All campsites listed on Hipcamp must have access to a toilet, whether provided by the Host or the Hipcamper.
What is Hipcamp’s policy on toilets?
All campsites listed on Hipcamp must have access to a toilet. If the Host provides a toilet, it must be onsite with unrestricted access to Hipcampers. (Hosts offering glamping or structured accommodations must provide a contracted portable toilet, a rustic toilet, or an advanced toilet; basic transportable camp toilets do not suffice.) More details and the full Hipcamp Toilet Policy can be found here.
What if I am unable to provide a toilet?
If you’re unable to provide a toilet onsite, you have two options.
- Hosts can require that Hipcampers bring their own camp toilet (see ‘Tier A’ in our Toilet Policy).
- Hosts can make their sites available to self-contained RV campers only (see ‘Tier B’ in our Toilet Policy).
If you go with either of these options, it’s important to set expectations and make this very clear to Hicampers in the toilet details and site descriptions on your listing. In your main Property description, indicate that a toilet is not available, and clarify that Hipcampers are required to be self-contained or bring their own.
What kind of toilet should I provide?
There’s a wide variety of toilets you can potentially offer at your Hipcamp. Check out our full Toilet Policy to understand the different tiers available and which you should provide if you're hosting campers, RVers, or glampers.
The most common permanent facilities Hosts provide include compost toilets, outhouses, and flush toilets. These typically fall in Tier A, D, or E in our policy. These come in all shapes and sizes, with many Hosts getting pretty creative when it comes to bathrooms. Here’s some inspiration:
- Hipcamp Toilet Awards
- How to Build a Composting Toilet in Less Than 45 Minutes
- 5 Toilets That Will Elevate Your Campsite
- Everything You Need to Know About Composting Toilets
Why should I get a toilet?
Toilets benefit everyone! Putting some revenue toward toilet structures can be a good investment because they attract more campers in the long run.
- More bookings: Hipcamp sites with toilets see more than double the occupancy of those without one. Hosts who offer high-quality toilet amenities earn more bookings at higher rates!
- A better experience: Quality toilets improve Hipcamper experiences. Toilets are our second-most-used filter and a must-have for many people.
- Faster growth: Offering toilets increases the demand for your Hipcamp, which helps you grow more quickly. More bookings, means more reviews, which compound to help you grow.
- Care for your land: Most people use the toilet 5 times a day. Implementing appropriate toilet systems protects Hosts’ land and our natural resources.
What else is required?
Some local governments may have their own requirements regarding managing human waste on private property. Be sure to research and comply with all toilet regulations specific to your state, county/council, or municipality. Learn more about researching permit requirements here.
Hipcamp maintains its own set of clear Toilet Standards all Hosts are required to meet. Review them here. Important highlights include:
- Feces, toilet paper, or hygiene products shall not be left on bare ground or with light cover.
- Toilet structures shall not disturb or negatively impact sensitive habitat or water resources.
- Hipcampers must have a means of containing excreta.
- Hosts must maintain an accurate toilet checklist to confirm compliance, comfort, and safety, and provide it to Hipcamp upon request. View the checklist here.
- Hosts shall review, adjust and self-certify their toilet system annually.
Have more questions about adding a toilet to your land? Check out the full Hipcamp Toilet Policy or get in touch with our team.