Best Portable Toilets & Showers for Camping in the UK: Where to Buy, What to Choose, and How to Use Them

Why a portable toilet or shower is a game-changer for UK camping

If you love camping in the UK — whether you're pitching at a busy seaside site or wild-camping in the hills — a good portable toilet or shower can make the trip feel a bit more civilized. Imagine finishing a muddy hike and rinsing off in a warm shower, or being able to pop to the loo without queuing for ages. These conveniences cut down on stress, speed up your routine, and can even keep camping trips going when facilities are closed or distant.

Where to buy: top UK retailers for portable toilets and showers

When it comes to shopping, a few reliable UK retailers stock a wide range of portable toilets and showers — from budget bucket-style options to full cassette toilets for motorhomes. Below I highlight stores known for solid selection, easy returns, and helpful specs so you can compare models like a pro.

Go Outdoors

Go Outdoors is a go-to for outdoor kit and usually carries well-known portable toilet brands and solar or pump showers. Their selection often includes cassette toilets for caravans and simple chemical toilets for weekend campers, priced across the range so you can pick something lightweight or more robust depending on your plans.

Decathlon

Decathlon tends to focus on affordable, practical camping gear. If you're after a compact portable toilet or a basic solar shower bag to clip to a tree, Decathlon is a smart place to start. Their products often strike a good balance between price and performance, and they give clear measurements in product pages so you can check weight in pounds and capacity in gallons.

Argos

Argos stocks a broad mix of camping accessories and often has seasonal deals. You can find popular cassette toilets, bucket systems, and collapsible shower bags. Argos is handy if you want quick click-and-collect from a local store, and their product pages usually list tank capacities and unit weights.

Amazon UK

Amazon is unbeatable for variety. You’ll spot everything from basic bucket toilets to premium marine cassette units and portable power showers. Read the reviews carefully — they’ll tell you how easy the unit is to empty and whether the pump holds up. Amazon’s fast delivery is also useful if you need a replacement in a hurry.

Halfords

Halfords is a strong option if you’re equipping a campervan or motorhome. Their leisure section includes cassette toilets, waste tank fittings, and hand-operated showers that are suitable for van conversion projects. If you’re doing a DIY fit-out, Halfords often stocks the spare parts you’ll need.

Camping World

Camping World specialises in touring and caravan supplies, making it a top choice for mid- to high-end cassette toilets and accessories like anti-odour chemicals and replacement seals. Their team can be useful for technical questions about capacity measured in gallons and weight given in pounds.

Specialist outdoor retailers

There are also smaller specialist shops and online outlets that focus on camping sanitation, such as motorhome centres, boating suppliers, and caravan accessory stores. These places usually carry brands like Thetford and Dometic and can advise on models specifically suited to mobile living.

Brands worth knowing: reliable names in portable sanitation

Brands matter. Some manufacturers have built reputations for leak-free seals, strong waste tanks, and quiet pumps. Here are a few names you’ll likely encounter while shopping in the UK.

Thetford

Thetford is synonymous with cassette toilets. These units are favored in caravans and motorhomes for their sturdy build and decent waste tank sizes — often around 2 to 5 gallons — and easy-to-remove cassettes for emptying. Thetford accessories like odour filters and valves are widely available too.

Dometic

Dometic makes a range of marine and caravan toilets, including electric options that are compact and user-friendly. These are a good bet if you want a plug-and-play solution with power options and quieter operation.

Porta Potti (by Thetford)

Porta Potti is the go-to for simple, portable chemical toilets. They usually weigh from about 5 to 15 pounds and have freshwater tanks of roughly 1 to 3 gallons. They’re straightforward to use and ideal for weekend campers, festival goers, or tiny campervans.

Coleman and Kampa

For basic showers and affordable camping toilets, brands like Coleman and Kampa produce solid budget-friendly options: solar shower bags, compact chemical toilets, and shower tents. You won’t get full touring features, but these products are reliable for short trips.

Types of portable toilets and showers explained

Understanding the types will help you choose the right kit for your trip. Let’s break the basics down in plain language.

Cassette toilets

Cassette toilets are the semi-permanent option for vans and caravans. They feature a fixed bowl and a removable waste cassette you slide out to empty. Expect units to hold somewhere between 2 and 5 gallons of waste and to weigh 20 to 40 pounds when empty, plus more when full.

Portable chemical toilets

These are the classic Porta Potti-style units. They’re great for car camping and festival use. With a freshwater tank for flushing that might be 1 to 3 gallons, and a waste tank capacity around 2 gallons, they strike a useful balance between comfort and portability.

Bucket and liner systems

Budget-friendly and lightweight, a bucket system uses a liner and absorbent powder or gel. It’s simple, cheap, and disposable — perfect for short trips or emergency backup. The downside is less comfort and a need to carry out waste responsibly.

Composting toilets

Composting toilets are eco-friendly and often used for off-grid cabins or longer-term wild camping setups. They separate liquids and solids to reduce smell and volume; you’ll want to learn the maintenance routine, which can include composting time measured in weeks.

