Peeing on a River Trip
LOCAL CALLS – WHAT ARE THEY AND HOW TO MAKE ONE
Key Takeaways
- Follow Leave No Trace principles: Always make your “local calls” directly into or next to the river to help keep campsites clean, minimize odors, and prevent attracting wildlife.
- Choose the right spot: Only use main river channels like the Snake, Salmon, or Grande Ronde—never small creeks or side streams with low water flow—to ensure proper dilution and environmental safety.
- Know the camp setup: Each campsite includes a designated groover system with a separate, brightly marked pee box to ensure privacy, hygiene, and easy use for all guests.
- Plan for nighttime needs: If nature calls after dark, use the groover or pee bucket setup for convenience and safety instead of venturing into the woods.
- Comfort and inclusivity for everyone: Whether you’re a first-time rafter or part of the experienced “Riva Sistas,” Winding Waters River Expeditions provides discreet and comfortable solutions for all guests—especially women and families.
- Enjoy the journey responsibly: By understanding proper bathroom etiquette on a river trip, you help preserve the pristine beauty of wild and scenic rivers while making your rafting adventure more enjoyable for everyone.
If you’re new to a white water rafting trip, you most likely have a number of questions. Inevitably some of them will be about how to go to the bathroom. In a previous post we define a “groover” and discuss pooping (#2) or making a “long distance call.” This post is all about peeing (#1), also known as making a “local call”.
We borrowed the phrases “long distance pee” and “local call” from the
Riva Sistas,
a group of ladies who have been running rivers together with us for years. Thanks Rivah Sistahs for the catchy phrases!
Unlike long distance calls which primarily happen in camp, local calls happen throughout the day, both in camp and while on the river. Because of this there are a few more specifics to discuss with regards to the logistics of making a local call.
KEEPING OUR CAMPS CLEAN
Different rules and regulations apply depending on the river when nature calls. All three of the rivers we offer trips on—the Snake , Salmon and Grande Ronde —follow the same protocol for local calls. All local calls should be made into or immediately next to the river. This may sound counterintuitive at first but there are several reasons for making local calls in the river.
LEAVE NO TRACE
A cornerstone principle of responsible recreating is “Leave No Trace” (LNT). There are a number of ways we practice LNT techniques while rafting, one being, making local calls into the river. Our guided white water rafting trips are designed around these same Leave No Trace principles, helping guests enjoy the wild while keeping it pristine.
Making a local call into the river helps keep the shore and campsites clean both for ourselves as well as future visitors. This works several ways. First it keeps beaches and campsites from smelling like a bathroom. Secondly, this diminishes the attraction of animals and insects to the salty spots left behind by peeing onshore.
VOLUME OF WATER
Volume of water is important and considered when making a local call. The three rivers we run have enough volume that they dilute any local calls we make while on a trip. However, small side creeks do not have the same amount of flow, and local calls should not be made into or near them.
HOW TO DIAL
We will stop and take breaks throughout the day to snack, play, or explore. These breaks are good opportunities for local calls. Most often the weather on our trips is quite warm, and many people enjoy the opportunity to jump in while floating, too, and cool off while making a local call.
When and Where to Pee During the Day
Talks about stops during the day for snacking, swimming, and making a "local call" discreetly.
Camp Bathroom Setup
Describes the groover box and pee-specific bathroom system set up at camp.
Nighttime and Emergency Bathroom Options
Details about the groover, pee buckets, and navigating urgent needs at night.
In camp there will be a private bathroom, referred to as the groover . At the groover site, we’ll have a hot pink colored groover box specifically for going pee in camp.
On private charter trips, our crew tailors camp setups—including groover systems—for families or groups wanting extra privacy and comfort.
Thank you for recognizing the importance of keeping beaches and campsites clean. We look forward to spending time with you on “ the river .”
LADIES & BATHROOM LOGISTICS ON THE RIVER
Many guests, especially women, ask about how to go the bathroom outdoors. We've guided everyone from first-timers to seasoned pros like the Riva Sistas, and we've seen it all—from woman going to the bathroom by starlight, to a casual women river bath at sunrise.
