Camping is all about disconnecting from the daily grind and reconnecting with nature. But, when nature calls—well, you still need a place to go, even in the great outdoors! That’s where the importance of a reliable camping toilet comes into play. For campers who value eco-friendliness, convenience, and leaving the environment better than they found it, a composting toilet is an excellent choice.
In this post, we’ll explore why a composting toilet makes a fantastic camping companion, covering its ease of use, portability, and its role in preserving the beauty of national parks and public lands.
A composting toilet is a system that starts the process of turning humanure into compostable material through natural decomposition. These toilets separate solids from liquids, allowing organic matter to break down over time. Although it takes several months for the matter to fully compost, portable composting toilets are designed to contain everything securely until you can deal with it properly.
Now we know you’re not going to pack up a composting toilet and carry it along a hiking trail during a backpacking trip. But there’s a lot of you who go camping in places accessible in a car, campervan, or RV. That’s the kind of camping we’re talking about in this article!
And when you have a vehicle you’re camping with, having a camping toilet with you just makes sense. Here are what we think are the top 6 reasons:
We’ve all cringed at the site of the public restroom or pit toilet at a campground. With a personal composting toilet as your camping toilet, you never have to worry about sanitation or share a toilet with strangers again!
One of the top reasons why a composting toilet is a fantastic camping toilet is that it’s kind to the environment—unlike that “dig-a-hole-and-hope-for-the-best” strategy. Here’s why they’re a better option:
If you’ve ever camped at a national park, you’ve probably seen the signs: “Pack out what you pack in.” This includes everything—yes, even that! Many parks and public lands have strict regulations against burying matter. Why? Because improperly disposed humanure can disrupt the delicate ecosystems, attract wildlife, and even spread disease.
Using a composting toilet lets you stay on the right side of these rules. You’ll be doing your part to preserve these spaces for future campers and generations of wildlife. Imagine hiking through a beautiful forest without having to worry about stepping into any...unexpected discoveries. Composting toilets make sure you’re following the rules, and more importantly, protecting the environment.
When camping, the last thing you want is to lug around bulky gear. A composting toilet like Cuddy, however, is designed with mobility in mind—perfect for life on the go!
Learn how Michael uses a Cuddy composting toilet off-grid in the outback of Australia and why he loves it! (Spoiler alert: it doesn't smell!)
A common misconception about composting toilets is that they’re complicated to use. The reality? They’re as easy as tying your hiking boots (and a lot less tricky than setting up a tent).
Sure, a composting toilet might seem like an investment at first, but over time it can save you money—and headaches.
Ever since we started CompoCloset, our van, Roger, has been home to a trusty Cuddy composting toilet. Honestly, it’s been a total game-changer in more situations than I can count, but one road trip with my dad really stands out. He had flown into Las Vegas, and we were road-tripping back to Washington, camping along the way.
Now, Roger is an awesome van, but bathroom facilities? Not exactly his strong suit. Luckily, Cuddy was there to save the trip!
We usually keep our Cuddy tucked behind the passenger seat, where it doubles as a handy stool, an extra seat, or even a little table. Having it with us on that trip made all the difference. We'd pop up a little potty tent at campsites for extra privacy and comfort.
But where Cuddy really worked its magic was out on the open road. We took the Great Basin Highway through Nevada, a jaw-droppingly beautiful yet remote stretch with almost no services around. And as anyone who's been on a long road trip knows, when nature calls, it doesn't wait!
Thanks to Cuddy, we didn’t have to stress about hunting for gas station bathrooms or dealing with sketchy rest stops. It was such a relief (no pun intended) knowing we had our own setup, giving us the freedom to relax and truly enjoy the journey without those nagging "uh-oh" moments. Honestly, I don’t know how we’d have done it without Cuddy!
One of the biggest benefits of using a composting toilet as your camping toilet is that it helps protect the environment and local wildlife. When people leave behind humanure in nature, it doesn’t just disappear—animals might dig it up, water sources can become contaminated, and it can wreak havoc on local ecosystems.
Think of your composting toilet as nature’s best friend—it keeps everything contained and reduces the risk of negative environmental impacts. Whether you’re in the mountains, the desert, or a forest, you can rest easy knowing you’re not leaving behind any unpleasant surprises for the next camper or critter.
Using a composting toilet ensures that your "business" stays out of the business of nature. Think of it as doing your part to keep nature’s bathroom clean.
In our experience, campers typically care about sustainability, convenience, and leaving nature untouched, making a composting toilet the ultimate camping toilet option.
Not only does it help reduce your environmental impact, but it also provides a reliable, odor-free, and easy-to-use solution when nature calls (and trust us, she always does).
So next time you’re packing for a camping trip, consider adding a composting toilet to your essential gear list. It’s the key to a more comfortable, eco-friendly camping experience. And who knows? Your future self—and the planet—will thank you!
Because, let’s face it: when it comes to camping, everyone deserves a throne fit for an outdoor king or queen!
Sierra Eberly is an avid trail runner and solopreneur who has traveled full-time in a campervan since 2020.
After traveling for over a year while working remotely full-time at a corporate job, she shifted gears and pursued her passions for writing and marketing strategy.
Boondock Consulting was formed, and she now supports like-minded small businesses with their big aspiration.
Sierra continues to travel, balancing work and play while trying her best to make a minimal impact on the planet and enjoying everything it offers. You can follow along with her travels via Instagram or Sierra’s personal website, Sierra’s Traverse.
