For many campers, going number two in the woods is one of the less glamorous aspects of roughing it outdoors. It’s easy to feel anxious about where and how to take care of business when bathroom facilities are scarce. But fear not – with some preparation and know-how, pooping while camping doesn’t have to be a pain in the butt (pun intended).

In this post, we’ll go over the ins and outs of proper poop etiquette when you’re out camping and can’t just waltz into a bathroom stall. From what to bring with you, to how to choose a site and safely bury waste, you’ll learn techniques to keep your bathroom breaks hassle-free and environmentally friendly. No one enjoys dealing with their dirty business in the wilderness, but it can be done in a way that’s hygienic for both you and the pristine landscapes around you.

So get ready to master the art of going number two while communing with nature. With these tips, you can take care of your duty in a way that lets you focus on fun under the stars instead of fretting over your feces. Time to drop that load stress-free!

Gather the Essential Supplies

Before setting out to camp, be sure you pack the right gear for taking care of business when restrooms aren’t available. Some must-have items include:

Toilet paper: Stock up on some extra rolls so you don’t run out mid-trip. Opt for biodegradable/septic-safe brands.
Hand sanitizer: Bring a bottle for cleaning up after handling toilet paper or touching anything unhygienic.
Small trowel or shovel: You’ll need this for digging catholes to bury waste (more on this shortly).
Ziplock bags: Useful for packing out toilet paper or waste in areas that require it.
Cleansing wipes: These make cleaning up feel fresher if you don’t have access to water for full washing.

Packing these supplies ensures you’ll be fully covered when it’s time to go, even miles away from the nearest toilet.

Pick the Right Location

Choosing an appropriate spot to do your business is imperative for minimizing your impact on the environment.

Stay at least 200 feet away from water sources, trails, roads, campsites and any high traffic areas. Also avoid places people often congregate or sleep.

Look for an area with thick vegetation that can help absorb waste. Digging a small cathole in duff (decaying leaves/needles) is ideal.

If available, take advantage of restroom facilities like outhouses, vault toilets, or portable potties. This saves you the work of prepping your own site.

Check local regulations about human waste disposal. Some areas may require packing out all waste. Know the rules beforehand.

Dig a Proper Cathole

If restroom facilities are unavailable, you’ll need to dig a small cathole to deposit and bury your waste. Here’s how:

Choose your spot at least 200 feet from water, trails, camping areas.
Dig a hole 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter using a trowel or shovel.
Do your business in the hole, piling any toilet paper you use beneath the waste.
When finished, mix in soil, duff, leaves, etc to bury everything.
Disguise the site by covering it with native materials like sticks and rocks.

Digging proper catholes prevents contamination and allows waste to quickly biodegrade. Make sure to fully erase any evidence when you’re done.

Practice the “Poop Burrito” Method

In some wilderness areas, you may be required to pack out all human waste, including toilet paper. This is to protect sensitive environments.

To easily pack out waste, use the handy “poop burrito” technique:

After pooping, wrap up the used toilet paper around the feces into a small burrito shape.
Place the poop burrito into a ziplock bag, seal it, and pack it out in an odor-proof bag or container.
Never bury waste or toilet paper in areas that require pack out.

Though it sounds unappealing, the poop burrito method lets you pack out waste without directly touching it. Do your part to keep pristine wild places clean.

Use Proper Trash Disposal

When using restroom facilities, be sure to only put human waste and toilet paper in toilets or catholes. Other trash must go in proper receptacles.

Do NOT throw items like wet wipes, feminine products, diapers, food litter, etc down toilets. Put them in provided trash cans or pack them out if none available.

Cigarette butts should also be packed out, as they are not biodegradable. Leave no trace by keeping facilities clean for others.

Practice Good Hygiene

While camping, it’s important to wash or sanitize your hands frequently, especially after bathroom use. Here are some tips:

Bring moist cleansing wipes if no hand washing station is available.
Use a dab of hand sanitizer after wiping/cleaning. Allow your hands to fully air dry.
Wash hands with soap and warm water (2 minutes minimum) whenever possible.
Avoid eating or food prep immediately after bathroom use until hands are clean.

Practicing good hygiene in the wilderness protects your health and that of others sharing the space. Don’t skimp on hand cleaning when facilities are limited.

What to Do About Toilet Paper

Toilet paper biodegrades over time, but you should still never leave it openly exposed. Here are proper ways to handle TP while camping:

Catholes: Bury toilet paper at the bottom of catholes underneath waste. Mix in soil/duff to fully cover.

Outhouses/Toilets: Only flush toilet paper down designated toilets. Never put in sinks or leave sitting out.

Pack out: In leave no trace areas, use the poop burrito method and pack out toilet paper with solid waste.

Trash receptacles: If a trash can is provided and you can’t bury or flush toilet paper, securely bag it and place into receptacle.

By keeping toilet paper controlled, you prevent it from blowing around and ensure proper breakdown over time.

When Nature Calls, Be Prepared

Dealing with pooping in the great outdoors may seem unpleasant, but it doesn’t have to ruin your camping experience. With the right supplies, location, and digging methods, you can take care of business hygienically and responsibly.

Remember these tips:

Bring TP, trowel, sanitizer, wipes, bags
Choose a site 200 feet from waters, trails, camps
Dig proper 6-8 inch catholes and bury waste
Pack out waste per area rules
Practice good hand hygiene always

Next time nature calls during your camping trip, face it with confidence, not dread! Handle your business properly so you can get back to enjoying the beautiful wilderness.