Ultimate Guide: Top Camping Toilets Reviewed

Monday, November 27, 2023 By marouane

Imagine waking up to the serene beauty of the wilderness, the crisp morning air, and the gentle sounds of nature. Now, imagine that idyllic start to your day being disrupted by a less-than-pleasant bathroom experience. This is where choosing the right camping toilet comes into play – turning potential discomfort into an aspect of camping you no longer have to worry about. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the top camping toilets, their features, and how to select the perfect one for your needs.

Why a Good Camping Toilet Matters

A reliable camping toilet isn’t just about convenience; it’s about respecting the environment and ensuring that you leave no trace. The right choice helps you manage waste responsibly while providing the comfort and hygiene you need to enjoy your outdoor escapades fully.

Comparing the Contenders

We’ve done the legwork and compared the top models on the market. Here’s a snapshot to help you weigh your options:

Thetford Porta Potti 135

Detailed Insight

Portability

 5/5

Comfort

 4/5

Capacity

 3/5

Ease of Cleaning

 5/5

Overall Quality

 4/5

Rating: 4.2

Reliance Luggable Loo

Detailed Insight

Portability

 5/5

Comfort

 3/5

Capacity

 5/5

Ease of Cleaning

 3/5

Overall Quality

 3/5

Rating: 3.4

Camco Standard Travel Toilet

Detailed Insight

Portability

 3/5

Comfort

 5/5

Capacity

 5/5

Ease of Cleaning

 4/5

Overall Quality

 4/5

Rating: 4.3

Reliance Fold-to-Go

Detailed Insight

Portability

 5/5

Comfort

 4/5

Capacity

 3/5

Ease of Cleaning

 4/5

Overall Quality

 4/5

Rating: 4.0

SereneLife Portable Toilet

Detailed Insight

Portability

 4/5

Comfort

 5/5

Capacity

 5/5

Ease of Cleaning

 5/5

Overall Quality

 5/5

Rating: 4.7

Detailed Insights for the Informed Camper

Let’s take a closer look at what sets each camping toilet apart from the rest, focusing on the mechanisms and materials that will accompany you in the great outdoors.

Thetford Porta Potti 135

Flushing Mechanism: The Porta Potti 135 features a bellows pump flush that is surprisingly efficient for its size. The flush is smooth and doesn’t require much effort, making it user-friendly. Materials: Crafted from high-density plastic, the toilet is durable yet lightweight, ideal for transport. The matte finish provides a comfortable texture and is resilient to scratches and the elements. Comfort: The ergonomic seat design ensures comfort during use, even during prolonged trips. Odor and Waste Management: The sealed valve works wonders in keeping odors at bay, and the unit performs consistently across a range of temperatures, though in extreme heat, additional ventilation may be beneficial.

Accessory: Thetford Eco-Smart Holding Tank Deodorant
Benefit: This deodorant breaks down waste and paper, controls odors, and is environmentally safe. It’s a must-have for maintaining a fresh-smelling and clean toilet, especially important for family trips.

Reliance Luggable Loo

Flushing Mechanism: As a bucket-style toilet, it lacks a flushing mechanism, but its simplicity means fewer moving parts to maintain. Materials: Its sturdy plastic can withstand a significant amount of weight and the rigors of outdoor use. Comfort: The snap-on seat is surprisingly comfortable, though not as contoured as other options. Odor and Waste Management: Without a flushing system, odor management relies on frequently changing the bag, but it’s uncomplicated and straightforward.

Accessory: Reliance Double Doodie Waste Bags with Bio-Gel
Benefit: These pre-charged bags come with a bio-gel that solidifies waste, making disposal clean and simple. They are also biodegradable, which is better for the environment.

Camco Standard Portable Travel Toilet

Flushing Mechanism: The bellow-type flush efficiently clears waste, using minimal water per flush, and is reliable even in colder temperatures. Materials: The polyethylene build is robust, promising longevity and resistance to wear and tear. Comfort: This model boasts a larger seat and a more comfortable height, resembling a traditional toilet. Odor and Waste Management: The sliding valve seals in odors effectively, and the unit manages waste efficiently across different climates.

Accessory: Camco TST Ultra-Concentrated Orange Citrus Scent RV Toilet Treatment
Benefit: This treatment is designed to help break down waste in the holding tank and control odors, making the maintenance of the Camco toilet easier and more pleasant.

Reliance Fold-to-Go

Flushing Mechanism: There’s no flushing here, but the folding design means setup and pack-away are incredibly easy. Materials: The materials are chosen for lightness and the ability to fold without compromising the product’s integrity. Comfort: The seat is less comfortable than others, but for a portable and temporary solution, it suffices. Odor and Waste Management: Like the Luggable Loo, reliance is on bag changes, but it’s effective if done regularly.

