Toilet Talk & Practicalities: Campervan Life on the NC500

Let’s get real. When you imagine life on the road, you might picture epic sunsets, steaming mugs of tea, and wild Highland views. But eventually, the practical questions bubble up:

“Where do I go to the toilet?”“How do I fill up with water?”“Do campervans smell??”

These questions come up a lot — and they’re completely normal. So today, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of campervan life. No judgement. No sugar-coating. Just honest answers from real travellers who’ve been there.

“Do the vans come with a toilet?”

“Our van had a cassette toilet and it made such a difference. Especially in the middle of the night!” – Instagram comment

Yes, our campervans come equipped with a cassette toilet — compact, easy to use, and designed for short-term use. It gives you freedom and privacy, especially when you’re far from a public loo.

But remember: these toilets do need emptying every couple of days. Don’t worry, it’s not as bad as it sounds.

“Where can I empty the toilet?”

“We used a mix of campsites and official motorhome stopovers — just check Park4Night before you head off.” – Reddit user

Scotland is very camper-friendly, and there are plenty of proper disposal points. Many campsites, motorhome service areas, and some fuel stations have chemical toilet disposal (also called ‘elsan points’). Always dispose responsibly never in public toilets, bushes, or drains.

Pro tip: Plan your route to hit a campsite or official stop every 2–3 days.

“How do you get fresh water?”

“We refilled our tank at every campsite — and kept a spare bottle in the back, just in case.” – Facebook group member

All our vans come with a fresh water tank, and you’ll fill it using a hose at campsites or dedicated service points. It’s used for washing up, cleaning, and the toilet (if fitted).

Having a couple of extra bottles of drinking water is smart too, especially if you're headed somewhere remote.

“Where do you shower?”

“We didn’t have a shower in our van — but campsite showers were great. And some days we just didn’t need one!” – Quora

Many vans don’t have built-in showers (and if they do, space is tight!). Most people use campsite facilities every few days. Some travellers also stop at leisure centres or pay-as-you-go campsite showers en route.

And yes, it’s okay to skip a day. That’s what deodorant and dry shampoo are for!

“What about smells and mess?”

“Honestly, we stayed on top of it by doing 5 minutes of tidying each night. Makes a huge difference.” – Instagram DM

Campervans don’t have to be messy or smelly. You’ll get the hang of quick clean-ups, using rubbish bags, and storing your stuff neatly. We also provide a mini cleaning kit with essentials like cloths and spray.

Empty the toilet regularly. Crack the windows for ventilation. Keep a small bin. Sorted.

Practical Doesn’t Mean Stressful

Living in a van takes a bit of adjustment — but you’ll be surprised how quickly it becomes second nature. Once you get into a rhythm, the logistics become part of the fun (seriously!).

You’re not just passing through the Highlands — you’re living in them, even if it’s just for a week.

Next up: “Weather & What to Pack: Staying Comfortable on the NC500” — how to dress smart, pack light, and prepare for anything Scotland throws at you.