How To Make Coffee While Camping (8 Best Ways You Must Know)

Have you ever gone camping and thought you had everything sorted, only to realize your coffee setup was a complete disaster? I’ve been there. The first time I went camping, I thought I’d be fine with my little coffee setup, But I really messed things up!

I forgot to bring a decent grinder, my water was too cold to brew anything good, and I ended up with weak, sad coffee that barely got me through the morning. But after a few more trips, I started figuring things out—testing different methods, trying out new gear, and learning from my mistakes.

In this guide, I’ll share some of the best ways to make coffee while camping, from instant coffee hacks to portable French presses. So let’s start brewing!

Best Coffee Brewing Methods For Camping (Quick Explanation)

If you like to learn more details and steps to use each method, then keep reading:

Brewing Method	Pros	Cons	Ideal For
Camping Coffee Bags	Lightweight, easy to use, no cleanup	Limited flavor control, not eco-friendly	Quick, no-fuss brewing with minimal equipment
Instant Coffee	Extremely fast, lightweight, minimal gear needed	Less robust flavor, not as fresh	Backpackers and ultralight campers
Pour Over Coffee	Rich flavor, customizable	Requires filters and a bit more gear	Coffee aficionados who want control over brew
Percolator Coffee	Makes large batches, strong brew	Bulky, can over-extract coffee	Group camping or RV camping
French Press	Rich, full-bodied coffee	Heavy, tricky cleanup	Campers who don’t mind a little extra weight
AeroPress	Lightweight, easy cleanup, strong flavor	Requires some setup, small servings	Solo campers who love rich espresso-style coffee
Cowboy Coffee	No equipment needed, traditional camping method	Can be gritty, hard to get the flavor just right	Campers who enjoy a rustic experience
Camp Coffee Essence	Quick, strong coffee	Requires preparation ahead of time	Campers who want a quick and flavorful brew

What Are The Challenges Of Making Coffee While Camping?

I’ve had my fair share of frustrating mornings trying to get that perfect brew when all you have is a campfire and a few basic tools. So let me break down a few common things:

Limited Equipment

When you’re out in the wild, you don’t have access to your fancy espresso machine or a precise pour-over setup. I remember the first time I camped and brought a regular coffee maker, thinking it’d work somehow.

But it didn’t! You have to get creative with whatever you can pack.

A French press or an AeroPress is a great option. But even those require hot water, and getting that hot water can be tricky without a stove. I’ve learned to rely on things like instant coffee or coffee bags—super simple and compact.

Inconsistent Conditions

The second major issue is the unpredictable environment. Windy mornings? Good luck keeping your camp stove lit long enough to boil water. And let’s not even talk about trying to brew coffee in the rain.

There have been mornings where I was trying to balance boiling water on uneven ground or shield my fire from the wind, and honestly, it’s a bit of a test in patience. I’ve learned to bring backup options—like a thermos of hot water from the night before—so that I can still have my coffee, even when the weather isn’t cooperating.

So, making coffee while camping can come with its challenges, but if you’re prepared and adaptable, it’s worth it!

Best Methods to Make Coffee While Camping

After testing out several methods over the years, I’ve found some approaches that work great, while others are more of a struggle. Here’s what I’ve learned:

1 – Camping Coffee Bags

Camping coffee bags are probably one of the easiest to make coffee when you’re out in the wilderness. Think of them like tea bags, but filled with coffee.

All you need is hot water, and you’re good to go. I enjoy Paddy & Scott’s Coffee Bags on a few trips, and they’re pretty good! You don’t need any equipment beyond a mug and a way to heat water.

The flavor is pretty solid, especially for something so portable. The downside? The coffee is a bit weaker than I like, and you don’t get the same control over brewing strength as you would with other methods.

