For most campers who want a real flush and decent odor control, a cassette-style portable toilet such as the Thetford Porta Potti line or the Camco flush model is the better fit, while the Reliance Luggable Loo bucket system suits anyone who wants the lightest, simplest and cheapest option for short trips, tent camping or emergency backup.
Camping toilets fall into three families: bucket toilets with a bag or liner, flushing portables with a clean-water tank on top and a waste tank below, and collapsible or folding frames that hold a bag. Which family works depends on how many people use it, how many nights you stay, how far you carry it, and where you can legally and practically dispose of waste. Reviewers consistently rank Thetford for comfort, Camco for value and Reliance for budget simplicity, and the sections below explain what that means in practice.
Our top picks
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At a Glance: Camping Toilets Compared
| Model | Type | Best for | Key stated points | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thetford Porta Potti 365 | Flushing cassette | Couples, families, van and car camping | Reviewers cite a piston flush, sealed slide valve and a waste tank of roughly four gallons | Needs chemicals or alternatives suited to the tank, and a dump point |
| Thetford Porta Potti 565E Curve | Battery-powered flush cassette | Buyers who want the most home-like unit | Reviewers note a larger waste tank around five and a half gallons and a level indicator | Bulkier, uses batteries, premium tier |
| Camco portable toilet (5.3 gallon class) | Flushing cassette | Value-minded weekend and RV campers | Manual flush, larger tank, a one-year warranty as listed by one outlet | Heavier and bulkier than a bucket |
| Reliance Luggable Loo | Five-gallon bucket with seat and lid | Tent camping, hunting camps, emergency kits | No moving parts, no flush, no water needed | Needs liners and absorbent; odor control depends on liners and lid seal |
| Reliance Fold-to-Go style folding toilet | Collapsible frame with bag | Backpacking-adjacent trips, small cars | Reviewers describe it as very light, with a multi-year warranty listed by the maker | Less sturdy; bag-based waste handling |
How Each Type Works
Flushing cassette toilets
A flushing portable has an upper tank for flush water and a lower holding tank that either detaches or is emptied through a spout. The user pumps or presses a lever to rinse the bowl, and a sliding valve seals the waste from the bowl. The Thetford Porta Potti 365 is the model reviewers most often name as a benchmark. Outlets describe a weight of around nine pounds empty, a smooth piston flush and a valve that holds odors in for days when used with the maker-approved additives. The 565E Curve adds a battery-driven flush and a level indicator, and some reviewers rate it as the most comfortable pick, though it is larger.
The Camco model is the usual value choice. Reviewers describe a roughly five-gallon-class capacity and a manual flush. One outlet reported the tank lasting nearly ten days for a single adult, but capacity in real use depends on how many people use it and how much flush water you add, so treat that figure as one reviewer’s report.
Bucket toilets
The Reliance Luggable Loo is a five-gallon bucket with a snap-on seat and lid. There is nothing to break, which is why it appears on nearly every budget list and in many emergency kits. The trade-off is odor and handling: waste sits in a bag or liner inside the bucket, so it relies on good liners, a tight lid and an absorbent or gelling powder. Many campers pair it with a privacy shelter and keep it for short stays.
Folding bag toilets
Folding frames use the same bag-based approach as buckets but pack almost flat. They suit buyers who carry gear a distance or have little trunk space. Weight limits and stability are lower than a molded unit, so read the maker’s rated load before buying.
What to Look For
- Waste tank size versus group size. A single camper on a long weekend rarely fills a four-gallon tank. A family of four can in a day or two. Match the tank to the number of people and the distance to a dump point.
- Seat height and comfort. Many portables sit lower than a household toilet. Reviewers point out that taller or less mobile users prefer the higher models in the Thetford range or a bucket with a raised seat.
- Weight and carry. A filled cassette tank is heavy. Look for a carry handle and a tank that detaches from the bowl, which the larger Thetford models offer.
