How Bad Are Campsite Restrooms

Campsite bathrooms and showers can be a source of concern for some campers. After all there tend to be large numbers of people using these facilities and the close proximity of people and the environment can create potential for a real mess.

Are campsite bathrooms and showers automatically going to be dirty? The answer can depend on a number of factors. It is important to remember that campsite bathrooms and showers are often shared facilities used by multiple campers. Thus it is essential that campers have a healthy respect for one another, and that they act responsibly while using the shared facilities. This includes leaving the shower and bathroom as clean as possible, as well as not leaving any items behind that may create a mess or nuisance.

Additionally campers should take the time to properly dispose of any waste products. When considering the cleanliness of the campsite bathroom and shower the condition of the physical environment should be taken into account as well. All campsites have bathrooms but some may have better maintained and better equipped facilities than others.

For example, if the shower cubicles are lined with mold and mildew, this can be a sign that the bathroom is not well maintained and may be harboring bacteria and germs. In this case, it would be wise to use extra caution when using the facilities but the condition can often be hard to predict in advance.

In terms of the actual cleanliness of the bathroom and shower itself there are a few ways that campers can ensure that their experience is as clean and pleasant as possible. One way is to bring along a few basic supplies such as cleaning cloths and soap to wipe down the surfaces before and after use. This will help ensure that the bathroom and shower are as clean as possible. A bottle of bleach spray also goes a very long way.

Also, it would be wise to bring along a pair of flip flops to wear while in the shower to avoid any potential contact with germs and bacteria on the floor. You should really never go barefoot in a strange bathroom.

In short, the level of cleanliness of campsite bathrooms and showers can vary dramatically. It is important to remember that these are public facilities and campers should act responsibly while using them, leaving the bathroom and shower in a clean condition when possible.

Alternatives To Campsite Bathrooms

If you are concerned about how bad campsite bathrooms are, you might want an alternative. Here are some options.

First and foremost it’s important to always practice “Leave No Trace”. This means making the least impact you can on the environment. Instead of relying on campsite restroom facilities there are ways to take care of your business while following this principle.

The first alternative to using a campsite restroom is to use a portable restroom. Many of these are available at camping supply stores or online. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be used for anything from a quick bathroom break to a full, well you know. They are also very sanitary since their use would be limited to your group.

Another alternative to using campsite restrooms is to use a makeshift toilet. This can be done wherever there’s enough open space away from the campsite. The makeshift toilet should be created by digging a hole several inches deep and lined with heavy duty plastic. Keep in mind that this will not be legal in all areas.

Lastly, you can always rely on nature’s bathroom facilities. This includes using the woods themselves discreetly. Whenever using this option, it’s important to once again practice “Leave No Trace” principles and make sure to bury any waste properly. Keep in mind that this option is definitely not recommended during peak season when campsites tend to be full.