Last Updated on August 27, 2024 by Nikole

Choosing the right toilet idea for your camper van can be a crucial aspect of your travels. Not only does the toilet matter but also where to store it and where to use it.

Depending on your preferences, budget, and van setup, there are various options to consider.

There are several different types of toilets you can use in a camper van which include: A permanent toilet, composting toilet, cassette toilet, and a makeshift toilet.

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Should You Use a Portable Toilet in a Camper Van?

Yes, a portable toilet can be used in a camper van, particularly if you’re embarking on extended trips or remote adventures where access to facilities is limited.

Portable toilets offer convenience and privacy without the hassle of installing a toilet to your camper van water system, which can significantly enhance your travel experience.

However, they require regular maintenance and proper waste disposal, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons based on your travel style and frequency of use.

The best portable toilets for camper vans should be smell-free, simple to clean, and easy to store. A cassette toilet or a chemical toilet are the perfect options.

How Much Does it Cost to Have a Camper Van Toilet?

The cost of installing a camper van toilet can vary widely depending on the type and setup.

A chemical toilet, such as our Thetford Camping Toilet, can cost between $50 and $150, while a more sophisticated compost toilet may range from $200 to $600.

If you opt for a custom van toilet setup with professional installation, costs can be even higher.

Always consider both the initial purchase price and the ongoing maintenance costs when budgeting for your camper van toilet.

Cost for Each Toilet Type

We broke down the cost for each type of toilet in the bullet points below so you can see the overall cost and make the most cost-efficient choice.

Built-In Toilet

Initial cost: Anywhere between $150 (manual flushing like with a foot pump)-$600 (electric flushing).

Installation price: Can cost $700 or more depending on if you do it yourself or hire someone. Keep in mind you will need the components to attach it to an already existing water system.

Upkeep: deodorizer is about $17, Toilet paper is about $15 (keep in mind this is a continuous cost)

Cleaning: To dump your tank it will cost between $15- $30

Compost Toilet

Initial cost: $450-$1,000

Installation price: None, no installation needed

Upkeep: $20 for compost disks, $30 for biodegradable toilet paper, $20 for bio bags (these are continuous costs)

Cleaning: Typically free to dump

Cassette Toilet

Initial cost: $100- $500

Installation price: None

Upkeep: Bio packs cost around $13, toilet paper around $15

Cleaning: Need to find somewhere to dump, between $15-$30.

MakeShift DIY Toilet

Initial cost: $20-$50

Installation price: None

Upkeep: Bio bags are $13 along with regular toilet paper for $7- $10

Cleaning: Free

Where to Put a Toilet in a Camper Van?

While in Use: When using a portable toilet inside a camper van, the most common place is a dedicated area or a small cabinet that can be easily accessed.

You can also get a privacy shelter that can double as a camper van shower area and toilet area. This especially works for camper vans that are too small for a designated bathroom area.

This might be a custom-built enclosure or a space with adequate ventilation.

While Not in Use: When not in use, the portable toilet can be stored in a closet, cabinet, on a roof rack, or under a bed, depending on your van’s layout.

It’s crucial to have a designated storage spot that keeps the toilet secure and accessible while also ensuring that waste is contained properly to avoid unpleasant odors.

We typically store our toilet in the above compartment on our Ford Transit Connect Roof Rack. Storing it here helps our small area stay fresh and clean.

Compost Toilets for Camper Vans

Compost toilets, like the Evo brand, are an eco-friendly option for camper vans that use natural processes to break down waste. They are particularly popular among long-term travelers and those who prioritize sustainability.

We have never used a compost toilet, but we have done our research and came up with some interesting facts.

How does it work? With most composting toilets there are two compartments: the first one is for going #1 and stores all the liquid waste, and the second one is for #2 and is for solid waste.

You will need to purchase a fiber for the #2 compartment to help compost solids faster. You can use a coconut coir disk or block to help with composting.

The liquid waste compartment will need to be changed every few days or so, whereas the solid waste can be left unchanged for quite a bit longer.

Why the Evo?

Why do we recommend the Evo Composting toilet? Many people complimented the size and how well it fits into tight spaces on their camper van. Space is one of the most important things to consider while living in a tiny area.

Also, another positive is the smell. A lot of customers loved that there was no smell even when storing it in small camper vans. This feature is a plus because sometimes you can’t empty the waste for a few days while on the road.

Simple Steps for Cleaning Compost Toilets

1. Empty the Compost Bin: Remove the compost bin and dispose of the compost according to local guidelines or use it in your garden if applicable.
2. Clean the Bin: Wash the bin with water and mild soap. Ensure it’s thoroughly dry before reinstallation.
3. Sanitize the Area: Wipe down any surfaces the bin touched with a disinfectant.
4. Check for Blockages: Ensure the ventilation system is clear and functioning.

Pros

• Eco-Friendly: Reduces waste and is often biodegradable.
• Odor Control: Properly maintained compost toilets have minimal odor.
• No Chemicals: Does not require chemicals like traditional toilets.

Cons

• Maintenance Required: Regular maintenance and proper composting techniques are essential.
• Initial Cost: Higher upfront cost compared to portable toilets.

Cassette Toilets for Camper Vans

Cassette toilets are another popular choice for camper vans, featuring a removable tank for easy waste disposal.

We carry a cassette toilet or a chemical toilet with us during our travels. It has come in handy in our camper van, boat, and tent camping.

There are two tanks you need to worry about. You have a fresh water tank which is used to flush waste into a black tank located at the bottom of the toilet. Both liquid and solid waste go into the black tank, or the: cassette part, of the toilet.

