Photo by Juliana Summers at Little Green Yurt of Cedar Mountain
Hey landowners! People want to pay to camp on your land, and we don’t want you to flush that opportunity down the drain! But first thing’s first—toilet access is required for all campsites listed on Hipcamp, whether provided by the Host or the Hipcamper. Even further, we surveyed over 1,000 people, and 30% of campers say sanitation areas are an important amenity while camping, meaning that investing in a toilet will attract more campers and revenue for you in the long run.
That’s why we compiled this guide with tips from seasoned Hosts of all types of properties who take pride in their loos. Case in point: the Hipcamp Toilet Awards show that toilets aren’t all dirty work. No matter how basic or luxe you’d like to go with the water closet you provide, we’ve covered the waste game from A to Z in the Hipcamp Toilet Policy, which outlines exactly what your options are.
Composting toilets are one of the most popular, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly DIY toilets you can offer. It works by using the natural processes of decomposition and evaporation to recycle human waste. (That’s science, baby!) Setup is a breeze with this build guide, and you can even customize yours with some decorations to create an outhouse throne fit for campsite royalty. Check out the Hipcamp Toilet Awards for ideas.
Quick tip
Try collecting saw dust from other DIY projects for campers to scoop after their poop, as a cup of sawdust quick-starts the odor-hampering decomposition process. If you’re short on sawdust, try checking your local online forums before purchasing—a lot of farms and woodworkers offer it for free.
Upside: Fertilizer freebie! Just don’t use it on edible plants (yuck!).
Downside: If not maintained properly, a composting toilet can get quite fragrant.
The loo, a Honey Bucket, or a Johnny on the Spot—whatever you call your porta-potty, it’s a simple and fast solution. They’re a perfect first-timer toilet to add to your campsite before you consider building a more permanent structure.
Quick tip
Servicing is typically included with a contracted porta-potty, so this option is hands-off for Hosts.
Upside: Contracted porta-potties are great for Hosts who want to keep their hands clean. You won’t have to service this john.
Downside: Servicing can get pretty pricey. If you’re renting, take time to research costs, delivery options, features, and service charges for your location.
How to get started
Check with your local sanitation service provider for recommendations of porta-potty contractors. National companies like United are often willing to provide service to rural locations.
Like composting toilets, portable facilities come in all shapes and sizes. But unlike composting, portable toilets require the proper disposal of human waste after use. Setup is usually pretty easy, often with no assembly or large footprint required. Plus, they are pretty portable, hence the name, so a lot of times you can pack up the toilet to the size of a briefcase and transport it to a new location on the property.
Upside: Portable toilets can be set up in minutes and offer stability in small spaces or even uneven terrain.
Downside: If you want a camping toilet with a flushing mechanism, power and water are required. These types of more permanent, camping toilets can also get expensive.
These compostable toilets do the extra work of separating feces from urine, making them great for RV campers. The urine goes through a diverter to a trap or hole in the ground, while feces is collected in a separate bucket for separate disposal.
Upside: A little messier than standard composting toilets, separating toilets keep liquids and solids separate.
Downside: If you’re already building a composting toilet, this may be a little more fuss than it’s worth.
How to get started
It’s pretty easy to create a urine diverter as part of a DIY composting toilet. (You can even find tutorials on Pinterest.) DIY isn’t your thing? No problem! This waterless Separett Privy Kit toilet comes with the diverter already installed.
Photo by Hipcamp Photographer Brittany Stepp in Washington.
Because when you’ve gotta go, you’ve gotta go! This all-in-one method is the simplest option—or a great backup—for any campsite. Known as wag bags, these are best for campers to go discreetly and quickly. They’re low maintenance, leak-free, and effective by turning waste into solid (much like cat litter) in a matter of seconds.
Upside: These are economical with easy cleanup. Did we mention an indefinite shelf life? Before use, of course.
Downside: First-time campers may be a little turned off by pooping in a bag. Also, you’ll need a place to properly dispose of the bags. Alternatively, you can ask campers to #LeaveItBetter by taking their bags with them when they leave.
How to get started
Used by campers, climbers, and construction workers alike, Metolius bag kits can be found at any outdoor supply stores.
Hipcamp toilet recommendations referenced in this article
