Are There Toilets in Glamping Tents? What to Expect in 2025
When you picture glamping, you might imagine cozy beds under the stars, wooden floors, and a hot cup of coffee waiting as the sun rises. But one question keeps coming up: are there toilets in glamping tents? The answer isn’t simple-it depends on where you go, how much you’re willing to pay, and what kind of experience you’re after.
Glamping isn’t one thing-it’s a spectrum
Not all glamping is the same. Some sites offer basic canvas tents with an outhouse 50 feet away. Others are fully equipped luxury pods with flush toilets, hot showers, and even heated floors. The term "glamping" covers everything from rustic charm to five-star outdoor resorts. If you’re booking for the first time, don’t assume your tent comes with a bathroom inside. Always check the listing details before you pay.Back in 2020, most glamping sites in North America still relied on shared bathroom buildings. But by 2025, over 68% of new glamping properties in Canada and the U.S. now include private bathrooms inside the unit, according to data from the Glamping Industry Report. That’s a huge shift in just five years. Why? Because travelers want comfort without giving up the outdoors.
What’s inside a glamping tent with a toilet?
If you’re paying $200+ per night, you’re likely getting a private bathroom. Here’s what that usually includes:- A flush toilet connected to a septic system or composting unit
- A small shower with hot water (often solar-heated or on-demand electric)
- Running water at a sink, sometimes with real soap and towels
- Proper ventilation to prevent mold and odors
- Privacy curtains or a fully enclosed room inside the tent
Some high-end units even have heated towel racks, Bluetooth speakers, and smart mirrors. In British Columbia, places like Wilderness Resort a luxury glamping site near Whistler offering private en-suite bathrooms in every tent use composting toilets that turn waste into safe soil within weeks. No sewage lines needed-just clean, quiet, and eco-friendly.
What if the toilet isn’t inside?
Many budget-friendly or nature-focused glamping spots still use shared facilities. These are often clean, well-maintained, and located just steps from your tent. Think: heated bathroom buildings with multiple stalls, hot showers, and even laundry stations. Some sites even provide complimentary toiletries and robes.At Evergreen Glampsite a popular eco-glamping destination in the Okanagan Valley with shared bathroom cabins, guests walk a 30-second path to a modern, gender-neutral bathroom block. It’s not private, but it’s spotless, heated in winter, and open 24/7. Families with kids often prefer this setup-it’s easier to supervise little ones, and there’s no risk of plumbing issues inside the tent.
Composting toilets: the eco-friendly choice
If you’re staying at a truly eco-conscious site, you’ll likely find composting toilets. These don’t use water or chemicals. Instead, they separate liquids and solids, then break down waste naturally using microbes and airflow. The result? No sewage, no odor, and no environmental impact.Composting toilets are common in remote glamping locations where running water or sewer lines aren’t available. Brands like Clivus Multrum a leading manufacturer of off-grid composting toilets used in many Canadian glamping sites are installed in over 40% of eco-glamping sites in British Columbia. They’re reliable, low-maintenance, and smell like nothing more than damp earth-if they’re maintained right.
Don’t be put off by the idea. These toilets work like magic. You sit on a regular-looking seat, add a scoop of coconut coir after each use (it absorbs moisture and controls odor), and that’s it. No flushing, no noise, no mess. Many guests say they’re surprised how normal it feels after the first time.
What you should ask before booking
To avoid disappointment, always ask these five questions before you book:- Is the toilet inside the tent or in a separate building?
- Is it a flush toilet or a composting toilet?
- Is hot water available for showers and sinks?
- Are towels and toiletries provided?
- Is the bathroom cleaned daily or only upon checkout?
Most reputable glamping sites list this info clearly. If they don’t, send a quick message. A good operator will reply within hours. If they don’t answer at all, consider looking elsewhere.
Why this matters for eco-friendly travel
Glamping is often marketed as a way to connect with nature without sacrificing comfort. But true eco-friendly glamping isn’t just about solar panels and recycled wood. It’s about how waste is handled.Traditional flush toilets use 1.6 to 3 gallons of clean water per flush. In dry regions like the American Southwest or parts of British Columbia, that’s a luxury you can’t afford. Composting toilets cut water use to zero. They also prevent wastewater from polluting nearby streams or groundwater.
When you choose a glamping site with a composting toilet, you’re not just getting a better night’s sleep-you’re helping protect the wild places you came to enjoy.
Real examples from 2025
Here’s what you can expect at three popular Canadian glamping spots:| Location | Property Name | Toilet Type | Water Source | Price Range (CAD/night) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whistler, BC | Wilderness Resort | Flush toilet, private en-suite | Well water + solar heating | $320-$550 |
| Oliver, BC | Desert Bloom Glamping | Composting toilet, private | Rainwater collection | $190-$280 |
| Algonquin Park, ON | Terra Glamp | Shared bathroom building | Well water + propane heaters | $140-$210 |
Notice the pattern? Higher prices = more privacy and better systems. But even the most affordable options now offer clean, reliable facilities. The days of "portable toilet down the trail" are fading fast.
What to pack if there’s no toilet inside
If you’re staying at a site with shared bathrooms, bring a few simple things:- A small towel or washcloth (some places don’t provide them)
- Flip-flops for the shower area
- Hand sanitizer and wipes (for quick cleanups)
- A small flashlight (in case the bathroom lights go out at night)
- Discreet toiletries (no strong perfumes-some sites are wildlife-sensitive)
You don’t need much. Most glamping sites are designed to make life easy. You’re there to relax, not to survive.
Final takeaway
Yes, many glamping tents now have toilets inside. But not all do-and that’s okay. The best choice depends on your priorities: privacy, budget, or environmental impact. If you want the full luxury experience, book a unit with an en-suite bathroom. If you’re looking for a quieter, greener escape, a composting toilet might be your perfect match.Either way, the days of camping with a bucket and a tarp are over. Glamping in 2025 delivers real comfort without losing its soul. Just know what you’re signing up for-and you’ll sleep better than you ever have under the stars.
Do all glamping tents have toilets?
No. Some glamping tents have private bathrooms inside, while others use shared bathroom buildings or composting toilets outside. Always check the listing details before booking.
Are composting toilets gross?
Not if they’re well-maintained. Modern composting toilets use airflow and natural materials to break down waste without odor. Many guests say they’re cleaner and quieter than public restrooms. You just need to follow simple instructions-like adding a scoop of coconut coir after each use.
Is it worth paying more for a private bathroom in a glamping tent?
If you value privacy, convenience, or are traveling with kids or elderly guests, yes. Private bathrooms save time, reduce stress, and make mornings easier. But if you’re okay with a short walk and don’t mind sharing, you can save $100+ per night without sacrificing cleanliness.
Do glamping sites provide toilet paper and soap?
Most do-especially mid-range and luxury sites. But it’s not guaranteed. Always check the listing or message the host. If in doubt, pack your own to be safe.
Can you use regular toilet paper in a composting toilet?
Yes, but only if it’s septic-safe or biodegradable. Thick, quilted toilet paper can slow down the composting process. Stick to single-ply or brands labeled "for composting toilets." Many glamping sites provide their own, so ask before you bring extras.
Are glamping bathrooms heated in winter?
In colder regions like Canada, most modern glamping sites heat their bathroom areas-whether inside the tent or in shared buildings. Look for mentions of "heated bathrooms," "propane heaters," or "insulated walls" in listings. If it’s not stated, assume it’s not heated and pack accordingly.