She Travels Simple’s Guide to Garden-Style Relief on the Road

When it comes to managing “garden duties” on the road, there are three key areas to consider:

Watering (Peeing)
Dropping Petals (Pooping)
Bloom Break (Monthly Cycle)

Living on the road, whether in an RV, van, or a small camper, presents unique challenges when it comes to managing your bathroom routine. But instead of stressing about where or how to handle these essential tasks, let’s explore some easy, practical solutions that’ll keep you comfortable and confident no matter where you are.

Over my 20 years of travel, I’ve found that public bathrooms are usually easy to come by—between campground bathhouses, parks, stores, and restaurants, there’s often a place to take care of business. But when you’re off the beaten path, you’ll need a few tried-and-true methods for handling garden duties on your own. Let’s dive in!

Watering: Managing Peeing on the Road

When you’re living in a small space, having a good solution for peeing while on the go is essential. Here are a few ways to take care of your needs when you’re not near a public restroom:

Big Gulp Cup: A large plastic convenience store cup is a simple, discreet option. Hold it in front of you, lean slightly forward, and maintain good balance. Afterward, seal the cup tightly and dispose of it properly in a trash container, or ideally, outside if possible. To make cleanup easier, use a towel or doggie pee pads to protect your space, especially in smaller areas like a car or van.
Bucket with Toilet Seat: A 5-gallon bucket with a toilet seat (purchased or DIY with a pool noodle) works well, especially for short-term use. While it can be cumbersome in a small rig, it’s a good solution when privacy and convenience are top priorities. Some people add cat litter or urine-absorbing products, but these can get expensive. If you choose this method, be sure to have a plan for proper disposal of the liquid.
Portable Camp Toilet: My personal favorite option is a portable camp toilet, like those from Thetford. These toilets are compact, easy to empty, and provide a great balance of comfort and practicality. I recommend one with a decent-sized tank (5.5 gallons is ideal for me), especially for long trips. Use it in rest areas, campground bathhouses, or anywhere with access to a trash bin for disposal. Just remember—never dispose of toilet paper or wipes in the urine compartment—always toss them in the trash.

Dropping Petals: Pooping Made Simple

For both watering and dropping petals, you can use the same portable camp toilet, but when it comes to pooping, a bit more maintenance is needed to manage odors and cleanliness. Here’s how to keep things simple:

After you pee, line the toilet with wax paper or a couple of baby wipes. Drop your petals into the bowl, and the urine will drain away. The wax paper or wipes catch the petals, which you can then fold up into a doggie bag for disposal. This method also keeps the toilet cleaner, which means less maintenance for you in the long run.
Some people prefer to catch their petals with a wipe or paper to avoid them touching the toilet bowl at all. Needless to say, this takes skill and flexibility, but it is a possibility!

If you’re considering a composting toilet, you should be aware that mixing urine and feces can create strong odors. Urine contains urea, which breaks down into ammonia over time, and feces contains bacteria that intensify the smell when mixed. To minimize odors and make the composting process more efficient, keep urine and feces separated.

Composting toilets require special products like sawdust, peat moss, or wood chips to balance the waste, and they can be pricey. While they’re a great long-term option, I personally prefer not to store waste in my rig for extended periods. They also require regular maintenance, including cleaning and insect management.

Bloom Break: Managing Your Monthly Cycle on the Go

When it comes to managing your monthly cycle while living on the road, hygiene and disposal are key. The methods for peeing can also work for this, but you’ll want to be extra mindful of cleanliness.

Keep a trash bin handy for used products, and dispose of everything responsibly.
If you’re using the same methods for disposal as you would for your other waste (like using biodegradable bags or eco-friendly wipes), it’s easy to handle both tasks with minimal hassle. Just make sure to dispose of everything properly.

By using the same methods for managing both “watering” and “dropping petals,” you can maintain hygiene without the need for extra space or equipment, making it that much easier to stay fresh on the road.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives

If you’re looking to be more eco-conscious while traveling, there are several options to reduce your impact:

Biodegradable Wipes: Use eco-friendly wipes instead of traditional ones, which will break down more easily and reduce waste.
Compostable Toilet Paper: If you’re using a portable toilet or bucket system, try using compostable toilet paper that can break down naturally.
Portable Bidets: Consider investing in a portable bidet for hygiene. It’s a great water-saving option that’s easy to use and easy to pack.

Conclusion: Simplifying Garden Duties on the Road

Managing your garden duties on the road is all about balancing comfort, ease of use, and low maintenance. For me, simple, portable solutions have been the most practical—and they allow me to stay focused on the adventure without stressing about bathroom logistics.

Whatever method you choose, make sure you have a plan for disposal, maintain good hygiene, and select a setup that fits your space and lifestyle. The simpler your system, the more you can enjoy the freedom that comes with life on the road.

Author’s Note: If you’re using wipes, make sure to clean yourself thoroughly afterward. This extra step helps keep you feeling fresh longer, reducing the need for a shower right away and allowing you to stretch your time between washes. It’s a simple habit that can make a big difference on the road!