Why Do Campers Bury Their Poop? The Essential Guide to Leave No Trace for Backcountry Sanitation

Why Do Campers Bury Their Poop?

Ever found yourself enjoying a beautiful hike, only to stumble upon a less-than-pleasant surprise left behind by a previous visitor? It’s a situation that can quickly sour an otherwise perfect outdoor experience. The question then arises: why do campers bury their poop? The simple, yet profound, answer is to protect the natural environment and ensure that others can enjoy the same pristine beauty you’ve encountered. This practice, rooted in the principles of Leave No Trace (LNT), is far more than just a suggestion; it’s a crucial aspect of responsible outdoor recreation that safeguards water sources, prevents the spread of disease, and preserves the wild character of our natural spaces.

My own early backpacking trips were a learning curve, and while I was generally mindful of my surroundings, the specifics of human waste management weren’t always at the forefront. I remember one particular trip in the Sierras where, after a strenuous climb, I found a small, neatly piled mound of toilet paper adorned with a rock. While the intention was likely good, the execution was problematic. It highlighted a common misconception: that simply hiding human waste is enough. It’s not. True Leave No Trace sanitation requires a more thorough and thoughtful approach, and understanding why campers bury their poop is the first step towards mastering it.

The Core Reason: Protecting Our Wild Places

At its heart, the practice of burying human waste boils down to minimizing our impact. When we venture into the backcountry, we are guests in a delicate ecosystem. Unlike developed campgrounds with established facilities, wild areas lack the infrastructure to process human waste safely. Left exposed, human feces can harbor harmful bacteria and pathogens. These can contaminate soil and water sources, posing risks to wildlife, livestock, and even other hikers who might unknowingly come into contact with them.

Consider this: a single gram of feces can contain billions of bacteria and millions of viruses. These microscopic agents can linger in the environment for extended periods, especially in cooler temperatures or when not properly decomposed. When rain washes over exposed waste, these contaminants can be carried into streams, lakes, and groundwater. This is not just an aesthetic issue; it’s a serious public health concern. Many remote areas rely on these natural water sources for drinking, and the presence of fecal coliform bacteria can render them unsafe without proper filtration or purification.

Furthermore, wild animals are attracted to human waste. While this might seem innocuous, it can disrupt their natural foraging behavior and lead to a dependency on human-provided “food” sources, which is detrimental to their health and survival. This can also increase the likelihood of negative human-wildlife encounters, something no camper wants. By burying our waste, we effectively remove this attractant and allow wildlife to continue their natural patterns.

The sheer volume of visitors to popular backcountry areas also magnifies the impact. Even a seemingly small amount of waste from each individual can accumulate rapidly, creating significant environmental problems. This is especially true in fragile alpine environments or desert landscapes where decomposition is slow and vegetation is scarce, making the impact of any foreign material much more pronounced. Therefore, why campers bury their poop is directly tied to the sustainability of these cherished places for generations to come.

Understanding the “How”: The Cathole Method

The most widely recommended method for human waste disposal in the backcountry is the creation of a cathole. This isn’t just about digging a random hole; it’s a specific technique designed for effective and minimal impact sanitation. Let’s break down the process, step-by-step, to truly understand why campers bury their poop and how to do it correctly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Digging a Cathole:

