When nature calls in nature, are you prepared to answer?

As a camper, I know many campers, especially beginners, think that pooping outdoors can be daunting.

Hey, No worries, I feel your pain. When I was a newbie in camping, the most embarrassing and challenging thing to me was how to poop when camping.

But after being camping for eight years, I mostly sort it out. I will also share how I overcame the problem by following some basic things. I also think if you follow those rules, you can sort it out in a way that won’t be an issue for you when camping. 

I hope after following that, you can camp as long as you can without any hustle with poop. So, let’s get started.

To poop when camping, dig a hole at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet away from water sources. Cover the hole with soil after use.

You can use a small shovel or trowel to dig the hole.  Also, ensure a 6-8 inches depth for waste to decompose naturally. Also, ensure it doesn’t harm wildlife or other campers like you. After finishing, cover the hole with soil and pack out any toilet paper or hygiene products. Always follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the beauty of the outdoors for future generations.

Choosing The Right Spot For Pooping

Camping is fun, but you need to poop responsibly. Because the right spot-picking is essential for both comfort and environmental safety. Here are the steps to choosing the pooping spot perfectly

Avoiding Water Sources

Always stay away from water sources because it prevents contamination. Follow the 200 feet rule. Ensure you are at least 200 feet from rivers, lakes, or streams.

• Walk at least 70 adult steps away from the water.
• Never poop uphill from a water source.
• Ensure that there are no hidden water channels.

Staying clear of water sources helps protect wildlife and fellow campers.

Ensuring Privacy

Privacy is key. You want to feel comfortable. Look for natural covers like bushes, trees, or rocks.

• Find a spot with a good cover and hide.
• Ensure it’s not on a trail.
• Check that there are no signs of wildlife activity.

Using natural covers ensures you can relax and do your business without interruptions.

Digging A Cathole For Pooping

Digging a cat hole is a crucial skill for any camper. So you have to do it carefully. To do that, you have to know how to do it correctly. It will ensure you leave no trace and keep the environment clean. Let’s dive deep into the main steps you need to follow.

Tools You Need

• Trowel: A small, lightweight shovel is ideal.
• Biodegradable Toilet Paper: It’s eco-friendly and decomposes quickly.
• Hand Sanitizer: Keep your hands clean after.

Proper Depth And Width

Depth is essential for a cathole. It should be 6 to 8 inches deep. This depth helps to ensure proper waste management.

Width is also important. Your cathole should be 4 to 6 inches wide because width provides enough space for waste and makes you comfortable when you poop.

Measurement Requirement

Depth 6 to 8 inches

Width 4 to 6 inches

Using Portable Toilets For Pooping

We all know camping is a beautiful way to connect with nature. But, the call of nature can be challenging. One of the comprehensive solutions is using portable toilets. These portable devices you can carry easily make your camping trip more comfortable and hygienic.

Setting Up Correctly

Setting up a portable toilet in the right way takes work. Follow these steps:

• Select a secluded spot: Find a private and flat area.
• Unpack the toilet: Take out all parts from the bag.
• Assemble: Follow the instructions to put it together.
• Line the toilet: Use biodegradable bags for waste.
• Add chemicals: Pour in the chemicals to reduce odour.

Ensure you also bring hand sanitizer. It keeps your hands clean after use. Dispose of waste properly in designated areas. It will help to protect from bacteria.

Pros And Cons

Also, portable toilets come with their own set of benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a quick look for you:

 

 

                                                                                   Pros                                              Cons

                                                                                   Easy to use                                  Requires setup

                                                                                   Hygienic                                       Needs cleaning

                                                                                   Environmentally friendly            Can be bulky

                                                                                   Portable                                        May smell

 

 

 

Proper Hygiene Practices For Pooping

Maintaining proper hygiene while camping is very important for you. It will keep you healthy and comfortable and make you happy. Here are potential practices to ensure cleanliness during when you are camping.

Hand Sanitizers

Always carry a bottle of hand sanitizer. It is essential when soap and water aren’t available. Use it before and after using the restroom. Ensure the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol. It helps kill most germs.

