Not every RV has a built-in toilet. And even when it does, there are plenty of situations where a portable camping potty makes your life a lot easier.
Maybe you’re in a camper van with no bathroom space. Maybe you’re boondocking miles from the nearest dump station. Or maybe your RV toilet needs repair, and you need a backup fast. A portable RV toilet (often sold as a camping potty) is a self-contained unit: no hookups, no plumbing. Fill the flush tank, do your business, empty the waste tank at a dump station later.
This guide compares 5 portable RV toilets using manufacturer specs, plus a buying guide, smell control tips, and step-by-step emptying instructions. We haven’t lab-tested these models. Specs come from Thetford, Dometic, and Cleanwaste, and from retailer listings where we say so.
Quick Answer: For regular RV use, the Thetford Porta Potti 565E is our top pick for its electric flush, 5.5-gallon waste tank, and level indicators. On a budget, look at the Camco 5.3 gallon. For tight van builds, the Dometic 972 is the most compact option here. For a no-tank emergency backup, the Cleanwaste GO Anywhere folds flat.
What is a portable RV toilet?
A self-contained, freestanding toilet that requires no plumbing or hookups. It has a flush mechanism, a fresh water tank, and a sealed waste cassette you empty at a dump station or campsite toilet. Designed for RVs, camper vans, boats, and off-grid camping.
Quick Comparison: 5 Best Portable RV Toilets
| Product | Type | Tank | Flush | Best For | Seat Height | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Thetford Porta Potti 565E Best Overall | Cassette | 5.5 gal waste / 4 gal fresh | Electric (battery) | Full-time RVers | 17.44″ | Check Price |
|
Camco 5.3 Gallon Best Budget | Cassette | 5.3 gal waste / 2.5 gal fresh* | Bellows pump | Budget campers | Not listed* | Check Price |
|
Dometic 972 Best for Tight Spaces | Cassette | 2.6 gal | Push-button (pressurized) | Vans, tight spaces | 12.5″ | Check Price |
|
Cleanwaste GO Anywhere Best Lightweight | Bag-based | No tank (bag kits) | None | Emergency / backup | Standard height | Check Price |
|
Thetford Porta Potti 365 Best Manual-Flush Thetford | Cassette | 5.5 gal waste / 4 gal fresh | Piston pump | Weekend campers | 16.06″ | Check Price |
Specs from Thetford US, Dometic, and Cleanwaste product pages. *Camco figures are retailer-listed, because Camco’s own site does not list this model’s specs.
5 Best Portable RV Toilets Compared
1 Thetford Porta Potti 565E (Best Overall)
Top pick for regular RV use
Specs
- 5.5 gal waste tank
- 4 gal fresh water tank
- Battery-powered electric flush
- 17.44 in seat height
- Fresh and waste level indicators
- Weight not listed on Thetford US page
The Porta Potti 565E is Thetford’s electric-flush portable toilet. Thetford’s US page lists a 5.5-gallon waste tank, a 4-gallon fresh water tank, a battery-powered electric flush, and separate level indicators for fresh and waste water. Thetford estimates about 27 to 33 flushes before the waste indicator says it’s time to empty.
Why we picked it: It has the only electric flush and the tallest seat (17.44 inches) in this list, plus level indicators for both tanks. It costs more than the manual models. Full specs are on Thetford’s Porta Potti 565E support page.
Who it’s for: Full-time RVers, motorhome owners, and anyone who values comfort and wants the fewest possible trips to the dump station. Taller users get the most from it: at 17.44 inches, it has the highest seat in this list.
- Battery-powered electric flush, no pumping
- 5.5-gal waste tank, tied with the 365 for largest here
- Level indicators for fresh and waste tanks
- Tallest seat in this list (17.44 in)
- Thetford support page lists parts and manuals
- Pricier than manual models
- Requires batteries for flush
- Heavy when full; awkward to carry solo
Bottom line: Our pick for daily use if you want an electric flush and a taller seat, and don’t mind paying more than for a manual model.
2 Camco 5.3 Gallon Portable Toilet (Best Budget Pick)
Budget pick for beginners and weekend campers
Specs
- 5.3 gal waste tank (retailer-listed)
- 2.5 gal fresh tank (retailer-listed)
- Manual bellows flush
- Sealing slide valve (retailer-listed)
- No level indicator listed
- No batteries needed
Camco’s 5.3-gallon travel toilet is a simple manual-flush cassette toilet. Retailer listings give a 5.3-gallon waste tank, a 2.5-gallon fresh water tank, a bellows pump flush, and a sealing slide valve. Camco’s own site doesn’t currently list specs for it, so we label these figures as retailer-listed.
