When nature calls in the great outdoors, a reliable portable toilet is no longer a luxury—it’s an essential piece of gear. Whether you’re in a fully-equipped RV, a remote campsite, or dealing with a home emergency, having a dedicated, sanitary solution can make all the difference. The right portable toilet provides comfort, convenience, and peace of mind, ensuring your adventures aren’t interrupted by an inconvenient search for facilities.
The market offers a wide array of options, from simple bucket seats to sophisticated flushable commodes. Choosing the best one depends on your specific needs, including group size, travel vehicle, desired comfort level, and portability. This roundup breaks down the top contenders to help you find the perfect portable restroom for your next trip.
The Best Portable Travel Toilets for Your Next Adventure
- THETFORD Porta POTTI 565E Curve
- Portable Emergency Toilet Seat for 5 Gallon Buckets
- Cleanwaste GO Anywhere Portable Folding Toilet
- Alpcour Portable Toilet – Compact Indoor & Outdoor Commode
- YITAHOME Portable Toilet, 5.3 Gallon Detachable Waste Tank
- Camping Toilet with Pop-Up Privacy Tent and Liquid Waste Gel
- Stansport Portable Toilet (271)
- Drive Medical Folding Steel Bedside Commode Chair
- The Restroom Kit Great for travel (12-Pack)
- Stansport 5 Gallon Portable Toilet
THETFORD Porta POTTI 565E Curve
The THETFORD Porta POTTI 565E Curve represents a high-end solution for those who want a home-like bathroom experience while on the road. Its sleek, ergonomic design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also built for durability and ease of use. This model is particularly well-suited for RV camping or extended trips where a reliable and comfortable toilet is a priority.
Key features include a generous 15-liter flush-water tank and a level indicator for the waste-holding tank, which helps you manage maintenance without any unpleasant surprises. The robust construction and user-friendly controls make it a dependable choice for families and frequent travelers who need a long-term portable sanitation solution.
Portable Emergency Toilet Seat for 5 Gallon Buckets
For campers who value simplicity and affordability, this portable toilet seat is an excellent option. Made from high-density polypropylene, it is designed to be durable and sturdy, snapping securely onto a standard 5 to 6-gallon bucket you provide. This creates a functional and cost-effective “Luggable Loo” system.
Its compact and lightweight design makes it incredibly easy to transport and store. This toilet seat is perfect for a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, and hunting, as well as for home emergency preparedness kits. It’s a no-fuss solution that gets the job done with minimal setup.
Cleanwaste GO Anywhere Portable Folding Toilet
The Cleanwaste GO Anywhere Portable Folding Toilet is all about portability and stability. It sets up in seconds—just unfold and lock the legs into place. This design is ideal for backpacking or situations where space and weight are critical factors, as it folds down into a very compact package.
Remarkably strong, it can support up to 500 pounds, and its three locking legs provide a stable base even on uneven terrain. The system is designed to be used with Cleanwaste’s Wag Bag kits, which contain gelling agents and enzymes to control waste and odor, making disposal as clean and simple as tossing the sealed bag in the trash.
Alpcour Portable Toilet – Compact Indoor & Outdoor Commode
The Alpcour Portable Toilet is a fully-featured commode that aims to replicate the comfort and functionality of a home toilet. It comes with a travel bag, making it a great all-in-one solution for camping, boating, and RV trips. Its compact design ensures it doesn’t take up too much valuable space.
This unit boasts a powerful piston pump flush and a large 5.3-gallon waste tank, offering an impressive 50+ flush capacity before needing to be emptied. Additional conveniences include a built-in pour spout and a washing sprayer for easy cleaning. The materials are designed to resist rust, corrosion, and minimize odors.
YITAHOME Portable Toilet, 5.3 Gallon Detachable Waste Tank
YITAHOME’s offering is a strong competitor in the flushable portable toilet category, featuring a smart and user-friendly design. It has a 3.2-gallon freshwater tank and a sizable 5.3-gallon waste tank, reducing the frequency of maintenance. The unit is built with durability and ease of use in mind.
An upgraded dual-outlet water spout ensures a thorough and effective flush, cleaning the bowl more completely. The two sections detach easily via side latches for straightforward emptying, and a slide valve reliably seals the waste tank to prevent leaks and control odors when the toilet is not in use.
Camping Toilet with Pop-Up Privacy Tent and Liquid Waste Gel
This product is a comprehensive kit that solves two problems at once: where to go and where to have privacy. It includes an ergonomic folding toilet, a pop-up privacy tent, waste bags, and liquid waste gel packs. Everything packs down into a single, carryable storage bag.
The pop-up tent is a standout feature, providing a dedicated private space and including ground stakes for stability. The toilet itself is designed with a taller, larger seat for enhanced comfort. The included waste gel helps to deodorize and solidify waste, making cleanup more manageable and hygienic.
Stansport Portable Toilet (271)
The Stansport Portable Toilet is a straightforward and reliable folding design. It features a white plastic seat mounted on heavy-duty tubular steel legs, providing a stable platform that can support up to 200 pounds. Its simplicity is its greatest strength.
Setup is quick, and it uses standard bags that are held in place by a removable plastic ring. This model is an excellent choice for those who need a basic, effective toilet for short camping trips, boating, or use in a small RV without the complexity of tanks and flushing mechanisms.
Drive Medical Folding Steel Bedside Commode Chair
While often used for medical purposes, this commode chair is a fantastic and sturdy portable toilet option for campers, especially those with mobility concerns. Its 3-in-1 design allows it to be used as a self-contained commode, a raised toilet seat, or a shower chair.
