Hunting camp porta potty: Will bears try to get into the holding tank?

Yes, a standard portable toilet with a holding tank can attract bears. The scent from the waste and the deodorizer is a potential attractant, similar to garbage in a dumpster. Standard plastic doors and latches will not stop a determined bear.

You need a wildlife-resistant unit. These are built with heavy-duty materials, often metal, and have reinforced doors with locking mechanisms that require human dexterity to open, like a latch inside a recessed box. You should ask your rental company if they offer bear-resistant portable toilets. If they do not, you can request they install a heavy-duty hasp and lock on a standard unit, but a purpose-built model is more secure.

Placement also matters. Keep the unit away from sleeping and cooking areas. The service is straightforward with the level gravel and good truck access. For eight people over two weeks, one standard unit is more than adequate by common guidelines. Weekly service is the norm, which fits your two-week rental, but you may want a service visit halfway through for a crew of eight to keep it clean.