Glamping Cottages: Do You Really Get Your Own Toilet?

The first thing on most people’s minds when booking a glamping cottage isn’t the bedding or the view. It’s whether you’re going to have your own toilet. Nobody loves a midnight trek across a dark field, holding onto a flashlight and hoping you’re not stepping in mud. If you’ve got little ones like my daughter Liora, you know exactly what I mean. So, what’s really included when you go glamping in a cottage?

Truth is, not every glamping cottage comes with a private bathroom. Some have proper indoor toilets just like at home, while others, especially older or cheaper ones, stick with shared facilities a short walk away. There are also composting toilets and fancy eco-toilets—definitely a level up from the old porta-potty at a music festival, but still not everyone’s first choice. Before you book, it’s smart to check the details because the word “glamping” means different things at different places.

• Why Glamping Cottages Appeal to Comfort-Seekers
• Types of Toilets in Glamping Cottages
• Shared vs Private Toilets: What’s the Deal?
• Family Tips: Planning for Kids and Nighttime Bathroom Breaks
• Hygiene, Maintenance, and Glamping Reality Checks
• How to Ask the Right Questions Before You Book

Why Glamping Cottages Appeal to Comfort-Seekers

Glamping cottages are a huge step up from regular camping. Most people who try glamping want a bit of adventure—but not if it means freezing at night or queuing for a crowded public restroom. These cottages bring a cozy, home-like feel right into nature, so you skip the hassle of pitching tents or worrying if your gear will survive the rain.

One real draw is privacy. Unlike old-school campsites where you can practically hear your neighbors snoring, glamping cottages often give you your own space with real doors, windows, and actual beds. Families like mine love this setup, especially with kids who get cranky when they're cold or wet.

The bathrooms make a huge difference. A lot of glamping cottages now come with en-suite toilets, hot showers, and even heated floors. You get to enjoy fresh air and woodsy views all day, but you never have to traipse across a field holding a roll of toilet paper. In fact, according to a survey by Canopy & Stars, private facilities are one of the top reasons families pick glamping over standard camping.

If you've ever hesitated to camp because of the thought of porta-potties or open-air showers, these cottages remove all that stress. You show up, unpack, and just relax. Some even toss in extras—like mini-fridges, WiFi, or coffee machines—so you can have creature comforts while still waking up to birds instead of car horns.

Types of Toilets in Glamping Cottages

Cottage glamping really runs the gamut when it comes to the toilet situation. Some places are fancy, with modern plumbing and full bathrooms that feel like a hotel suite attached to your rustic getaway. Others are a bit more basic—think of it as upgraded camping with a flush, but maybe not much else.

Here's a quick look at the most common setups you’ll find:

• Glamping toilet (private flush toilet): Picture a standard bathroom you’d find at home—real plumbing, a flush, toilet paper on the holder. These are usually inside the cottage or attached as a private en-suite. Perfect if you want zero surprises at 2 am.
• Composting toilets: These are common at eco-friendly glamping spots. They don’t use water but break down waste in a sealed chamber. While there’s usually no smell (if cleaned well), some folks miss the old-school flush. Unless Liora is with me, I'm not picky, but kids can be a bit suspicious of composting loos.
• Shared bathroom blocks: Some cottages skip the en-suite and offer shared bathrooms a little walk away. These are often bigger, kept clean, and have hot showers. If you’re okay with a short stroll (and maybe grabbing a flashlight), it’s a pretty decent setup. You'll meet your neighbors—so maybe keep slippers handy.
• Portable toilets: Less common in proper glamping cottages, but some ultra-budget or off-grid sites still use high-quality porta-loos. They’re clean if looked after, but not what most people expect from “luxury” glamping.

Always read the listing or message the host before you book. Sometimes photos can be misleading and not every place is upfront about their bathroom situation. Ask how often bathrooms get cleaned, if there’s hot water, and if the toilet is private to your cottage or shared between several. If you have little kids, this info makes a big difference. Booking a spot with the right toilet setup saves a ton of hassle later.

Shared vs Private Toilets: What’s the Deal?

Let’s just say, in the world of glamping cottages, not all toilets are created equal. Some places roll out the red carpet with a private en suite bathroom, while others stick you with bathroom blocks you’ll share with other guests. Usually, higher-end glamping cottages and family-focused spots pride themselves on privacy. If you see words like “luxury glamping” or “en suite facilities” in the description, you’re almost guaranteed your own toilet. This is amazing for nighttime runs, privacy, and keeping the kids settled (trust me, I’ve done the 2 a.m. dash with Liora—never my favorite).

But if you’re on more of a budget or booking a traditional site, shared bathrooms might be the norm. That doesn’t mean horror-movie communal showers. Lots of glamping sites keep their shared bathrooms spotless and modern, and there are usually enough stalls, so you aren’t queuing up forever. Still, private toilets win for convenience. Some tips if you’re faced with the shared option:

• Check the distance from your cottage to the bathroom block—Google Maps can help if the owner doesn't list it.
• Look for real guest photos so you know what to expect (marketing pics always make bathroom blocks look fancier than they really are).
• Ask whether you’ll need to bring your own supplies like toilet paper or soap—some places don’t restock as often as you’d hope.

