Last Updated on September 27, 2026 by Mason Reed
A dependable camping toilet makes life easier when you’re far from restrooms. The right setup gives you a private place to go, controls odors, and lets you carry waste to an approved disposal point without a mess.
For most vehicle-based trips, the Thetford Porta Potti 135 is our overall pick. It combines a compact body with a sealed waste tank and rotating emptying spout. The Thetford 299901 Carrying Bag is a useful storage accessory for compatible larger toilets.
We compared manufacturer specifications, tank design, portability, cleaning requirements, and accessory compatibility to help you choose the right camping toilet and hygiene gear.
Camping Toilets and Accessories Compared
| Product | Best for | Capacity / Size | Key feature | Original Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Mid-range
|
Best overall camping toilet | 3-gal fresh / 2.6-gal waste | Bellows flush and rotating spout | 92/100 |
|
Premium
|
Best push-button flush | 2.6-gal waste tank | Pressurized flush and level indicator | 90/100 |
|
Premium accessory
|
Best privacy shelter | One person; 86-in peak height | Steel frame and drainable floor | 82/100 |
|
Budget accessory
|
Best carry accessory for larger units | Large; fits 365 and 565E | Polyester, zipper and handles | 78/100 |
Camping Toilets and Accessories: Our Top Picks
1. Thetford Porta Potti 135
Bottom line: The Thetford Porta Potti 135 suits car camping, vans and emergency use. Its sealed waste tank and rotating spout make routine sanitation easier to manage.
Key Specs
- Waste capacity: 2.6 gallons, suitable for shorter camping trips.
- Freshwater capacity: 3 gallons, separate from the holding tank.
- Flush system: Manual bellows pump, requiring no electrical connection.
- Dimensions: 13 x 15.07 x 16.81 inches, a compact footprint.
- Seat height: 12.75 inches, lower than a household toilet.
The two-part design lets you separate the freshwater and waste tanks for emptying. A sealed valve helps keep odors in the holding tank, while the rotating spout directs the contents during disposal.
The removable seat and cover make cleaning more convenient. The lid latch and carrying handle also help when moving the unit between your vehicle and campsite.
The main limitation is its low seat height and relatively small waste capacity. A taller or larger model may suit long stays better.
What to Know About the Design
The manual bellows pump avoids the need for a battery or electrical hookup. However, you still need to maintain the seals, rinse the tanks, and plan where to empty the waste.
Situational Uses
|
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Vanlife and RV Trips |
Separate tanks and a compact footprint make storage and routine use more practical. |
|
Weekend Car Camping |
Provides a convenient nighttime toilet without a permanent plumbing installation. |
|
Work Trucks and Remote Jobs |
A sealed holding tank offers a temporary bathroom option away from facilities. |
|
Emergency Home Backup |
Can serve as a temporary toilet when household plumbing is unavailable. |
Maintenance
Empty the waste tank at an approved disposal point. Rinse the tanks, clean with manufacturer-approved products, and inspect the seals regularly.
Use the recommended seal lubricant rather than household oils. Empty and dry the toilet before long-term storage.
Key Benefits
- Compact body with separate freshwater and waste tanks.
- Manual bellows flush without an electrical connection.
- Sealed valve and rotating spout for easier waste handling.
- Compact design for vehicle-based trips.
- Separate freshwater and holding tanks.
- Rotating spout simplifies controlled emptying.
- Removable seat and cover aid cleaning.
- Lower seat than a standard household toilet.
- Waste tank needs more frequent emptying than larger models.
- Manual pumping requires physical effort.
2. Dometic 972
Bottom line: The Dometic 972 suits campers who prefer a pressurized push-button flush over a basic bellows system. It also has a waste-level indicator and a full-size seat.
Key Specs
- Waste capacity: 2.6 gallons, suited to shorter trips.
- Flush system: Pressurized push-button flush, with no batteries required.
- Tank indicator: Prismatic indicator, helps show when to empty.
- Construction: ABS plastic, with a smooth cleaning surface.
- Emptying: Pivoting discharge spout, directs waste during disposal.
The upper tank uses a manual air pump to build pressure. Pressing the flush button releases water into the bowl. This design differs from the repeated bellows action on the Thetford Porta Potti 135.
