Travel Guides Outdoor Adventures Camping
Camila Pérez B
There’s something inherently magical about being outdoors. The fresh air, the untouched landscapes, and the starry skies all come together to offer a picture-perfect escape from the daily grind. Whether you’re an avid outdoorsperson or a weekend wanderer, camping allows different types of travelers to reconnect with nature and go back to a simpler way of living. But alongside all the beauty and serenity, there’s that one inevitable, basic human need that often presents a challenge — answering nature’s call.
Admittedly, it’s not necessarily the most glamorous topic of conversation, but it’s a part of life — and one that needs to be discussed. After all, embarking on a camping adventure in remote areas and away from modern facilities often means that the luxury of restrooms isn’t always within comfortable reach. And, let’s be honest: when you gotta go, you gotta go.
While most RV owners don’t have to deal with this dilemma, the same can’t be said about tent camping. Thankfully, with a touch of creativity and some everyday household items, you can create a comfortable, user-friendly, and clean toilet solution that’ll make those pesky nighttime emergencies a breeze. All you need is a pool noodle and a bucket.
Putting together a trail-ready toilet
Pheelings Media/Getty Images
Building this makeshift toilet is surprisingly straightforward. Begin with a 5-gallon bucket. From there, line the inside with a trash bag to ensure cleanliness and easy disposal. Then, take your pool noodle and slice it along from tip to tip. Next, open it up to wrap it securely around the bucket’s rim — this will serve as your cushion. For a touch of added convenience, attach a roll of toilet paper to the handle. And ta-da — your outdoor toilet is ready for use!
For campers concerned about smells, adding some slightly damp sawdust or wood chips at the bottom of the trash bag can effectively neutralize unwanted scents. Not only does this step combat the issue of smell, but it also transforms your DIY toilet into a more eco-friendly and compostable version of the real thing.
Whatever you do, always remember that the essence of camping isn’t just about enjoying nature — it’s about respecting it, too. According to the National Parks Service, only two in five people take their trash with them when they leave — the rest is left behind for park rangers to deal with. This is where the third principle of Leave No Trace comes into play. A skill that any backcountry explorer should master is to always dispose of waste properly. That said, with your DIY potty, make sure you take everything with you when you depart, ensuring the campsite remains untouched for future adventurers.