At the end of the day, the private-vs-shared question usually comes down to price, location, and the sort of comfort you need. If in doubt, ask—most owners are used to the toilet question and can give you the lowdown right away.

Family Tips: Planning for Kids and Nighttime Bathroom Breaks

Dragging kids out for a bathroom run in the middle of the night is never fun—especially if the toilet’s outside or shared. Here’s the big thing: when you book your glamping toilet situation, double-check if it’s actually inside the cottage. Places that advertise “ensuite” or “private bathrooms” usually mean you don’t have to leave your cozy space. Some glamping cottages go as far as offering kid-sized steps or add-ons to help little kids reach the toilet safely. If you’re not sure, just ask. Hosts are totally used to this question, believe me.

Now, if you’re somewhere with a shared or outdoor bathroom, you’ll want to do a bit of prep. Bring along a good flashlight (not just your phone) so you can see where you’re going. Headlamps work wonders because your hands stay free to help your kids. For little kids, a portable potty can be a real lifesaver for those “I can’t wait” moments. Line it with a disposable bag for easy cleanup and stash it by your bed just in case.

• Pack slippers or waterproof shoes to easily slip on for bathroom runs, especially if the ground is wet or muddy.
• Keep paths lit. If your glamping cottage doesn’t have automatic lights outside, toss in a few battery-powered lanterns or string lights.
• Stash wipes and hand sanitizer near your bed. Even if your cottage has indoor plumbing, it never hurts to be prepared when sleepwalking kids need help fast.
• If your child has night accidents or prefers not to walk outside in the dark, consider nighttime pull-ups, just in case the bathroom trip is too much hassle.

One more thing: glamping spots do get booked out in peak family seasons like half-terms and summer holidays, so get clear on the toilet setup before you confirm. Some places offer adapted solutions for younger families, like no-step entries or railings, so don’t hesitate to ask if you need something specific. Comfort means better sleep for everyone, and trust me, parents need that just as much as kids.

Hygiene, Maintenance, and Glamping Reality Checks

When you’re glamping, especially with family, hygiene matters a lot. No one wants to feel grubby on a getaway, and the whole point of glamping is to get a slice of outdoor life—without the gross bits. But not all glamping cottages are created equal when it comes to toilet cleanliness and upkeep. Here’s what you should know before making any decisions.

In most modern glamping cottages, you'll get a private, indoor toilet with running water, soap, and loo roll included. Sites with shared bathrooms usually post a cleaning schedule right on the door, and it’s common for staff to clean at least twice a day during busy seasons. Still, it never hurts to bring your own wipes and some extra hand sanitizer for peace of mind.

Here are some real-world checks and facts:

• According to the UK Glamping Association, about 72% of glamping sites with cottages now offer private toilets—up from 55% in 2019.
• Composting and eco-toilets aren’t as scary as they sound, but they do need a bit more user responsibility. Most places leave easy-to-follow instructions right in the bathroom, so you aren’t left guessing.
• Shared toilets can get grim fast if they’re busy or not well-maintained. Always check recent guest reviews for up-to-date hygiene feedback.

"Clean and well-maintained facilities are what separate true glamping from just regular camping," says Charlotte Morgan, editor of Glamping Insider.

It’s also smart to know what the staff policy is if something goes wrong (like the dreaded toilet blockages). At top-rated cottage sites, help is available by phone or text 24/7, but don’t expect this at every spot.

Want to see how different options stack up? Here’s a quick table comparing private, shared, and composting toilets commonly found in glamping cottages:

The main thing: always look for details about the glamping toilet setup before you book. Sites that boast about their spotless loos usually aren’t shy about sharing the specifics, so you know exactly what you’re getting into. And if they’re cagey or vague? It’s probably a sign the bathroom situation isn’t their strong point.

How to Ask the Right Questions Before You Book

Booking any glamping cottage without knowing exactly what you’re getting can end up in disappointment—or extra walks to a chilly bathroom block at 3am. Before you hand over your deposit, nail down the details. Here’s what to ask and why it’s worth the awkward email or phone call.

• Is there a private toilet in the cottage? Ask this upfront. Some glamping spots use pretty photos, but the bathroom could be 100 meters away. If you want the full comfort package, double-check that your space has its own toilet and that it’s indoors.
• What type of toilet is it—flush, composting, or cassette? Not everyone is cool with compost toilets, especially if you have kids. It’s fine to ask for details—they should happily explain what you’ll be using.
• Is the bathroom heated and private? In cold months, you don’t want to be shivering. Some places offer a bathroom, but it’s not in your accommodation and might not even be heated.
• How far is it from bed to bathroom? For families (trust me, I’ve been there with Liora), having a toilet a step away can make the difference between a relaxed night and one full of extra hassle.
• What about cleaning? Ask how often the toilet is cleaned, especially if it’s shared. Hygiene standards can really vary depending on the site’s size and staff.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to compare setups. Across UK glamping sites, a 2024 survey showed:

It sounds obvious, but the easiest way to avoid toilet surprises is to read reviews. Look for feedback with words like “bathroom,” “private,” or “shared” to spot red flags. When in doubt, call or message and use the questions above. People searching for glamping toilet get better results when they’re direct. No one wants guesswork when it comes to bathroom basics.