Choosing the right camper van toilet options can make a big change in your comfort and freedom on the road. Whether you’re building out a van from scratch or updating your setup, this guide breaks down the best toilet and bathroom choices for van life in 2026.
Top Camper Vans with Bathrooms
Winnebago Revel (Mercedes Sprinter)
Built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, the Revel is ready for adventure. Bathroom: Compact wet bath with cassette toilet and shower. Why it stands out: Off-grid systems and rugged design for outdoor campers.
Airstream Interstate 24GLX (Mercedes Sprinter)
Airstream blends luxury with everyday use. Bathroom: Fully closed wet bath. Best for: People who want premium comfort and sleek design.
Coachmen RV Galleria (Mercedes Sprinter)
A polished Class B van with strong off-grid power. Bathroom: Wet bath with shower and cassette toilet. Ideal for: Long trips and camping off-grid.
Thor Motor Coach Sequence 20L (Ram ProMaster)
Built on the Ram Trucks ProMaster. Bathroom: Clever rear wet bath. Highlight: Smart space use in a shorter van.
Chinook RV Bayside (Mercedes Sprinter)
Known for premium details. Bathroom: Dry bath in select layouts. Best for: People wanting home-like comfort.
Roadtrek Zion (Mercedes Sprinter)
A well-liked and flexible van. Bathroom: Wet bath with cassette toilet. Why it’s well-liked: Even layout and storage.
GiottiLine GiottiVan 60T (Rapido)
European-style smart use of space. Bathroom: Compact but useful wet bath. Great for: Simple travelers who want a full setup.
Top Choices by Type
Best Portable Composting
Compo Closet Cuddy Lite
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Lightweight and compact
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Easy to empty
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Great for small vans
Trelino
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Modern design
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Odor-separating system
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Very low maintenance
Best for Full-Timers / Permanent Install
Nature's Head
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Trusted by full-time vanlifers
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Large capacity
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Excellent odor control
Best Convenience
Laveo Dry Flush
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No water required
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Cartridge system
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Clean and simple disposal
Best Budget / Emergency
Luggable Loo
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Very affordable
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Works with waste bags
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Great backup option
Best Mid-Range
Thetford Cassette Toilet
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Flushing system
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Removable waste tank
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Common in many vans
Types of Bathroom Setups
Full Wet Bath
The toilet and shower share one water-tight space. Pros: Saves space, fully closed in. Cons: All of it gets wet.
Dry-Flush / Cassette Toilets
Use liners or removable tanks.
Pros: Simple disposal.
Cons: Ongoing cartridge costs.
Portable Toilets
Movable and compact.
Pros: Flexible placement.
Cons: Smaller capacity.
Indoor / Outdoor Showers
Some vans include rear or outdoor showers.
Pros: Saves interior space.
Cons: Weather-dependent.
Key Considerations When Choosing
Wet Bath
Best for all-in-one convenience in small spaces.
Dry Bath
Separate toilet and shower.
More comfort but requires larger vans.
Van Size
Short-wheelbase vans may only fit portable options.
Alternatives
Public restrooms, gym showers, and campsite facilities can reduce onboard needs.
Odor Control
Composting toilets and vent fans help most.
Power / Venting
Fans improve airflow and reduce moisture.
Portability vs Permanent
Portable toilets offer flexibility.
Permanent installs feel more like home.
Disposal
Know where and how to dump responsibly.
Water Capacity
Wet baths require larger freshwater tanks.
Ventilation
Essential for moisture and smell control.
Campervan Toilet Pros
Convenience
Having a toilet in a van means no midnight trips outdoors in Colorado’s changing weather. You’re not searching for public restrooms at trailheads or national parks, and you have easy access during remote mountain camping. The setup is extra handy for parents, solo travelers, and winter vanlifers.
Comfort
Onboard toilets offer a much more cozy experience than squatting outside, mainly at high elevations or cold nights. Modern toilet options (composting, cassette, or dry flush) provide padded seats and clean designs for top comfort.
Privacy
A built-in van toilet gives privacy, vital when camping with others or parking in busy locations near Breckenridge, Boulder, or Denver. It’s also a must for stealth camping in urban Colorado areas.
Cleanliness
Using your own toilet avoids possibly dirty or crowded public bathrooms often found at busy outdoor Colorado spots. This helps maintain higher hygiene standards inside the van.
Eco-friendly
Compost toilets and good waste management cut down impact on Colorado’s wild sites (like Rocky Mountain National Park). Following Leave No Trace helps preserve campsites by reducing human waste outdoors.
Campervan Toilet Cons
Needs Emptying
All toilets require the waste tank or cassette to be emptied often - usually every few days for individuals, and more often for families or long trips. This means planning stops at Colorado RV dump stations or bathrooms. Some types (especially cassette and bucket toilets) make disposal less convenient during off-grid camping.
Smell
Odor control can be a challenge if toilets are not cleaned well. While composting and dry-flush units are built to cut down smell, small chemical toilets need extra products and thorough cleaning. Occasional odors in small van spaces are unavoidable, especially during summer in Colorado.