The waste-level indicator makes tank management easier. Dometic also includes a latching lid and a pivoting discharge spout.
Its 2.6-gallon waste capacity is not an upgrade over the Porta Potti 135. The main reason to choose it is the flushing system, not extra holding capacity.
What to Know About the Design
The pressurized system must be pumped before flushing. Follow Dometic’s instructions for releasing pressure, emptying the tank and maintaining the seals.
Situational Uses
|
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Boating |
Offers a compact sanitation option for vessels without a permanently installed toilet. |
|
RV or Van Trips |
Provides an onboard bathroom for stops between established facilities. |
|
Short Festivals |
Creates a private toilet option when communal facilities are inconvenient. |
|
Emergency Backup |
Provides temporary sanitation when household plumbing is out of service. |
Maintenance
Empty and rinse the holding tank regularly. Clean with nonabrasive, manufacturer-approved products, and maintain the slide-valve seals according to the owner’s manual.
Before winter storage, empty both tanks and operate the flush system until water no longer enters the bowl. Do not use automotive antifreeze in the freshwater system.
Key Benefits
- Pressurized flush controlled by a push button.
- Waste-level indicator for easier tank monitoring.
- Full-size seat and secure latching lid.
- Push-button flushing system.
- Visible waste-tank level indicator.
- Full-size seat and latching lid.
- Pivoting spout for emptying.
- Requires manual pressurization before flushing.
- Holding capacity is no larger than the Porta Potti 135.
- Usually a more expensive choice.
3. Kelty Discovery H2GO
Bottom line: The Kelty Discovery H2GO provides privacy for showering, changing or using a portable toilet. It is a shelter, not a toilet or waste-containment system.
Key Specs
- Capacity: One person, designed for individual use.
- Peak height: 86 inches, providing standing room.
- Floor: 46 x 46 inches, a compact campsite footprint.
- Packed weight: 14 pounds, better suited to vehicle camping.
- Construction: Polyester canopy and steel poles.
The freestanding frame creates a dedicated hygiene space beside your tent or vehicle. A large zippered door provides access, while a mesh ceiling and separate fly help manage ventilation and weather exposure.
For shower use, the shelter includes a roll-up floor with a drain, an opening for an external shower source, and an interior hook for a compatible hanging shower bag.
The steel frame adds packed weight. It is not a lightweight backpacking shelter, and it still needs suitable anchoring for the conditions.
What to Know About the Design
This is a single-person shelter. The drainable floor is intended for shower water, not toilet waste. Keep waste contained in a suitable portable toilet and dispose of it separately.
Situational Uses
|
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Campsite Shower |
Provides a private space with a drainable floor and shower-hose opening. |
|
Changing Room |
Creates a sheltered space for changing clothes at camp. |
|
Festival Use |
Offers a private area for changing and personal hygiene. |
|
Beach or Lake Days |
Provides privacy while changing out of wet clothing. |
Maintenance
Rinse the floor after wet use and allow the shelter to dry completely. Clean dirt from the poles and zippers, and inspect the frame, stakes and connectors before each trip.
Follow Kelty’s fabric-care instructions and avoid storing the shelter while damp.
Key Benefits
- Standing-height privacy space for one person.
- Roll-up floor with built-in drain.
- Shower access opening and interior storage pockets.
- Standing-height privacy space.
- Steel-pole freestanding structure.
- Drainable floor and shower access port.
- Interior pockets for small essentials.
- Does not include a toilet or waste tank.
- Heavy for long-distance backpacking.
- Designed for one person at a time.
4. Thetford 299901 Carrying Bag
Bottom line: The Thetford 299901 Carrying Bag helps store and move compatible larger Porta Potti units. It is designed for the 365 and 565E, not the smaller Porta Potti 135.
Key Specs
- Type: Large carrying bag, not a toilet.
- Compatibility: Porta Potti 365 and 565E.
- Material: Polyester exterior with easy-clean lining.
- Closure: Zipper, enclosing the stored toilet.
- Care: Washable at temperatures up to 40°C.
The bag replaces bulky original packaging with a more practical storage cover. Its handles make moving a compatible toilet easier, while the glazed lining can be wiped clean after use.