- Seal quality. The valve or lid gasket decides odor control. Maker-approved additives matter here, because some chemicals damage seals.
- Cleaning. Smooth interiors and wide pour spouts speed cleaning. Plan on rinsing at an approved dump or sanitation station only.
- Space to stand. A toilet is no use without privacy. A pop-up shower and toilet tent is a common add-on for tent campers.
Disposal, Hygiene and Local Rules
Disposal rules differ by campground, park and public land district. Cassette waste normally goes to an RV dump station or a dedicated toilet dump, never into a vault toilet without permission and never on the ground. Bag-based systems often require packing the sealed waste out or using designated disposal, and some wilderness areas require specific waste bags. Read the rules for your destination before you go. Wash your hands or use sanitizer after every use, keep the unit away from water sources and food prep areas, and rinse the unit only where the site allows it. Follow the maker’s manual for cleaning agents and chemical choices, since the wrong cleaner can degrade seals and tanks.
Budget Tiers
- Budget: Bucket toilets and folding bag toilets. Lowest cost, lightest, but you buy liners regularly and accept more odor risk.
- Mid-range: Camco-style flushing cassettes. Reviewers describe them as the sweet spot between convenience and cost.
- Premium: The Thetford Porta Potti 365 and especially the 565E Curve, which add smoother flush, better seals and more comfort.
Pick X If… Decision Table
| Pick this | If you |
|---|---|
| Thetford Porta Potti 365 | Camp as a couple or family, want proven odor control and have a dump point nearby |
| Thetford 565E Curve | Want the most home-like experience and accept extra size and batteries |
| Camco flushing portable | Want a flush toilet without paying for the premium brand |
| Reliance Luggable Loo | Camp rarely, need a backup for outages or a hunting camp, and want the simplest tool |
| Folding bag toilet | Have very little space or need to carry the toilet a distance |
Alternatives Worth Considering
- Composting toilets. Units from makers such as Nature’s Head and Separett separate liquids and solids and can be used for long stays or vans. They sit in the premium tier and need ventilation and regular emptying.
- Toilet seats that fit over a standard bucket. A cheaper variation on the Luggable Loo concept if you already own a bucket.
- Campground facilities. If your site has a clean vault or flush toilet nearby, a portable unit may only be needed at night.
Care Tips
Empty the unit as soon as it is full or at the end of the trip. Rinse with the cleaner recommended by the maker, let it air out, and store it with the lid slightly open so odors do not build. Lubricate seals only with products the manual allows. Keep spare liners, gloves, sanitizer and toilet paper that breaks down easily in a sealed bag with the toilet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days can a portable camping toilet go between emptying?
It depends on tank size and number of users. One outlet reported a five-gallon-class tank lasting nearly ten days for one adult, while a family can fill a four-gallon tank in a day or two. Use that as a rough guide only, and empty before it is full to make carrying safer.
Do I need chemicals in a cassette toilet?
The makers of flushing portables usually sell tank treatments that help control odor and break down waste, and the manual states which products are safe for the seals. Some campers choose other approved options. Whatever you use, follow the manual and the disposal rules at the dump site.
Can I use a bucket toilet for several nights?
Yes, many campers do, but odor and handling become the main concerns. Use proper liners, a gelling or absorbent powder and a tight lid, and seal and dispose of bags as local rules require.
Where can I empty a portable toilet?
Typically at an RV dump station, a campground toilet dump or a designated facility. Ask the campground in advance because some do not accept portable toilet waste, and never empty it onto the ground or into natural water.
Which is better for a van or small car, flushing or bucket?
A compact flushing cassette gives better odor control in an enclosed space, while a folding or bucket toilet packs smaller or costs less. Reviewers lean toward the Thetford range for enclosed vehicles because of the sealed valve.
Is a camping toilet safe for children?
Many people use them with children, but low seat height and tipping risk matter. Choose a stable base, place it on level ground, supervise young children and keep cleaners and additives out of reach.
