Navigating Bathroom Needs While Living Van Life

Living van life presents unique challenges, but with some planning and creativity, you can effectively manage your bathroom needs. Whether you're traveling for extended periods or looking for a more sustainable way of living, this guide will help you maintain hygiene and comfort on the road.

Strategies for Managing Bathroom Needs

Here are several common strategies for handling bathroom needs while living van life:

Portable Toilets

Types: You can use a portable toilet, such as a camping toilet or a cassette toilet. These are designed for easy use and disposal.

Maintenance: Regularly empty and clean the toilet at designated dump stations or waste disposal sites. This might include local parks, gas stations, restaurants, and campgrounds. Some apps, like Campendium and Freshie, can help you find these locations.

Public Restrooms

Locations: Utilize public restrooms when available. These can be found in parks, gas stations, restaurants, and campgrounds. Apps like Campendium and WhenToGo can help you locate these facilities.

Composting Toilets

Eco-Friendly: Composting toilets are an excellent choice for those who prioritize sustainability. These toilets use little to no water and convert waste into compost. While they require regular maintenance, they can be a sustainable option for long-term van living.

Privacy Solutions

Setup: If you need to go outside, consider using a privacy tent or pop-up shelter. This allows you to maintain privacy while using a portable toilet.

Planning Ahead

Route Planning: When planning your route, note where rest stops and campgrounds are located. Apps like Campendium and REC Haven can help identify these locations.

Hygiene Supplies: Keep essential hygiene supplies on hand, such as biodegradable wipes and hand sanitizer. These are particularly useful when using public facilities.

Emergency Options

Backups: Have a backup plan, such as a bucket with a lid or a large Ziploc bag. This can be useful in case facilities are not available.

RV Bathrooms

Many RVs come equipped with bathrooms, making life much easier. During my 6 years of living and traveling in an RV, I used the toilet, sink, and shower just as I would in a house. The key difference is that an RV has holding tanks that need to be dumped regularly.

There are apps available, such as The Dump Station App and RV DI, that can provide locations of dump stations around the country. If you're staying at campgrounds, you can often dump your waste tasks either at the campsite or at a central dump station.

When no RV bathroom is available, other options include:

Campgrounds with bath houses Truck stops with bathrooms and showers National gym chains like Planet Fitness, which have bathrooms and showers and often offer WiFi for members.

Lastly, when boondocking or camping off-grid, nature is always an option. Just make sure you follow the rules established at the location. For example, BLM land, national forests, and other land management organizations have specific rules about using their land as a restroom.

Conclusion

Bathroom management is one of the lower priority lists of worries when traveling around the country. With the right strategies and tools, you can maintain your hygiene and comfort while living van life.