Camping is a wonderful way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. However, one of the less glamorous aspects of camping is dealing with bathroom needs. While many campsites offer facilities, they aren’t always conveniently located or particularly clean. For those who prefer more privacy and convenience, building a portable bathroom can be a game-changer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create your own portable bathroom for camping.

If you are looking for more info on using the bathroom while backpacking or in the woods – you can find more information about that here.

How to build a portable bathroom for camping

1. Choose the Right Location

Selecting the right spot for your portable bathroom is crucial. It should be at least 200 feet away from any water sources to prevent contamination. Look for a flat, secluded area that offers privacy and easy access.

2. Gather Your Supplies

Here’s what you’ll need to build a simple and effective portable bathroom:

• Privacy Tent: A pop-up privacy tent provides a secluded space for your bathroom. It’s easy to set up and take down.
• Portable Toilet: There are various options available, including foldable toilet chairs, bucket toilets, and even more advanced portable flush toilets. Choose one that fits your budget and space requirements.
• Camp Sink or Hand Sanitizer: For hygiene purposes, use a portable sink or keep a bottle of hand sanitizer within reach.
• Camp Bathroom Tent Lighting and Fan: – lighting is important for the late night bathroom trip, and a fan will help keep things dry after a shower.
• Portable Showers: there are many different types of showers from a simple gravity bag to a fancy shower head with a pump.
• Waste Bags: Heavy-duty, biodegradable waste bags are essential. Some come with absorbent gels that solidify liquids and reduce odors.
• Bath Kit: Keep all of your bath supplies in a waterproof bath kit, don’t forget the toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Opt for biodegradable options to minimize your environmental impact.
• Towels: It’s nice to have a quick dry micro fiber towel.

3. Set Up Your Portable Bathroom

1. Assemble the Privacy Tent: Follow the instructions to set up your privacy tent. Ensure it’s stable and well-ventilated.
2. Prepare the Toilet: If you’re using a bucket toilet, place the biodegradable waste bag inside the bucket. Attach the toilet seat securely. For foldable toilets or portable flush toilets, set them up according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Stock the Bathroom: Place toilet paper, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer inside the tent. A small storage bin can keep these items organized and easily accessible.

4. Maintain Hygiene

Proper hygiene is essential to ensure a pleasant camping experience. Here are some tips:

• Empty Waste Bags Regularly: Dispose of waste bags at designated disposal sites or follow Leave No Trace principles if you’re in a remote area.
• Clean the Toilet: Use disinfectant spray to clean the toilet after each use. This helps prevent odors and keeps the bathroom sanitary.
• Hand Hygiene: Always use hand sanitizer after using the portable bathroom.

5. Pack Up Efficiently

When it’s time to leave, packing up your portable bathroom is quick and easy:

• Disassemble the Tent: Fold the privacy tent and store it in its carrying bag.
• Dispose of Waste Properly: Make sure all waste bags are securely sealed and disposed of at appropriate facilities.
• Clean and Store Supplies: Wipe down all equipment, and store everything in a dedicated bin or bag for your next trip.

If you found this guide helpful and want more tips and tricks for making your camping trips more enjoyable, be sure to check out my list of essential camping gear.

Privacy Tents

Please note **Many campgrounds have bath houses and do not allow privacy or shower tents in the campground, so check ahead for rules about shower tents.

A free standing privacy or shower tent is the first step to build a portable bathroom, especially if you are boondocking in a place that does not have a bath house. You can purchase a simple “pop-up” shower tent, but I recommend a better quality tent as the pop up versions do not hold up well in the wind or a rainstorm as they typically do not have guy lines.

The KingCamp Shower tent is a 2 room shower tent – a 2 room tent is nice because you can shower in one side, and have a dry area to get dressed. This shower tent has a rain fly, a floor, and pockets for storing your items.

If you are looking for a smaller tent, the G4Free Privacy tent is a single room tent. It also comes with a rainfly and hook to hold a portable shower. For more tent options check out our Top 5 Tents for Teardrop Trailers article.

This shower mat gets you out of the dirt and can easily be rinsed off and stored. It rolls up when not in use so it is easier to store in a small camper. You could also use this as a door mat so that you are not stepping directly into the dirt from your camper.

Camp Sink

The SereneLife Portable Camping Sink boasts a generous 19-liter capacity, ensuring you have plenty of water to keep your hands clean on your camping adventure. It is touch-free foot-pump operated and comes equipped with a handy soap dispenser and towel holder.

Camp Bathroom Tent Lighting and Fan

This is the perfect light/fan combination for your shower tent. I like this fan because it is USB rechargeable and long lasting, the 3-speed fan will help to dry out the tent and keep it cool on a hot day and provides light at night. You can also use it to recharge your phone or other small electronics if needed.

Portable Showers for Camping

A tankless water heater may be a bit large if you have a small van or camper, but if you can’t do without a hot shower, the space it takes up may be worth it. This will work best at campsites with water hookups and you will need a propane tank as well.

The Swonder Portable Camping Shower is USB C Rechargeable and has a water temperature display and the pump even has a filter! The runtime is about 60 minutes – it should last you the whole weekend of camping!

For use with your portable shower – the Luxtude Collapsible Bucket carries 5 gallons of water.

This is one of the most common camp portable showers – a solar shower uses the sun to heat the water – just fill it up, lay it in the sun for a few hours, and you will have a warm shower after a long day of camping!

I recently purchased the BeachBox Portable Shower Tank which is a simple insulated tank with a pump and shower head. The insulated tank will keep the water warm and is very portable. This is great for rinsing off the dog or dishes too!

Best Portable Toilets for Camping

There are many choices for a portable toilet from fancy to simple. Here are some of the most popular, keep in mind your mobility – you may want something higher off the ground if you have issues getting up from a low position.

The GO Anywhere Portable Camping toilet folds up discreetly, and uses the Go Anywhere Single Use Camping Toilet bags for ease of use.

This version of Foldable Toilet folds down very flat so it’s easy to store when not in use.

The Camco 5 Gallon Bucket with seat is a camping classic! I switched the 5 Gallon bucket with a lower 3 gallon buck for my tent and teardrop camper to save space.

Waste Bags

These bags can be used with other styles of camping toilets as well. These are fantastic, they have a bag that you can use as a liner for the portable toilet, and the bag has a substance in the bottom that will turn the liquid into a gel. You then pack the bag into a thicker baggie type bag. Each kit comes with toilet paper, so you have everything you need in a discreet small kit that packs easily.

Bath Kit/Bag for Camping

When you are camping in a small camper or van, it’s nice to have one place to store all of your toiletries, and this water resistant hanging bag is perfect for that. You can hang this in your shower tent, camper, or campground shower stall, and have everything you need handy. Besides your shampoo, conditioner and soap, consider adding a baggie with emergency toilet paper. And don’t forget your toothbrush, toothpaste and comb or brush. This bag comes in many colors and sizes. I keep mine packed and ready to go in my camper.

Camping Towels

When looking for a camping towel, I like to have several oversized towels so I can use them for drying off, used as a picnic blanket or cover for a picnic table. I even use them as privacy curtains for my camper van. Look for microfiber towels that dry quickly and are sand resistant. This towel comes in many patterns:

Building a portable bathroom for camping enhances your outdoor experience by providing convenience and privacy. With a little preparation and the right supplies, you can enjoy all the comforts of home while surrounded by nature. Happy camping!