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Think about the last time you stayed at a remote campsite: no running water, no heated shower, and a long walk to the nearest restroom. Portable toilets and showers fix that problem in a simple, compact way. They bring the convenience of home to the trailhead, the lake, or the weekend campsite. Whether you’re car camping with family, sleeping in a rooftop tent, or boondocking in an RV, a lightweight toilet and a quick hot shower can make a roughing-it trip feel luxurious.
Shopping for portable sanitation gear is easier than ever — many big-box retailers, outdoor specialty stores, and online marketplaces stock a wide range of options. Popular places include Walmart, REI, Amazon, Home Depot, Bass Pro Shops, and Cabela’s. Each retailer tends to cater to different priorities: Walmart is strong on value and basic models, REI leans toward rugged, high-performance gear, and specialty outdoor stores often carry premium cassette toilets and solar showers.
Walmart often carries simple, low-cost options that are perfect for families and weekend campers. For example, novelty and training items like the Frcolor range — toddler urinals and adult training potties — target convenience for kids and caregivers. Walmart is a go-to if you want inexpensive bucket-style seats, folding potties, and basic portable toilet systems without breaking the bank.
REI and similar shops stock items designed to stand up to harsh weather and frequent use. You’ll find sturdy bucket toilets with reinforced seats, molded cassette toilets, and camping showers designed for colder climates. These stores also emphasize packability and weight, which matters when you’re hauling gear a long distance.
Amazon is the one-stop shop for anything from the economy “luggable loo” style buckets to high-end cassette toilets like the Thetford line. The benefit here is easy price comparison and a huge range of user reviews that help you balance price vs. performance. If you want specialty items like portable privacy tents or multi-gallon solar shower bags, Amazon will usually have multiple brands to choose from.
Home improvement and outdoor retailers are great places to find heavy-duty portable toilets and large-capacity shower systems designed for RV owners, hunters, and boaters. Look for brands that advertise marine-grade materials, larger waste tanks measured in gallons, and pump-toilet hybrid systems that integrate with existing RV plumbing.
Not all portable toilets are created equal. Choosing the right system depends on how long you’ll be out, how many people are using it, and whether you need a fully self-contained unit or a simple, disposable solution. Below are the most common types you’ll encounter while shopping.
Bucket toilets are the simplest and most budget-friendly option. They’re basically a sturdy bucket with a removable seat and a disposable bag or liner. They’re light — typically under 10 pounds — and easy to clean. For short trips or as an emergency backup, a bucket toilet is hard to beat. Capacity is usually measured by the size of the liner rather than gallons, but they’re best for line-of-sight, quick-turn use rather than multi-day family trips.
Cassette toilets (also called portable flush toilets) have a separate freshwater tank for flushing and a removable waste cassette that typically holds 3 to 5 gallons. These are more comfortable, often replicate home-like seats and lids, and are great for small trailers or regular campers who want a better user experience. The waste tank’s capacity in gallons is a key spec — bigger tanks mean fewer emptying trips.
Bag-based toilets use specially designed solidifying agents that turn waste into a gel or seal it in an odor-proof bag. These are ultra-lightweight and great for backpacking where you must pack out waste. They don’t require water or dumping stations, but they can be more costly per use due to consumable bags and pouches.
These units are a middle ground: a collapsible frame paired with a disposable bag or a small liner bucket. They pack down small and are a good choice for weekend backpackers who want a more comfortable seat without the bulk of a bucket. Expect a tradeoff between comfort and raw durability.
Hot showers on the trail are not impossible. Portable showers come in several styles: solar-heated bags, battery or pump-driven warmers, and gravity-fed units. The choice depends on how much hot water you want, how often you’ll use it, and whether electricity is available.
Solar shower bags typically hold 2 to 5 gallons and heat up in the sun. A 5-gallon bag weighs about 42 pounds when full, so keep that in mind when lifting. These are inexpensive, compact when empty, and perfect for car camping. On a sunny day, water in a 5-gallon bag can reach warm temperatures suitable for a quick rinse.
Pressurized showers use a hand pump or 12V pump to produce a steadier spray and often allow longer showers. They can connect to a single 5-gallon tank or integrate with an RV system. Pump-powered units are more versatile in cooler weather because they can be paired with heated water stored in an insulated container.