The key detail is sizing. The linked 299901 is the large version. If you own the Porta Potti 135, choose the correctly sized small bag instead.
What to Know About Compatibility
Thetford identifies the 299901 as its large carry bag. It is not a universal fitted bag for every Porta Potti model, and the bag itself does not replace the toilet’s sealed waste tank.
Situational Uses
|
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Road Trips |
Provides a convenient cover for carrying a compatible larger toilet. |
|
Storage Between Trips |
Helps protect the toilet from dust and surface dirt. |
|
Festivals and Events |
Allows the toilet to be carried discreetly between locations. |
|
Boat and RV Use |
Adds a protective outer layer during storage and transport. |
Maintenance
Wipe the lining when needed. The bag can be washed at up to 40°C. Follow the product-care instructions and allow it to dry before storage.
Key Benefits
- Protects compatible larger toilets during storage.
- Glazed lining supports easier cleaning.
- Handles and zipper make carrying and access practical.
- Designed for larger compatible Porta Potti models.
- Durable polyester construction.
- Easy-clean glazed lining.
- Convenient zipper and carrying handles.
- Not the fitted carrying bag for the Porta Potti 135.
- Does not provide a separate sealed waste container.
- Requires cleaning after contact with spills or waste.
Thetford Porta Potti 135 vs Dometic 972: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
Both toilets have 2.6-gallon waste tanks. The main difference is how they flush and how you monitor the holding tank.
- Flushing: Thetford uses a bellows pump; Dometic uses a pressurized push-button system.
- Freshwater: Thetford specifies a 3-gallon freshwater tank.
- Tank monitoring: Dometic includes a prismatic waste-level indicator.
- Emptying: Both use a directed discharge spout to help manage waste disposal.
Which Camping Toilet Should You Buy?
- Compact car-camping toilet: Get the Thetford Porta Potti 135.
- Push-button flushing: Choose the Dometic 972.
- Private shower or changing space: Add the Kelty Discovery H2GO.
- Storage for a Porta Potti 365 or 565E: Choose the Thetford 299901 Carrying Bag.
- Longer trips: Consider a toilet with a larger holding tank if you cannot reach an approved disposal facility regularly.
How We Chose
- Tank design: We compared freshwater and waste capacity, separation mechanisms and emptying spouts.
- Daily operation: We examined manual pumping, pressurized flushing, tank indicators and cleaning access.
- Portability: We considered dimensions, carrying arrangements and suitability for vehicle-based camping.
- Accessory fit: We checked which toilets the carrying bag is designed to hold and reviewed the shelter’s dimensions.
- Sources: We used manufacturer specifications, product documentation, current product listings and available safety information. These are specification-based comparisons, not claims of hands-on testing.
Camping Toilet Buying Guide
Tank Capacity
Waste capacity determines how much the toilet can hold between emptying stops. A smaller tank takes less storage space but needs more frequent disposal. Both the Thetford Porta Potti 135 and Dometic 972 have 2.6-gallon waste tanks.
Flushing System
A manual bellows pump keeps operation simple. A pressurized system adds a separate pumping step before push-button flushing. Choose the mechanism you find easier to use and maintain.
Odor Control and Seals
Look for a properly closing waste valve, suitable tank treatment and accessible seals. Even a well-designed toilet needs regular emptying and cleaning to control odors.
Emptying and Disposal
Choose a toilet with a discharge spout that helps direct waste into an approved disposal facility. Check campground rules before your trip. Never empty a portable toilet into lakes, streams or onto the ground.
Seat Height and Footprint
Measure the space where you plan to use and store the toilet. Low-profile models fit small vehicles but may be less comfortable for people who prefer a taller seat.
Privacy and Shelter Size
A separate shelter makes campsite hygiene more private. The Kelty Discovery H2GO provides a one-person standing-height space, but the toilet must fit comfortably inside with enough room for the user.
Accessory Compatibility
Do not assume that every bag fits every toilet from the same brand. Match the manufacturer’s part number and model list. The Thetford 299901 is the large bag, while the 299902 is the small bag intended for the Porta Potti 135.
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Camping Toilet
- Confusing tank capacities: Check freshwater and wastewater specifications separately.
