Last updated on February 9th, 2023 at 05:35 pm
Portable camping toilets make doing your business in the woods easier. Not only are they more sanitary, these options and more comfortable than public park restrooms or squatting in the woods. We love camping toilets, which make camping without a trace much more manageable. So, we’ve scoured the market for the best portable camping toilet. We’ve done the tedious work, so you don’t have to.
Our Favorite Portable Toilets for Campers Are...
We’ve searched high and low to find the most comfortable and sanitary camping toilets. The following commodes help manage your ‘leave no trace’ needs while providing comfort so you can do your business. Based on the criteria above, the best and most comfortable portable camping toilets are:
Best Overall: Thetford Porta Potti 365
Our Favorite for Bucket-style Commode: Reliance Luggable Loo
Most Portable Option: LIONALP Portable Folding Toilet Seat
We’ve sorted out all the information to make it easier for you to select the best toilet for your needs. Read further for our in-depth reviews.
Comparison Table of Portable Camping Commodes
First, we’ve collected our finalists into the easy-to-scan table below for quick reference.
As you can see there are quite a few styles for you to choose from. And, we sort out all the differences and unique features of each below.
1. Thetford Porta Potti 365
First, our favorite overall is the Thetford Porta Potti 365. Campers love that this commode has the feel of a home toilet with a great ergonomic design.
Plus, it’s sanitary and easy to clean.
The Thetford Porta Potti 365 is a great addition for any camping expedition to make your toileting needs more convenient.
However, although it is relatively light, this toilet is not for hikers or backpackers.
Large Capacity and Easy to Use
Additionally, the Thetford 365 is ideal for those longer excursions where bathrooms and dump stations aren’t easily accessible.
The 365 features a 5.5 gallon, large waste capacity means less maintenance and more fun. Additionally, this commode has a hefty 4 gallon fresh water tank.
In fact, with a single fill, the Thetford 365 gives campers over fifty flushes, which can last several days.
In addition, campers utilize an easy pivoting spout and a carry handle making it a dream to empty.
Furthermore, the Thetford 365 features fill level indicators for both tanks. So, campers will be able to easily plan around fills and empties.
Moreover, the rotating pour spout makes the 365 Potti sanitary and easy to clean. When emptying, the lip seal valve stays air-tight to prevent leaks.
Additionally, the rotating pour spout allows you to easily empty content without spilling or splashing.
Sealed Valve To Prevent Odors
Furthermore, the Thetford 365 is one of the best at preventing unwanted odors from lingering around camp.
For instance, the 365 features a sealed bowl valve to prevent your foul odors from permeating your tent, van, or camper.
However, be sure to care for this seal properly to avoid damage, as well as odor release.
For example, Thetford recommends using only Aqua-Clean and toilet seal lubricants. Both of which, we found easy to implement. Should your seal become damaged, however, Thetford offers easy replacement with Part No. 07101.
Lightweight
Finally, campers find this model very easy to pack and carry to a variety of campsites.
For instance, the Thetford 365 is fairly lightweight at just under 8 lbs.
Furthermore, this commode comes with a nice carrying bag and has a similar profile to that of a traditional home toilet at 16.3” tall and 15” wide.
As a result, we find the Thetford to easily integrate into our go-to camping gear.
Pros and Cons of the Thetford Porta Potti 365
Thetford Porta Potti 365 PROS
- Easy to use and clean
- Comfortable
- Large capacity
- Weight capacity of 325 lbs
- Durable
- On board odor control
- Easy to fill fresh water tank
- No batteries required
- Tank level indicators
- Offers replacement parts for easy maintenance
- Lid
Thetford Porta Potti 365 CONS
- More expensive than other cassette toilets
- Lip seal wears over time
Who is The Thetford Porta Potti 365 Perfect For?
Finally, the Thetford Porta Potti 365 is ideal for anyone looking for an at-home feel. Whether you’re car, RV, or van camping, the Thetford 365 offers a natural toilet feel with a large tank capacity and easy flushing mechanism.
2. Reliance Luggable Loo
Next, our favorite bucket style commode, the Reliance Luggable Loo is the simplest of all the portable camping toilets.
Firstly, it can hold humans up to 300 lbs making it an easy-to-use option for most campers.
Plus, there’s no easier way to dispose of waste than to tie a bag and toss it in the trash.
In fact, Reliance is the go-to toiletry accessory brand for campers of all types. For instance, many through hikers will be familiar with their Bio-gel, waste bags, toilet deodorants, and portable showers.