1. Choose Your Spot Wisely: This is arguably the most critical step. Select a location that is at least 200 feet (about 70 adult steps) away from water sources such as lakes, rivers, streams, and springs. Also, ensure it’s away from trails, campsites, and any areas where people might gather. Look for a place with loose soil, ideally with some leaf litter or organic material on top. Avoid areas with heavy vegetation or exposed bedrock, as these can make digging difficult and hinder decomposition.
2. Dig the Cathole: Using a small trowel or sturdy stick, dig a hole that is 6 to 8 inches deep and about 4 to 6 inches in diameter. The depth is important; it needs to be deep enough to effectively bury the waste and minimize odor and attraction to animals, but not so deep that it becomes overly difficult to dig or that decomposition is significantly hindered. The width should be sufficient to catch all waste.
3. Do Your Business: Once the cathole is prepared, use it for its intended purpose. Aim to deposit your feces directly into the hole.
4. Wipe Responsibly: This is where many people falter. The best practice is to use natural materials like smooth stones or leaves (if available and properly identified as safe to handle) to wipe. However, for most campers, toilet paper is a necessity. If you use toilet paper, pack it out. Do not bury toilet paper, as it decomposes very slowly and can be dug up by animals or unearthed by erosion. Carry a small resealable plastic bag or a designated “poo bag” specifically for this purpose.
5. Backfill and Camouflage: Carefully cover the waste with the soil you removed when digging the cathole. Pack it down firmly. Then, use the natural leaf litter, pine needles, or soil to camouflage the spot, making it look as undisturbed as possible. The goal is to return the area to its natural state.
6. Sanitize Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with biodegradable soap and water or use hand sanitizer after you have finished.

It’s crucial to understand that burying toilet paper is generally discouraged by Leave No Trace principles for the very reasons stated above. While some might argue that it decomposes eventually, in the cool, dry conditions often found in the backcountry, this can take a very long time. Animals can dig it up, and it doesn’t contribute to the decomposition of the waste itself. Therefore, packing out all used toilet paper is the gold standard.

The Science Behind Decomposition and Impact

The effectiveness of burying human waste hinges on understanding natural decomposition processes. When done correctly, burying our waste allows the natural decomposition cycle to take hold. Soil contains a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, that break down organic matter, including feces. The depth of the cathole plays a vital role here. A 6-8 inch depth is generally considered optimal because:

• Temperature: The soil provides insulation. While surface temperatures can fluctuate wildly, deeper soil layers maintain a more stable, generally warmer temperature. This warmth accelerates the activity of decomposers.
• Moisture: Soil helps retain moisture, which is essential for microbial activity. Too dry, and decomposition slows; too wet, and anaerobic conditions might prevail, leading to slower, more odorous decomposition.
• Oxygen: The soil structure allows for some aeration, providing the oxygen that aerobic bacteria need to efficiently break down organic compounds.
• Buffering: Soil can also act as a natural filter and buffer, trapping some of the pathogens and preventing them from migrating too quickly into groundwater.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge the limitations. In extremely cold climates, high-altitude environments, or arid deserts, decomposition rates are significantly slower. In these sensitive ecosystems, the standard cathole method might not be sufficient, and packing out waste becomes even more critical. This highlights the adaptive nature of Leave No Trace principles – the “how” can change based on the “where.”

Another factor to consider is the pathogen load. While the burying method helps reduce immediate risks, it doesn’t magically eliminate all pathogens. That’s why maintaining distance from water sources is paramount. Even with proper burying, there’s a residual risk, and minimizing that risk through careful site selection is key to understanding why campers bury their poop responsibly.

When Burying Isn’t Enough: The Case for Packing Out

While the cathole method is the cornerstone of backcountry sanitation for solid waste, there are certain situations where it’s not the best or only option. Increasingly, the principle of packing out human waste is being promoted, especially in fragile ecosystems or high-traffic areas. This is where understanding the nuances of why campers bury their poop expands to include why they might choose a different approach.

Situations Where Packing Out is Recommended or Required:

• Fragile Environments: Alpine meadows, desert environments, slot canyons, and areas with thin soils or slow decomposition rates are particularly vulnerable. In these places, even a well-dug cathole can remain visible and a source of contamination for extended periods.
• High-Use Areas: In popular backcountry destinations, the sheer volume of visitors can overwhelm the natural decomposition capacity of the soil. Repeated use of catholes in the same general vicinity can lead to concentrated contamination.
• Water Source Proximity: If it’s impossible to find a spot 200 feet from a water source, packing out becomes a safer alternative.
• Regulations: Many national parks, wilderness areas, and even some state lands now have regulations that require campers to pack out human waste. It’s always crucial to check the specific regulations for the area you plan to visit.
• Personal Preference and Peace of Mind: Some campers simply prefer the assurance of packing out their waste, knowing they have completely removed their impact from the environment.