SereneLife Portable Toilet

Flushing Mechanism: The piston pump flush is top-tier, providing a powerful and clean flush every time. Materials: High-quality, sturdy construction ensures it can withstand diverse environments. Comfort: With a full-sized seat and a higher profile, it offers a comfortable experience for all users. Odor and Waste Management: The flush system coupled with a sealed gate valve means odors and waste are managed effectively, even in high heat.

Accessory: Camco Toilet Waste Bags
Benefit: Compatible with various portable toilets, these bags make waste disposal more hygienic and are great for no-mess cleanup. When you’re ready to empty the tank, these bags ensure a sanitary and odor-minimized process.

Choosing the Right Camping Toilet: Scenarios and Best Fits

Outdoor adventures come in many forms, and so do the needs of campers when it comes to choosing a portable toilet. Let’s explore specific scenarios where certain features of camping toilets can make all the difference:

For Families with Children: The Thetford Porta Potti 135 is ideal for family camping trips. Its compact design and easy-to-use flushing mechanism are perfect for little campers, ensuring a hassle-free experience for the entire family.

For Extreme Climates: The Camco 41545 Portable Travel Toilet offers reliability when temperatures drop. With its sturdy construction and secure seals, it’s equipped to handle the rigors of colder environments, preventing freezing and leakage.

For Large Group Camping: When you’re hosting a larger group, the SereneLife Portable Toilet is the standout choice. Its large capacity minimizes the need for frequent emptying, and the sturdy design can accommodate multiple users with ease, making it a convenient option for group outings.

For the Solo Adventurer: The Reliance Fold-to-Go Collapsible Portable Toilet is the solo hiker’s best companion. It’s lightweight, folds down for easy carrying, and sets up in seconds, providing a quick and simple solution when you’re miles away from the nearest facility.

For On-the-Water Expeditions: Boaters and kayakers will find the SereneLife Portable Toilet particularly useful. Its effective odor seal and ample tank capacity make it an excellent choice for maintaining a fresh environment on any watercraft.

For Extended Stays in Nature: Durable and dependable, the Camco 41545 Portable Travel Toilet again proves its worth for longer stays in the great outdoors. Its solid build and comfortable height offer the feel of a home toilet, which is much appreciated during extended adventures.

Maintenance Guide for Camping Toilets

Maintaining your camping toilet is crucial for ensuring longevity and optimal performance. Here’s a concise maintenance schedule and best practices tailored for each camping toilet model:

Thetford Porta Potti 135:

After Each Use: Wipe down the seat and lid with a mild antibacterial solution.
Weekly/As Needed: Check the waste level indicator. When it’s time to empty, use a designated dump station and rinse the waste tank with Thetford Aqua Rinse or a similar product.
Seasonal: Lubricate the seal and moving parts with Thetford Maintenance Spray to ensure a tight seal and smooth operation. Store the toilet with the valve open to prevent the seal from sticking.

Reliance Luggable Loo:

- After Each Use: Use a toilet sanitizer spray to clean the seat.
- Daily: If in continuous use, sprinkle a small amount of eco-friendly deodorizing powder inside the waste bag.
- Post-Trip: Dispose of the waste bag responsibly. Clean and sanitize the bucket with a mild cleaner. Dry thoroughly before storing.

Camco 41545 Portable Travel Toilet:

- - After Use: Clean the bowl with a soft brush and a mild cleaner that’s safe for plastic surfaces.
  - Regular Maintenance: Inspect the slide valve for a proper seal and apply lubricant if necessary.
  - Seasonal Storage: Thoroughly empty and clean the tank, leaving the valve slightly open to air

Reliance Fold-To-Go Maintenance:

- - - Post-Use: Clean seat with disinfectant; replace waste bags daily.
    - Post-Trip: Wash with mild soap, rinse, air dry, and fold for storage.
    - Regular Checks: Inspect leg locks and folding joints; repair as needed.
    - Storage: Keep in a dry area to prevent mold and maintain material integrity.

SereneLife Portable Toilet:

- - - After Use: Ensure to flush after each use to prevent waste buildup.
    - Weekly: Check the waste level and clean the tank using a portable toilet cleaner; rinse thoroughly.
    - Long-Term Storage: Inspect the pump and seals, clean thoroughly, and store in a ventilated area to prevent odors.

Wrapping up, we see that there’s a camping toilet out there for everyone. Whether you’re camping alone or with family, these toilets make life outdoors a bit easier. They help us keep places clean, which is good for the planet too. So, pick the one that fits your camping style and you’ll be all set for your next trip.

Where I Find the Best Camping Gear:

As someone who loves to scour the internet for the latest and greatest, I’ve done some deep diving to bring you cool camping gear that’ll make your trips unforgettable. I’ve found these gems through Pinterest boards, detailed blogs, and YouTube channels where campers share their personal recommendations.

These are affiliate links, so if you decide to gear up through these, you’ll be supporting my research at no extra cost to you