It’s the question on every wild camper’s mind, even if they’re too shy to ask: “But where will I poo?” Whether you're new to the world of wild camping or a seasoned explorer, bathroom breaks out in nature are something you need to plan for. We might be British, but there’s no need to get squeamish—because honestly, everybody does it.
At CampWild, we believe in leaving spaces better than we found them, and that includes handling our bathroom business responsibly. Let’s talk about it: where and how to do your business in the great outdoors without making it everyone else's problem. With a little preparation, you can avoid turning our wild spaces into a scene from a bad comedy.
Dig & Drop vs. Pack & Bin
When nature calls, there are two ways to handle it: Dig & Drop or Pack & Bin. If you're far from water sources, trails, and campsites, and the environment can handle it, Dig & Drop is fine. The germs in our waste aren’t something we want to share with anyone, human or animal. Some habitats are fragile and don’t handle invasive species (that’s us) dumping unexpected material all over the joint. Some areas, like deserts, don’t have the right conditions for proper decomposition. Even if your spot does have ideal composting vibes, how likely is it that someone or something will be passing through just after you’ve made a deposit? Full decomposition takes weeks, even in perfect conditions.
For CampWild's Wild Spaces, we’ve worked closely with landowners to determine the best approach for each spot. Depending on the habitat, some areas require you to take everything with you, while others allow for Dig & Drop. You can use our platform’s search feature to check the guidelines for each Wild Space before heading out, so you know exactly what’s needed.
The Dig & Drop Method
If you’re far enough away from trails, water sources, and campsites—and the local ecosystem can handle it—then it’s time for Dig & Drop. You’ll need a small trowel, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and some sturdy ziplock bags. Here’s how you do it:
Choose wisely: Your spot should be at least 30 metres from any trail, water, or campsite.
Dig deep: 15 cm is your minimum, and give yourself more width than you think you’ll need.
Drop it like it’s hot: Do the deed, then bag up your loo roll. Don't bury the paper—it doesn’t decompose like natural materials.
Cover it up: Fill the hole back in with the soil you dug out and leave the area just as wild as you found it.
Sanitise: Clean your hands and get back to adventuring.
The goal here? No one should know you were ever there.
The Pack & Bin Method (aka, Keeping It in the Bag)
If the conditions aren’t right for Dig & Drop (or if the Wild Space info says you can't!), it’s time to Pack & Bin. This method is simpler than it sounds and keeps our wild spaces pristine. You’ll need some biodegradable dog poo bags, a ziplock or a handy Dicky Bag (trust us, it’s a game-changer), and your usual loo roll and sanitizer. The Dicky Bag seals in odours and makes packing out waste a lot more pleasant—so there’s no excuse not to take responsibility.
Here’s how it works:
Bag it up: Do your business straight into the bag—no need for a hole this time.
Double bag it: Tie up your used loo roll and waste, and double bag it to be safe.
Seal it tight: Use a ziplock or Dicky Bag to keep everything secure until you reach a bin.
Sanitise: Because hygiene is key out here.
With a little planning, packing out waste can be simple, odour-free, and leaves no trace of your wild adventures—other than the memories, of course.
It’s Time to Cut the Crap (Literally)
Look, wild camping isn’t just about enjoying beautiful spaces—it’s about making sure they stay beautiful for the next person who comes along. Leaving waste in the wild is a growing issue, and it’s up to all of us to fix it. Whether you Dig & Drop or Pack & Bin, the goal is the same: respect the environment and leave nothing behind, especially not something you wouldn’t want to stumble upon on your next trip.
So, get out there, explore the Wild Spaces, and when nature calls—just make sure you leave no trace. With the help of tools like the Dicky Bag, it's easier than ever to take care of business responsibly. And hey, no need to shake our hand after—just wash yours.
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