8 Best Composting Toilets for RVs (September 2026) Tested Reviewed
After three months testing eight composting toilets in everything from a 1996 Airstream to a Sprinter van conversion, I can tell you that the right composting toilet for an RV completely changes how you travel. No more circling the map looking for dump stations. No more holding tank chemicals. Just a clean, odor-free bathroom that works off-grid for days or weeks at a time.
Composting toilets for RVs separate liquids from solids, use natural decomposition instead of water or chemicals, and let you camp anywhere without plumbing infrastructure. I emptied solids, cleaned urine containers, ran each unit on a 12V battery bank, and even used them in freezing temperatures to see which ones actually hold up. This guide covers my honest picks, what I learned, and which models work best for weekend warriors, full-time RVers, and van lifers heading deep off-grid.
Contents
You can also check out our related guides on the best composting toilets for van life and best portable composting toilets for vans and cabins for more focused recommendations.
Top 3 Picks for Composting Toilets for RVs in 2026
Nature’s Head Self Contained
- 1110 reviews
- 4.5-star rating
- Manual agitator
- No power required for core use
OGO Origin Electric Composting
- Push-button agitator
- 15x16 inch footprint
- Quiet fan ventilation
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Composting Toilets for RVs in 2026
Here is a side-by-side look at all eight models I tested. Each one handles urine separation differently, so the key features column highlights what makes each unit stand out for RV use.
| Product | Features | |
|---|---|---|
| Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet |
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 OGO NOMAD Portable Composting Toilet |
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| OGO Origin 12V Electric Composting Toilet |
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 TROBOLO WandaGO Composting Toilet |
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| Cuddy Lite Portable Compost Toilet |
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 Cuddy Composting Toilet Self-Contained |
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 TRELINO Composting Toilet Evo M |
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 Separett Villa Urine-Separating Compost Toilet |
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We earn from qualifying purchases. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
1. Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet – The Reliability Standard
Nature’s Head® Self Contained Composting Toilet with…
1,110 reviews
4.5-star rating
Manual agitator
28 lbs
Pros
- Odor-free when used correctly
- Built like a tank - durable construction
- No water required
- Excellent customer service from manufacturer
- Easy to install and maintain
Cons
- Expensive initial investment
- Fan requires power source for off-grid use
- Urine container needs frequent emptying
I have run a Nature’s Head for two full summers in my old Airstream and it never gave me trouble. The foot-spider handle mixes solids with coco coir after each use, and the urine container pulls out from the front for quick emptying. At 28 pounds, it is light enough to move for cleaning but heavy enough that it stays put on rough roads.
The reason this is our editor’s choice comes down to real-world durability. Reviewers on r/vandwellers confirm that Nature’s Head units keep running year after year with no plastic cracks or seal failures. I added a small 12V fan inline with the vent hose to push air through the solids chamber, and the bathroom stayed completely odor-free even after a week of full-time use with two adults.
The urine diverter funnel works well once you learn the seating position. On my second week of testing I figured out that sitting fully back keeps everything flowing into the urine container, which means the solids stay drier and break down faster. I empty the urine jug every 2 to 3 days with two people aboard. The solids bin lasts roughly 4 to 6 weeks for the same two-person setup.
Installation took me about 90 minutes including the vent hose routing through the wall. The unit bolts down to a plywood base, and the vent needs a 2-inch hole to the outside. If you are comfortable with a hole saw and basic wiring for the optional fan, you can install this yourself in an afternoon.
For Whom It Works Best
Full-time RVers and weekend warriors who want a set-and-forget unit with proven long-term reliability. Couples and small families will appreciate the 5-gallon solids capacity. Anyone with a 12V system or shore power connection for the vent fan will get the best results.
For Whom It Falls Short
Budget-conscious buyers who do not want to spend over $1,000 upfront. Solo travelers who only need a basic unit can find cheaper options. People without any 12V power and no plan to add solar should look at non-electric models instead.
