Why bring a camping toilet?
Not every UK campsite has full facilities. On smaller sites, farm campsites, festivals, or when wild camping, having your own portable camping toilet can make things much easier, especially for campervan and tent campers.
I've used several camping toilets over the years on tent trips and campervan stays. Below are some of the best camping toilets available in the UK, covering portable flush toilets, folding toilets, and simple bucket-style options.
Best camping toilets compared
| Camping Toilet | Type | Best for | View price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thetford Porta Potti 365 | Portable flush | Campervans & longer trips | View price |
| CarpLife Bivvy Loo | Folding (bag) | Wild camping & fishing | View price |
| Kinspory Collapsible Toilet | Folding (bag) | Space-saving / car camping | View price |
| Hillington 5L Bucket Camping Toilet | Bucket | Budget camping & short trips | View price |
Looking for other options? You can browse more camping toilets, bucket toilets, and folding toilets in the Small Campsites camping shop.
If you're camping with toddlers, we also stock a portable foldable baby potty that's easy to pack for road trips, campervans, and family camping
Below are the camping toilets I've used and compared, covering portable flush toilets, folding models, and simple bucket-style options suited to different types of camping.
Best Overall Camping Toilet: Thetford Porta Potti 365
Best for: Campervans, family camping trips, and campers who want a proper portable flush toilet.
The Thetford Porta Potti 365 is one of the most popular portable camping toilets in the UK, and for good reason. It's a proper flush toilet rather than a simple bucket or bag system, which makes it feel much closer to using a normal loo.
Pros
Proper flush system makes it feel like a real toilet
Comfortable seat height compared with many camping toilets
Good waste tank capacity for longer trips
Excellent odour control when used with toilet chemicals
Cons
Bulkier than folding camping toilets
Waste tank can fill quickly on family trips
Seat is smaller than a standard household toilet
Can be heavy to carry when both tanks are full
I've used Porta-Potti style toilets on several camping trips, particularly when staying on smaller campsites where facilities are basic or a short walk from the pitch. Having a portable flush toilet in the tent or campervan makes things much easier, especially at night or when camping with kids.
The Porta Potti 365 strikes a good balance between comfort and portability. It's compact enough to travel with, but large enough to be practical for longer trips, campervans, or campsites where you want a bit more convenience.
One thing I’ve noticed when using Porta Potti toilets is how well they control odours. With the correct chemicals in the tanks, there's virtually no smell, even after several days of use.
If you're preparing for a trip, our essential camping gear checklist covers the equipment most campers bring to UK campsites.
Best Portable Camping Toilet: CarpLife Bivvy Loo
Best for: Wild camping, fishing trips, and lightweight camping setups.
The CarpLife Bivvy Loo is a simple folding camping toilet designed for portability. Unlike flush toilets like the Porta Potti, this model uses disposable bags instead of a water tank, making it much lighter and easier to transport.
It folds down into a compact case shape, which makes it ideal for wild camping, fishing trips, festivals, or emergency use in campervans. Setup takes only a few seconds — open the frame, attach the waste bag, and it’s ready to use.
Pros
Extremely compact when folded
Very lightweight and easy to carry
Quick setup with disposable waste bags
Ideal for wild camping, fishing, and festivals
Very sturdy construction once assembled
Folds flat for easy storage in cars or campervans
Cons
No flush system
Less comfortable than a full portable toilet
Requires waste bags for each use
Can feel unstable on uneven ground
Seat height is quite low for taller users
More expensive than some simple camping toilets
I've found this style of toilet particularly useful when camping somewhere without facilities. It's lightweight, packs away neatly in the boot, and avoids carrying a heavy waste tank around.
While it doesn't offer the same comfort as a flushing toilet, it's one of the most practical portable toilets for short trips or off-grid camping.
Best Collapsible Camping Toilet: KINSPORY Folding Toilet
Best for: Car camping, campervans, and emergency toilet use.
The KINSPORY Collapsible Camping Toilet is a clever space-saving option designed for campers who want something lightweight and easy to store. Unlike folding-frame toilets, this model uses a concertina-style, collapsible design that folds down flat and packs neatly into a small carry bag.
Pros
Very compact when collapsed for storage
Lightweight design (around 1.8kg)
Quick and easy to set up
Multi-purpose, can also be used as a stool or storage box
Cons
Folding mechanism can be tricky to collapse at first
Waste bags can leak if low-quality liners are used
Lower seat height than standard toilets
Not designed to hold liquids without bags
When folded, it measures around 32 × 27 × 6 cm, so it's easy to keep in the boot of a car, campervan cupboard, or camping gear box. Setup only takes a few seconds, simply extend the body, lock the panels into place, and attach a waste bag.
One thing that stands out about this model is its versatility. When not used as a toilet, it can double as a small stool, storage container, or emergency bin, which many campers find useful on longer trips.
It's a popular choice for car camping, campervans, fishing trips, and emergency toilet use, especially when campsite facilities are a long walk away or closed at night.
