How To Pee Outside Safely And Respectfully

Quick answer

• Know your surroundings: camp, trail, water sources.
• Go 200 feet (about 70 big steps) from water and trails.
• Dig a cathole 6–8 inches deep.
• For solid waste, pack it out. For urine, bury it.
• Avoid peeing on plants; it can kill them.
• If you can’t dig, use a wag bag or pack it out.
• Always check local rules; some places are stricter.

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

Before you even think about setting up camp or hitting a trail, you gotta get the lay of the land. This isn’t just about knowing where the good fishing spots are. It’s about being a decent human being out there.

• Land manager / legality: Who’s in charge? Is it the US Forest Service, BLM, National Park Service, or a state park? They all have their own rules. Some areas might have specific designated spots or even ban camping altogether. A quick look at their website or a phone call can save you a headache.

• Access/road conditions: Can your rig even get there? Some forest roads are gnarly. Think 2WD, 4WD, high clearance. If it’s been raining, mud can be a real beast. Don’t be the guy who gets stuck and needs a tow out of the backcountry.

• Fire restrictions + weather + wind: This is huge. Fire bans are common, and for good reason. Check current restrictions. Also, know the forecast. A sudden storm can turn a chill trip into a survival situation. And wind? It can blow smoke right into your face or make fires hard to control.

• Water plan + waste plan (Leave No Trace): Where’s your drinking water coming from? And more importantly, where’s your waste going? Leave No Trace principles are key here. You gotta plan for both. This means packing out TP, and knowing how to deal with human waste properly.

• Safety (wildlife, distance to help, comms): What critters are in the area? Bears, snakes, mountain lions? Know what to do if you encounter them. How far are you from the nearest ranger station or town? Do you have cell service? A satellite communicator is a good idea for remote trips.

Step-by-step (field workflow)

Alright, you’re out there. The sun’s high, or maybe it’s dusk. Nature calls. Here’s how to answer it right.

1. Assess the situation:

• What to do: Look around. Are you near a campsite, a popular trail, a lake, or a river?
• What “good” looks like: You’ve got a clear view of your surroundings and you’re not right on top of anyone else’s space.
• Common mistake: Rushing. You see a bush and just go. Oops.

2. Choose your spot:

• What to do: Find a place at least 200 feet (about 70 adult steps) away from any water source (streams, lakes, springs) and any trails. If you’re in a designated campsite, use the toilet facilities if available.
• What “good” looks like: You’re well off the beaten path, and nobody’s going to accidentally stumble upon you.
• Common mistake: Underestimating distance. “This is far enough” often isn’t.

3. Dig your cathole (if applicable):

• What to do: Use a small trowel or a sturdy stick to dig a hole about 6–8 inches deep and 4–6 inches wide. Aim for mineral soil, not the dark, loamy stuff that decomposes faster.
• What “good” looks like: A neat, functional hole that’s deep enough to contain everything.
• Common mistake: Digging too shallow. Your business will be too exposed.

A good camping trowel, like this one, makes digging your cathole much easier and more effective.

4. Do your business:

• What to do: Squat over the cathole. Aim carefully.
• What “good” looks like: You’ve successfully used the cathole without making a mess.
• Common mistake: Standing too close to the edge of the hole.

5. Clean up:

• What to do: Use toilet paper sparingly. Pack out used TP and any feminine hygiene products in a sealed bag. If you don’t have TP, use natural materials like smooth leaves or rocks (but be careful!).
• What “good” looks like: Everything is contained and ready for disposal.
• Common mistake: Leaving TP scattered around. It’s an eyesore and takes forever to break down.

While you should always pack out used toilet paper, using biodegradable toilet paper, such as this option, can be a good backup in case a small piece is accidentally left behind.

6. Bury it:

• What to do: Cover the cathole with the soil you removed. Tamp it down gently.
• What “good” looks like: The hole is filled, and the ground looks as natural as possible.
• Common mistake: Not burying deep enough or not covering it fully.

7. Disguise the site:

• What to do: Scatter some natural debris (leaves, pine needles) over the spot to help it blend in.
• What “good” looks like: It’s hard to tell anything happened there.
• Common mistake: Leaving obvious signs like a pile of dirt or scattered TP.