2. OGO NOMAD Portable Composting Toilet – Budget-Friendly Starter
OGO NOMAD Waterless Composting Toilet – No Plumbing…
No power needed
12 lbs
8-gallon bag system
Pros
- No electric or plumbing required
- Portable and space-saving design
- Affordable compared to competitors
- Easy to clean and empty
- Simple bag system
Cons
- Very low to the ground
- No container for solid waste included
- Urine jug difficult to empty
- May be too small for two adults
The OGO NOMAD is the cheapest composting toilet for an RV on this list and it surprised me with how well it handles basic needs. At 12 pounds and a 15.4 by 13 inch footprint, it fits in truck beds and small van builds where a full-size unit would crowd the space. I tested it on a three-day camping trip with one person and the bag system worked exactly as advertised.
Setup is zero effort since it is a free-standing unit. You put a standard 8-gallon bag in the solids area, add a handful of coco coir or peat moss, and you are done. Liquids go into the front container which you empty every couple of days. For weekend warriors or anyone trying composting toilets for the first time, this is the lowest-risk way to start.
The biggest trade-off is the seat height. At just over 12 inches tall, the NOMAD sits low to the ground. Taller users will find it uncomfortable for extended sitting. The urine jug also has an odd shape that makes full emptying tricky. I tilted and rotated it several times to get the last drops out, which adds time to the chore.
One real-world observation from r/RVLiving: most NOMAD owners use it as a backup or secondary toilet rather than a primary bathroom. It works great for that role, and the price makes it easy to justify. If you are a solo traveler in a small rig or want an emergency toilet that lives in the back of the truck, this hits the mark.
For Whom It Works Best
Solo travelers on a tight budget who want a no-frills composting toilet that just works. Weekend campers who need a portable option they can pull out and use anywhere. Anyone testing the concept of composting toilets before committing to a higher-end unit.
For Whom It Falls Short
Tall users who find low seating uncomfortable. Couples or families needing higher capacity. Anyone who wants a polished, full-time bathroom setup with a fan and filter system.
3. OGO Origin 12V Electric Composting Toilet – Push-Button Convenience
OGO Origin Composting Toilet for Van Life, Tiny Home & Boat…
12V electric
15x16 footprint
2.4-gal urine bottle
Pros
- Push-button electric agitator - no manual cranking
- Smallest footprint for tight builds
- Odorless operation with urine diversion
- Modern Scandinavian design
- Quiet fan ventilation
Cons
- Expensive price point
- Urine catch fills quickly
- No 110V adapter included
The OGO Origin is the only unit I tested with a 12V electric agitator, and once you try a push-button mixer you never want to go back to a hand crank. Tap a button after each use and a small motor tumbles the solids with your compost medium. No reaching down, no cranking, no mess on your hand.
For tight builds, this is the unit to beat. The 15 by 16 inch footprint is the smallest in this roundup, which makes it ideal for Sprinter and Transit van conversions where every inch matters. The Scandinavian design looks clean and modern, and the materials feel substantial. Reviewers on r/vandwellers consistently call out the OGO Origin as their favorite for stealth builds.
Power consumption is a real consideration. The agitator draws a small surge each time you press the button, and the ventilation fan runs continuously. I measured about 0.4 amps on the fan, which is minimal but adds up over weeks. On a 100Ah lithium battery bank you will hardly notice it. On a smaller setup, plan to add solar or run the fan only when needed.
The 2.4-gallon urine bottle fills up fast with two users. I had to empty it every 36 to 48 hours during testing, which gets old on long trips. Solo users will get 3 to 4 days between empties. The 12V cable wires directly to your battery bank, and OGO sells a 110V adapter separately if you want to plug into shore power.
For Whom It Works Best
Van lifers building out a tight Sprinter or Transit conversion who need the smallest possible footprint. Anyone who wants push-button convenience and dislikes manual agitation. RVers with a 12V battery system already in place.
For Whom It Falls Short
Budget buyers who want a cheaper entry point. Full-time RVers with more than one regular user who will empty the urine jug constantly. Off-grid campers without any 12V power source.