- Ignoring seat height: Compare the actual dimensions with your comfort needs.
- Buying the wrong carrying bag: Match the accessory part number to your toilet model.
- Forgetting disposal: Identify approved waste facilities before leaving home.
- Assuming a shelter includes a toilet: Buy the toilet and privacy shelter separately when needed.
FAQs
How Do I Choose a Camping Toilet?
Choose a camping toilet based on available space, waste capacity, flushing method and access to approved disposal facilities. A compact model works well for short vehicle-based trips, while longer stays may justify a larger holding tank. Check seat height, cleaning access and the availability of correctly sized accessories before buying.
How Do I Maintain and Clean a Portable Camping Toilet?
Empty and rinse the waste tank regularly. Clean the toilet with products approved by its manufacturer, inspect the seals and use the recommended lubricant. Before storage, empty both tanks and let the components dry. Follow the model’s manual for cold-weather use and winter storage.
Where Should I Empty a Portable Camping Toilet?
Empty a portable camping toilet at an approved RV dump station or another facility that explicitly accepts its waste. Follow local campground rules and the toilet manufacturer’s instructions. Do not discharge waste into natural water, onto campsites or into ordinary trash containers unless you are using an approved disposable waste system.
What Is the Difference Between the Thetford Porta Potti 135 and Dometic 972?
The main difference is the flushing system. The Thetford Porta Potti 135 uses a manual bellows pump, while the Dometic 972 uses a pressurized tank and push-button flush. Both have 2.6-gallon waste tanks. The Dometic also includes a prismatic waste-level indicator and a full-size seat.
Does the Thetford 299901 Carrying Bag Fit the Porta Potti 135?
No. The Thetford 299901 is the large carrying bag designed for compatible larger models, including the Porta Potti 365 and 565E. The smaller 299902 bag is designed for the Porta Potti 135, 335 and 345. Always check the manufacturer’s compatibility list before ordering a carrying accessory.
Can I Put a Portable Toilet Inside the Kelty Discovery H2GO?
Yes, a suitable portable toilet can be placed inside the Kelty Discovery H2GO when its dimensions allow safe, comfortable use. The shelter is designed for one person and has a 46-by-46-inch floor. It provides privacy but does not contain toilet waste. Keep the toilet’s holding tank closed and dispose of waste separately.
Customer Preferences
Tank capacity, odor control, flushing effort and cleaning access are important when comparing camping toilets. The Thetford Porta Potti 135 focuses on compact manual operation, while the Dometic 972 offers a pressurized push-button flush.
Privacy and transport are separate needs. The Kelty Discovery H2GO provides a dedicated hygiene space, while the Thetford 299901 Carrying Bag protects compatible larger toilets during storage and transport.
Final Verdict: Camping Toilets and Accessories
The Thetford Porta Potti 135 is the overall choice for compact, vehicle-based camping. Its separate tanks, manual flush and rotating emptying spout cover the basic sanitation needs of short trips.
The Dometic 972 is an alternative for campers who prefer pressurized flushing and a visible tank indicator. Add a privacy shelter or correctly sized carrying bag according to your setup.
For a different flushing experience, compare the Dometic 972. Owners of compatible larger Porta Potti models can also consider the Thetford 299901 Carrying Bag.
| Product Name | Image | Rating | Capacity | Weight | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porta Potti Thetford 92860 Porta Potti 135 |
|
4.6/5 (1,286 reviews) | 2.6 gallons (9.8 liters) fresh & wastewater holding tanks | 8 pounds (3.63 kg) | Plastic |
| Dometic Sanitation Dometic – 972 Portable Toilet 2.6 Gallon – Grey |
|
5.0/5 (4 reviews) | 2.6 gallons (9.8 liters) | 16 ounces (0.45 kg) | Plastic |
| Kelty Discovery H2GO Privacy Shelter |
|
4.1/5 (44 reviews) | N/A (Privacy Shelter) | 13 pounds (5.9 kg) | Plastic with Alloy Steel Frame |
| Thetford 299901 Porta Potti Carrying Bag |
|
4.5/5 (904 reviews) | N/A (Carrying Bag) | 1.1 pounds (0.50 kg) | Polyester |
