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If you're headed to the woods with friends or family, access to a clean, reliable toilet becomes even more critical. Here are some reliable portable toilets for your trips off the plumbed path.

Buying Guide for Portable Toilets Our Picks for the Best Portable Toilets Final Thoughts

Why buy a portable toilet?

A portable toilet can make a long road trip tolerable, especially if it’s a family adventure. As you know, kids request pit stops non-stop, or at least it feels that way. Some pregnant women are prone to motion sickness, and travel-ready portable toilets make great puke buckets. In addition to convenience, portable toilets can be necessary for individuals at home who cannot physically make it to the bathroom and use the toilet. Most often, portable toilets are great for camping trips. Some kids are often scared of going outdoors, and older adults with stiff hips and knees may struggle to take care of business in nature. Portable toilets make it much easier to take care of business. Just put one in a portable changing room and you’ll be set.

What should you look for in a portable toilet?

How much should you plan to spend on a portable toilet?

Prices vary widely among portable toilets because there are various designs. Medical-grade bedside portable toilets and ones with battery-operated flush systems will understandably cost more.

A user-friendly, practical toilet to take on car and camping trips.

Pros: If you’re finally planning that trip across America to visit the national parks you’ve always wanted to see, consider this portable toilet. It works great for multiple situations on your journey: traffic jams, camping, and endless stretches of highway with no toilet in sight. The portable toilet folds into a 2-inch-thick object. Slip it into the included waterproof carrying bag, and you’re off to your next destination. The toilet supports up to 220 pounds yet weighs only 2.6 pounds. How’s that possible? The primary materials are density board, sponge, and leather, all lightweight items that combine to make a super sturdy toilet.

Cons: While the toilet accommodates bodies up to 220 pounds, it’s not a perfect fit for every shape and size.

Bottom Line: This portable toilet is made to be used anywhere you need it. It packs away discreetly and can come in handy in multiple situations.

This foldable, portable bedside toilet features three-in-one versatility.

Pros: While this bedside toilet appears to be designed for people who cannot move far from their bed, it’s versatile for those with more mobility. Place it over a standard toilet or use it in the shower as a chair. The plastic armrests and snap-on seat offer support and a comfortable sitting position. And the frame is made from durable and powder-coated steel welded frame and can support up to 350 pounds. It’s also height adjustable from 16.5 to 22.5 inches; simply press the buttons on the legs to slide, then lock them in place. This commode includes a 7.5-quart bucket with a carrying handle, a splash shield, and a cover.  

Cons: Some bigger body users say the seat feels unstable and too narrow.

Bottom Line: For individuals with medical conditions that keep them from using the bathroom toilet, this bedside commode is designed to promote a convenient, civilized experience.

A flushable, portable toilet designed for the outdoors.

Pros: We were impressed by this toilet’s flushable, portable design. The large-capacity freshwater tank holds 3.2 gallons, and the waste holding tank is 5.3 gallons. The toilet’s piston flush pump and rotating splash pour spout design promises a thorough flush, even with ample waste. In fact, you can flush it up to 120 times. Just watch the waste level indicator to empty it when it’s time. This sealed, high-density polyethylene unit is leakproof, corrosion-resistant, and easy to clean. Also, the double-sealed drain valve keeps odors contained. The SereneLife toilet measures 16.5 x 14.6 x 16.9 inches, an ideal size to use practically anywhere—in the tent, trailer, and outside at a campsite or emergency road pitstop.

Cons: You may find the toilet smaller than you expected. It comes with the territory; portable toilets are smaller than fixed toilets. Try measuring your bathroom toilet to get a sense of the size difference.

Bottom Line: If it were possible to rate portable toilets as neat or cool, the SereneLife would score high. It’s compact and lightweight at only 11.2 pounds. Take it to the woods and see for yourself.

This well-known portable toilet sports an integrated toilet paper holder for a home-like feel.

Pros: It’s a trademark portable toilet common to North America—the Porta Potti! It’s durable, compact, flushable, and comfortable. Sounds like an okay product, right? The Porta Potti is better than okay. It features a battery-operated flush and a hold-down kit, so you can temporarily secure it to the floor for on-the-go trips. There are two holding tanks: a 4-gallon freshwater tank and a 5.5-gallon wastewater holding tank. You get about 56 flushes with a full tank. An air-tight sealed valve prevents sewage and odor leaks. With the rotatable pour-out spout and spout cap, cleanup is easy and quick. Described as curved for its modern shape, the Porta Potti looks as good as a portable toilet can. With its integrated toilet paper holder, using this toilet is a near-homelike bathroom experience.

Cons: Though the price may fit the quality of this product, it may be too much for some people.

Bottom Line: If you add up all its user-friendly functions and superior design, the Porta Potti could be the best purchase you make as you prepare for a vacation. Get some toilet paper, and you’re ready to go.

A bare-bones solution to taking care of business for lovers of the outdoors.

Pros: For some of us who want a basic, no-nonsense portable toilet, the Camco bucket toilet is the way to go. It’s super simple: you get a toilet seat, an attached lid, and three bucket bags. That’s it. You create the toilet. Just pick a 5-gallon bucket. Simply grab this durable polypropylene seat, the bucket, and bags, pack them, and set out on your outdoor adventure. As you set up camp, set the bucket where you want it, install a bag, snap on the seat to the bucket’s rim, and you’re set.

Cons: The Camco got five stars among users who knew they wanted a rudimentary solution. If you’re looking for something less primitive, this may not be the toilet for you. You’ll also have to supply the bucket.

Bottom Line: What you see is what you get with this simple but effective portable toilet. It’s straightforward, affordable, and another good pick.

Portable toilets are a nice option for camping trips, road trips, and even homes for medical reasons. These picks are solid options.

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