Respectful And Sanitary Ways To Go To The Bathroom Outdoors

Quick answer

• Pack it in, pack it out. Always.
• Dig catholes 6-8 inches deep, 200 feet from water and trails.
• Use biodegradable TP or a trowel. Pack out used TP.
• Consider a portable toilet for high-use areas.
• Wash your hands thoroughly. Seriously.
• Know the local rules. They matter.

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

Before you even think about hitting the trail, get your ducks in a row. A little prep saves a lot of hassle, and frankly, a lot of stink.

• Land manager / legality: Who’s in charge here? Is it the Forest Service, BLM, a National Park, or a state park? Different agencies have different rules, especially when it comes to human waste. Some places are super strict. Always check the official website for the specific area you’re heading to. Ignorance isn’t an excuse out here.

• Access/road conditions: Can your rig actually get there? A lot of dispersed camping spots require high clearance or 4WD. Don’t be the guy stuck in a ditch miles from anywhere. Check recent trip reports or call the ranger station if you’re unsure. Mud, snow, or washouts can turn a fun trip into a major headache.

• Fire restrictions + weather + wind: Fire bans are common, and for good reason. Know them. Also, check the weather forecast. Extreme wind can make fire starting dangerous and can spread human waste, which is just… gross. Rain can wash things downhill. Be prepared for what Mother Nature throws at you.

• Water plan + waste plan (Leave No Trace): This is crucial. Where will you get your water? How will you purify it? And for your bathroom needs, what’s your plan? Are you digging catholes, using a wag bag, or bringing a portable toilet? Plan your waste disposal before you go. Remember, Leave No Trace principles are your bible out here.

• Safety (wildlife, distance to help, comms): What kind of critters are in the area? Bears? Mountain lions? Know how to store your food and manage waste to avoid attracting them. How far are you from the nearest town or ranger station? Do you have cell service? A satellite messenger is a good idea for remote areas. Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back.

Step-by-step (field workflow)

Alright, you’re at your campsite or trailhead. Nature calls. Here’s how to answer it like a pro.

1. Locate a suitable spot.

• What to do: Find a spot at least 200 feet (about 70 adult paces) away from water sources (rivers, lakes, streams, springs), trails, and campsites. Look for areas with healthy soil where waste can decompose. Avoid areas with high public use.
• What “good” looks like: You’re out of sight and sound of others, and well away from any water. The ground is a mix of dirt and organic material, not solid rock.
• Common mistake: Picking the first convenient spot you find, which is often too close to water or trails. This pollutes water and creates an eyesore for others.

2. Dig a cathole.

• What to do: Use a small trowel or sturdy stick to dig a hole 6–8 inches deep and about 4–6 inches wide. The soil should be loose enough to dig.
• What “good” looks like: A hole that’s deep enough to bury your waste effectively, but not so deep it hits groundwater.
• Common mistake: Digging a shallow scrape that doesn’t bury the waste properly, or digging in compacted soil where it won’t break down.

For digging catholes, a lightweight and durable camping trowel is an essential tool to ensure you can properly bury your waste. Consider adding one to your outdoor gear.

3. Do your business.

• What to do: Position yourself over the cathole.
• What “good” looks like: You’re comfortable and discreet, with everything going into the hole.
• Common mistake: Missing the cathole. Yep, it happens. Be mindful.

4. Use toilet paper (or not).

• What to do: If using toilet paper, use only a small amount of plain, white, unbleached, biodegradable paper. If you have a trowel, you can use that to bury the paper with your waste.
• What “good” looks like: Minimal paper is used, and it’s all accounted for.
• Common mistake: Using excessive amounts of regular toilet paper, scented wipes, or paper towels. These don’t break down quickly and are considered trash.

If you’re using toilet paper, a good camping trowel can also help you bury it effectively with your waste, ensuring nothing is left exposed.

5. Pack out your toilet paper.

• What to do: If you used toilet paper, carefully place it in a designated waste bag (like a Ziploc or a dedicated wag bag) to pack out. Even biodegradable paper should be packed out in high-use or sensitive areas.
• What “good” looks like: All used toilet paper is securely contained and ready for disposal later.
• Common mistake: Leaving used toilet paper exposed on the ground or burying it shallowly. This is unsightly and can attract animals.

6. Bury the cathole.

• What to do: Use the dirt you excavated to fill the cathole completely. Tamp it down gently. Cover the area with natural materials like leaves or pine needles to help it blend in.
• What “good” looks like: The spot looks like you were never there. No visible hole, no exposed waste.
• Common mistake: Not filling the hole completely, leaving a depression that can collect water or be easily found by animals.

7. Sanitize your hands.

• What to do: Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, or better yet, wash your hands with biodegradable soap and water if available. Scrub for at least 20 seconds.
• What “good” looks like: Your hands are clean and free of germs.
• Common mistake: Skipping this step or not using enough sanitizer. This is how germs spread.