Packing out human waste involves using specialized bags designed for this purpose. These are often double-bagged, odor-proof, and sometimes contain absorbent materials to manage moisture. The used waste is then typically carried out to a designated disposal point, such as a ranger station or a proper landfill. While this method might seem less appealing, it represents the highest standard of Leave No Trace and is essential for preserving our most sensitive natural areas.

I’ve encountered situations on multiday desert trips where the ground is hardpan and digging a cathole is nearly impossible. In these instances, a wag bag (a common brand of waste disposal bag) is not just recommended; it’s the only responsible option. This is a prime example of how the context of why campers bury their poop can evolve based on environmental conditions and regulations.

The Impact on Wildlife and Ecosystems

The question of why campers bury their poop is intrinsically linked to the health of wildlife. Human feces can contain pathogens that are not native to or prevalent in the diets of many wild animals. When animals consume contaminated vegetation or water, they can contract diseases, leading to illness and even death.

For example, Giardia, a common protozoan parasite found in human feces, can infect a wide range of mammals, including deer, elk, and rodents. While not always fatal, it can cause significant health problems for wildlife populations. Similarly, E. coli and other bacteria can be transmitted, weakening animals and making them more susceptible to other threats.

Beyond direct disease transmission, the smell of human waste can also alter animal behavior. Bears, in particular, have an incredibly keen sense of smell and can be attracted from miles away to the scent of human feces or improperly stored food. This can lead to dangerous encounters, where bears may approach campsites or trails, putting both humans and the animals at risk. Burying waste helps to minimize this olfactory lure, keeping animals wild and people safe.

Furthermore, the accumulation of waste in areas where it is not properly disposed of can lead to localized pollution. This can impact the plant life, soil composition, and insect populations in that specific area, creating a ripple effect throughout the local food web. While one person’s waste might seem insignificant, the cumulative impact of many visitors not adhering to LNT principles can be substantial, particularly in concentrated camping areas or along popular trails.

The act of burying, when done correctly, aims to integrate our waste back into the natural system as quickly and safely as possible, mimicking natural processes and minimizing these disruptive effects. It’s a testament to the understanding that we are part of, not separate from, the natural world, and our actions have consequences.

Addressing the Toilet Paper Dilemma

As touched upon earlier, the handling of toilet paper is a frequent point of discussion and confusion regarding backcountry sanitation. The general consensus among Leave No Trace experts is clear: pack it out. So, why the strong stance against burying it, when the waste itself is being buried? The answer lies in decomposition rates and animal attraction.

Why Toilet Paper Should Be Packed Out:

• Slow Decomposition: Most commercially available toilet paper is designed to break down in septic systems, not in the harsh, often dry and cool conditions of the backcountry. It can persist for months or even years, becoming unsightly and potentially unearthed by animals.
• Animal Attraction: Animals are curious and will dig up buried toilet paper, scattering it around the campsite and further spreading potential contaminants.
• Visual Pollution: Even if not dug up, buried toilet paper can erode out of the soil, leaving a visible and unappealing mess.
• Risk of Contamination: While toilet paper itself isn’t inherently harmful, it can retain fecal matter, acting as a vector for pathogens if not properly contained and disposed of.

Carrying a dedicated “poo bag” or a sturdy resealable plastic bag for used toilet paper is a simple yet highly effective practice. Some people use reusable bags with a liner for this purpose. It’s a small inconvenience that makes a significant difference in preserving the natural beauty of the areas we enjoy.

For those seeking more natural alternatives, smooth stones or large, non-poisonous leaves can be used for wiping. However, this requires careful identification and handling to avoid irritation or contact with harmful plants. For most campers, the practical reality is that toilet paper is a necessity, and packing it out is the most responsible approach.

Human Urine: A Different Consideration

While the focus has been on solid waste, it’s worth briefly addressing human urine. Urine is primarily water and contains very few bacteria in healthy individuals. Therefore, the impact of urine on the environment is generally considered minimal compared to feces.

