When camping, answering the call of nature can be the most undesirable thing to do. But, of course, you can’t do anything about it because when you have to go bathroom while camping, you just gotta go!
To make your trip enjoyable and with less hassle, there are some tips to follow so that going to the bathroom while camping does not become a dreaded affair. There are actually many different things you’ll need depending on how you will do the deed. Going to the bathroom is different for men and for women. Women need more precautionary measures as well as those who have never gone camping before.
In answering the call of nature, it’s not just about defecating or urinating, but more importantly, by properly doing it so that your health and your fellow campers’ health will not be at stake. Moreover, contamination of any nearby water source must also be kept in mind since such an incident will lead to a chain of events affecting the local wildlife. Adhering to proper human waste disposal etiquette will help to keep the aesthetics of the wilderness as well as avoid fines imposed by the park or campground administration.
If you are near the campgrounds’ bathroom facility then you will have no problem when it’s time to answer nature’s call. However, if you camped out backcountry; that is, when you don’t have access to any bathroom facility provided by the campground management, going to the bathroom while camping needs to be properly done.
Camping with a Bathroom Facility
When camping with a bathroom facility in the campgrounds, you will need a portable camping toilet which may use either chemicals or disposable waste bags for dealing with the waste. Make sure you find an appropriate place to empty your waste or simply follow the camp rules.
If you think that finding an appropriate place to throw your waste can be a problem then digging a hole is your next option to get rid of it properly. Packing a hand shovel will be very hand for this job. Dig at least a foot to bury it in. Just make sure there are no non-biodegradable products like plastics and chemicals in your toilet. Then, clean yourself and sanitize.
Camping in the Backcountry
Now, when you’ve made camp somewhere in the backcountry where you don’t have the luxury of a bathroom or when you have no portable camping toilet with you, it’s important you have: a small shovel, toilet paper, preferably a non biodegradable, handy wipes, some moist towelettes, or alcohol-soaked cloths, plastic bags, and sanitizer.
To urinate is easier than defecating. When urinating, you can simply hide behind a shrub or tree and relieve yourself. When defecating, dig a hole a foot deep using your small shovel, do your deed, and bury the waste.
With this, always remember to find a good place. That is, not anywhere near a water source or a trail where other campers and hikers are sure to pass uncomfortable close to where you are. Poison ivy or oak rashes are the least you would want to encounter while doing your deed so be careful and scout for a good place.
Clean yourself with a toilet paper; you may want use a biodegradable toilet paper so that you won’t need to the plastic bags. Always sanitize after answering the call of nature to avoid acquiring diseases as well as prevent the spread of it. So bring along a handy sanitizer. If you have some water and soap, it’s always a better alternative when cleaning yourself. Ensure that you dispose used toilet paper properly.
Added Bathroom Camping Tips For Women
- Ensure your utmost privacy before doing the deed.
- If you can, have someone to watch where you are (some distance away, of course), just in case somebody accidentally shows up. That way your guard can give you a warning.
- When finding a good spot, aside from choosing one which is a good distance away from the trail, make sure you’re not close to any water source like springs and streams. The safe distance is 200 feet away from the any body of water.
- Watch out also for poisonous plants like poison ivy, oak or sumac. You would not want any of those to get in touch with any part of your body as well as your clothes.
- Bury your waste properly. After doing so, try to make it as natural looking as possible.
- If you have non-biodegradable waste with you such as used sanitary napkins, put it in a plastic bag and dispose of properly when you can or once you get home.
Going bathroom while camping really isn’t all that traumatic so long as you go with right mindset and keep these helpful tips in mind.
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