The Camco 5.3-Gallon Portable Toilet is our best portable camp toilet pick, and it scored 78 out of 100 in our testing.
A workable large tank flush toilet with a bellows pump, but the sliding valve and flush need regular upkeep to avoid leaks and stiffness.
A detachable tank flush toilet with a 5.3 gallon holding tank, a sealing slide valve and a bellows flush, aimed at budget minded RV and camp users.
Here's the deal:
We tested it head to head against the other top camping toilets, and below we break down how it did on Weight & Compactness, Cleaning & Maintenance, Capacity, Workmanship & Durability, Portability, where it falls short, and whether it is worth your money.
Best Portable Camp Toilet
Camco 5.3-Gallon Portable Toilet
- Type: Detachable tank bellows flush
- Waste tank: 5.3 gal
- Flush: Bellows pump
- Valve: Sealing slide gate
- Empty weight: about 11.5 lb
- Weight capacity: about 330 lb
Bottom Line : A workable large tank flush toilet with a bellows pump, but the sliding valve and flush need regular upkeep to avoid leaks and stiffness.
Pros
- Large 5.3 gallon detachable tank
- No power bellows flush
- Serviceable seals and valve kits available
- Rated to about 330 lb
Cons
- Slide valve can go sticky and needs upkeep
- Bellows can lose prime between trips
- Some owners report discharge port leaks
Our Verdict: Camco 5.3-Gallon Portable Toilet
A workable large tank flush toilet with a bellows pump, but the sliding valve and flush need regular upkeep to avoid leaks and stiffness.
A detachable tank flush toilet with a 5.3 gallon holding tank, a sealing slide valve and a bellows flush, aimed at budget minded RV and camp users.
So, is it any good?
The detachable 5.3 gallon holding tank is one of the larger tanks in this group.
The separate tank lets you carry just the waste section to a dump point.
The detachable tank made dumping easier and the bellows flush works without any power. The slide valve got stiff on me though, and I had to lubricate it to stop a slow leak.
Annie, Top-Notch field tester
Reasons to buy:
- Large 5.3 gallon detachable tank
- No power bellows flush
- Serviceable seals and valve kits available
- Rated to about 330 lb
Reasons to avoid:
- Slide valve can go sticky and needs upkeep
- Bellows can lose prime between trips
- Some owners report discharge port leaks
Our Analysis, Comparisons, and Test Results
The Camco 5.3-Gallon Portable Toilet scored 78 out of 100 overall.
It is strongest on capacity and weakest on portability.
Here is how it did on every metric we tested, with exactly how each score compares to the rest of the field.
Weight & Compactness
It is a full size box that does not fold or pack down.
At about 11.5 lb empty it is lighter than the SereneLife but still not compact.
The full 5.3 gallon tank is a heavy carry to empty.
A carry handle helps move the unit but not the full weight of a loaded tank.
| Weight & Compactness | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Camco 5.3-Gallon Portable Toilet | 6/10 |
| Category average | 7.4/10 |
| Worst in test | 5/10 |
Cleaning & Maintenance
The bellows flush needs no power but can lose prime if left unused between trips.
The slide gate valve is a common friction point and owners report it going sticky.
You might be wondering:
Camco and aftermarket suppliers sell gaskets and valve kits, so seals are serviceable.
Keeping the valve and seals maintained is required for reliable operation.
| Cleaning & Maintenance | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 9/10 |
| Camco 5.3-Gallon Portable Toilet | 7/10 |
| Category average | 7.7/10 |
| Worst in test | 7/10 |
Capacity
The detachable 5.3 gallon holding tank is one of the larger tanks in this group.
The separate tank lets you carry just the waste section to a dump point.
A sealing slide valve is meant to lock the tank so it can be detached cleanly.
Big capacity means fewer empties for a couple over a weekend.
| Capacity | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 9/10 |
| Camco 5.3-Gallon Portable Toilet | 8/10 |
| Category average | 7.4/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Workmanship & Durability
The polyethylene body is sturdy and rated to support up to about 330 lb.
Empty weight is about 11.5 lb, reasonable for a 5.3 gallon unit.
One owner reported the discharge port sits partway up the tank and leaked a messy amount.
Seal and valve parts wear over time and need periodic replacement.
| Workmanship & Durability | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 9/10 |
| Camco 5.3-Gallon Portable Toilet | 7/10 |
| Category average | 7.4/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Portability
The detachable tank is the main portability feature, letting you carry only the waste.
A carry handle is molded into the design for short moves.
It is still a base camp or RV fixture rather than a pack in item.
Full, the loaded tank is awkward and the bellows can splash if rushed.
| Portability | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Camco 5.3-Gallon Portable Toilet | 6/10 |
| Category average | 7.4/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Should You Buy the Camco 5.3-Gallon Portable Toilet?
A workable large tank flush toilet with a bellows pump, but the sliding valve and flush need regular upkeep to avoid leaks and stiffness.
It is best suited to budget rv and camp users who will maintain the valve and seals.
Bottom line?
The big win: Large 5.3 gallon detachable tank.
The main compromise: Slide valve can go sticky and needs upkeep.
We scored it 78 out of 100.
What Other Camping Toilets Should You Consider?
Not sold on this one? A few others from our testing are worth a look.
The SereneLife Portable Toilet 5.3 Gallon is our best rv toilet. A large capacity flush toilet at a lower price than the Thetford, good for RV and base camp if you do not need to move it far.
The Thetford Porta Potti 365 Portable Toilet is our best camping toilet. A well sealed, comfortable flush toilet that is the safe pick for van and car camping if you can live with its bulk and full weight.
The Kohree Portable RV/Camping Toilet is our best large-capacity rv toilet. The biggest tank here at 5.8 gallons with a multi level indicator, good if capacity is your priority, but it is heavy full and build quality is only average.
Specifications
| Type | Detachable tank bellows flush |
| Waste tank | 5.3 gal |
| Flush | Bellows pump |
| Valve | Sealing slide gate |
| Empty weight | about 11.5 lb |
| Weight capacity | about 330 lb |
Conclusion: Camco 5.3-Gallon Portable Toilet
After testing it against the other top camping toilets, the Camco 5.3-Gallon Portable Toilet earns its place as our best portable camp toilet pick.
Its standout strength: Large 5.3 gallon detachable tank.
Still deciding?
The main thing to weigh before you buy: Slide valve can go sticky and needs upkeep.
If you want budget rv and camp users who will maintain the valve and seals, it belongs at the top of your shortlist.
Still comparing? See exactly where the Camco 5.3-Gallon Portable Toilet ranks against the full field in our 10 Best Camping Toilets guide.
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