Why we picked it: It covers the basics without batteries and sits in a lower budget tier than the Thetford models. If you’re new to portable toilets, it’s a low-risk way to start.
Who it’s for: First-time portable toilet users, weekend campers, and anyone who needs a backup without a large upfront investment. Compact enough for smaller vans and campers.
- Lower budget tier than the Thetford models
- Sealing slide valve (retailer-listed)
- No batteries needed
- Compact for smaller spaces
- Simple bellows flush with few parts
- Manual flush needs more effort
- Seat height not listed
- No tank level indicator listed
Bottom line: A simple, lower-cost first portable toilet with no batteries to worry about.
3 Dometic 972 Portable Toilet (Best for Tight Spaces)
Most compact pick for camper vans and tight spaces
Specs
- 2.6 gal capacity (Dometic)
- Push-button flush, pump-pressurized
- Prismatic waste-level indicator
- 12.5 in height
- 12 lb net weight (Dometic)
- No batteries needed
The Dometic 972 is the most compact cassette toilet in this list. Dometic lists a 2.6-gallon capacity, a 12.5-inch height, and a 12 lb net weight. Instead of pumping before every flush, you pump the upper tank to pressurize it, and Dometic says that pressure lasts 4 to 5 push-button flushes.
Why we picked it: In a van build where floor space and height are tight, it has the smallest footprint here and still includes a prismatic waste-level indicator. The trade-off is a smaller tank and a low seat. Specs are on Dometic’s 972 product page.
Who it’s for: Vanlife travellers, camper van conversions, and anyone who needs the smallest footprint and doesn’t mind emptying the tank more often.
- Push-button flush, no batteries
- Compact footprint for tight van builds
- High-strength ABS construction (Dometic)
- 12 lb net weight (Dometic)
- Prismatic waste-level indicator
- Smallest tank here (2.6 gal), so more frequent emptying
- Low 12.5-inch seat height
- Upper tank needs re-pumping every 4 to 5 flushes
Bottom line: If space is your main constraint, the 972 is the smallest option here. Plan on emptying it more often than the 5-gallon models.
4 Cleanwaste GO Anywhere (Best Lightweight Option)
Lightweight pick for emergency backup and pack-out use
Specs
- Uses GO Anywhere toilet kits (bags)
- No water tank
- No flush
- 7 to 9 lb (Cleanwaste lists both)
- 500 lb weight capacity (Cleanwaste)
- Folds to about briefcase size
The GO Anywhere is a different kind of product: a folding toilet frame and seat that uses disposable GO Anywhere toilet kits instead of a cassette tank. Cleanwaste lists a 500 lb weight capacity and a folded size about like a briefcase, and gives the weight as 7 lbs in one place and 9 lbs in another. No chemicals, no tank to empty, and no plumbing.
Why we picked it: For situations where you can’t empty a cassette tank, such as remote wilderness, areas with pack-out rules, or emergency backup use, it’s the only option here with no tank to empty. Just factor in the ongoing cost of bags before you buy.
Who it’s for: Backpackers, off-grid campers, and RVers who need a compact emergency backup. Not recommended as a full-time daily toilet.
- Folds flat to about briefcase size
- No liquid tank to carry or empty
- No chemicals needed
- No tank to clean
- Bags are fully self-contained after use
- Ongoing cost of WAG bags adds up
- Approved disposal points are not always easy to find
- No flush at all
- Not suitable as a full-time daily toilet
Bottom line: The most packable option here, but it only makes sense if you need a no-liquid-waste setup. Factor bag costs into your decision.
5 Thetford Porta Potti 365 (Best Manual-Flush Thetford)
Thetford option for weekend and occasional use
Specs
- 5.5 gal waste tank
- 4 gal fresh water tank
- Piston pump flush
- 16.06 in seat height
- Level indicator on some versions
- No batteries needed
The 365 is the manual-flush sibling of the 565E. On Thetford’s US pages, both share a 5.5-gallon waste tank and a 4-gallon fresh water tank. The 365 swaps the electric flush for a piston pump and sits a little lower, at a 16.06-inch seat height, which makes it the simpler, lower-cost Thetford option. Specs are on Thetford’s Porta Potti 365 support page.
Why we picked it: If you don’t use it daily, there’s little reason to pay for the 565E’s electric flush. The 365 is simple and needs no batteries.
Who it’s for: Weekend campers, motorhome owners who want a backup toilet, and solo travellers who want Thetford reliability at a lower price. With the same 5.5-gallon waste tank as the 565E, capacity isn’t the trade-off; the flush and seat height are.