It Doesn’t Get Any Simpler
First and foremost, a bucket and a toilet seat support your weight, so you don’t have to squat.
Furthermore, there’s no flushing and little need for clean-up, so you’re not wasting water. It is that simple.
As a result, there’s hardly anything that can break, which means many seasons.
Additionally, the Luggable Loo comes with its own ‘Double Doody’ waste bags filled with a bio-gel to help solidify urine.
Unfortunately, these bags are rather expensive at almost $3 a pop. For this reason, many campers simply use black construction bags.
They’re a little bit more durable and less likely to leak or tear than your ordinary trash bag. Plus, you can purchase Bio-gel powder seperately.
Some campers, however, even use small bathroom bags filled with sawdust or cat litter.
Either way, once you’ve done your business, just toss and go. Unless, you’re hiking, of course, in which case you’d pack out instead.
Maintenance Free
Additionally, most portable toilets require an extra amount of maintenance to keep clean and functional.
Whether it’s rinsing tanks, lubricating seals, or replacing broken parts, there’s always something that needs to be done.
However, the Luggable Loo really doesn’t require any maintenance, except an occasional spray. As long as your bags don’t leak it’s entirely maintenance-free.
Most of the time, I just spray mine out at the end of any camping trip. You can wipe it down with some paper towels, or let it air dry before packing it away.
Unique Bottom Handle
Finally, the Luggable Loo has a 5-gallon capacity.
And if you take advantage of that, it gets pretty heavy.
However, the convenient bottom handle makes it easy to lift and pour if you need to.
Now, most campers will utilize bagging their waste. However, in a pinch, or if a bag breaks, you may find yourself hauling your bucket to a waste station or into a cat hole.
Pros and Cons of the Reliance Luggable Loo
Reliance Luggable Loo PROS
- Inexpensive
- Maintenance free
- Comes with specialized bags
- Highly portable
- Easy to use
- Lid
- Comfortable rope handle
Reliance Luggable Loo CONS
- The seat and base are rather narrow
- Collection method may be too primitive for some
- Requires level ground
Who Will Love The Reliance Luggable Loo?
Campers love the Luggable Loo because it’s lightweight and simple to use. It keeps you from having to squat, preserving your legs for the trail. Plus, the bags make it easy to leave no trace and pack out any toilet paper, wipes, or menstrual products. Additionally, it easily alleviates the need to hike to the restroom in the middle of the night.
3. LIONALP Portable Folding Toilet Seat
Additionally, our favorite for backpacking or hiking is the LIONALP Portable Folding Toilet Seat. Firstly, the LIONALP is foldable, making it much easier to transport than a bucket.
Easily Transportable
Importantly, the LIONALP remains lightweight and easy to carry for hikers and backpackers.
For instance, the LIONALP folds up into a 4.3” x 24,” seat.
Whether camping or hiking, the LionAlp is a great option for a portable, easy-to-use toilet. In fact, it’s easy to attach to the outside of a pack or tuck underneath a cot when not in use.
However, it’s a bit heavy at 6.3 lbs, but the foldability makes it much easier to carry than other options.
In addition, this model is very sturdy and the seat is plenty wide and comfortable.
In fact, the LionAlp Toilet holds up to 300 lbs.
Maintenance Free
Additionally, there are no parts or seals that have to be replaced on this seat. No flushing, no emptying. Simply toss your bags in the trash, or pack out if you’re hiking.
Furthermore, if you purchase compostable bags, you can even bury them if you’d like.
The Portable Folding Toilet requires no maintenance other than an occasional dusting. Or maybe a wipe down with alcohol.
Comfortable to Use, Plus a Toilet Paper Strap
Finally, the LIONALP IS comfortable.
In fact, the seat is 17.3 inches from the ground, which is about 1 inch higher than a standard toilet. As a result, there’s less bending and a very comfy seat.
Furthermore, there’s room for a 15″ tall bucket beneath the seat. Which is ideal if you’d like to bypass the tricky waste bag holding rim.
In addition, the LIONALP even has a nice buckling nylon toilet paper holder. So, even in nature your hands are free to scan scroll through reddit.
The one downside of the LIONALP, other than the weight, is that the bags do slip. For instance, waste is heavy, so with an excessive amount, gravity pulls the bag downward causing it to slip from the ring. This is something to watch out for especially if Mother Nature calls in the middle of the night.