Here are a few tips for using hand sanitizer:

• Apply a generous amount to your hands.
• Rub your hands together and make sure to cover all surfaces.
• Continue rubbing until your hands are dry.

Hand sanitisers are adequate but only a partial substitute for soap. Try to wash your hands with soap when possible.

Biodegradable Wipes

Biodegradable wipes are an excellent choice for cleaning. They are eco-friendly and break down naturally. Also, you can use them to clean your hands, face, and body.

Here’s how to use biodegradable wipes responsibly:

• Choose wipes that are certified biodegradable.
• Use them sparingly to minimize waste.
• Dispose of used wipes properly. Bury them in a hole at least 6 inches deep.

Biodegradable wipes are convenient for quick clean-ups. They help maintain cleanliness in the wild when it’s tough to do.

Packing Out Waste

Leaving no trace is the best practice when camping in nature. Packing out waste is the proper way to clean your campground. This packing practice helps to keep campsites clean and safe like new. The two main aspects of packaging waste are using WAG bags and storing waste safely.

Using Wag Bags

 

WAG bags are unique bags designed for waste. They are easy to use and very effective for packing out outdoors. Each bag has a powder that turns waste into a solid. It makes it simple to carry and dispose of later.

Here is how to use a WAG bag:

• Open the bag and place it in a clean area.
• Use the bag for your waste.
• Seal the bag tightly to prevent leaks.
• Store the sealed bag safely until you can dispose of it.

WAG bags are lightweight and easy to pack for campers. It makes the bag perfect for carrying.

Storing Waste Safely For Pooping

Proper storage of waste is essential to avoid contamination. Always keep waste bags and food away from your campsite. It prevents attracting animals and insects and keeps your area clean and safe.

Follow these tips to store waste safely:

• Use a separate container for waste bags.
• Keep the container sealed and secure.
• Store the container in a cool, shaded area.
• Check the container regularly for leaks or damage.

By following these steps, you can ensure waste is appropriately stored safely. So, these are the perfect steps to protect the camping environment and make it pleasant.

Dealing With Toilet Paper

Handling toilet paper in camping is a big hustle. However, toilet paper is the best tool for maintaining cleanliness in camping. So, let’s talk about how to deal with toilet paper while camping.

Leave No Trace Principles

The Leave No Trace Principles are essential for every camper. When using toilet paper, follow these guidelines:

• Pack out all used toilet paper in a sealed bag.
• Use biodegradable toilet paper whenever possible.
• Avoid burying toilet paper, as animals might dig it up.

Following these steps ensures you minimize your impact on the environment. Always carry a reusable plastic bag for toilet paper. It keeps your campsite clean and respects nature.

Alternative Options For Pooping When Camping

There are several alternative options to traditional toilet paper:

• Natural Materials: Leaves, smooth stones, and moss can serve as substitutes.
• Reusable Clothes: Carry washable clothes in a separate bag.
• Bidet Bottles: A small bottle can act as a portable bidet.

So, you can use these alternative principles to optimize your waste management and promote sustainable camping. Ensure that any reusable items are adequately cleaned. Always choose the suitable options that minimize environmental impact and are compatible with you.

Option	Pros	Cons
Natural Materials	Free, eco-friendly	May not be comfortable
Reusable Cloths	Reduces waste, cost-effective	Requires cleaning, carrying
Bidet Bottles	Hygienic, reduces paper use	Requires water

 

Consider your comfort and the environment when choosing an option. As always, each method has its benefits and drawbacks.  So choose the one that best fits your needs and camping style.

Handling Emergencies

When camping, nature calls can sometimes come with unexpected challenges. Handling emergencies effectively ensures a stress-free trip. So you must carefully handle health diseases like diarrhoea and deal with a lack of tool supplies.

Diarrhoea Solutions

Diarrhoea can affect you unexpectedly when you are camping, causing discomfort and stress. Be prepared with these solutions:

• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Electrolytes: Use electrolyte packets or drinks to replenish lost minerals.
• Medications: Pack antidiarrheal medicine in your first aid kit.
• Diet: Stick to bland foods like crackers and rice.