8. Wash your hands:

• What to do: Use hand sanitizer or biodegradable soap and water.
• What “good” looks like: Clean hands before touching anything else.
• Common mistake: Forgetting this step. Germs are no fun.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Peeing too close to water	Contamination of drinking water sources, harm to aquatic life.	Always go at least 200 feet from streams, lakes, or springs.
Not digging a cathole	Exposed waste, smell, attraction of pests, visual pollution.	Dig 6–8 inches deep. It’s a basic LNT principle.
Leaving toilet paper behind	Visual blight, slow decomposition, potential harm to wildlife if ingested.	Pack it out in a sealed bag. Always.
Peeing on plants or vegetation	Can kill plants, especially delicate ones. Urine is concentrated.	Aim for bare ground or rocks. Avoid actively growing plants.
Not checking fire restrictions	Accidental wildfires, devastating ecosystems, fines, jail time.	Always check current fire bans before you go and before you make any fire.
Not knowing the local rules	Fines, being asked to leave, damaging local ecosystems due to ignorance.	Research the land manager’s regulations for the specific area.
Not packing out solid waste (feces)	Unsanitary conditions, spread of disease, visual pollution, attracts animals.	Use wag bags or designated disposal systems where available. Pack it out. Period.
Not considering wind when peeing	Urine can blow back on you or others.	Face into the wind or find a sheltered spot.
Using campsites as personal toilets	Overwhelms the environment, creates health hazards, ruins the experience for others.	Use designated toilets when available. If not, follow LNT for human waste.
Not having a plan for remote areas	Being caught unprepared, resorting to bad practices when nature calls.	Carry a trowel and wag bags, especially in sensitive or high-use areas.

Carrying a lightweight camping trowel, like this one, is essential for properly burying human waste and adhering to Leave No Trace principles.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If there’s a toilet at the campsite, then use it because it’s the most responsible option.
• If you are near a lake or river, then walk at least 200 feet away before you pee because you don’t want to contaminate the water.
• If the ground is hard rock or paved, then you can’t dig a cathole, so you’ll need to pack out your waste using a wag bag.
• If you are in a desert environment, then be extra mindful of where you pee, as plants are sparse and can be easily damaged.
• If you see signs of wildlife or animal trails, then go even further away from them, as your waste can attract them.
• If you are in a group, then designate a “pee spot” away from camp to minimize impact.
• If you are on a steep slope, then pee downhill from your campsite and water sources.
• If you are using toilet paper, then always pack it out in a sealed plastic bag.
• If you are unsure about local regulations, then err on the side of caution and pack out all waste.
• If you are in a high-use area, then consider using a portable toilet or wag bag even if catholes are allowed.

FAQ

Q: What’s the deal with peeing on plants? Is it really that bad?

A: Yeah, it can be. Urine is concentrated and can damage or kill sensitive vegetation, especially in arid or alpine environments. It’s best to aim for bare ground or rocks.

Q: How far is “far enough” from a trail or water?

A: The general rule is 200 feet, which is about 70 adult steps. This distance helps prevent contamination and keeps your waste from being easily seen or smelled by others.

Q: What if I can’t dig a cathole because the ground is too hard or rocky?

A: This is where wag bags or portable toilet systems come in handy. You’ll need to pack out all solid and liquid waste. Always be prepared for these situations.

Q: Do I need to worry about peeing in the winter?

A: You still need to follow the same guidelines. Snow can melt and carry contaminants, and it can also expose buried waste. Digging through snow to reach soil is often necessary.

Q: What about peeing in a campground with designated toilets?

A: Always use the provided toilets. They are designed to handle waste properly and keep the environment clean and healthy for everyone.

Q: Is it okay to pee in the ocean or a large lake?

A: For large bodies of water, the dilution factor is much higher, so it’s generally less impactful than near small streams. However, it’s still good practice to be mindful of distance from shore and popular swimming areas.

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

A: This is tough. Try to get as far off the trail as possible, even if it’s just a few extra steps. Look for a spot with some natural screening and try to minimize impact.

Q: Do I need to bury my urine if I dig a cathole?

A: No, urine can be dispersed. The goal of the cathole for urine is to allow it to soak into the soil away from water sources and trails. Solid waste is what needs to be buried or packed out.

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

• Detailed Leave No Trace principles for all types of waste.
• Specific regulations for every national park, forest, or BLM land.
• How to deal with human waste in extreme environments (e.g., polar regions, high-altitude mountaineering).
• Choosing the right portable toilet system for your needs.
• First aid for encounters with venomous wildlife.