Pros and Cons of the LIONALP Portable Folding Toilet Seat
LIONALP Portable Folding Toilet Seat PROS
- Packs down to 4.3” x 24″
- Good for backpacking
- Holds up campers up to 300 lbs
- Comfortable seat height
- Durable frame
- Sturdy feet
- No maintenance
LIONALP Portable Folding Toilet Seat CONS
- Bags can slip
- A bit heavy at 6.3 lbs
- No lid
Who Will Love The LIONALP Portable Folding Toilet Seat?
The LionAlp foldable commode is perfect for most camping situations. It’s probably best for hikers who either don’t want to squat or don’t want the obtrusiveness of a bucket. Albeit a bit heavy for backpacking, it’s easy enough to attach to the outside of a pack. For some, it’s worth the extra weight.
4. SereneLife SLCATL320 Outdoor Portable Toilet
Next is another amazing fit for car or RV campers.
The SereneLife SLCATL320 Outdoor Portable Toilet is a dream to use, anda huge upgrade from ca holes.
Campers love how easy the SereneLife is to use.
5.3-Gallon Waste Water Tank
Firstly, the SereneLife has plenty of room to last an entire trip without needing to be emptied.
For instance, the SereneLife has a 5.3-gallon waste tank and is capable of 120 flushes.
Additionally, with a premium piston pump flush, you’ll feel surprisingly pampered in the wild. For example, you pull the handle up and down, which in turn pumps water into the bowl and flushes your waste into the tank.
Furthermore, there are no batteries to mess with so you won’t have to worry about running out of juice. We love how simple this design is to use.
However, the one downfall is that it’s impossible to completely empty the waste water tank. Because of the various lips and seals, it’s challenging to get the waste tank completely dried out. But, we’ve found, if you leave it out in the sun for a few days, it should dry up.
Splash Resistant Pour Spout
In addition, the SereneLife has a rotating pour spout for emptying waste and preventing splash back.
In fact, the waste tank has several handles to make emptying easy.
For instance, simply rotate the spout 90 degrees outward to remove its contents. Then, lift with the handle to pour out your waste.
Easy For Guests to Use
Finally, the last thing you’ll want is to be asked mid-use how to use the loo. Now, you’ll definitely never forget how to use your toilet. However, as an added bonus, if you ever have guests in your camp, neither will they.
In fact, the directions are right on the lid for all to see.
Just follow the steps, and you can relieve yourself without any worries or mishaps.
Pros and Cons of the SereneLife SLCATL320 Outdoor Portable Toilet
SereneLife SLCATL320 PROS
- Large 5.3-gal capacity tank
- Double sealed to prevent leaks and odors
- Piston pump flushing
- Comfortable 14.5″ seat height
- Level indicator
- Durable materials
- 330 lb weight limit
- Affordable luxury
- No batteries required
- Lid
SereneLife SLCATL320 CONS
- Heavy at 11.2 lbs
- Can’t completely empty waste tank
- Will weigh over 40 lbs when full
Who Would This Toilet be Perfect For?
The SereneLife Portable Toilet is a great choice for car campers, overlanders, RVers, and even boaters. It has a large tank capacity with plenty of flushes for even large groups. However, we’d recommend emptying periodically to avoid carrying over 40 lbs of waste to a station.
5. Camco 41541 Portable Travel Toilet
Another fantastic option for car camping is the Camco 41541 Portable Travel Toilet. We love this commode for its satisfying bellows-style flushing mechanism.
In fact, campers also love how easy it is to apply pressure to the spring action pump lever to flush out the bowl.
2.5 Gallon Flush Tank With 5.3 Gallon Waste Tank
Firstly, the Camco 41541 has a unique feature with a 2.5-gallon flush tank and a 5.3-gallon waste tank.
Additionally, you have the option of a 2.5-gallon waste tank, which reduces the overall weight of the toilet.
For those that find 5 gallons a bit too heavy, this reduces a filled tank to just over 20 lbs when full.
Sturdy Construction
Additionally, the Camco 41541 is a good option for those on the heavier side.
For instance, this model is made with sturdy polyethylene construction.
In fact, the Camco 41541 holds up to 330 lbs.
Super Airtight Seal
Finally, campers are continually impressed by the reliable hermetic seal of this toilet.
As a result, the Camco 41541 is by far the best on our list for being completely airtight and odor free.
Of course, the usual deodorizing and decomposing treatments are recommended to keep the toilet functioning properly.
