A Guide to Pooping While Camping

Quick answer

• Pack it out, always. This is the golden rule for most backcountry spots.
• Dig a cathole if packing out isn’t feasible or required. Aim for 6-8 inches deep, 200 feet from water.
• Use biodegradable toilet paper or, better yet, a trowel and natural materials.
• Bring a dedicated wag bag or sealable container for TP and waste.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or sanitizer after.
• Know your land manager’s rules. Some areas have strict requirements.

For a more eco-friendly option, consider using biodegradable toilet paper, which breaks down faster than conventional types.

What to check first (do this before you drive out)

Before you even think about hitting the trail or setting up camp, get your ducks in a row. This stuff is non-negotiable for a good trip.

• Land manager / legality: Who’s in charge? Is it National Forest, BLM land, a State Park, or private? Their rules dictate what you can and can’t do. Some areas require you to pack everything out, no exceptions. Check the official website for the agency managing the land you’re visiting. I learned this the hard way on a trip where I thought I could bury TP. Nope.

• Access/road conditions: Can your rig even get there? Is the road paved, gravel, or a rocky mess? If it’s off-road, know your vehicle’s clearance and if you need 4WD. Mud, snow, or washouts can turn a fun drive into a tow-truck call. Always check recent conditions if possible.

• Fire restrictions + weather + wind: This is crucial for safety and legality. Are campfires allowed? Are there any burn bans? Check the forecast for rain, snow, extreme heat, and especially wind. High winds can make open fires dangerous and also make using a privy or cathole an unpleasant experience.

• Water plan + waste plan (Leave No Trace): How will you get water? Where will you filter it? And, most importantly for this guide, what’s your plan for human waste? This includes toilet paper, hygiene products, and, well, the main event. Have your pack-out system ready if needed.

• Safety (wildlife, distance to help, comms): Know what critters are in the area and how to store your food. How far is the nearest ranger station or town? Do you have cell service? Consider a satellite messenger for remote trips. Being prepared for the unexpected is always smart.

Step-by-step (field workflow)

Alright, you’re out there. Nature calls. Here’s how to handle it like a pro.

1. Identify your location and regulations.

• What to do: Confirm you’re in an area where catholing is permitted, or if you’re in a pack-out zone.
• What “good” looks like: You know the rules for the specific area you’re in.
• Common mistake: Assuming rules are the same everywhere. Avoid this by checking ahead.

2. Choose your spot (if catholing).

• What to do: Find a location at least 200 feet (about 70 adult steps) from water sources (rivers, lakes, springs), trails, and campsites.
• What “good” looks like: Discreet, out of sight, and well away from water.
• Common mistake: Digging too close to water. This contaminates it.

3. Dig your cathole.

• What to do: Use a small trowel to dig a hole 6–8 inches deep and about 4–6 inches wide.
• What “good” looks like: A functional hole that’s deep enough to bury waste effectively.
• Common mistake: Not digging deep enough. This leaves waste exposed to animals and the elements.

A sturdy camping trowel is essential for digging a proper cathole, ensuring your waste is buried effectively and discreetly.

4. Do your business.

• What to do: Squat over the cathole and relieve yourself.
• What “good” looks like: Everything goes into the hole.
• Common mistake: Missing the hole. Clean it up immediately.

5. Manage toilet paper.

• What to do: Use minimal, biodegradable toilet paper. Place used TP in a designated sealable bag, not in the cathole.
• What “good” looks like: All used TP is collected for packing out.
• Common mistake: Burying TP. It doesn’t decompose quickly enough and can be dug up.

When managing toilet paper, using biodegradable toilet paper can be a good choice, but remember to still pack it out in a designated bag.

6. Backfill the cathole.

• What to do: Use the dirt you removed to cover the waste completely.
• What “good” looks like: The hole is filled to ground level, looking as natural as possible.
• Common mistake: Leaving the hole obvious. This is an eyesore and can attract animals.

7. Disguise the area.

• What to do: Scatter leaves, pine needles, or twigs over the filled cathole to make it blend in.
• What “good” looks like: The site looks undisturbed.
• Common mistake: Leaving obvious signs of digging or use.

8. Pack out all waste (if required or chosen).

• What to do: Use a dedicated wag bag or sealable container for all used toilet paper and any other hygiene products.
• What “good” looks like: Your waste is safely contained and ready for proper disposal at home or a designated facility.
• Common mistake: Leaving waste bags behind. This is littering.

9. Sanitize or wash your hands.

• What to do: Use hand sanitizer or soap and water to thoroughly clean your hands.
• What “good” looks like: Clean hands, free of germs.
• Common mistake: Skipping this step. It’s a fast track to getting sick.