8. Dispose of waste properly.

• What to do: Pack out all used toilet paper, hygiene products, and any other waste. Dispose of it in a trash receptacle back in civilization. If you used a portable toilet, follow its specific disposal instructions.
• What “good” looks like: All waste is contained and will be disposed of in a proper waste facility.
• Common mistake: Burying or leaving trash behind. It never disappears and harms the environment.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Pooping near water sources	Water contamination, spread of pathogens, downstream impact on ecosystems.	Always dig catholes 200 feet (70 paces) from water. Pack out TP.
Leaving toilet paper exposed	Unsightly, attracts animals, potential for spread of germs.	Pack out all used toilet paper in a sealed bag.
Shallow catholes	Waste not buried properly, attracts animals, visible to others.	Dig 6–8 inches deep. Ensure it’s deep enough to cover waste and TP.
Not washing hands	Spread of bacteria and viruses, can make yourself and others sick.	Use hand sanitizer or biodegradable soap and water after every bathroom stop.
Using regular toilet paper or wipes	Slow decomposition, can clog systems, unsightly litter.	Use minimal plain white biodegradable TP and pack it out, or use a trowel to bury it. Avoid all wipes.
Pooping too close to trails or campsites	Creates an unpleasant experience for other users, potential for disease spread.	Maintain a 200-foot buffer from trails and campsites. Be discreet.
Not knowing land manager rules	Fines, citations, damage to reputation, and environmental harm.	Check the agency website (USFS, BLM, NPS, state parks) for specific regulations on human waste.
Relying solely on burying TP	In some environments, TP doesn’t break down well.	In sensitive areas or if unsure, pack out TP regardless of type.
Not considering alternatives in high-use areas	Overwhelms natural systems, creates unsanitary conditions.	Use a portable toilet or wag bags in designated campgrounds or popular backcountry areas.
Burying pet waste	Pet waste is more toxic than human waste and doesn’t break down easily.	Pack out pet waste in a bag just like your own.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you are within 200 feet of a water source, then move further away because human waste can contaminate water.
• If you are using a designated campground, then check for established toilets or pit latrines first because these are provided for a reason.
• If you are in a desert environment, then pack out all waste, including toilet paper, because decomposition is very slow and waste can be exposed for a long time.
• If you have a choice between digging a cathole and using a portable toilet, then use the portable toilet if the area is heavily used or ecologically sensitive because it offers the most control.
• If you are digging a cathole and hit rock or hardpan, then find a new spot because the soil needs to be able to absorb and break down the waste.
• If you are unsure about the local regulations, then err on the side of caution and pack out all waste because it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
• If you are in bear country, then be extra diligent about burying waste well and packing out any TP because animals can be attracted to the smell.
• If you are in a group, then designate a specific area for catholes to concentrate impact and avoid scattering waste across a larger area.
• If you have any doubt about whether toilet paper will decompose, then pack it out because leaving it behind is a common LNT violation.
• If you see evidence of others not following LNT principles (like exposed waste), then consider reporting it to the land manager because it helps them address problem areas.

FAQ

Q: What’s the best way to go to the bathroom if I don’t have a trowel?

A: You can use a sturdy stick to dig a shallow hole, but a trowel is much more effective. If you can’t dig, find a spot where the ground is already disturbed or soft. Always pack out your TP.

While you can use a stick, a dedicated camping trowel makes digging a proper cathole much easier and more efficient.

Q: Can I just bury my waste anywhere?

A: No. You need to be at least 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites. The soil should also be able to absorb the waste. Avoid areas with high public use.

Q: Do I really need to pack out my toilet paper?

A: In many areas, yes. Even biodegradable paper can take a long time to break down, especially in colder climates or certain soil types. Packing it out is the surest way to Leave No Trace.

Q: What about “wag bags” or portable toilets?

A: These are excellent options, especially in sensitive areas or places where digging is difficult. They contain waste and odor, and you pack them out for proper disposal.

Q: How deep should a cathole really be?

A: Aim for 6–8 inches deep. This depth helps ensure that the waste is covered and can start to decompose properly, while also reducing odor and attraction to animals.

Q: What if I’m in a desert?

A: Deserts are fragile. Decomposition is very slow. It’s best to pack out all solid waste, including toilet paper, in a sealed bag.

Q: Is it okay to use natural materials like leaves to wipe?

A: It’s generally not recommended. Natural materials can still carry pathogens and may not be readily available or suitable. Stick to packing out TP or using a trowel to bury it.

Q: What’s the deal with pet waste?

A: Pet waste is often more toxic than human waste and doesn’t break down as easily. Always pack out your pet’s waste in a bag.

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

• Specific regulations for National Parks (check NPS websites).
• Detailed instructions for using specific portable toilet systems (refer to manufacturer guides).
• Advanced backcountry hygiene techniques for extended trips (look for specialized LNT resources).
• Dealing with human waste in flood zones or avalanche areas (these require expert guidance).
• Methods for disposing of human waste in marine environments or near coastal areas (these have unique considerations).