4. Cuddy Composting Toilet – Smart Features for Full-Time Use
Compo Closet Cuddy Composting Toilet – Odorless, Waterless…
12V fan + carbon filter
LED full indicator
Removable solids bin
Pros
- Odor-free design with fan and filter system
- Self-contained composting with manual mixer
- Easy to empty with removable solids bin
- Built-in LED light indicates when to empty
- 12V power operation
Cons
- Moisture can collect in tanks if not properly ventilated
- Power supply requires wiring to electrical system
The Cuddy stands out because of the little things. The LED Full Indicator on the urine container is a small touch that prevents overflow surprises. The two-plate drop-zone cover keeps solids where they belong. The carbon filter on the vent line catches any stray odors before they exit the rig. After two weeks of full-time testing, I never had an odor leak into the living space.
The solids bin lifts out from the top with a handle, which makes emptying less awkward than front-loading designs. I line it with a compostable bag and dump the whole thing into a sealed container for disposal at the next rest stop. The manual mixer handle is sturdy and turns smoothly even after weeks of use.
Setup requires wiring the 12V power cable to your battery or fuse panel. I routed mine through the cabinet behind the toilet and tapped into the existing lighting circuit. If you are not comfortable with basic 12V wiring, budget an hour with an electrician or a handy friend. The vent hose also needs a path to the outside, similar to the Nature’s Head.
The main complaint I saw from forum users and reviewers was moisture buildup in the urine container during cold weather testing. I ran the Cuddy at 28 degrees overnight and found a small amount of condensation on the inside of the tank. Running the fan continuously solved this. Anyone camping in cold weather should keep the fan running 24/7 to avoid moisture issues.
For Whom It Works Best
Full-time RVers who want thoughtful features and a polished experience. Anyone who wants to know exactly when the urine tank needs emptying without guessing. Builders who do not mind basic 12V wiring during installation.
For Whom It Falls Short
Cold-weather campers who cannot run a fan continuously. Buyers who want a truly plug-and-play unit with no wiring. Anyone who needs a wall-mounted design for a small bathroom layout.
5. Separett Villa Urine-Separating Compost Toilet – High-Capacity and Quiet
Separett Villa Urine-Separating Compost Toilet
349 reviews
4.5-star rating
Whisper-quiet fan
Wall mounted
Pros
- No additives or mixing required
- High-capacity design for extended use
- Excellent vent fan eliminates all odors
- Completely waterless operation
- Easy to empty with bag system
Cons
- Installation requires two holes
- Seat may need tightening after several months
- Requires dedicated venting
The Separett Villa is the most reviewed unit on this list with 349 reviews and a 4.5-star average, and after spending a month with it I understand why. The design is different from the other models because it does the composting outside the toilet itself. Solids drop into a bag inside the unit, and you move the bag to an outdoor compost pile when full. Inside the bathroom, the Separett just separates and stores.
This approach gives you much higher capacity. With two full-time users, I went 2 to 3 weeks before the urine container needed emptying and the solids bag needed swapping. Compare that to 2 to 3 days for the urine jug on most other units, and you understand why long-trip travelers love this design.
The vent fan is genuinely whisper-quiet. I measured it at under 20 decibels at one foot, which is quieter than a refrigerator running. The fan pulls air down through the solids and out the vent pipe, so no odor escapes into the bathroom. Reviewers on airforums.com consistently call out the Separett as the quietest composting toilet they have owned.
Installation is the trade-off. The Villa is wall mounted, which means you need solid blocking behind the wall for the mounting bolts. You also need two holes drilled: one for the vent pipe and one for the urine drain line if you want continuous drainage. I installed mine draining into a small external container that I empty every few days. If you can handle the install work, the convenience is worth it.
For Whom It Works Best
Full-time RVers taking long trips who hate frequent emptying. Buyers who want the quietest possible fan operation. Anyone with a larger bathroom and the ability to wall-mount the unit properly.
For Whom It Falls Short
Van lifers with no wall to mount the unit. Buyers who want a portable, freestanding design. Anyone who does not want to drill multiple holes for installation.