- Same 5.5-gal waste tank as the 565E
- Compact and easy to store
- Piston pump flush, no batteries
- 16.06-inch seat height
- Good for solo or occasional use
- Manual pumping before flushing
- Level indicator only on some versions
- Lower seat height than the 565E
- No electric flush option
Bottom line: The simpler Thetford choice. If you’re not using it daily, the manual flush won’t feel like much of a trade-off.
Types of Portable RV Toilets
A portable urine-diverting toilet is different from a flushing potty with a sealed waste tank. If you’re comparing those approaches, our RV composting toilet pros and cons guide explains the water savings, container-emptying routine, and waste disposal considerations before you choose.
Three main types exist. Understanding the differences helps you pick the right one before you buy.
Cassette Toilet
The most common type for RV and van use. A freshwater tank sits on top for flushing; a removable sealed cassette collects waste below. You empty the cassette at a dump station or approved toilet facility. The routine is similar in principle to emptying a built-in cassette toilet, but always follow the instructions for your specific portable model. For how the bowl, valve, and cassette work together, see how a cassette toilet works.
Best for: RVers, camper van users, motorhome owners, anyone using a portable toilet regularly.
- ✓ Flush mechanism, closest to a home toilet
- ✓ Sealed waste tank helps contain odour
- ✓ Cassette chemicals sold by RV retailers
- ✗ Heavier when full, and needs a dump point for emptying
Composting Toilet
Separates liquid and solid waste. Solids break down through aerobic decomposition, so there is no mixed black water holding tank. It suits long-term off-grid living. Compare models in our best composting toilet for RV guide.
Best for: Full-time off-grid dwellers, eco-conscious campers, permanent van conversions.
- ✓ Very little odour when maintained correctly
- ✓ No chemicals needed, no black water to dump
- ✗ High upfront cost, requires ventilation, learning curve
Bag-Based Toilet
A simple frame and seat that holds disposable WAG bags with absorbent gelling material. No tank, no flush, no liquid waste. Waste bags go into approved waste bins or are packed out.
Best for: Backpacking, emergency backup, remote camping with pack-out rules. For proper waste handling, follow Leave No Trace waste disposal guidelines.
- ✓ Ultralight, no liquid to carry, no cleaning required
- ✗ Ongoing bag cost, limited disposal options, no flush
Portable RV Toilet vs Built-In RV Toilet
A built-in RV toilet connects to your rig’s black water tank and needs plumbing, tank sensors, and regular dumping. A portable cassette toilet is fully self-contained: no installation, no plumbing, no tank sensors.
| Feature | Portable Camping Potty | Built-In RV Toilet |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | None, ready to use | Requires plumbing |
| Waste storage | Self-contained cassette or bags | Connected to black tank |
| Capacity | About 2.6 to 5.5 gallons for the models here | Black tank; size varies by rig |
| Portability | Fully portable | Fixed in place |
For full-time RVers, a portable toilet works best as a backup while the main toilet is out of action; our RV toilet repair guide can help get it working again. For van conversions and compact campers, it often replaces a fixed toilet entirely. If you’d rather install a fixed toilet in a tight space, compare our best RV toilets for small bathrooms. And if you need to move black tank waste without a sewer hookup, that’s a job for a portable RV waste tank, not a portable toilet.
How to Choose a Portable RV Toilet
Here’s what matters when choosing a portable RV toilet:
Tank Capacity
Thetford estimates about 27 to 33 flushes before the waste indicator on its Porta Potti models says it’s time to empty. A 2.6-gallon tank like the Dometic 972 fills sooner. For weekend or solo use, a smaller tank is fine. For full-time use or two people, look at the 5-gallon class.
Flush System
Electric flush (565E) needs batteries but no pumping. Piston, bellows, and pump-pressurized flushes need no batteries. Bag-based systems have no flush at all.
Odour Control
The valve between the bowl and the waste tank is the primary odour barrier. Keep it fully closed between uses, and pair it with the cassette chemical the manufacturer recommends.
Portability and Weight
A full 5.5-gallon waste tank holds roughly 45 lbs of liquid, before the weight of the tank itself. Make sure you can carry it to a dump point before buying. Carry handles and a compact footprint matter here.
Seat Comfort
Seat heights in this list range from 12.5 inches (Dometic 972) to 17.44 inches (Thetford 565E), per the manufacturers. Taller users should prioritise seat height.
Waste Disposal
Cassette models require a dump station or approved toilet facility. Check campground and local rules before emptying a cassette into a regular toilet. Bag-based systems need approved waste bins or pack-out disposal, and rules vary by location. For backcountry use, follow Leave No Trace waste disposal guidelines.