Pros and Cons of the Camco 41541 Portable Travel Toilet
Camco 41541 PROS
- Available in 2.6 and 5.3-gallon options
- Great hermetic seal
- Easy and satisfying flush mechanism
- Superior sturdiness
- Weight capacity up to 330 lbs
- Lid
- Very affordable
- relatively lightweight at 10.8 lbs
Camco 41541 CONS
- No splash-resistant spout
- Handle is next to pour spout making it difficult to tilt
Who Would This Toilet be Perfect For?
The Camco 41541 is great for car campers, camper vans or RVs. Infact, it’s small and compact so it doesn’t take up much space. Furthermore, the smaller option is ideal for those that prefer to handle less weight. Moreover, the Camco 41541 is highly affordable for those on a budget.
6. Dometic 970 Series Portable Toilet
Finally, another amazing contender, the Dometic 970 Series Portable Toilet offers a variety of unique features such as its latching lid and push button flush.
Campers respect the Dometic brand for quality and reliability, as well as affordable, repairs (if it ever even comes to that).
We love the compact 970 Series for its simple push button flush and quality construction.
Push Button Flush
Firstly, the 970 Series lets you pump to prime/pressurize your tank.
Then, when ready, you simply push the button and watch it flush down the bowl.
If it were from another company, we might question the longevity and reliability of that system. But, we know Dometic builds gear that lasts.
Compact And Easily Portable
Furthermore, the 970 Series is extremely compact and highly portable.
For instance, when set up the 970 Series measures 13.5 x 15.5 x 12.5 inches.
As a result, the small and compact design takes up minimal space in your tent or vehicle.
Quality Construction
Dometic has a reputation for offering the Cadillac version in the industry.
In fact, their high-strength ABS construction keeps your toilet looking new and stain-free.
Furthermore, it’s easy to clean and keep clean, and can even withstand harsher environments. Plus, it’s extremely sturdy and able to hold
Pros and Cons of the Dometic 970 Series Portable Toilet
Dometic 970 Series PROS
- Latching seat
- Lid
- Splash-resistant spout
- Push button flush
- Durable
- 300 lb weight limit
- No batteries needed
- Vent release on waste tank
- Comfortable seat height
- Tank level indicator
- 2.6 or 5-gallon options
Dometic 970 Series CONS
- Cost
- Can be too small for comfort
- Heavy at 12-14 lbs
Who Would This Toilet be Perfect For?
The Dometic 970 is great for those looking for a compact option. Furthermore, it’s also a good choice for those looking to upgrade to a push-button flush and latching lid. However, the Dometic 970 is too small for comfort for some.
What Makes a Great Portable Commode for Campers?
We’ve camped with and without access to toilets, and we’ve learned a lot. For instance, these are the attributes we consider for when looking for the best portable camping toilet:
- Waste Capacity: Unfortunately, more capacity does mean it will be heavier to carry to a waste station. For instance, a 3-gallon toilet with 4 campers will need emptied once or twice per day. However, there are water-free bagging loos that solve this.
- Portability: Additionally, for car camping, a large portable toilet won’t be an issue. However, backpackers will need something lighter than 7 lbs.
- Seat Weight Capacity: It goes without saying, that the failure of a portable loo under the users weight, would be extremely displeasing.
- Collection Method: From experience, it’s easiest to pack out bags. However, it is completely up to you whether you choose a toilet that bags it or one that feels like home.
- Flushing Capability: In premium models, there’s a separate clean water tank and a pump that you press to flush waste into the collection compartment. The downside is that the collection tank will fill more quickly and in some, batteries are needed.
- Hermetic Seal: If you are most interested in a collection style tank, the seal between tanks and tubes is an important component. You don’t want anything less an airtight seal while traveling in the car or carrying it to be emptied.
- Odor Control: For bagging toilets, you’ll need to add a scoop of cat litter or sawdust after each deposit to eliminate odor. However, some premium models also include a cover to close off the hole from the tank, drastically cutting down smells.
- Replacement Parts: The mark of a quality product is a company’s confidence in their model enough to offer small replacement parts.
So, if its one of our favorites or you find a different option out the hundreds out there, remember to ‘leave no trace.’
Camp in Comfort
Portable camping toilets are a great way to avoid over-crowded or downright gross public park bathrooms. They also come in handy when you have no bathroom at all. Camping toilets are easy to use, require little maintenance, and make camping a whole lot more comfortable.
Now, the only thing to do is decide between the bag, the bucket, or the cassette style. All are viable options and great choices for your camping adventures. Plus, most of these toilets are highly affordable even for the most budget-conscious camper.
About the Author
Sarah Sampsell
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