A Guide On How To Urinate Discreetly Outdoors

Quick answer

• Know your surroundings. Pick a spot away from trails and water.
• Dig a cathole. Make it 6–8 inches deep.
• Face downhill. This helps prevent runoff.
• Use natural materials. Leaves or dirt work fine.
• Pack it out if needed. Especially in sensitive areas.
• Wash your hands. Always.

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

Before you head out, get a few things dialed in. It’s not complicated, but being prepared makes all the difference.

• Land manager / legality: Who’s in charge of where you’re going? Is it National Forest, BLM land, a State Park, or private property? Different agencies have different rules, especially for dispersed camping or backcountry travel. A quick look at their website or a call can save you a headache.

• Access/road conditions: Can your rig actually get there? Some forest roads are no joke. If it’s a 2WD sedan, forget it. Even AWD can get stuck if it’s muddy or snowy. Check recent reports if you can. A little mud is one thing, a washed-out bridge is another.

• Fire restrictions + weather + wind: This is huge. Fire bans are common, and for good reason. Check the local fire danger level. Also, look at the forecast. Rain is one thing, but high winds can make a campfire dangerous and a sudden storm can ruin your trip.

• Water plan + waste plan (Leave No Trace): Where will you get water, and how will you treat it? Equally important, where will all your waste go? This includes human waste. Understanding Leave No Trace principles is key, especially in popular areas. Pack it in, pack it out is the motto.

• Safety (wildlife, distance to help, comms): Are there bears? Mountain lions? Know what to do. How far is the nearest ranger station or town? Do you have cell service? A satellite communicator is a good idea if you’re truly off the grid. Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back.

Step-by-step (field workflow)

Alright, nature calls. Here’s how to handle it like a pro.

1. Assess the situation.

• What to do: Look around. Where are the trails? Where are the water sources? Are there other campers nearby?
• What “good” looks like: You’ve identified a spot that’s at least 200 feet (about 70 big steps) from any water, trails, or campsites.
• Common mistake: Just ducking behind the nearest bush without checking. This can lead to people stumbling upon you or contaminating water.

2. Choose your spot.

• What to do: Select a durable surface. This could be dirt, gravel, or dry grass. Avoid areas with fragile vegetation.
• What “good” looks like: You’ve picked a spot that won’t be easily damaged by your presence.
• Common mistake: Stepping on wildflowers or delicate plants. They’re tough to grow back.

3. Dig your cathole.

• What to do: Use a small trowel or even a sturdy stick. Dig a hole about 6–8 inches deep and 4–6 inches wide.
• What “good” looks like: A hole that’s deep enough to properly bury your waste and prevent animals from digging it up.
• Common mistake: Digging too shallow. This makes it easy for animals to find and can lead to odors.

For digging your cathole, a lightweight and durable camping trowel like this one is an essential tool to have in your pack.

4. Position yourself.

• What to do: Face downhill if possible. This helps prevent any potential runoff from traveling towards water sources.
• What “good” looks like: You’re set up to minimize any environmental impact downslope.
• Common mistake: Not considering the slope. Even a slight incline can matter.

5. Do your business.

• What to do: Relax and let nature take its course.
• What “good” looks like: You’ve successfully urinated into the cathole.
• Common mistake: Rushing and not fully emptying your bladder.

6. Clean yourself.

• What to do: Use a small amount of toilet paper if you must. Alternatively, use natural materials like smooth leaves or snow (in winter).
• What “good” looks like: You’ve cleaned yourself adequately without leaving a mess.
• Common mistake: Using excessive toilet paper and leaving it visible.

If you prefer to use toilet paper, consider carrying biodegradable toilet paper to minimize your environmental impact.

7. Bury the waste.

• What to do: Use the dirt you removed to fill the cathole back in. Pack it down gently.
• What “good” looks like: The hole is completely filled, and the area looks as natural as possible.
• Common mistake: Leaving the hole open or only partially filling it.

8. Disguise the site.

• What to do: Scatter leaves, pine needles, or small rocks over the spot to make it blend in.
• What “good” looks like: The area looks undisturbed, and it’s hard to tell anyone was there.
• Common mistake: Leaving obvious signs like a pile of toilet paper or a visible depression.

9. Pack out what you pack in.

• What to do: If you used toilet paper or wipes, put them in a sealed bag and carry them out with your trash.
• What “good” looks like: All personal waste materials are removed from the site.
• Common mistake: Burying or leaving toilet paper behind. It doesn’t decompose quickly and is unsightly.

When packing out toilet paper or other waste, using specialized pack-out waste bags ensures everything is contained and discreet.