Best Budget Camping Toilet: Hillington 5L Bucket Camping Toilet
Best for: Budget camping, festivals, and simple campsite setups.
If you want a simple, affordable camping toilet without chemicals or complicated mechanisms, the Hillington 5L Camping Toilet is one of the easiest options available.
Pros
Very compact when collapsed for storage
Simple bucket design with removable waste container
Sturdy build that feels stable when in use
Includes toilet roll holder and carry handles
Cons
Lower seat height may be uncomfortable for taller users
Slightly bulky for small tents or cars
Some users report the lid or seat fitting loosely
Assembly can be awkward without instructions
This model uses a traditional bucket-style design with a removable inner waste container. The adult-size seat and lid sit on top of the outer frame, while the internal 5-litre bucket collects waste and can be removed for easy emptying and cleaning.
Because there's no flush system or chemicals required, it's often chosen by campers who want a low-maintenance solution for short trips, festivals, or emergency use in a tent or campervan.
The design also includes a toilet-roll holder, carry handles, and a sealed inner lid, which makes transport and waste disposal more manageable than with basic bucket toilets.
It's not the most compact option in this guide, but it's very sturdy for the price and simple to use, which is exactly why many campers prefer this style.
Useful camping toilet accessories
Portable toilets are easier to use with a few simple accessories. They're not essential, but they can make things cleaner and more comfortable, especially when camping away from facilities.
Here are two useful additions many campers bring along.
WolfWise Camping Toilet & Shower Tent
Best for: Campers who want quick privacy for portable toilets or outdoor showers.
A toilet tent adds instant privacy when using a portable camping toilet, especially on busy campsites, beaches, or wild camping spots. The WolfWise pop-up toilet tent is lightweight, quick to set up, and folds flat into a compact carry bag, making it easy to keep in the car or campervan.
Pros
Extremely quick pop-up setup
Lightweight and folds flat for storage
Provides privacy for toilets, showers, or changing
Tall enough for most adults to stand and change comfortably
Cons
Mesh roof means it isn’t fully waterproof
Can feel a little flimsy in strong wind
Folding it back into the carry bag can take a bit of practice
The tent pops open in seconds without poles and provides enough height and space to comfortably change clothes, shower, or discreetly use a portable toilet. Ventilation windows help reduce condensation, and ground stakes keep it stable in windy conditions.
If you're looking for more options, you can also browse our range of camping toilet tents and shower tents in the Small Campsites shop.
Some campers also bring a portable urinal bottle for travel emergencies and nighttime use in tents or campervans, which can be a simpler option on short trips.
Elsan Organic Toilet Fluid
Best for: Campers using chemical toilets who want an eco-friendly waste treatment.
If you're using a portable camping toilet, a good toilet fluid helps break down waste and control smells. Elsan Organic Toilet Fluid is a biodegradable option designed for campervans, caravans, and portable toilets, making it a popular choice for campers who prefer environmentally friendly products.
It works in both the flush and waste tanks, helping dissolve waste naturally while reducing odours. Many campsites now encourage eco-friendly toilet chemicals, so an organic option like this can be a sensible choice for longer trips.
Pros
Biodegradable and eco-friendly formula
Helps break down waste and control odours
Works in both flush and waste tanks
Cons
Not as strong as some traditional chemical fluids
May need emptying slightly more often in hot weather
If you're new to portable toilets, it's worth understanding how toilet chemicals work. Our guide to camping toilet chemicals explains the different types and how to use them safely on campsites.
How to dispose of camping toilet waste
Using a portable camping toilet is convenient, but it's important to dispose of waste responsibly. Whether you're staying on a small campsite or wild camping, proper disposal helps keep camping areas clean and protects the environment.
Use campsite disposal points
Many campsites provide chemical toilet disposal points, sometimes called "Elsan points". These are designed specifically for portable toilets like the Porta Potti. Simply empty the waste tank into the disposal drain and rinse it out using the wash hose provided.
If you're new to using portable toilets, the Camping and Caravanning Club has a helpful guide on how to properly empty and clean camping toilets.
Use waste bags for folding toilets
If you’re using a folding camping toilet or bivvy loo, waste bags are usually the simplest option. After use, seal the bag and dispose of it in a designated rubbish bin where allowed. Biodegradable bags are widely available and help reduce environmental impact.
Follow responsible waste disposal practices
When camping away from facilities, it's important to follow Leave No Trace principles and dispose of waste only at designated points.
Organisations such as Campa also provide guidance on responsible motorhome and camping toilet waste disposal across the UK.
For general rubbish while camping, many campers also bring a portable bin to store waste and used toilet bags securely until they can be properly disposed of.
Colin Noble
Editor & Founder @ www.smallcampsites.co.uk
Colin (or Colly) is a UK camper and the founder of Small Campsites. He reviews camping gear and small campsites based on real tent and campervan trips across the UK.
