

Cleaning Tips

Rinse containers with water and vinegar.
Dry before reassembling.
Wear gloves if needed.

Common Problems And How To Solve Them

Even good toilets can cause trouble if used wrong. Here are some real issues, and how to fix them:

Odor Problems

Usually caused by not enough cover material or mixing liquids and solids.
Solution: Add more sawdust, empty liquids often, and check air vents.

Flies Or Bugs

Can appear in hot weather if the toilet is not closed tightly.
Solution: Use extra cover material, and keep the toilet clean and closed.

Leaks

Cheap toilets can leak if tipped or overfilled.
Solution: Don’t overfill. Choose a model with sturdy seals. Always empty before moving.

Running Out Of Cover Material

Many new users underestimate how much sawdust or coir they’ll need.
Solution: Bring at least twice as much as you think you’ll need.

Practical Tips For Using A Composting Toilet While Camping

Many guides skip over these small, but important tips:

Bring a spare container for cover material—wet sawdust is hard to use.
Line the solids bin with a compostable bag for easy emptying.
If camping in bear country, store the toilet securely at night.
Use unscented toilet paper—it breaks down faster.
Mark the urine bottle so kids don’t mix it up.

Real-world Example: Weekend Trip

Here’s how one family used a composting toilet on a 3-night camping trip:

Four people, one toilet, one privacy tent.
Used about 2 gallons of coconut coir.
Emptied urine daily at campground restroom.
Solids stayed odor-free, only half full after trip.
No complaints from kids, and no mess to clean up at home.

This shows most families can use a composting toilet for several days with little hassle—if they follow simple steps.

Comparing Popular Portable Composting Toilets

Below is a quick look at three popular models campers use:

Model	Weight	Capacity	Price Range	Special Features
Natures Head	28 lbs	2-4 weeks (2 people)	$900	Stirrer, Fan, Large Tank
Separett Tiny	16 lbs	1-2 weeks	$700	Urine Bottle, Easy Install
OGO Compost Toilet	28 lbs	2-4 weeks	$1200	Electric Mixer, Compact

Prices and features can change, but these options show what’s possible at different price points.

Environmental Impact: The Real Benefits

Using a composting toilet helps keep nature clean. The average camper produces 1–2 pounds of waste per day. If everyone buries or leaves waste, it harms water, wildlife, and ruins campsites.

Composting toilets:

Reduce pollution
Protect drinking water
Prevent spread of disease
Help you follow Leave No Trace principles

But, you must use and empty them correctly. That’s key for real environmental benefit.

Two Insights Beginners Often Miss

Compost needs air—If you pack waste in tight or forget to stir (if your model requires it), composting slows and smells increase. Let air flow in.
Cover material is crucial—Running out means instant odor and mess. Always overpack your cover supply.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should I Empty A Composting Toilet While Camping?

Usually, empty the urine bottle every day. Empty the solids bin when it’s 2/3 full or after your trip. Don’t let it overflow—this causes odor and makes cleaning harder.

Can I Use Regular Toilet Paper In A Composting Toilet?

Yes, but unscented, fast-dissolving toilet paper is best. It breaks down faster and won’t clog the system.

What’s The Best Cover Material For Camping?

Coconut coir, peat moss, or fine sawdust all work well. They’re dry, easy to store, and control odors. Never use wood chips—they don’t cover well.

Is It Legal To Use A Composting Toilet Everywhere?

Not always. Some parks or countries have strict rules. Always check local regulations and follow Leave No Trace. Dump waste only in approved places.

What Should I Do If My Toilet Starts To Smell?

Add more cover material, empty the urine, and check for leaks. If it still smells, clean the bin and make sure the air vent is open.

Camping with a composting toilet is a simple way to protect nature and make your trip more comfortable. With the right setup and habits, you’ll never dread “bathroom time” at camp again.

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