Choosing Your Campervan
Toilet: do you really need one?
It's not the most glamorous campervan decision — but it can make a big difference to where you stay, how independent you are and what happens at 3am.
Toilet: the quick answer
No toilet if…
you mainly use campsites with reliable, clean facilities and want maximum van space.
Porta Potty in the van if…
you value convenience at night, on journeys or when facilities are unavailable, and accept the storage space and emptying that comes with it.
Toilet tent if…
you want your own toilet without using it inside the van and don't mind pitching another shelter. A good option if you have space to carry it.
But…
there's no right or wrong answer. It's about what feels comfortable for you and the kind of trips you want to do.
Start with how you'll actually camp
Think about the sort of trips you'll be doing and what matters most to you.
- Always use full-facility campsites?
- Need a toilet during the night?
- Travel with children or anyone needing quick access?
- Happy using a toilet inside the van?
- Have room to carry a toilet and/or tent?
The options explained
Each option can work well — it just depends on your travel style, budget and how much independence you want.
1No toilet
If you mostly stay on campsites with clean, reliable facilities, you may not need to carry a toilet at all. This keeps your van lighter and gives you more space for the things you really use.
2Porta Potty in the van
A compact, portable toilet stored (and used) inside the van. It gives you the flexibility to go when you need to, even if you're parked up overnight or on a journey with no facilities.
3Porta Potty in an external tent
A toilet tent gives you privacy outside the van. It keeps smells and bulk out of the living space, but it does mean carrying and pitching an extra shelter.
Quick comparison
| Feature | No toilet (campsite facilities) | Porta Potty in the van | Porta Potty in a tent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Van space | Maximum space | Uses some space | Keeps space inside |
| Night-time convenience | Dependent on site | Very convenient | Convenient |
| Privacy | Shared facilities | Private (in van) | Private (in tent) |
| Setup | None | Ready to use | Need to pitch tent |
| Weather | Not an issue | Not affected | Can be challenging in bad weather |
| Disposal | Not your responsibility | You'll need to empty it | You'll need to empty it |
| Best suited to | Campsite users, weekend trips | Those wanting maximum convenience | Those wanting privacy without using it inside |
Five questions before you decide
- 1Where do you plan to stay most often?
- 2How important is night-time access for you?
- 3Are you happy using a toilet inside the van?
- 4Do you have space for a toilet and/or tent?
- 5Are you prepared to empty and clean it regularly?
It's not about what others do — it's about what works for your trips and your comfort.
Watch or listen
We talk through toilets, toilet tents and going without on Campervan Considered. Pick your platform and play it right here.
Next in Choosing Your Campervan
Power & electrics
Batteries, solar, inverters and staying off-grid — what you actually need to keep the lights on.