If you plan to shower at a popular campsite or with family, a privacy tent gives you a changing area and space to hang a shower bag. These tents are lightweight, usually under 10 pounds, and pack down to a small size — great for storing behind the car seat or in the trunk.
When scouting options, keep a checklist so you don’t get dazzled by one flashy spec. Look for capacity in gallons, the unit’s empty weight in pounds, and overall dimensions in inches. Also factor in materials (hard plastic vs. ABS vs. marine-grade), seat height, lid and seat comfort, and whether the waste tank seals to prevent odors.
Waste tank capacity determines how often you’ll need to empty. A 5-gallon cassette might serve two adults for a weekend if used sparingly, while a 3-gallon unit will fill faster. For shower bags, a 5-gallon capacity typically supports a short warm rinse for one person or a quick cool rinse for two.
If you’re car camping, a heavier, more comfortable unit can be fine. But if you’re carrying gear to a dispersed campsite more than a few hundred feet from the car, aim for items under 15 pounds for easy handling. Shower bags weigh about 8 to 42 pounds when full depending on capacity.
Features like rubber gaskets, locking spill-proof valves, and chemical compatibility matter. Many consumers use biodegradable chemical additives designed for cassette toilets to break down waste and reduce odors. Look for models with secure latches and easy-to-clean surfaces.
To make the choice easier, here are representative picks you’ll find across retailers in the US. These reflect a mix of affordability, durability, and features you can rely on at the campsite.
For the cheapest option, bucket-style seats and children’s potty trainers (like the Frcolor kid-focused items found at big-box stores) are perfect. They’re lightweight, cheap, and great for short stays. Add sturdy disposable liners and you have a no-fuss setup that’s easy to store in the trunk.
Families who camp multiple nights should consider a mid-size cassette toilet with a 4 to 5 gallon waste tank and a separate freshwater flush reservoir. These give a more sanitary experience and reduce the number of emptying stops while keeping weight manageable for car-based camping.
High-end cassette toilets from established RV brands deliver the best comfort and durability. They typically feature ergonomic seats, robust seals, and larger waste cassettes. If you camp regularly and want the feel of a home bathroom, splurging on a premium model pays off long-term.
Proper maintenance extends the life of your portable toilet and keeps odors in check. Empty waste cassettes at designated dump stations, rinse tanks with clean water after use, and use recommended chemicals or enzyme treatments. For bucket toilets, replace liners promptly and wash the seat and bucket with mild soap and water. For showers, drain and dry the bag fully before storing to prevent mildew.
After each trip: empty and rinse waste tanks, clean seats with a biodegradable disinfectant, and let everything air-dry. Store parts separately if possible to allow airflow. If you used chemical treatments, follow label instructions so you don’t corrode seals or valves.
If you’re camping in freezing weather, empty tanks before temperatures drop below freezing to avoid cracking. For showers, don’t leave water-filled bags in sub-freezing conditions — insulated carriers help, but draining is safest. Some premium units offer insulation or electric heaters designed for colder climates.
Packing right makes setup painless and helps you respect the campsite. Bring a compact plastic shovel or trowel, extra liners, a small bottle of biodegradable soap, and a roll of toilet paper in a waterproof pouch. Position your toilet or tent at least 200 feet away from water sources to prevent contamination and follow campground rules about wastewater and dumping.
Use a privacy shelter when changing or showering in public areas. Keep water off walking paths and avoid draining used shower water directly into the ground near high-traffic zones. Use designated dump stations for waste and never empty a cassette into a regular trash can — that’s for solid, bagged waste only.
Before you hit “buy,” run through this quick checklist: gallons of waste and freshwater capacity, empty weight in pounds, dimensions in inches so it fits your storage space, compatibility with the chemicals you prefer, and whether replacement parts are easy to find. Also consider extras like a carrying handle, built-in flush pump, and a tight-sealing vent to keep odors contained.
A good portable toilet and a simple shower system can elevate any camping trip from tolerable to comfortable. From Walmart’s budget-friendly potty trainers to premium cassette systems at specialty retailers, there are options for every budget and use case. Focus on capacity, weight, and sealing quality when choosing, and make maintenance part of your camping routine. With the right gear and a little prep, you’ll enjoy cleaner, more convenient trips without sacrificing the feel of the great outdoors.
| Portable Toilets & Showers | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Costway Double-room Camping Shower Toilet Tent With Floor Oversize Portable Storage Bag | $ 79,99 |
