A small titanium trowel and a shallow hole in forest duff

Guide · Camp

How to dig a cathole

Updated October 5, 2026

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Where catholes are allowed, dig a hole about six to eight inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trail. Cover it. Pack out toilet paper if the rules say so. Some deserts and alpine zones want a wag bag instead.

Pick the spot

Walk away from water, trails, and camp. Downslope from water is not away. A view is not a reason.

If the ground will not take a hole, you are in wag-bag country or you need a different spot.

Dig and cover

A real trowel beats a tent stake. Dig, use the hole, and cover it with the soil you removed. Do not build a cairn on it.

A small bottle of water for a backcountry bidet cuts the paper you carry. Pack the paper out in a bag if you use it.

Read the rule first

Popular alpine areas, rivers, and some deserts prohibit burial. The trowel is not permission. A wag bag is part of the kit there, and it goes in the trash, not the cathole.

Gear for this guide

A slim titanium trowel at a car campsite

Car campTheTentLab Deuce of SpadesA cat hole tool that is actually pleasant to useSanitation · About 0.6 oz · BudgetOn Amazon

A clear odor-barrier bag with food on a stone at camp

CookwareOPSAK odor bagAn extra odor barrier inside a hang or canisterOdor barrier · About 1 oz · BudgetOn Amazon

FAQ

How deep?

About six to eight inches, soil and rules allowing.

How far from water?

At least 200 feet is the usual Leave No Trace figure. Follow a stricter local rule.

Can I burn paper?

No. Pack it out or bury it only if the local rule allows burial.