How to Empty a Portable RV Toilet
Steps vary slightly by model, so follow your toilet’s manual. The general routine looks like this:
- Check the level indicator. If your model has one, check it. Empty at around 75%; don’t wait until it’s completely full. Easier to carry and cleaner to pour.
- Lock the blade valve. Close and lock the valve between the bowl and the cassette before separating the two parts. This prevents spills during transport.
- Remove the waste cassette. Press the release button and slide or lift the cassette out from the base of the unit. Carry it by the handle.
- Take it to the disposal point. Carry it to a dump station, campsite toilet block, or approved facility. Need to find one? Sanidumps.com lists dump stations you can search by location.
- Open the vent cap first. Before pouring, open the small air vent on the cassette. Without it, you’ll get an uncontrolled splash instead of a clean pour.
- Pour slowly and steadily. Use the pour spout or rotating handle. Take your time; this is where rushing creates mess.
- Rinse the cassette. Add a small amount of clean water, shake, and rinse thoroughly. A proper rinse here prevents buildup that causes persistent odour on the next use.
- Add chemicals and reassemble. Dose with the correct amount of cassette chemical such as Thetford Aqua Kem before closing. Slide the cassette back in and lock it in place.
How to Control Smell in a Portable RV Toilet
With the right habits, smell is very manageable. For persistent odour issues on your main RV toilet, see our guide on RV toilet smell problems.
Use the right chemicals every time. Use a cassette chemical made for portable toilets, such as Thetford Aqua-Kem, and add the correct dose every time you empty and refill.
Keep the blade valve fully closed. This is the primary odour barrier between the waste tank and your living space. Even a small gap lets smells through.
Don’t let the tank sit too long. A warm, full tank builds up smell quickly. Empty on schedule; around 75% full is the right time.
Ventilate after use. In a van or small camper, crack a window or open a roof vent after each use. Airflow helps clear odour in a small space.
Rinse the cassette thoroughly every time you empty. Residue left after a half-hearted rinse builds up and causes persistent smell before the next use. A thorough 30-second shake-and-rinse is worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a portable RV toilet good for RV use?
Yes. A portable cassette toilet works well in compact RVs and camper vans, and as a backup for larger rigs. It needs no installation and handles daily use when it’s emptied regularly and treated with the right chemicals.
How much does a portable RV toilet hold?
The cassette models in this guide hold from 2.6 gallons (Dometic 972) to 5.5 gallons (Thetford Porta Potti 365 and 565E) of waste, according to the manufacturers. Retailers list the Camco travel toilet at 5.3 gallons. Bag-based toilets like the Cleanwaste GO Anywhere have no tank.
Does a camping potty smell?
It can if you don’t maintain it. With the right cassette chemical, regular emptying, and the blade valve kept closed between uses, odour stays under control. The key is not letting a full, warm tank sit for too long.
How often should you empty a portable toilet?
It depends on tank size and how many people use it. Thetford estimates about 27 to 33 flushes before the waste indicator on its Porta Potti models says it’s time to empty. Empty at around 75% capacity; a less-full tank is lighter and easier to handle.
Can a portable toilet be used inside a van?
Yes, that’s one of its most common uses. Compact cassette models such as the Dometic 972 suit tight van builds. Keep the blade valve closed between uses and crack a vent or window after use.
Do portable toilets need chemicals?
For cassette toilets, yes. Chemicals like Thetford Aqua Kem break down solid waste for easier emptying and control odour inside the tank. Without them, smell builds up fast. Bag-based systems don’t need added chemicals, because the WAG bags contain absorbent gelling agents that handle waste containment on their own.
Which Portable RV Toilet Should You Buy?
Quick Answer: For most RV owners using a portable toilet regularly, the Thetford Porta Potti 565E is our top pick: electric flush, a 5.5-gallon waste tank, level indicators, and the tallest seat in this list. If you want the same tank without the electric flush, choose the Thetford Porta Potti 365.
On a budget, the Camco 5.3 Gallon covers the basics without batteries. For vanlife and tight spaces, the Dometic 972 is the most compact option here. And for a pack-small emergency backup with no liquid tank to carry, the Cleanwaste GO Anywhere is the only pick with no tank to empty.
Whatever you choose: use the right chemicals, empty on schedule, rinse the cassette properly. Do those three things consistently and a portable toilet is easy to live with.
Choosing the right portable RV toilet comes down to how often you travel, how much space you have, and how important comfort is to you. Use the comparison table above to match your situation to the right model.