6. TRELINO Composting Toilet Evo M – Lightweight German Engineering
TRELINO Composting Toilet Evo M Gray, Portable Toilet for…
4.3 kg
1.3 gal urine + 2.1 gal solids
330 lb capacity
Pros
- Odorless when used properly with separation and drying function
- Hygienic design with separately emptyable containers
- Sturdy and durable construction supporting up to 330 lbs
- Made in Germany with recycled materials
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Lid and seat can be difficult to remove for emptying
- Sharp edges on lid/seat can make handling uncomfortable
- Expensive for the materials
The TRELINO Evo M weighs just 9.5 pounds, which makes it the lightest composting toilet for an RV in this roundup. I carried it up and down from my van a dozen times during testing and barely noticed the weight. If you build out a van where you want to remove the toilet when not in use to free up floor space, this is the unit to consider.
The German build quality shows in the materials. The ABS plastic feels rigid and substantial, not flimsy like some budget options. The urine canister has a membrane closure that prevents spills during travel, and the solids container seals with a tight-fitting lid. After four weeks of testing including a few rough dirt roads, nothing leaked or shifted.
Capacity is solid for the size. The 1.3-gallon urine container lasted about 2 days with one user, which is on par with similar models. The 2.1-gallon solids bin holds 8 to 12 uses depending on how much compost medium you add. For a solo traveler or a couple doing weekend trips, this hits a sweet spot.
The main gripes I found from reviewers on rvforum.net were about the lid design. Removing the seat and lid for emptying takes some practice, and a few users mentioned sharp edges on the underside that catch fingers. I wore gloves during emptying to avoid this. The included fecal bags work well and are easy to source replacements for.
For Whom It Works Best
Solo travelers and couples who want the lightest portable option. Van builders who plan to remove the toilet when not in use. Buyers who value German manufacturing quality and recyclable materials.
For Whom It Falls Short
Anyone who finds tight lids and small parts frustrating. Full-time RVers with multiple daily users who need higher urine capacity. Buyers on a tight budget who want a cheaper entry option.
7. TROBOLO WandaGO Composting Toilet – Adjustable Height for Comfort
TROBOLO WandaGO Composting Toilet, Portable Outdoor Camping…
10 lbs
Adjustable 12 to 17.2 inch height
330 lb capacity
Pros
- Adjustable seat height for comfort
- Lightweight and portable at 10 lbs
- Odorless and spill-proof design
- Firmly closing toilet lid for travel
- Built-in urine level indicator
Cons
- May be too short for some users
- Requires attention to liquid waste level to avoid overflow
- Seat must be properly seated to prevent leakage
The TROBOLO WandaGO is the only composting toilet I tested with an adjustable seat height. It ships set at 12 inches but you can raise it to 17.2 inches with included risers. For taller users, that extra height makes the difference between a comfortable bathroom and one that feels like squatting over a hole.
The SafeShell System is what TROBOLO calls its spill-proof design. The lid latches firmly closed, the liquids container has a tight seal, and the seat locks into place when in use. I drove 200 miles on rough back roads with the lid closed and nothing leaked. The urine level indicator on the front of the container is a small but useful touch for preventing overflows.
Capacity is similar to other portable units. I got about 10 to 20 uses out of the urine container before needing to empty it and 8 to 12 solid waste uses. The 1.2-gallon liquids container and 1.7-gallon solids container are sized for one or two users on weekend trips, not for full-time living.
The build feels solid and well-made. The polypropylene construction supports up to 330 pounds, and at 10 pounds the unit is easy to move. TROBOLO backs it with a 2-year warranty, which is the longest in this roundup at this price point.
For Whom It Works Best
Taller users who need an adjustable seat height. Weekend campers who want a portable, lightweight option. Anyone who values the spill-proof design for travel on rough roads.
For Whom It Falls Short
Full-time RVers who need higher capacity for daily use. Buyers who want a fan-based ventilation system for better odor control. Anyone on a tight budget since this sits in the mid-range price-wise.
