As a Host, you must ensure that human waste is disposed of in a way that’s compliant with local laws, including public health and environmental health regulations.

All campsites listed on Hipcamp must have access to a toilet, whether provided by the Host or the Hipcamper. If the Host provides a toilet, it must be onsite with unrestricted access to Hipcampers. (Hosts offering sites with provided accommodations must provide a contracted portable toilet, a rustic toilet, or an advanced toilet; basic transportable camp toilets are not allowed.) If you're not able to provide a toilet onsite, Hipcampers must bring their own camp toilet.

Hipcamp sites with toilets see 2 times the occupancy of those without. Hosts who offer high-quality toilet amenities earn more bookings at higher rates!

Quality toilets improve Hipcamper experiences. Toilets are our second-most-used filter, with 10% of all searchers wanting a toilet.

Most people use the toilet 5x a day. Implementing appropriate toilet systems protects Hosts' land and our natural resources.

All Hosts must provide at least one of the toileting tiers (see below) to Hipcampers.

Hipcampers must have a means of containing excreta. 

Hosts providing sleeping accommodations must provide at least one toilet from Tier B through Tier E. Tier A is prohibited. (See below)

During use, toilets shall not expose Hipcampers to other parties, campsites, or people onsite or offsite.

Hosts must provide detailed toileting instructions to Hipcampers prior to arrival.

Site listings must identify the type of toilet offered. 

Feces, toilet paper, or hygiene products shall not be left on bare ground or with light cover. 

All Hosts must maintain an accurate toilet checklist, and provide it to Hipcamp upon request.

Toileting structures shall not disturb or negatively impact sensitive habitat or water resources.

Hosts shall review, adjust, and self-certify their toileting system annually.

All Hosts must provide at least one toilet from the below toileting tiers to Hipcampers. Hosts providing sleeping accommodations must provide at least one toilet from Tier B through Tier E.

Host or Hipcamper provides basic transportable camp toilet and associated supplies for the collection and containment of human excreta. Hipcampers are responsible for properly depositing collected excreta in onsite composting bins, onsite trash receptacles, or offsite trash receptacles, according to Host instructions.

RV Hipcampers are instructed to provide their own toilet associated with their vehicle. Hipcampers are responsible for proper off-site disposal unless Host provides disposal or is required to take responsibility for disposal by their jurisdiction. 

Host provides portable toilet(s), and maintains service contract. Hosts shall arrange the number of toilets and frequency of servicing in a manner that maintains safe and sanitary conditions and provides ample toileting capacity. 

Host provides enclosed structure equipped with at least one toilet. Host provides cleaning and servicing of commode and interior. Host is responsible for proper processing or disposal of excreta.

Host provides enclosed structure equipped with at least one toilet. Host provides cleaning and servicing of commode and interior. Host is responsible for disposal and processing of excreta. Structure provides safe and sanitary hand-washing amenities. 

1. Read Hipcamp's toilet policy to become familiar with toilet tiers and minimum standards.
   
   
2. Read product reviews, talk to other Hosts, and do your research.
   
   
3. Reach out to eco-sanitation professionals for guidance.
   
   
4. Try the toilet yourself before adding it to your site. If it is unpleasant for you, it will be for Hipcampers, too.
   
   
5. Consider what level of commitment you can make when it comes to management and maintenance.

Answer these questions to confirm compliance, comfort, and safety.

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Can you provide a toilet from one of the toileting tiers (A through E above)?

Can you, as a Host, provide toilet and collection supplies? 

• Toilet paper
• Compost bulking/cover material 
• Hand sanitizer with soap
• Trash receptacle for personal hygiene products and other waste

Has the maintenance schedule been established?

What is the response strategy in case toileting system becomes unusable (capacity exceeded, system failure, vandalism, storm or other natural disaster damage, or septic backup or failure)?

Can you ensure that the toileting system does not discharge to bodies of water under regular operation or during flooding?

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Remember, toileting is an amenity, not just a fixture!

• Ideally be no more than 55 yards (50 meters) from a campsite or cabin.
  
  
• Be accessible for maintenance and servicing.
  
  
• Not disturb or negatively impact sensitive habitat or water resources.
  
  
• Be sited to avoid damage from erosion or flooding.
  
  
• Be constructed using durable materials, including the interior, with easily washable materials.
  
  
• Include signage as part of the design to make the system as intuitive as possible.

All campsites listed on Hipcamp must have access to a toilet, whether provided by the Host or the Hipcamper. If you’re able to provide a toilet, it must be onsite with unrestricted access to Hipcampers. 

If you're unable to provide a toilet onsite, Hipcampers must bring their own camp toilet, including self-contained RVs.

When deciding on a toileting system, a good starting point is to estimate the expected volume based on usage. On average, one person will use the toilet 5 times a day; 4 times to pee, 1 time to poop!

Many factors will determine the cost including what system you want to set up, maintenance, and volume of usage. For example, contracted porta-potties may be pricier than compostable toilets, but might be worth it in terms of cleaning and servicing.

• The Compost Toilet Handbook by Joseph C. Jenkins
• The Loveable Loo instruction videos 
• Backcountry Sanitation Manual by The National Parks Service
• Urine My Garden by Rich Earth Institute 
• Guide to Starting a Urine Diversion Program by Rich Earth Institute
• Nutrient Networks
• Sustainable Sanitation Alliance
• Phlush
• Grey Water Action

Thanks for doing your part to keep yourself, others, and the outdoors safe. To learn more about how to recreate responsibly in various conditions, visit recreateresponsibly.org

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