The general Leave No Trace recommendation for urine is to disperse it widely:

• Urine at least 200 feet from water sources, as with feces.
• Disperse urine over a wide area of mineral soil or rock if possible.
• Avoid urinating on vegetation, as high concentrations can damage or kill plants.

While not as critical as solid waste disposal, applying these guidelines helps maintain the overall health and aesthetics of the campsite. It’s another layer of awareness in understanding the comprehensive impact of our presence in the wild.

The Evolution of Backcountry Sanitation: From “Dig and Forget” to “Pack It Out”

The understanding of why campers bury their poop has evolved significantly. In the early days of recreational camping, the advice was often simply to “dig a hole and forget it.” While this was a step above leaving waste exposed, it lacked the nuanced understanding of environmental impact that we have today. As more people ventured into the wilderness and our scientific understanding of ecosystems grew, the limitations of this approach became apparent.

The development and popularization of Leave No Trace principles by organizations like the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics have been instrumental in shaping current practices. These principles are not arbitrary rules but are based on extensive research and real-world observations of how human activities affect natural environments. The shift towards packing out solid waste, especially in sensitive areas, is a direct result of this growing awareness and scientific understanding.

This evolution also reflects a broader societal shift in environmental consciousness. As we become more aware of our collective footprint, we are increasingly motivated to adopt practices that minimize our impact. For many, the choice to bury waste correctly, or even to pack it out, is an active expression of their respect for nature and their commitment to preserving it.

Key Shifts in Backcountry Sanitation Practices:

• Increased Emphasis on Distance: From simply “away from the trail” to a strict “200 feet from water sources.”
• Specific Depth and Size Requirements: Moving beyond a vague “hole” to a defined “cathole” of 6-8 inches deep.
• Toilet Paper Protocol: From burying all waste (including paper) to the firm recommendation of packing out all toilet paper.
• Emergence of Pack-Out Requirements: Mandates for using waste disposal bags in certain areas, acknowledging that burying isn’t always sufficient.
• Education and Awareness: Widespread dissemination of LNT principles through outdoor organizations, park services, and educational programs.

This ongoing evolution underscores that responsible outdoor recreation is not static; it requires continuous learning and adaptation to new information and changing environmental conditions. Understanding why campers bury their poop is the foundation, but adapting to best practices is how we truly embody Leave No Trace ethics.

Frequently Asked Questions About Backcountry Poop Management

Even with clear guidelines, questions about backcountry sanitation often arise. Here are some of the most common ones, with detailed answers to help solidify your understanding.

Q1: How deep should a cathole really be?

The generally accepted depth for a cathole is between 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm). This depth is crucial for several reasons that directly address why campers bury their poop effectively. Firstly, it provides sufficient cover to prevent animals from easily digging up the waste. A shallow hole makes the waste visible and accessible, negating the purpose of burying it. Secondly, this depth helps to insulate the waste from extreme surface temperature fluctuations. The soil acts as a buffer, maintaining a more stable environment that is conducive to microbial decomposition. Warmer, more consistent temperatures accelerate the breakdown process by the naturally occurring bacteria and fungi in the soil. Thirdly, burying the waste at this depth helps to contain odors, making the campsite more pleasant for you and other users and reducing its attractiveness to wildlife. Lastly, while not a perfect filter, the soil does provide some level of filtration for pathogens, and a greater depth offers more soil contact for this natural process before any potential migration into groundwater. It’s a balance: deep enough for containment and decomposition, but not so deep that it becomes difficult to dig or significantly hinders the microbial activity that relies on some interaction with the environment.

It’s important to remember that this depth recommendation is a guideline. In extremely hard, rocky soil, digging 8 inches might be practically impossible. In such cases, do the best you can to dig as deep as feasible while still ensuring adequate coverage. Conversely, in very loose, sandy soil, you might need to ensure the sides of the cathole are more robust to prevent collapse. The key principle is to ensure the waste is completely covered, protected from casual observation, and integrated into the soil layer where decomposition can occur. Always prioritize burying the waste completely with the excavated soil, and then camouflage the area.