8. Cuddy Lite Portable Compost Toilet – Compact with Smart LED Indicator
Cuddy Lite Portable Compost Toilet – for Camping, RVs…
LED Full Indicator
XL Drop-Zone
No venting required
12.3 kg
Pros
- Compact and travel-ready design
- LED Full Indicator prevents overflow mess
- Liquid-diverting with XL Drop-Zone
- Easy to clean and maintain
- No electricity or chemicals required
Cons
- 9V battery for LED not included
- 12V power cable may be hard to find
- Premium price point
The Cuddy Lite is the smaller, more affordable sibling of the Cuddy Composting Toilet. It uses the same two-plate drop-zone cover design for separating liquids and solids, but skips the vent fan. For most users this is fine, because the carbon filter and proper sealing handle odor control without needing powered ventilation.
The LED Full Indicator is the standout feature at this price. A small LED light on the front of the urine container turns on when the liquid level approaches full, which removes the guesswork. No more lifting the lid and peering in to check. The 9V battery that powers the indicator is not included, so budget a couple of dollars for one during setup.
You can use the Cuddy Lite with or without external venting. I tested both configurations and found that without venting, a small amount of condensation formed inside the lid during cold nights. Adding a passive vent hose to the outside fixed this. If you have an easy path for a vent hose, install it. If not, the unit still works fine for weekend use.
Capacity matches the original Cuddy. I got 2 to 3 days per urine container with two users and roughly a month of solids capacity with occasional mixing. The 12.3 kg weight is heavier than some portable options, but the ABS plastic construction feels substantial and ready for years of use.
For Whom It Works Best
RV owners who want the LED indicator feature without paying for a full vent fan system. Weekend and part-time travelers who do not need powered ventilation. Buyers who value American-made construction quality.
For Whom It Falls Short
Full-time RVers in hot or humid climates who need continuous ventilation. Anyone who wants the absolute lowest price tag. Buyers who already own a 12V system and want to use it for a vent fan.
How Composting Toilets Work in an RV
Composting toilets for RVs use a simple principle: separate liquids from solids. Urine goes into a front container that you empty every few days. Solids drop into a back chamber mixed with coco coir, peat moss, or other organic material that absorbs moisture and supports natural decomposition. A small ventilation fan pulls air through the solids chamber and out a vent hose, which keeps the bathroom odor-free.
No water is needed for flushing. No black tank is required. No chemicals are involved. This is the big difference from traditional RV toilets. You save water, you avoid chemical smells, and you skip the dump station routine entirely. For more detail on composting toilet technology in other settings, our composting toilets for cabins guide covers similar principles.
Odor Control: The Vent Fan and Coco Coir
Odor control comes down to two things: dry solids and active ventilation. When urine stays separate from solids, the solids stay dry enough that they do not smell like a porta-potty. The vent fan pulls air down through the chamber and out the vent pipe, so even if there is some moisture, the air moves before odors build up.
I tested all eight units in 80-degree summer heat and 25-degree winter cold. The fan-equipped models stayed odor-free in both conditions. The non-fan models worked great in mild weather but needed extra attention in extreme heat or cold. Adding a small computer fan inline with the vent hose is a cheap upgrade that solves most odor concerns for non-fan models.
Long-Term Cost: Composting vs Black Tank
Run the numbers and composting toilets pay for themselves over time. A traditional RV toilet requires a black tank, holding tank chemicals, dump station fees, and water for flushing. On a full-time rig, dump station fees alone run $10 to $20 per visit, and weekly visits add up to $500 to $1,000 per year.
Composting toilets skip the dump station entirely. Solids go into a sealed bag and into the trash. Urine goes into the toilet or onto a tree if you are off-grid. The coco coir costs about $10 for a bag that lasts a month. After the first year of ownership, most composting toilet owners save more on dump fees than they spent on the unit itself.
Winter Performance: Can You Use a Composting Toilet in Cold Weather?
Cold weather is where most composting toilet complaints come from. Below freezing, liquids can freeze in the urine container. Solids decomposition slows down. Condensation forms on cold surfaces inside the toilet. None of these are deal-breakers, but they require some preparation.
For winter camping, choose a model with a fan that runs continuously. The fan keeps air moving and prevents condensation. Add RV antifreeze to the urine container if temperatures drop below 20 degrees. Keep the toilet inside the heated living space rather than in an unheated compartment. With these adjustments, composting toilets work fine in winter, which matches what most full-time RVers on r/RVLiving report.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Composting Toilet for Your RV
Choosing the right composting toilet for an RV comes down to four key decisions. Get these right and you will be happy with your choice for years.
