What to Know When Choosing the Right Campervan Toilet for Your Van Build
Let’s talk about one of the most under-appreciated components of any van build—the toilet. Choosing the right toilet in your van makes a major difference in how comfortable, convenient, and sustainable your travels feel, especially when you’re far from public restrooms or camping in remote areas.
We’ve installed every type of toilet you can imagine—from the basic portable toilet to advanced systems built into a full campervan with shower and toilet setup. So in this blog, we’re breaking down our favorite campervan toilet options, how they work, their pros and cons, and what kind of van owner each one is best for.
This guide is based on real-life insight from our General Manager Jeremiah, and it’s written to help you make a decision that fits your lifestyle, your rig, and your priorities, whether you’re a weekend warrior or full-time nomad.
Porta-Potty Toilets (Simple, Affordable, and Space-Saving)
If you’re looking for the most space saving and affordable option, a portable toilet (often called a porta-potty) is a solid choice. These are self-contained, two-part units: the top half holds fresh flushing water, while the bottom is a waste tank that collects your black water.
What makes this system attractive is its flexibility. You can easily remove it, clean it, and store it in a cabinet or under a bench seat when not in use. They come in different sizes—from ultra-compact to nearly full-sized—making them ideal for van builds where every inch counts and you’re trying to save space without sacrificing function.
Dumping is straightforward: the waste tank can be emptied into a home sewer clean-out, an RV dump station, or even, in a pinch, into a standard toilet. Just be aware—emptying into a regular toilet can be a little messier than other options and may require some finesse with your toilet paper management to avoid clogs.
This type of toilet works best for people who have occasional access to dump locations and prefer not to install anything permanent inside their van. It’s particularly popular among van lifers who want flexibility or those building a van primarily for weekend use.
Cassette Toilets (Built-In Convenience, Cleaner Dumping)
Cassette toilets take things one step further. They’re built directly into the van—often as part of a camper van bathroom—and feature an exterior access hatch so you can remove and dump the waste tank without bringing the toilet through your living space.
The real advantage here is convenience. Instead of walking your toilet through the van after a weekend trip, you simply pull it out from the exterior panel, carry the waste tank to a dump site, and you’re done. These systems often hold 5–7 gallons of waste, giving you 2–4 days of use for two people before needing to empty.
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution in your campervan toilet shower setup—but don’t want to commit to full RV-style plumbing—a cassette toilet is a great middle ground. And when we install these systems at ADF Sprinters, we go the extra step of color-matching and weatherproofing the exterior panel so it blends cleanly into the van.
For many van builds, especially part-time or light full-time setups, the cassette toilet offers a nice balance between comfort and simplicity.
RV-Style Black Water Systems (High-Capacity, High Commitment)
When it comes to capacity and convenience, RV-style toilets are the top tier—but they come with tradeoffs. These are full campervan with shower and toilet systems with a plumbed toilet that flushes into a fixed waste tank mounted under the van. These tanks range from 10 to 25 gallons and can be either gravity-flush or macerating, depending on your layout.
If you want a traditional camper van bathroom feel with no daily removal or handling of the toilet, this is your best bet. But it does come with added responsibility. The toilet requires regular cleaning, flushing, and maintenance—especially if your van sits for extended periods. And dumping means maneuvering your entire van close to a dump station or cleanout.
This is a good option for full-time van lifers or families who need a larger capacity and are ready to treat their van like a small RV. It’s a bigger commitment in both space and system complexity—but it gives you the closest experience to having a home bathroom in your van.
(Example of the type of toilet we’re referring to: Timestamp 5:09–6:27)
Dry Flush Toilets (Zero Mess, Maximum Convenience)
A favorite among many of our clients, especially those with accessibility needs or who want no-maintenance simplicity—is the dry flush toilet. Think of it like a high-tech diaper genie. Each time you “flush,” the system twists the waste into a sealed bag. When the cartridge is full (usually after 16–18 uses), you remove the string of sealed pouches and toss it in the trash.
No dump stations. No waste tank to manage. No smells. And no special toilet paper required.
It’s especially handy for users with mobility challenges, like those in adaptive vans, because it eliminates the need to physically transport or empty black water tanks. But convenience has its cost: the toilet is one of the pricier options on this list, and it relies on proprietary refill cartridges. If you run out of those, your toilet in your van stops working until you restock.
Still, for those who want a toilet in your van that’s clean, compact, and doesn’t tie them to RV infrastructure, this is an incredible option.
Composting Toilets (Eco-Friendly, Labor Intensive)
Last but not least is the Nature’s Head composting toilet—a fan favorite among off-grid minimalists, sustainability-focused van owners, and the tiny-home crowd.
This type of toilet separates liquids and solids and uses a natural material like coconut coir to neutralize smells. With proper ventilation and regular maintenance, it can work well. But we’re honest with clients: it’s the most work-intensive system on the list.
The toilet requires vent fans, routine emptying of the urine container, and mixing of solid waste with composting material. It’s designed more for people who plan to compost waste (as you might with food scraps) in a fixed location like a homestead or cabin. For most travelers, especially those without gardens or long-term parking spots, keeping a compost container of human waste in the van isn’t ideal.
Still, if your top priority is environmental friendliness and you’re comfortable with the added effort, the Nature’s Head composting toilet might be the right fit for your campervan toilet shower combo.
Campervan Toilet Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to choosing a toilet in your van. Every system has its pros and cons, and the best option depends on your lifestyle, how often you’re on the road, how you plan to manage waste, and what level of convenience you’re looking for.
At ADF Sprinters, we’ve built vans with every system mentioned above—whether it’s a full campervan with shower and toilet, a minimalist portable toilet setup, or something totally custom to meet your travel or business needs.
If you’re unsure which system is right for your build, our team is here to help. We’ll walk you through your priorities, your layout, and your travel style to design a setup that works seamlessly with the rest of your van.
Ready to take the next step in your build? Reach out to us today—we’d be happy to chat about your ideas and help you build a van that feels just right.
What is the best campervan toilet?
It depends on your needs. Porta-potties are simple and portable. Cassette toilets offer built-in convenience with exterior dumping. RV-style systems provide high capacity but need more maintenance. Dry flush toilets are mess-free but require refill cartridges. Composting toilets are eco-friendly but labor-intensive.
Is it worth having a toilet in a campervan?
Yes, if you want added convenience or travel where public restrooms are limited. It’s especially helpful for families, full-timers, and users with accessibility needs. Just consider where you’ll dump it and the maintenance involved.
How does the toilet work in a campervan?
Porta-potties and cassette toilets store waste in a tank you remove to dump. RV toilets flush into a built-in black water tank. Dry flush toilets seal waste in bags you throw away. Composting toilets separate waste and require added materials and venting.
Where do you empty a campervan toilet?
Porta-potties and cassette toilets can be emptied into a sewer cleanout, porta-potty, RV dump station, or home toilet. RV-style tanks require a nearby dump station. Dry flush waste is tossed in the trash.
