The bathroom is the feature that divides caravans into “liveable long-term” and “fine for a weekend.” Having your own shower, toilet, and vanity means independence from campground facilities, the ability to free camp comfortably, and a level of daily convenience that’s hard to overstate after six months on the road. It’s also where compromises in size and layout are most keenly felt, because caravan bathrooms are small by any standard, and a poorly designed one makes daily hygiene routines an exercise in contortion.
Full Ensuite vs Wet Bath vs No Bathroom
Full ensuite: Separate shower, toilet, and vanity in a dedicated room. The shower has its own enclosure (even if small), the toilet is permanently accessible, and there’s a vanity with a basin. This is the standard for mid-size and full-size caravans and the recommended minimum for long-term travel.
Wet bath (combined shower/toilet): The entire bathroom is the shower. The toilet and vanity get wet when you shower. Common in compact caravans under 18 feet. Functional but not ideal for daily use over months. Everything needs drying after every shower. Toilet paper gets damp if you’re not careful. Workable for a couple; challenging for a family.
No bathroom: Some compact campers and pop-tops have no internal bathroom. You rely entirely on campground facilities, a portable toilet, and camp showers. Manageable for weekend trips. Significantly less practical for long-term travel, particularly in remote areas without facilities.
If you’re deciding between a slightly bigger van with a full ensuite or a smaller van with a wet bath, choose the full ensuite for any trip over 3 months. The daily convenience is worth the extra size and cost.
Shower Considerations
Size matters. A shower that’s 800mm x 800mm feels adequate. Below 700mm in either dimension, you’re bumping elbows. Taller people need to check headroom as well, particularly in vans with lower rooflines. Step inside and move your arms during the showroom inspection; don’t just look.
Water pressure and flow. Caravan showers run on a 12V water pump from your freshwater tank. Pressure is lower than home. A good showerhead makes a huge difference: look for a low-flow model designed for caravan use that provides decent pressure while conserving water. Many travellers replace the factory showerhead within the first month.
Ventilation. A bathroom without ventilation becomes a mould farm within weeks. Check for a window, vent, or exhaust fan. If the bathroom has no ventilation, add a 12V fan or ensure the door can be left open for airflow after showering.
Toilet Options
Caravan toilets are a world of their own. The three main types are cassette, composting, and portable.
Cassette toilet: The most common in Australian caravans. Looks like a regular toilet. Waste collects in a removable cassette that you slide out from an external hatch and empty at a dump point. Simple, reliable, and works well for most travellers. Capacity typically 15 to 20 litres, which lasts a couple 3 to 5 days depending on usage.
Composting toilet: Separates liquid and solid waste. Solid waste is mixed with a carbon material (coconut coir or similar) and decomposes over time. No chemicals required. Longer time between emptying. Higher upfront cost ($1,500 to $3,000) but lower ongoing costs (no chemicals). Growing in popularity among long-term travellers.
Portable toilet: A standalone unit (Thetford Porta Potti or similar) that sits in a cupboard or dedicated space. Common in camper trailers and compact caravans without a built-in toilet. Functional but less comfortable and less convenient than a cassette or composting system.
Vanity & Storage
A vanity with a basin is standard in most ensuite bathrooms. What varies is the storage around it. Toiletries, towels, cleaning products, and medical supplies all need a home. Look for a mirror cabinet, shelf space, and hooks for towels. A lack of bathroom storage leads to clutter that migrates into the living area.
A full ensuite with decent headroom, ventilation, and storage transforms daily comfort on a long trip.
- A full ensuite (separate shower, toilet, vanity) is strongly recommended for trips over 3 months.
- Wet baths work in compact vans but the daily routine of drying everything wears thin over time.
- Step inside the shower during inspections. Check headroom, elbow room, and ventilation.
- Cassette toilets are the standard and work well. Composting toilets are a growing alternative with lower running costs.
- Bathroom storage and ventilation are easy to overlook but matter enormously for long-term livability.
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