Q2: Can I bury toilet paper with my poop?

Generally, no, you should not bury toilet paper with your poop. This is a critical point that many people misunderstand when learning about backcountry sanitation and why campers bury their poop. While the feces itself is buried to decompose, toilet paper is a manufactured product that behaves very differently in a natural environment. Most toilet papers are designed to break down relatively quickly in a septic system or sewer, but in the often cool, dry, and less biologically active conditions of the backcountry, they decompose very slowly. Burying toilet paper can result in it remaining visible for months or even years, becoming an unsightly pollutant. Moreover, animals can easily dig it up, scattering it and potentially spreading any residual fecal matter. The presence of toilet paper can also interfere with the natural decomposition of the feces itself by creating an unnatural barrier. The best practice, recommended by Leave No Trace principles, is to pack out all used toilet paper. This means carrying a dedicated resealable bag or “poo bag” to store used paper until you can dispose of it properly in a trash receptacle.

If you are in an area where packing out is mandated, this rule applies to all human waste, including feces and toilet paper. For situations where packing out isn’t strictly required and you’re trying to minimize your impact, consider using natural materials for wiping if they are readily available and identifiable as safe, such as smooth stones or large leaves. However, for most individuals, toilet paper is a practical necessity. Therefore, always be prepared to pack it out. This practice ensures that the visual impact is zero, and the potential for environmental contamination is significantly reduced. It’s a small but vital step in responsible backcountry travel.

Q3: What are the risks of not burying my poop properly?

Failing to bury human waste properly, or not burying it at all, carries several significant risks that underscore why campers bury their poop with such diligence. The primary concern is public health and the contamination of water sources. Human feces contain a host of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, including pathogens like E. coli, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium. If left exposed or buried shallowly, these pathogens can be washed into nearby streams, lakes, and groundwater by rain or snowmelt. Anyone who drinks this contaminated water without proper purification can become seriously ill with gastrointestinal problems. This is particularly dangerous in remote areas where access to medical care is limited. My own experience on a trip where a group camped too close to a water source and didn’t properly manage their waste led to several people on a subsequent trip getting very sick. It was a stark reminder of the direct link between poor sanitation and human health.

Beyond direct human health risks, improperly disposed of waste poses a threat to wildlife. Animals, attracted by the odor, can ingest contaminated vegetation or water, contracting diseases that can weaken populations. This can disrupt natural food chains and ecosystem balance. Furthermore, exposed waste is unsightly and detracts from the natural beauty of the wilderness, diminishing the experience for other users. It can also create a negative impression of campers and hikers, leading to stricter regulations that might affect everyone’s access to public lands. Lastly, in high-use areas, the cumulative effect of improperly disposed waste can lead to long-term soil and water contamination that is difficult and expensive to remediate. The simple act of burying waste correctly is a fundamental way to prevent these widespread negative consequences.

Q4: What about human urine? Does it need to be buried?

Human urine, for healthy individuals, is generally considered to have a much lower environmental impact than feces and typically does not need to be buried. Urine is largely composed of water (about 95%) and contains electrolytes, urea, and waste products filtered by the kidneys. While it can contain some bacteria, the concentration is usually very low, and the large water content dilutes them significantly. Therefore, the primary guidelines for disposing of urine are focused on minimizing localized impact rather than containment for decomposition. These guidelines are part of the broader understanding of why campers bury their poop by ensuring all human waste is managed responsibly.

The key recommendations for urine disposal are:

• Distance from Water: Urinate at least 200 feet (70 adult steps) away from lakes, rivers, streams, springs, and other water sources. This is the same buffer zone required for feces to prevent any potential contamination, however minimal.
• Disperse Widely: Whenever possible, disperse urine over a wide area of durable surfaces like rocks, gravel, or mineral soil. This helps to dilute the concentration and prevents saturation of a single spot, which could potentially harm vegetation.
• Avoid Vegetation: Try not to urinate directly on plants, especially flowers or sensitive vegetation. While diluted, a high concentration of urine can act as a fertilizer and can damage or kill plants.