Dealing With Lack Of Supplies

Running out of supplies can be a real challenge. Here’s what to do:

• Improvised Toilet Paper: Use leaves, smooth stones, or snow. Avoid unknown plants.
• Hand Sanitizer: Always carry a small bottle for hygiene.
• Plastic Bags: Bring extra bags for waste disposal.
• DIY Hand Wash Station: Create a hand wash station using a water jug with a stopper.

Environmentally Friendly Practices

It’s necessary to adopt environmentally friendly practices to protect our surroundings. Now I am talking about how to poop with eco-friendly products.

Eco-friendly Products

Using eco-friendly products helps minimize environmental impact. Biodegradable toilet paper is a good choice. It breaks down and blends quickly and doesn’t harm wildlife.

• Biodegradable wipes are also helpful. They clean well and decompose fast.
• Bring a portable toilet or composting toilet if possible. These portable tools are designed for outdoor use when you cannot use a toilet.

Hand sanitizer keeps your hands clean without needing water. Choose one with natural ingredients.

Reducing Environmental Impact

There are simple steps to reduce your environmental impact while camping.

• Find a spot at least 200 feet from water sources. That keeps the water clean.
• Dig a small hole, 6-8 inches deep. It is called a cathole.
• Cover the hole with soil after use. It helps it decompose naturally.
• Pack out all used toilet paper and wipes. Use a sealed bag for this.

By following this easy procedure, you can help to protect our environment and enjoy your camping.

Special Considerations for Different Camping Styles

Your approach to pooping outdoors might vary depending on your camping style. Here’s what to consider:

Car Camping:

• Many established campgrounds have vault toilets or other facilities.
• If not, follow the cathole method, but you might have room to bring a portable camping toilet.

Backpacking:

• Weight is crucial, so a lightweight trowel and minimal toilet paper are essential.
• You should pack out all waste in high-altitude or heavily trafficked areas.

RV Camping:

• Use your RV’s bathroom when possible.
• When boondocking, follow Leave No Trace principles as if tent camping.

Winter Camping:

• Digging in frozen ground is challenging; bring a sturdy trowel.
• Snow can be used for wiping, but remember, it’s cold!

Each style presents unique challenges, but the core principles remain the same: minimize impact, maintain hygiene, and respect the environment.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

When it comes to pooping in the great outdoors, there are both legal and ethical aspects to consider:

Legal:

• Some areas have specific regulations about human waste disposal.
• In many national parks, packing out waste is mandatory.

Ethical:

• Following Leave No Trace principles is an ethical responsibility for all outdoor enthusiasts.
• Respecting the environment ensures others can enjoy it, too.

Before your trip, research the specific rules for your camping area. Many campground websites provide specific cautions in the particular place to poop.

Remember, even if there are no specific laws, ethical behaviour in the outdoors is crucial. Always strive to leave the area better than you found it.

In my own experience, I have seen many campers make these types of mistakes about pooping when camping. Such as

• One of the biggest mistakes is failing to adhere to Leave No Trace principles
• Using wet wipes can be convenient, but many campers fail to recognize that most wipes do not decompose easily
• Many campers do not prepare adequately for bathroom needs, leading to discomfort and unsanitary conditions:
• Selecting an inappropriate spot to relieve oneself can have serious consequences

So, as a camping friend, consider these things when thinking about camping. It will make your camp life more effortless.

Conclusion

Camping offers a unique connection with nature. Knowing how to poop responsibly ensures a clean environment for everyone. Follow these tips to maintain hygiene and respect the wilderness. Happy camping, and always leave no trace behind!

Frequently Asked Questions :

How To Find The Best Spot For Pooping?

Choose a spot at least 200 feet from water sources. Look for privacy and soft ground. Avoid trails and campsites.

What Tools Do I Need For Pooping Outdoors?

Bring a trowel, toilet paper, and a sealable bag. Consider a portable toilet. Always pack out used toilet paper.

How Do I Dig A Cat Hole?

Use a trowel to dig a 6-8 inch deep hole. Ensure it’s 4-6 inches wide. Cover the hole with soil after use.

Can I Use Natural Toilet Paper?

Yes, you can use leaves, smooth stones, or snow. Ensure they are safe and non-toxic. Always double-check for poison ivy.