Love dispersed camping but stressed about finding a midnight restroom, dealing with odors, or breaking rules? This guide, based on Leave No Trace (LNT) principles, simplifies how to handle human waste—whether you choose to pack it out or use a cathole—so your trip can be comfortable, responsible, and worry-free.
LNT Principles for Human Waste (The 7 Rules)
The LNT principles for human excreta are as follows
- Check Regulations First: Areas prohibiting digging must use pack-out.
- Choose Durable Surface: If digging, select non-erosive soil.
- Proper Disposal: Prioritize packing waste out; only dig catholes where permitted.
- Leave No Trace: Always refill and disguise the hole.
- No Burning: Do not burn toilet paper or wipes.
- Keep Away from Wildlife: Store waste sealed and away from food areas.
- Respect Others: Choose a concealed location, away from trails.
For dispersed camping, the most reliable, low-odor method is a dispersed camping toilet using dry flush pack-out.
When to dig a hole? When do you need to pack out?
- ? General values: Cathole 6–8 inches deep; ≥200 feet from water/campsite/trail; pack out toilet paper and sanitary products.
- ? Required to pack out: Alpine/desert/rocky thin soil, extremely thin soil, or areas where digging is officially prohibited.
- ? Subject to local authorities: Check park/BLM/USFS notices. Not sure? Just pack out.
Three Dispersed Camping Toilet Solutions
MethodWhen to useKey pointsAdvantagesNotesPack-OutPack after each use; store in hard shell/odor-proof containers; return to city for disposalDry flush seal toilet package requires no water, is odorless, and requires no contactMost compatible with LNT.Prepare sealed refill bags;Comply with local regulations.CatholeAllowed areas only6–8 inches deep; ≥200 feet from water/campsite/trail; pack toilet paperNo need to bring wasteNot available in sensitive/no-digging areas; burning of paper is prohibitedCampground toiletsFor campsites with facilitiesUse as postedEasiestDispersed camping usually doesn't have
4 Steps to Packing a Modiwell LE-310 Dry Flush Toilet
https://youtu.be/v_xJMtLCIcw?si=wlvR1IBypabvDLFE- Find level ground, ≥200 feet away from water sources, and securely position the unit.
- Turn on the switch, press the seal button, and wait for the heat seal to complete.
- Place the sealed bag in a hard-shell, leak-proof container (add a special coagulant before use to prevent leaks) away from food areas. Store in a car or bear-proof container at night.
- Return to the city and dispose of the waste in an acceptable human waste/household garbage system according to local regulations.
Questions about Dispersed Camping
What is the best dispersed camping toilet solution?
Prioritize a pack-out toilet solution, like the Modiwell dry flush toilet, which is waterless, odorless, and contactless, suitable for all areas.
How far from water should I dig a cathole?
Toilet paper and sanitary items must be packed away if the area is 200 feet (approximately 70 meters) or deeper, 6-8 inches.
Can I burn toilet paper?
No. Burning toilet paper/wipes poses a fire hazard and pollution, and violates the LNT.
Whether you ultimately choose odorless, hygienic dry flush toilet technology or precise landfilling within permitted areas, remember: freedom comes with responsibility. When unsure of local rules, taking your waste to-go is always the safest LNT practice.
