Do Camper Vans Have Bathrooms?
One of the questions we’re often asked is: Do camper vans come with bathrooms? And the short answer is…it depends. Not every camper van is built the same, and bathroom setups vary widely depending on the van’s size, purpose, and how the owner plans to use it.
Shopping for a van or simply curious about vanlife in general? Understanding the different bathroom options can help you make smarter decisions on the road or during the build.
It All Comes Down to Use Case
The bathroom question is really about intended use. Are you planning to stay off the grid for days at a time? Then chances are, a built-in bathroom—with a toilet, shower, and water storage—makes a lot of sense. But if your adventures mostly take you to established campgrounds, where clean restrooms and hot showers are already available, you may find that a full wet bath just isn’t necessary.
Many vanlifers skip the built-in setup entirely, opting instead to use campground facilities or carry a portable toilet for emergencies and convenience. Others want the ability to shower in private no matter where they’re parked, especially if they’re exploring remote wilderness areas.
The Three Common Setups
Here’s a general breakdown of the types of bathroom setups you’ll find in camper vans:
1. Built-in Bathrooms
Some camper vans, especially higher-end Class B RVs, feature integrated wet baths. These typically include a toilet, shower, and sometimes even a small sink in one compact, waterproof space. Built-ins are great for full-time travelers and off-grid use, but they do come with tradeoffs:
Takes up valuable interior space
Requires larger water tanks and plumbing
Adds weight and cost to the build
Involves black water dumping and more maintenance
2. Designated Spaces for Portable Toilets
Many mid-sized or DIY-style camper vans include a cabinet or hidden compartment that houses a portable cassette toilet. These toilets don’t require plumbing or tanks and are ideal for short-term use, late-night emergencies, or stealth camping.
At altCamp, our Signature Collection vans are built without permanent bathrooms (mostly for sanitation purposes), but we do offer a high-quality Dometic portable cassette toilet upon request. It's compact, easy to empty, and fits neatly into a designated storage space. This is a great option for those who want the flexibility of a toilet without the hassle of a full wet bath.
To learn more about our recommended Dometic 5 Gallon Portable Toilet, click here.
3. No Bathroom Setup
Many vans, especially minimalist builds, don’t include any bathroom at all. This works just fine for travelers who plan their routes around campgrounds, gyms, coffee shops, or public rest stops. Removing the bathroom opens up space for a more open layout, extra gear storage, or a larger sleeping area.
Final Thoughts
So, do camper vans have bathrooms? Some do. Some don’t. And many fall somewhere in between. It all comes down to how the van will be used and how much priority is placed on bathroom convenience versus space, weight, and simplicity.
If you’re considering building or buying a van, or even renting one for a weekend, think about how you’ll travel. Will you be off-grid for long stretches? A built-in bathroom might be worth the sacrifice in space. Planning to stay at campgrounds or travel short-term? A portable toilet (or none at all) might suit you just fine.
In the end, vanlife is all about balance, and when it comes to bathrooms, you’ve got options.
Related article: Do You Need a Special License to Drive a Camper Van in the US?