With a high weight capacity of 350 pounds and a comfortable seat height, it provides excellent support and stability. The frame is foldable for easy storage and transport, and the 7.5-quart bucket is easy to remove and clean. It’s an ideal solution for elderly campers or anyone who requires a more supportive seat.
The Restroom Kit Great for travel (12-Pack)
This product is not a toilet, but a crucial accessory for maintaining hygiene when using public or portable facilities. Each individually sealed kit contains a large disposable toilet seat cover, 3-ply toilet paper, and hand and tush wipes.
These kits are extremely portable, fitting easily into a backpack, purse, or glove box. They provide a hygienic barrier and cleaning supplies, offering peace of mind in any restroom situation. They are perfect for complementing any portable toilet setup or for use in public facilities while traveling.
Stansport 5 Gallon Portable Toilet
The Stansport 5 Gallon Portable Toilet is a self-contained unit that offers a step up from the basic bucket seat. It integrates a toilet seat with a sealed 5-gallon tank, providing a more secure and contained system than a simple seat and bucket combination.
This design helps to control odors and contains waste safely within the tank. It’s a practical middle-ground option for campers who want a dedicated portable toilet without the complexity and cost of a full-featured flush model. Its simplicity makes it reliable and easy to manage.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Portable Travel Toilet for Camping
So, you’re thinking about getting a portable travel toilet for your camping trips. It’s a game-changer for comfort and convenience, but with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? I’ve been through this process myself, and I can tell you that focusing on a few key areas will make your decision a lot easier.
First, consider the type of toilet. The main categories are flushable, folding, and bucket-style. Flushable models, often called cassette toilets, work like a miniature home toilet. They have a freshwater tank for flushing and a separate waste-holding tank. They’re comfortable and effective but can be bulkier and more expensive. Folding toilets are lightweight and pack down small, usually consisting of a collapsible frame with a bag system. They’re great for backpackers or those with limited space. Bucket-style toilets are the simplest and most affordable, featuring a seat on top of a bucket, often used with disposable bags or liners.
Next, think about capacity and size. This is a big one. The size of the waste tank determines how many uses you get before it needs emptying. For a couple on a weekend trip, a 2-3 gallon tank might be fine. For a family or longer excursions, look for a 5-gallon tank or larger. But remember, a larger tank also means more weight to carry when it’s full. Also, measure the space in your vehicle or tent where you plan to store it. A toilet that’s perfect in every other way is useless if it doesn’t fit in your car.
Portability is in the name for a reason. How easy is it to transport and set up? Look at the overall weight, especially when empty. Does it have a comfortable carry handle? For flushable models, check if the waste tank detaches easily for emptying. A good, secure sealing mechanism on the waste tank is non-negotiable for controlling odors. Finally, don’t forget about the little things. Is the seat height comfortable? Is it sturdy enough to feel stable? Does it have features like a water level indicator or a splash guard? By weighing these factors—type, capacity, size, and portability—you can find the perfect match for your outdoor needs. This buying guide should help you narrow down the choices for the 10 best portable travel toilets for camping.
FAQ
How do you clean and empty a portable toilet?
This is the question everyone has. For most flushable models, the waste tank detaches from the main unit. You carry it to a designated disposal point, like a campground dump station or a regular toilet. You open the spout, empty the contents, and then rinse the tank thoroughly with water. I always use specialized holding tank deodorizer and cleaner; it helps break down waste and keeps smells away. For bag-based systems, you simply seal the disposable bag and throw it in the trash, following local regulations. Always wear gloves and wash your hands well afterwards.
Are portable toilets legal to use everywhere when camping?
You need to be careful here. Rules vary a lot. In most developed campgrounds, it’s perfectly fine, and many even have facilities for emptying them. However, in many wilderness areas and on some public lands, the “pack it in, pack it out” principle applies. This means you cannot bury waste and must carry all solid waste out with you. In these cases, a system that uses sealed, disposable bags is often the required and most responsible method. Always check the specific regulations for the area you’ll be visiting before you go.
What’s the difference between a portable toilet and a cassette toilet?
This is mostly a matter of terminology. “Portable toilet” is the broad category that includes all types. A “cassette toilet” is a specific type of portable toilet. It’s the style that looks most like a home toilet, with a flushing mechanism and a removable waste-holding tank (the “cassette”). So, all cassette toilets are portable toilets, but not all portable toilets (like folding or bucket styles) are cassette toilets. They are often considered the top tier for comfort and convenience at a drive-in campsite.
How do you control odors in a portable toilet?
Odor control is a top priority. For flushable models, you add a special chemical deodorizer and breaking-down solution directly into the waste tank. This liquid or packet is designed to neutralize smells and liquefy waste for easier dumping. Making sure the seal on the tank lid is tight is also crucial. For bag systems, the bags themselves are often pre-treated with gelling or deodorizing agents. No matter the type, emptying it promptly is the best way to prevent any lingering smells from building up.
Can you use regular toilet paper in a portable toilet?
You can, but you might not want to. Regular toilet paper breaks down slowly and can clog the mechanism or the tank. I strongly recommend using rapid-dissolving toilet paper that is specifically made for RVs and portable systems. It breaks down much faster, making the emptying process smoother. If you do use regular paper, use it sparingly. Also, never put wet wipes, feminine hygiene products, or anything other than human waste and toilet paper into the tank, as this will definitely cause a blockage.
What is the best type for a large family?
For a large family, capacity and durability are key. You’ll want a flushable cassette toilet with a large waste tank—think 5 gallons or more. This reduces the frequency of emptying, which is a big plus when multiple people are using it. Look for a model with a high weight capacity and a sturdy build. While bulkier, the comfort and familiarity of a flushable toilet are usually worth it for family camping trips. A larger fresh water tank is also a good idea to ensure you have enough flushes between refills.