10. Dispose of waste properly.

• What to do: When you get back to civilization, dispose of your packed-out waste in a trash can or toilet, as appropriate.
• What “good” looks like: You’ve completed the cycle of Leave No Trace.
• Common mistake: Leaving packed-out waste at a trailhead or in a campsite trash bin not designed for it.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Burying toilet paper	Slow decomposition, attraction of animals, visible mess, contamination.	Pack it out in a sealed bag.
Not digging cathole deep enough	Exposed waste, animal attraction, smell, potential water contamination.	Dig 6–8 inches deep.
Cathole too close to water	Contamination of drinking water sources, harm to aquatic life.	Stay at least 200 feet away from all water sources.
Leaving TP visible	Unpleasant visual impact, potential for animals to spread it.	Pack out all used TP.
Not packing out waste when required	Violating regulations, fines, damage to sensitive ecosystems.	Know the rules and have a pack-out system ready.
Using the same trowel for food/waste	Cross-contamination, illness.	Dedicate one trowel for catholes and keep it separate from food prep tools.
Not washing hands	Spreading germs, illness for yourself and others.	Use sanitizer or soap and water every time.
Leaving cathole obvious	Unpleasant for other users, attracts animals, poor Leave No Trace ethics.	Fill completely and disguise the area.
Using scented wipes/products	They don’t biodegrade, leave a chemical trail, attract animals.	Avoid them; pack them out if used.
Not checking regulations	Fines, environmental damage, negative impact on public lands.	Always check with the land manager before your trip.
Using a privy when catholing is okay	Wasting time and effort, unnecessary impact if a privy is available.	Use established facilities when provided.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you are in a designated campground with restrooms, then use the restroom because that’s what they are there for.
• If the land manager explicitly states “Pack it out, everything,” then pack out all toilet paper and solid waste because that is the rule.
• If you are in a dispersed camping area where catholing is allowed, then dig a cathole 6–8 inches deep and 200 feet from water because that’s the LNT standard.
• If you see a toilet paper dispenser in a backcountry privy, then use it because it’s intended for that purpose.
• If you are using biodegradable toilet paper and catholing, then still pack out your used TP in a sealed bag because it doesn’t break down fast enough in the soil.
• If you are using a trowel, then make sure it’s dedicated for waste and kept separate from your cooking gear because of germ transfer.
• If you are in an area with sensitive vegetation or high visitor traffic, then consider packing out your waste even if catholing is permitted because it minimizes impact.
• If you have any doubt about the rules, then err on the side of caution and pack it out because it’s always the safest bet for the environment.
• If you encounter human waste that has not been properly disposed of, then do not touch it and report it to the land manager if possible because it’s a health hazard.
• If you are using a portable toilet system, then follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and disposal because they have specific requirements.
• If you are experiencing diarrhea, then use a wag bag or portable toilet if available because it’s easier to manage and pack out.
• If you are in an area with very little soil (e.g., rocky desert), then look for established privies or be prepared to pack out everything because catholing might not be feasible.

FAQ

Do I really have to pack out my toilet paper?

In many popular or sensitive areas, yes. Even if you dig a cathole, TP doesn’t decompose quickly and can be dug up by animals. Packing it out is the cleanest, most responsible option.

What’s the deal with “wag bags”?

These are special sealed bags designed to contain human waste and toilet paper. They’re required in some national parks and wilderness areas. They’re a bit gross to think about, but they work great for packing out waste.

Can I just burn my toilet paper?

Generally, no. Fires are often restricted, and burning TP can be incomplete, leaving ash and fragments. It’s also a fire risk. Stick to packing it out or burying it properly if allowed.

How do I avoid animals digging up my cathole?

Dig deep enough, cover it completely with soil, and then disguise the area with natural materials like leaves and twigs. This makes it look undisturbed.

What if I’m camping in the desert?

Desert ecosystems are fragile. Catholing can be difficult if there’s not much soil. In many desert areas, you’ll need to pack out all waste, including TP. Check local regulations carefully.

Are there special rules for national parks vs. national forests?

Yes, absolutely. National Parks often have stricter rules, especially in popular areas, and may require packing out all waste. National Forests can be more varied, but LNT principles always apply.

What about using natural materials instead of toilet paper?

Some people do this, using things like smooth leaves or moss. However, these must also be packed out to avoid leaving a trace. It’s not for everyone, and requires careful selection of materials.

How do I dispose of my packed-out waste when I get home?

The best practice is to throw it in your household trash. If you used a specialized system, follow its disposal instructions. Never leave packed-out waste at a trailhead or in a public trash can not designed for it.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific details on portable toilet systems and their maintenance.
• Detailed hygiene practices beyond handwashing.
• Regulations for specific, named wilderness areas or national parks (always check the official site).
• Advanced techniques for extreme environments (e.g., high altitude, arctic).
• Dealing with human waste in a group camping scenario.