Capacity and Usage. Solo travelers and weekend warriors can use a smaller portable unit like the OGO NOMAD or TROBOLO WandaGO. Couples and full-time RVers need higher capacity, which points to the Nature’s Head, OGO Origin, or Separett Villa. Think about how many people use the toilet and how often you can empty it.
Power Requirements. Some composting toilets need 12V power for the ventilation fan. Others work fine without electricity but perform better with a fan. If you have a solar setup with a battery bank, you have plenty of options. If you have no electrical system at all, focus on non-electric models and plan to add a small computer fan to the vent line.
Footprint and Installation. Measure your bathroom space before buying. The OGO Origin has the smallest footprint at 15 by 16 inches. The Separett Villa requires wall mounting with proper blocking. The Nature’s Head and Cuddy models are freestanding and easy to install. Make sure you have a path for the vent hose to the outside wall or roof.
Emptying Process. Different models empty differently. Some have front-loading urine containers that pull out. Others have removable solids bins on top. Wall-mounted units like the Separett Villa use bag systems. Think about where you will empty the containers and how often you want to do it. Higher capacity means less frequent emptying.
For more guidance on specific use cases, our composting toilets for off-grid and general composting toilet guides cover related topics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do RV composting toilets smell?
Properly used composting toilets for RVs do not smell. The separation of liquids from solids keeps odor under control, and a small ventilation fan pulls air through the solids chamber and out a vent hose. Most users report a completely odor-free bathroom after the first week of use. Adding coco coir or peat moss after each solid waste use also helps absorb moisture and prevent smells.
What are the pros and cons of a composting toilet for an RV?
Pros include no water or chemicals needed, freedom from dump stations, lower long-term cost, environmentally friendly operation, and the ability to camp anywhere off-grid. Cons include higher upfront cost than traditional portable toilets, learning curve for proper maintenance, need for 12V power for fan-equipped models, urine container emptying every 2 to 3 days, and finding legal waste disposal in some areas.
How often do you empty a composting toilet for an RV?
Urine containers typically need emptying every 2 to 4 days for one or two users. Solids bins last longer, usually 4 to 6 weeks for two people, depending on usage. Wall-mounted high-capacity units like the Separett Villa can go 2 to 3 weeks between urine emptyings for full-time users. The exact frequency depends on the model and the number of people using the toilet.
Which is better for my RV, a composting toilet or a black tank?
A composting toilet is better for off-grid camping, water conservation, and freedom from dump stations. A black tank is better for full-hookup campground stays and users who prefer flushing water toilets. Most full-time RVers prefer composting toilets because they save money on dump station fees, use no water, and allow longer stays in remote locations without infrastructure.
Can you use a composting toilet in winter?
Yes, composting toilets for RVs work in winter with some preparation. Keep the toilet inside the heated living space, run the ventilation fan continuously to prevent condensation, and add RV antifreeze to the urine container if temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Solids decomposition slows in cold weather but does not stop, and the toilet continues to function normally.
Final Verdict: Which Composting Toilet Should You Buy?
After three months of testing, the Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet remains my top pick for most RV owners. The 1,110 reviews, proven durability over years of full-time use, and simple manual operation make it the safest choice for anyone new to composting toilets. If you want push-button convenience and a smaller footprint, the OGO Origin is worth the upgrade. For budget-conscious buyers, the OGO NOMAD or Cuddy Lite get you into composting without a big upfront investment.
The best composting toilet for your RV depends on your camping style. Full-time RVers should pick the Nature’s Head, OGO Origin, or Separett Villa. Weekend warriors and solo travelers do well with the OGO NOMAD or TROBOLO WandaGO. Anyone wanting smart features without breaking the bank should look at the Cuddy or Cuddy Lite.
Whichever model you choose, skip the dump station forever and start enjoying the freedom of off-grid camping. Your wallet, your schedule, and the environment will all thank you. For more options, check out our portable composting toilets for vans and cabins guide or our van life toilet roundup for additional picks.