10. Sanitize your hands.

• What to do: Use hand sanitizer or biodegradable soap and water.
• What “good” looks like: Your hands are clean and free of germs.
• Common mistake: Skipping this step. It’s crucial for hygiene and preventing the spread of germs.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Urinating near water sources	Contamination of drinking water, harm to aquatic life.	Always go at least 200 feet away from streams, lakes, and springs.
Not digging a cathole	Attracts animals, creates odors, visible human waste.	Dig a cathole 6–8 inches deep for solid waste; urine is generally okay on durable surfaces if spread out.
Leaving toilet paper behind	Unsightly, doesn’t decompose quickly, can be mistaken for animal droppings.	Pack out all used toilet paper in a sealed bag.
Urinating on fragile vegetation	Kills plants, damages ecosystems, makes the site obvious.	Choose durable surfaces like dirt, gravel, or rock.
Not considering downhill flow	Waste or residue can travel towards water sources.	Always try to face downhill when urinating.
Using regular soap or scented wipes	Harms plants and aquatic life.	Use biodegradable soap sparingly, or better yet, just water. Pack out used wipes.
Not washing hands after	Spreading germs and bacteria.	Always use hand sanitizer or wash with biodegradable soap and water.
Urinating in high-traffic areas	Unpleasant for other campers, potential for awkward encounters.	Walk away from trails and campsites to find a private, appropriate spot.
Not checking for other campers	Invading someone’s privacy, potential for awkward encounters.	Do a thorough sweep of the area before choosing your spot.
Not disguising the cathole	Makes the site look messy, can encourage animals to dig.	Cover the filled cathole with natural materials like leaves or pine needles.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you see a trail, then move at least 200 feet away because trails are for travel, not relief.
• If you are near a lake or river, then move at least 200 feet away because water sources are critical for everyone and everything.
• If you find fragile vegetation (like wildflowers), then find a spot on bare ground or rock because you don’t want to kill plants.
• If the ground is frozen or covered in snow, then you might need to pack out your urine-soaked toilet paper because it won’t decompose.
• If you’re in a popular campground, then be extra mindful of distance and privacy because others are likely nearby.
• If you’re in a desert environment, then urinate on rocks or gravel to help it evaporate quickly and avoid damaging sparse vegetation.
• If you’re in a place with a lot of wildlife, then dig your cathole deeper to deter animals from digging it up.
• If you’re unsure about local regulations, then err on the side of caution and pack out everything, including toilet paper.
• If you have diarrhea, then you absolutely must use a designated toilet or pack out all waste in a specialized bag.
• If you can’t find a suitable spot, then wait until you can or find a designated facility.
• If you’re with a group, then designate a specific area for relief to minimize impact.

FAQ

How far away from a campsite should I pee?

Aim for at least 200 feet, which is about 70 adult steps. This keeps your campsite clean and private, and reduces odor.

What if I can’t find a good spot to dig a cathole?

If you’re in a very rocky or hard-packed area, or on a trail, try to find a more suitable spot further away. If absolutely necessary, you can use a trowel to scrape away just enough surface material to urinate on bare ground or rock.

Do I really need to pack out toilet paper?

In most wilderness areas and places with high visitor use, yes. Toilet paper doesn’t break down quickly and can be unsightly. Pack it out in a sealed bag.

What’s the deal with peeing on rocks?

Peeing on rocks, especially in dry or desert environments, can help the urine evaporate quickly and minimize its impact on vegetation. It’s a good technique when durable surfaces are abundant.

Can I pee in the ocean?

Generally, yes, but stay a good distance from beaches and other swimmers. The ocean is a vast ecosystem, and your contribution is minimal.

What if I have to pee and I’m on a busy trail?

This is where planning ahead comes in. Try to go before you hit a busy stretch. If you must go, move as far off the trail as possible, at least 200 feet, and choose a durable surface.

Is it okay to pee in the snow?

Yes, but be mindful. Dig a small hole in the snow to direct your stream, and avoid peeing on vegetation that might be underneath. Pack out any toilet paper.

What’s the difference between peeing and pooping outdoors?

For peeing, the main concerns are distance from water and trails, and not damaging vegetation. For pooping, digging a cathole and burying it properly is crucial, and packing out toilet paper is often required.

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

• Specific regulations for individual parks or wilderness areas. Check the official land manager’s website.
• Advanced backcountry sanitation techniques for extended trips or in sensitive ecosystems.
• Dealing with human waste in extreme conditions like blizzards or flash floods.
• Proper disposal of menstrual products.
• How to use a portable camping toilet or wag bag.