Essentially, the goal is to let nature take its course with urine in a way that doesn’t create a noticeable impact. It’s a different consideration than solid waste, which requires more active management due to its higher concentration of pathogens and organic matter. So, while you don’t need to dig a cathole for urine, being mindful of where and how you urinate is still an important part of Leave No Trace ethics.

Q5: Are there any situations where I absolutely must pack out my poop?

Yes, absolutely. While burying waste in a properly dug cathole is the standard practice in many backcountry areas, there are several situations where you are either required to, or strongly advised to, pack out your solid waste. This reflects the evolving understanding of why campers bury their poop and the recognition that some environments are too fragile for even proper burial.

Here are the key scenarios where packing out is necessary:

• Regulatory Requirements: Many popular national parks, wilderness areas, and even some state lands have specific regulations that mandate packing out all human waste. This is especially common in high-use areas, desert environments, alpine zones, or areas with limited soil and slow decomposition rates. Always check the regulations for the specific area you plan to visit well in advance of your trip. Ignorance of regulations is not a defense and can lead to fines.
• Fragile Ecosystems: Even if not legally mandated, it is highly recommended to pack out waste in environments where decomposition is exceptionally slow or non-existent. This includes:
  • Deserts: Soils are often thin, dry, and low in microbial activity, leading to very slow decomposition.
  • Alpine and High-Altitude Areas: Cold temperatures and short growing seasons significantly slow down decomposition.
  • Canyons and Slot Canyons: These areas often have limited soil, are prone to flash floods, and are highly sensitive to contamination.
  • Areas with Limited Vegetation: Where there’s little organic matter to aid decomposition, waste can persist for a long time.
• High-Traffic Areas: In extremely popular backcountry locations, the cumulative impact of many campers using catholes can lead to localized contamination and visible evidence of human presence. Packing out helps to mitigate this.
• Campsites Where Digging is Prohibited or Difficult: Some areas have regulations against digging to protect sensitive ground vegetation or archeological sites. In such cases, packing out is the only option. Similarly, if the ground is solid rock or permafrost, digging a proper cathole might be impossible.
• When Near Water Sources and No Suitable Spot Exists: If you are in an area where it is genuinely impossible to find a spot 200 feet away from a water source, packing out your waste becomes the safest choice to prevent any risk of contamination.

To pack out waste effectively, you will need specialized waste disposal bags, often called “wag bags” or “restop bags.” These are designed to be odor-proof, leak-proof, and often contain chemicals or materials that help to solidify and deodorize the waste. They are available at most outdoor gear retailers. Remember to carry enough bags for all your waste and plan where you will dispose of them properly, usually in a designated landfill or trash receptacle.

Conclusion: The Personal Responsibility of Enjoying the Outdoors

The question, “Why do campers bury their poop?” might seem straightforward, but the answer encompasses a deep respect for the natural world and a commitment to preserving it. It’s about understanding that our presence in the wilderness, however brief, leaves a mark. Responsible campers strive to make that mark as minimal and ephemeral as possible.

The cathole method, when executed with care and attention to Leave No Trace principles, is an effective way to manage human waste in many backcountry settings. It allows natural processes to break down waste, minimizing contamination and impact. However, the evolving landscape of outdoor recreation and our growing scientific understanding necessitate a flexible approach, embracing the practice of packing out waste when necessary or mandated.

Ultimately, the decision of how to manage human waste in the backcountry is a personal one, but it’s a responsibility that comes with the privilege of enjoying wild places. By understanding the “why” behind burying our poop, and by diligently applying the “how” – whether through proper cathole digging or by packing out – we can all contribute to ensuring that these beautiful environments remain pristine for ourselves and for generations to come. It’s a fundamental aspect of being a good steward of our planet.