Pros	Cons
Lightweight and compact	It can be a bit weak for stronger coffee lovers
No need for extra equipment	Limited control over brewing strength
Quick and easy

Here’s how you make camping coffee with coffee bags:

1. Boil some water over your campfire or camping stove. You don’t need a ton of water, just enough to fill your cup.
2. Place the coffee bag in your cup. It’s just like steeping tea; no fancy equipment needed.
3. Pour hot water over the bag until your cup is about three-quarters full. This gives the coffee room to steep and expand.
4. Let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your coffee. If you’re impatient like me, you might end up pulling it out a little early, but it’s all about personal taste!
5. Remove the coffee bag and enjoy! Some brands are strong enough that you can steep the bag again for a weaker second cup.

Note: One thing I’ve found helpful is pre-packing these bags in zip-lock bags, so they’re ready to go.

2 – Instant Coffee For Camping

Well, nothing beats ripping open a packet and having coffee ready in seconds when you’re short on space and time.

Over the years, I’ve tried several brands. But Mount Hagen has been my favorite. It’s organic, tastes good, and isn’t overly bitter like other instant coffees.

The pros are obvious—super convenient and mess-free. But I’ll admit, it doesn’t quite compare to freshly brewed coffee. It’s a great fallback, though, especially if you’re on a minimalist camping trip.

Pros	Cons
Extremely easy and fast	Lacks the richness of freshly brewed coffee
No mess or cleanup	Some brands can be overly bitter
Some brands can be overly bitter

Here’s how you can make a simple cup of instant coffee while camping:

1. Boil water: First things first, get some water boiling using your camp stove or over the campfire. It doesn’t take much – just enough to fill your mug.
2. Add instant coffee: Once your water is ready, grab a packet of your favorite instant coffee (Mount Hagen is my go-to brand). Pour the contents of the packet into your mug.
3. Pour hot water: Slowly pour the hot water over the coffee granules, stirring as you go to dissolve them fully.
4. Customize your brew: If you’re feeling fancy, you can add sugar, powdered milk, or even a flavored creamer. Stir it all together, and you’ve got yourself a warm, satisfying cup of coffee ready in minutes.

3 – Pour Over Coffee Camping

I find pour-over amazing. I’ve brought along a collapsible pour-over filter, and it’s really upped my camp coffee game. All you need is ground coffee, hot water and a filter setup.

It’s a bit more work, but the results are worth it if you want a stronger, richer flavor. The downside is it can get messy, especially with disposing of wet coffee grounds.

Pros	Cons
Full control over brewing strength	Requires a bit more equipment
Rich, fresh flavor	Cleanup can be tricky

Let me explain my step-by-step process:

1. Boil your water: Start by boiling your water using a camp stove or fire. I like to get it to around 200°F if possible, but if you’re eyeballing it, just take it off the heat once it starts bubbling.
2. Set up your filter: Place your pour over filter (like a V60 or something similar) over your mug or container. If you’re using a collapsible pour over, which is perfect for camping, unfold it and fit a paper filter inside.
3. Rinse the filter: Pour a bit of the hot water over the filter to rinse it and warm up your mug. This helps avoid any papery taste in your coffee.
4. Add coffee grounds: Add your favorite ground coffee to the filter, usually about 1-2 tablespoons per cup of water. Go for a medium-coarse grind; I pre-grind it at home before heading out to make it easier.
5. Pour the water slowly: Pour a small amount of hot water over the grounds, just enough to saturate them. Let it bloom for about 30 seconds, then slowly pour the remaining water in a circular motion, making sure to cover all the grounds evenly.
6. Wait for it to brew: Once all the water has dripped through, your coffee is ready to enjoy.

4 – Percolator Coffee For Camping

I love the nostalgia that comes with brewing coffee in one of these over an open flame. I’ve used a classic camping percolator a few times, and the smell alone is worth it.

The coffee tends to be strong, sometimes too strong, but for mornings when you need a serious wake-up, it’s perfect. However, it’s bulky and a bit finicky—easy to over-extract if you’re not careful.

