These range from a simple bucket with a disposal garbage bag to a more elaborate design complete with bowl, lid and ‘legs’ that can be folded up.

* Easier and more sanitary to dispose of

* Many use a powder to convert the liquid waste to solid

* The ability to frequently dispose of the waste

* Bags can be tied so waste is contained

* The legged variety is easy to fold up

* Bucket or bowl can use regular garbage bags- heavy duty, biodegradable are preferable

* Many are designed to be sealed up for odor reduction and easy transport

Self-contained toilets:

These are a popular option for campers to effectively manage waste. Many self-contained portable camping toilets feature a lid, comfortable seat and flush function similar to that of an airplane toilet. They are designed to effectively hold waste for longer camping trips. Some models even come with a compact plumbing system and holding tank for the waste.

* Uses chemicals to break down the waste into liquid form

* Designed to be self-contained- accompanied by a seat and lid

* Can be sealed between uses for easy transport

* Minimal odor-some come equipped with sample deodorizers and/or cleaning agents

* Needs water supply for dumping and clean-up

Composting toilets:

These are an environmentally-friendly alternative to a traditional portable toilet. They are dry toilets in which the waste is decomposed by aerobic action.

* Compact, efficient, self-contained

* Designed with a venting system to dissipate odors quickly

* Water-less system

* Can be used for an extended period of time

* Separates solid and liquid waste

* Uses composting sawdust to breakdown waste and reduce odor

* Requires an electrical power source/solar power

* A bit more expensive

There are a number of factors you’ll need to consider when you are ready to purchase a portable toilet for camping. Of course, you’ll want to explore all your options as you think about which one will best suits your needs, the amount of storage space you’ll have to stow the toilet, as well as how much your budget will allow. When you are ready to shop, there are a number of companies that sell portable camping toilets online- which is super convenient, or you could visit a sporting goods store with a vast camping inventory. Wherever you ultimately purchase your camping toilet, it’s always a good idea to read all about the product before you buy, as well as the reviews.

With a growing number of styles in the market today, you’ll also need to consider a few other aspects when shopping for the best portable camping toilet:

Waste disposal:

At some point you are going to need to empty your portable toilet. The question will be where? There are many water flush portable toilets that are convenient; however, you will need somewhere to dispose of the waste. Unfortunately, many primitive camping areas do not offer a place to empty your portable toilet, but if you are camping near an RV site, you can easily find a waste dump facility nearby. You also might want to check with your destination prior to leaving to see if they can accommodate waste disposal. Other portable toilets on the market come with biodegradable bags that are easy to get rid of in a designated campground site or open wooded area. One of the greatest benefits is that these ‘bags’ generally contain a powder that can turn liquid waste to solids. The bags are convenient because they can be buried in a 6 inch hole- as long as they are disposed of at least 100 yards from the closest water source. Understandably, toilet paper takes time to break down, so you’ll probably want to pick up a couple of rolls that have the ability to disintegrate rapidly; these can be found in stores that sell camping supplies.

Volume of toilet:

It will be important to consider the performance capacity (how much waste it can store) of your portable toilet- especially if you are looking to purchase a flush toilet. Some are designed just for a day or two and others can handle a week of camping. Obviously, a smaller one will suit your needs for a few overnight camping trips; but if you plan on camping longer than that you’ll want to look for how many flushes a toilet can handle before it needs emptying. Many manufacturers will state this information in the description or features of the toilet.

Ease of use:

When shopping for portable toilets, you’ll want to consider how easy it is to transport and use. They key word in buying any toilet for camping is portable- so the one you purchase should be designed with simplicity-meaning how quickly can it be set up, emptied, cleaned and packed up. Many portable toilets today are constructed with a lightweight ABS plastic which makes them easy to carry- some even come with a backpack which makes transport to your campsite effortless.

Size of toilet:

 Today, you can find both the flush and bag portable toilets in a variety of sizes. Along with the volume of waste they can hold, portable toilets also come in various measurements. This is an important factor to consider if you have a limited space for storage, along with the weight capacity- especially if you are a larger than average camper.

Privacy:

it goes without saying that you will most likely prefer a bit of privacy while using your portable camping toilet. If you are creative, you can certainly devise your own private area to use your toilet. A few of the portable camping toilets like the Cleanwaste GO Anywhere Complete Toilet System now even come with a ‘privacy shelter’ or you can purchase your own lightweight pop-up privacy cabana online or at sporting goods stores- with prices starting at about $18 and up.

Although portable toilets are ideal for camping, depending on the size and type, they can also be used in RV’s, cars, trucks, and pop-up tent campers; on buses and boats; and at any outdoor venue (parks, stadiums, construction sites) that need a convenient portable restroom facility.

Overall, you just can beat the convenience and comfort of a portable camping toilet- especially because of the variety available to camping consumers today. Thankfully, long gone are the days of sacrificing cleanliness and roughing it in the wilderness when nature calls. So…if you’re thinking should I or shouldn’t I? The only question you should be asking yourself is… which is the best portable camping toilet for me?