Solar and pump showers

Solar shower bags are cheap and lightweight — fill them from a stream or tap and leave the black bag in the sun to warm. Pump showers (12V or hand-pump) offer better pressure and temperature control but add weight and complexity. Water capacity typically runs from 1 to 5 gallons.

How to choose the right size and features

Choosing the right model is about matching capacity, weight, and features to how you camp. Here’s the short checklist I use when shopping:

Capacity vs. length of trip

For weekend trips, a 2 to 3 gallon waste tank or a small bucket system works fine. For longer journeys or multiple people, aim for 4 to 5 gallons or a cassette toilet with a larger tank so you’re not emptying every day.

Weight and portability

If you’re carrying gear even short distances, every pound matters. Portable chemical toilets can be as light as 5 pounds empty, whereas cassette toilets often start around 20 pounds. Consider how far you’ll lug it from car to pitch — if the walk is long, a lighter unit or a wheeled tote is preferable.

Ease of emptying

A smooth sliding cassette, a wide pour spout, and sturdy handles make a big difference. Check reviews for "splash-free" emptying claims and look for locks and seals that stop leaks during transport.

Smell control and chemicals

Anti-odour chemicals and good seals keep things pleasant. Some brands offer biodegradable options which are kinder to the environment. If you’re at a campsite with chemical waste disposal points, that makes life simpler.

Power and pumps

Electric toilets and pump showers need power, so think about 12V battery options or how you’ll recharge. For simple setups, a hand pump or gravity-fed shower is often sufficient.

Practical tips for installing and using portable toilets

Setting up and maintaining a portable toilet or shower properly keeps it hygienic and long-lasting. A few simple habits avoid most common problems.

Location and privacy

Place shower bags where they’ll get sun if you’re relying on solar heat, and pick a flat, level area for toilets. A small shower tent offers privacy and stops wind from cooling the water quickly. Position your unit close enough to the vehicle for easy emptying but far enough to respect neighbouring campers.

Cleaning and chemicals

Empty waste tanks regularly and rinse them with water mixed with a mild cleaner. Use the manufacturer’s recommended chemicals rather than household bleach, which can damage seals. For shower hoses and pumps, flush with fresh water after each trip to prevent salt or sediment buildup.

Transport and storage

When transporting a toilet with waste inside, secure it upright and lock the cassette. If you store a toilet for winter, drain all tanks, leave lids open to air dry, and store in a frost-free place so seals don’t crack.

Budgeting: where to save and where to splurge

Let’s be honest: you don’t need to splurge everywhere. Here’s how I recommend allocating your budget.

Save on basics

For occasional use, bucket systems, cheap solar shower bags, or a basic chemical toilet will do the job and cost a fraction of premium models. These are great for festival weekends and casual car camping.

Spend on longevity

If you’re touring frequently or building a campervan, spend more on a cassette toilet, better seals, and a reliable brand like Thetford or Dometic. These units last years and often cost less per trip over time.

Camping scenarios and recommended setups

Different trips demand different solutions. Here are practical setups based on typical UK camping situations.

Car camping or family weekends

For short family breaks, a mid-size Porta Potti-style chemical toilet and a 3 to 5 gallon solar shower bag is a flexible combo. It’s light enough to move and big enough to serve 2–4 people for a weekend without frequent emptying.

Motorhome or campervan touring

For touring, a cassette toilet from Thetford or Dometic is ideal. Combine it with onboard freshwater tanks of several gallons and a 12V pump shower if you want more comfortable showers. Spend on good seals and anti-odour chemicals to minimise stops and smell issues.

Remote wild camping or backpacking

Backpacking rarely suits bulky toilets, so use lightweight bag systems or disposable waste kits that meet local rules. For wild camping showers, a compact solar bag or a small pressure shower that holds 1 to 2 gallons will do in a pinch.

Environmental considerations and legal points

Being tidy matters. Many UK campsites expect chemical waste to be emptied at designated points, and wild camping areas may require you to carry out all waste. Opt for biodegradable chemicals where possible, and never dump wastewater directly onto the ground near watercourses.

Responsible disposal

Always use designated disposal points at campsites or approved public facilities. If you must carry waste out, ensure containers are sealed and stored upright. Composting toilets are a low-impact option if you have the space and time to manage them properly.

Final buying checklist

Before you click buy, check: capacity in gallons, empty and full weight in pounds, dimensions in inches, how the unit is emptied, what chemicals are compatible, and whether spare parts like seals are easily available. These few checks will keep you comfortable and prevent nasty surprises on the road.

Conclusion

Choosing the right portable toilet or shower comes down to how you travel, how often you camp, and how much time you want to spend on maintenance. UK retailers like Go Outdoors, Decathlon, Argos, Amazon UK, Halfords, and Camping World offer a broad range of options to suit weekend adventurers and full-time van lifers alike. Match capacity in gallons and weight in pounds to your trip length, prioritise reliable seals and easy emptying, and you’ll enjoy cleaner, calmer camping. After all, the right kit means less fuss and more time enjoying the outdoors.