To keep the tank from smelling you will need a deodorizer. We use this lavender-scented deodorizer and never experience unpleasant odors.

We have only gone four days without emptying and cleaning and we have never had a bad smell coming from the tank. However, it is recommended you change and clean your cassette every three days.

It’s also recommended you use rapid-dissolving toilet paper to prevent clogs. We used regular 1-ply toilet paper and have never experienced issues with emptying (just use little bits at a time).

Simple Steps for Cleaning Cassette Toilets

You can find a more in-depth cleaning tutorial on our blog post, How to Clean a Chemical Camper Van Toilet.

1. Remove the Cassette: Carefully detach the cassette tank from the toilet.
2. Empty the Tank: Dispose of the waste at an appropriate disposal site or service.
3. Clean the Tank: Wash with water and a suitable cleaning agent.
4. Sanitize: Wipe down the toilet and tank with disinfectant before reassembly.

Pros

• Convenience: Easy to empty and clean.
• Compact Design: Space-efficient for small vans.
• Integrated System: Often comes with built-in flushing systems.

Cons

• Requires Regular Emptying: Must be emptied frequently based on usage.
• Potential Odor: Improper maintenance can lead to unpleasant smells.

Build a Toilet Yourself

If you’re on a tight budget or enjoy DIY projects, you can create a simple toilet from common materials.

All you need is a sturdy 2-gallon bucket, biodegradable toilet bags, and pool noodles (or toilet seat for maximum comfort).

How to make it: You need to take off any handles that exist on the bucket so you can put a trash bag on the inside (just like you would with a trash can). If you use a pool noodle, make a slit all the way down the noodle so it can fit snugly around the top of your bucket and trash bag.

If you don’t want to use the noodle you can always place an already-made toilet seat on the top when using.

To keep your toilet from stinking up your home, store it with the lid on until you can dump it.

Simple Steps for Cleaning a DIY Toilet

1. Empty the Bag: Dispose of the used garbage bag properly.
2. Clean the Bucket: Wash with soap and water.
3. Disinfect: Wipe the bucket with a disinfectant before reuse.

Pros

• Cost-Effective: Very affordable compared to commercial options.
• Customizable: Tailor the design to your needs and van layout.

Cons

• Less Hygienic: Requires careful management to avoid hygiene issues.
• Limited Comfort: May not be as comfortable or convenient as other options.
• Odors: Odors will stink up your van due to exposed waste.

Use the Outdoors

For those comfortable with minimal facilities, using the outdoors is an option.

If you are going #1 all you need to do is create or find a private area to do your business. Please stay away from waterways and be responsible.

#1s are quite difficult for women, that’s why I love love love my Sunany Urination Cup when I do not have the chemical toilet. My biggest concern with this was storing it after I peed in it, but now I bring sanitation wipes with me and wipe it out when I am done.

If you are going #2 in the wilderness you should dig a hole, do your business, and bury it when you are done.

Pros

• No Cost: Completely free and requires no equipment.
• Natural Experience: Embraces the wilderness.

Cons

• Privacy Issues: Less private, especially for female travelers.
• Weather Dependent: Not always feasible in adverse weather conditions.

Creating Privacy for Your Camper Van Toilet

If space within your van is limited, you might need to find creative solutions for privacy. You can do this by hanging curtains, purchasing a separate shelter, or using the toilet in your van (if your space allows you).

Hang a Curtain on the Back Doors

Installing a curtain on the van’s back doors can provide a quick and easy solution for privacy when using a portable toilet. This is a great option if you are staying for the night.

Bring Along a Privacy Shelter

A portable privacy shelter can be set up outside your van, offering a comfortable and private space for bathroom breaks.

This option is actually our solution to privacy and let me tell you, it does the trick. Our van is way too small to fit a toilet on the inside (we only have room for a bed In our Ford Transit Conversion).

Use the Toilet Inside the Van

For those with enough space, using the toilet inside the van can be practical. Ensure you have proper ventilation and privacy measures in place.

Where to Use the Bathroom on the Go

When traveling, there are several places where you can find bathroom facilities:

• Restaurants: Most have restrooms available for customers.
• Gyms: Many gyms allow non-members to use their facilities.
• Rest Stops: Convenient for road trips, often with well-maintained facilities.
• Campgrounds: Staying the night at a campground means you can use their amenities such as showers and toilets.

It’s important to keep in mind that these options are not readily available to those who are boondocking. I recommend you keep some sort of toilet option within your camper van at all times, just in case.

Where to Dispose of Van Toilet Waste

Proper disposal of toilet waste is essential for maintaining hygiene and complying with legal regulations. Here are some legal and recommended places to dispose of waste:

• Designated Dump Stations: Many campgrounds, RV parks, and public rest areas have dump stations specifically for emptying waste from cassette and portable toilets.
• Municipal Waste Facilities: Some local waste management facilities accept camper van toilet waste. Check with your local municipality for guidelines and drop-off locations.
• Composting Sites: For compost toilets, some areas have composting facilities or services where you can dispose of composted material responsibly.

Always ensure that you are following local regulations and guidelines for waste disposal to avoid fines and environmental harm.

Can you empty a van toilet in a home septic system? I’ve heard this is bad for your septic system, however, we have done this a few times and it has not ruined anything…yet. The chemicals over time can ruin a home septic system and is not recommended.

Never ever dump on the ground anywhere as this is illegal, and bad for the environment.

In Conclusion

Each option comes with its own set of benefits and considerations. Whether you choose a compost toilet, cassette toilet, DIY solution, or rely on public facilities, selecting the right camper van toilet solution can greatly enhance your travel comfort and convenience.