If you're a lady going to the bathroom in nature, don’t worry—we’ve designed our Whitewater Raftings setup to offer privacy, comfort, and respect. For daytime river calls, there's nothing wrong with a mid-float zoom while on toilet moment—just make sure you're not mid-photo op!
NIGHTTIME & EMERGENCY OPTIONS
What if you wake up and have to go to the bathroom or feel the pressure from that camp chilli? That’s where the rafting groover shines. It’s always accessible, well-lit, and better than pee in park or peeing on trailside foliage. We even teach you how to use a pee bucket camping setup safely, especially in places like the Grand Canyon river camping zones.
If you’ve got kids, know that fishing on the toilet stories happen. If you’re lucky, you won’t be the one saying, "I want to go bathroom" mid-cast with a trout on the line.
READY FOR THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME?
At Winding Waters River Expeditions, we offer a number of special interest rafting trips on three of the Pacific Northwest’s premier rivers: the Snake, Salmon, and Grande Ronde rivers. These rivers are all wild and scenic rivers, and give you the feeling as if you and your expedition group are the only ones in the world.
Trips are all inclusive and include:
- • Gourmet meals
- • All necessary camping and fishing/rafting gear
- • Transportation to and from the river
- • Full service guides with decades of experience in the very river where your expedition is taking place
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most common questions people have about peeing on a river trip — also known as making a “local call” — and how to handle bathroom needs responsibly while rafting.
What does “making a local call” mean on a river trip?
“Making a local call” is a playful term for peeing while rafting. It refers to going to the bathroom (#1) either directly into the river or right beside it, following Leave No Trace practices to keep campsites and beaches clean.
Why should you pee in or near the river instead of on land?
Peeing in the river helps prevent odors, keeps campsites cleaner, and discourages animals from being attracted to salty spots onshore. The large volume of river water quickly dilutes urine, making it an environmentally responsible choice compared to peeing on land.
Are you allowed to pee in all rivers?
Regulations can vary, but for Winding Waters River Expeditions on the Snake, Salmon, and Grande Ronde rivers, peeing in or directly next to the river is the approved and eco-friendly method. Avoid peeing in small creeks or stagnant side channels, since they lack sufficient water flow to dilute waste.
When can you take bathroom breaks during the day?
Guides schedule breaks throughout the day for snacking, stretching, swimming, and making “local calls.” You can also discreetly pee while floating if conditions allow. Warm weather often makes this easy and refreshing. Always let your guide know before you hop in for a quick dip!
What’s the setup for peeing at camp?
At camp, there’s a dedicated, private setup called the groover. You’ll find a pink-colored groover box specifically for peeing. This system ensures comfort, privacy, and hygiene while protecting the environment and keeping campsites odor-free.
How do nighttime or emergency bathroom needs work?
If nature calls at night, guests can use the groover or a designated pee bucket set up nearby. These setups are well-lit and easy to access, even after dark, so you don’t have to wander off or risk peeing near camp vegetation.
What is a “groover” on a rafting trip?
The “groover” is a portable toilet system used for pooping (#2). It’s set up in a private area at camp with clear instructions and is part of every multi-day rafting trip. It’s named after the grooves the old ammo boxes used to leave when sat on — though modern versions are much more comfortable!
What should women know about peeing outdoors on a rafting trip?
Women often have questions about privacy and comfort when peeing outdoors. Rest assured, the guides have seen it all and create discreet opportunities during the day and at camp. Many women find that peeing while swimming or during breaks becomes second nature after the first day.
Can kids go to the bathroom easily while rafting?
Yes! Kids are guided through the process with patience and humor. There’s always a safe and clean option for them, whether during the day on the river or at camp using the groover setup. Parents find it easier once children understand the “local call” system.
Why is “Leave No Trace” so important for river trips?
Leave No Trace ensures rivers and campsites stay pristine for future visitors. By peeing in the river, properly disposing of waste, and respecting natural spaces, rafters help maintain clean waterways, reduce odors, and protect wildlife habitats.
Questions about making calls or anything else with our expeditions? Let us know! We’re happy to answer any questions you have or explain what you should expect when on one of our expeditions.
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