The Quick Tips:

• There are no toilets on the trails at Nordhouse
• You’ll need toilet paper, a trowel, and hand sanitizer
• Dig a hole 6-8 inches deep about 200 feet (70 big steps) away from trails, campsites, and water
• Bury your waste and mark it so others avoid it

What happens when nature calls … when you’re out in nature? As a wilderness area, Nordhouse Dunes limits the number of man-made structures, including bathrooms and plumbing. Are there bathrooms at Nordhouse Dunes? There are vault toilets in the parking lot near the Nurnberg Road and Lake Michigan Recreation Area trailheads, but that’s it!

When feeling the urge to go, some people find it helpful to hike back to the toilets—but what if that’s too far? What if you don’t want to hike all the way back to the parking lot? Here are some tips for pooping in the woods with limited harm to the environment. 

Have the Right Supplies

In addition to toilet paper and hand sanitizer, it’s helpful to carry a hand trowel with you to easily dig a hole for your waste. You’ll also need a sealable plastic bag to pack out your toilet paper. If you want to carry out your waste, you’ll need more than a plastic bag. Dog waste bags and other items specifically for handling waste are a great and lightweight addition to your kit.

Find a Spot and Dig a Hole

You’ll want to find a spot that’s at least 200 feet (70 big steps) away from trails, campsites, and any bodies of water. Use your trowel to dig a hole 6-8 inches deep. If you don’t have a trowel, you can also use a stick, rock, or your heel. Rich, loose soil in a sunny spot provides the best conditions for decomposition of your waste. Completely fill the hole with the original dirt and tamp it down. It’s also best to cover the space with a rock or branch to discourage animals from digging into it. Be kind and make an X with branches to keep your fellow campers from digging in the same spot!

Pack Out Your Toilet Paper

If you don’t want to use toilet paper, you can use natural objects, such as large leaves or smooth stones instead. Just make sure what you use isn’t poison ivy, and make sure to bury it with your waste. 

Keep Hygiene in Mind

Always use hand sanitizer after pooping, paying special attention to your fingers. If you’re camping or backpacking, it’s a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water once a day. Make sure any soap you use is biodegradable and unscented, and never soap up directly in the lake—the soap is harmful to water critters. 

Just keep these tips in mind when pooping at Nordhouse Dunes to help limit harm to the environment—and to help keep things sanitary for you and our fellow campers and hikers.