Family camping hack: Make your own port-a-potty
For the hardcore among you. From Dee.
If you are camping in a remote area - meaning no restroom facilities anywhere near you - take a child-size canvas lawn chair, cut a circular hole in the middle of the seat. Use it for a makeshift toilet. If you like, you can dig a small hole in the ground just under the seat. It makes it much easier for the kids (and women) to do their business without making a mess!
If you decide to go for it, be sure to follow the Leave No Trace principles for disposing of waste:
- Bury it in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
- Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
- To wash yourself (or your dishes), carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap.
More: Family camping tips at Parent Hacks
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We use a 5 gallon bucket with a snap-on toilet seat (at outdoor stores) and use leaf duff (or sawdust from home) to cover our business.
http://naturalfather.blogspot.com
Posted by: naturalpapa | 23 June 2008 at 11:19 AM
We just use a potty (the kind you buy for toilet training). It's especially great at the beach. Target sells them cheap. We keep that and a booster seat (also Target brand)stored in the back of our minivan, since they're both simply designed which makes them compact and lightweight.
Posted by: Regifter | 23 June 2008 at 02:41 PM
Great tips - our daughter is camping in the National Parks this Summer, this'll come in handy.
Posted by: Dolls Clothes Gal | 24 June 2008 at 06:02 AM
I love this!!! My son is outgrowing his chair and it's not pink so my daughter wants nothing to do with it!!!! She's potty training AND we're planning our first camping trip, so this will be great(for me and her!!!)
Posted by: Kaleb and Abbys mom | 27 June 2008 at 08:39 PM