How to Use the Bathroom Outdoors

Using the bathroom in the great outdoors doesn't have to be a hassle or messy if you have the right equipment. It is always recommended that you bury or pack out any solid waste to avoid environmental contamination.

Things You'll Need

• Baby wipes/toilet tissue
• Small paper bag
• Portable toilet seat with stand
• Small shovel
• Human waste disposal bag

Instructions

Making and Using the Outdoor Bathroom

1. Pick a spot, at least 200 feet from your campsite. Stay away from water sources, such as streams and lakes to avoid contaminating them.

2. Dig a 6 to 8 inch hole. In desert climates, dig only 4 to 6 inches to help decomposition. Center your portable seat over the hole. If required to pack out waste, make sure to center your disposal bag under the seat, or you can attach it to the portable seat if possible.

3. Take care of business, making sure to place any toilet tissue/wipes in the small paper bag. This will help keep the campsite and environment clean in case any animal finds and digs in your privy after you leave it.

4. Once you are finished, tie up any bags and fill the hole with dirt.

5. Dispose of the bag with the toilet tissue in a receptacle, or in an area designated by the park service. If you are required to pack out waste, make sure that you follow the disposal instructions given by the park office.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with your park service office about human waste disposal rules and to see if there are any facilities such as flushing toilets or outhouses. Some campsites or parks may require you to pack out any human solid waste and dispose in designated containers.

• Human waste needs to be properly disposed of in the outdoors to avoid contaminating the environment and tissue/wipes must be disposed of properly.