Uses Space
Toilets take up useful floor space in a van, and must be built into the layout or stored safely. Higher-end units (composting, dry flush) are bulkier, while budget options (bucket, wag bag) are compact but less comfortable. Planning for a toilet often means giving up storage for gear or other features.
Colorado Takeaways
For Colorado vanlifers, having a built-in campervan toilet offers hard-to-beat freedom, comfort, and care for the environment. Top brands (like The Vansmith) adapt solutions for Colorado’s climate and travel culture - balancing compact layouts, hygiene, and eco-friendly practices, while recognizing the chores and design trade-offs involved.
Do You Really Need a Toilet in Your Camper Van?
For many, the answer is yes. Having a toilet onboard means more freedom to roam, no more late trips to the nearest gas station or campground. But others prefer to travel light and keep things simple.
So before you commit to an install, ask yourself:
- Are you camping in remote areas?
- Do you plan to travel full-time?
- Are you converting a van for multiple passengers?
At The Vansmith, we tailor our builds to your needs, whether that means a hidden toilet drawer or a full bathroom suite.
What If You Don’t Have a Toilet in Your Van?
It’s entirely possible to enjoy van life without one. You can:
- Plan routes around campgrounds, trailheads, and public rest stops
- Use nature (with proper Leave No Trace practices)
- Carry a basic emergency solution, like a wag bag or portable toilet
If your van doesn’t have a toilet, think about pairing your rig with a pop-up private tent and a small toilet for campervans.
The Most Common Camper Van Toilet Options
| Type | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cassette Toilets | Compact, easy to use. Waste goes into a removable holding tank that can be dumped at RV stations or toilets. | Easy to install Familiar flush-style design Affordable |
Needs frequent emptying Chemicals required Can get smelly if not cleaned |
| Composting Toilets | Eco-friendly option. Separates solids & liquids, using natural materials (like coconut coir) to break down waste. | No chemicals Odorless when maintained Good for off-grid |
Higher upfront cost Takes more space Must manage solids & liquids |
| Portable Toilets (Porta Pottis) | Self-contained units, easy to move or store when not in use. Popular for weekend trips. | Affordable Simple setup Compact & portable |
Frequent dumping Chemical smells Less sturdy |
| Dry Flush Toilets | Battery-powered units wrap waste in a self-sealing bag, like a Diaper Genie for adults. | No mess or smell Great for temporary setups |
Cost of refill cartridges Battery-dependent Not ideal for full-time travel |
Other Options
For minimalists or DIY enthusiasts:
- Bucket toilets
- Wag bags
- Folding commodes
They’re ultra-portable, but comfort and odor control are limited.
DIY Option: Build Your Own Camper Van Composting Toilet
Want to go off-grid and stay sustainable? Build your own composting setup using:
- A 5-gallon bucket
- Urine diverter
- Sealed solids bin
- Coconut coir or peat moss
This DIY setup is easy on the wallet and fits our care for the planet in every van principle, explore with less waste.
Camper Van Toilet Accessories
Whether you opt for a full van build toilet or a simple bucket, a few add-ons can make life easier:
- Privacy tents
- Ventilation fans
- Biodegradable toilet paper
- Natural deodorizers
- Cleaning tablets
- LED motion-sensor lights
At The Vansmith, we build van conversions with bathroom layouts shaped to your needs, so whatever option you choose, we can help it fit smoothly into your design.
Tips for Good Hygiene When Living in a Camper Van
Cleanliness matters more in small spaces. Here’s how to stay fresh:
- Empty your toilet frequently
- Use hand sanitizer or install a small sink
- Keep your toilet area ventilated
- Wipe surfaces with natural disinfectants
- Use a sealed container for toilet paper waste if composting
Think about pairing your toilet with a compact indoor or outdoor shower setup. Curious about that? Explore our guide to Van Conversions With Shower.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right toilet is about more than ease, it’s about freedom, comfort, and making your van truly feel like home. Whether you're a weekend explorer or a full-time nomad, The Vansmith is here to help you shape every inch of your van, including the bathroom.
We believe in fresh designs that bring comfort to your journey and offer a range of layouts, from simple pull-out composting toilets to full wet baths with tile details. It’s your van. Let’s build it your way.
Which Campervan Toilet Best Suits Your Van Life?
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Weekend travelers: Portable or cassette toilets
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Full-timers: Composting or dry-flush systems
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Luxury seekers: Full wet or dry baths
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Minimalists: Simple portable setups
The best choice depends on how you travel, where you camp, and how much space you have.
FAQs
What is the best portable toilet for a camper van?
The Thetford Porta Potti is a solid, low-cost choice. For more comfort and less smell, think about the Trelino Evo or a small composting unit like the Cuddy.
Can you put a bathroom in a conversion van?
Yes. We’ve built many van conversions with bathroom layouts, from simple wet baths to high-end spa-style setups. Check out our in-stock vans or explore how you can Customize Your Van.