Pros	Cons
Strong, bold coffee	Can be bulky to pack
Works great over an open flame	Requires careful attention to brewing time

So here’s what I did:

1. Fill the base with water: Start by filling the lower chamber of your percolator with cold water. Depending on how many cups you want, fill it up accordingly. Typically, you’ll need about 6-8 oz of water per cup of coffee.
2. Add coffee grounds to the basket: Measure out your ground coffee (around 1 tablespoon per cup), and place it in the basket that sits on top of the percolator. Make sure not to grind too fine, as percolators work best with coarser grounds to avoid getting sludge in your cup.
3. Assemble and heat: Put the percolator together by placing the stem and basket into the pot, then close the lid. Place it over your campfire or stove and let it heat up slowly.
4. Wait for the percolation: Once it starts heating, you’ll see the water bubbling up into the clear knob on top of the lid. This means your coffee is percolating! Let it brew for about 5-10 minutes depending on how strong you want it. Keep an eye on it, though, as over-percolating can make it taste bitter.
5. Pour and enjoy: Once it’s brewed to your liking, carefully remove it from the heat, let it cool slightly, and pour yourself a cup.

5 – French Press Coffee

I’ve always loved using a French press at home, and it’s just as good while camping—if you can handle the extra weight. I have a smaller, travel-sized Bodum French Press that fits well in my gear.

It gives you the control to brew a strong cup and brings out the full flavor of the coffee beans. However, cleanup can be annoying since you have to deal with the leftover grounds, and it’s a bit heavier to pack compared to other methods.

Pros	Cons
Great flavor control	Heavier and bulkier to pack
Strong, full-bodied coffee	Messy cleanup

I suggest using these steps:

1. Boil Water: Heat your water to just before boiling, around 200°F, if you can measure. If you don’t have a thermometer, just let the water sit for 30 seconds after it comes to a boil.
2. Add Ground Coffee: Add coarsely ground coffee to your French press—typically, you’ll need about 1 to 2 tablespoons per cup of water. For camping, you can pre-measure your coffee at home to make things easier.
3. Pour and Stir: Pour the hot water over the grounds in the French press. Stir it gently to make sure all the grounds are saturated.
4. Let It Steep: Put the lid on your French press without pressing the plunger. Let the coffee steep for 4-5 minutes depending on how strong you like it.
5. Press and Serve: Slowly press the plunger down to separate the grounds from the liquid. Pour and enjoy your rich, freshly brewed cup of coffee.

6 – AeroPress Coffee

Probably one of my favorite ways to make coffee while camping. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and produces a great-tasting cup. What I love most about the AeroPress is the versatility—you can brew a strong espresso-style coffee or go for a lighter brew.

Cleanup is quick and simple, too. If you have room to pack it, this is one of the best options.

Pros	Cons
Lightweight and portable	Requires a bit more effort than instant or coffee bags
Great flavor control
Easy cleanup

I recommend trying this method:

1. Boil Water: Heat up about 200ml of water. If you don’t have a way to measure the temperature, just let it cool for 30 seconds after boiling.
2. Prepare Your AeroPress: Place a paper filter in the filter cap and rinse it with hot water to remove any papery taste. Then, attach the filter cap to the AeroPress and place it over your mug or camping cup.
3. Add Coffee Grounds: Measure out about 15-18 grams (or roughly 2 tablespoons) of medium-fine ground coffee and pour it into the AeroPress.
4. Pour and Stir: Pour your hot water over the coffee, filling the AeroPress up to the top (around the “2” mark). Stir the coffee grounds for about 10 seconds to make sure they are fully saturated.
5. Insert Plunger and Brew: Insert the plunger into the AeroPress, but don’t press down yet. Let the coffee brew for about 1 minute.
6. Press Slowly: Gently press down the plunger with steady pressure until all the liquid is pressed through. This should take around 20-30 seconds.
7. Enjoy: Once pressed, remove the AeroPress, toss out the filter and grounds, and enjoy a strong, flavorful cup of coffee in the great outdoors.

7 – Cowboy Coffee

Cowboy coffee is as simple as it gets: just boil water, add coffee grounds, stir, and let them settle. I’ve tested it a few times, and while it gets the job done, it’s definitely an acquired taste.

You’ll likely end up with grounds in your cup, but if you’re in a pinch and have no equipment, it works. Also, there’s something satisfying about brewing coffee this way in the middle of nature.

Pros	Cons
No equipment needed	Grounds in your cup
Easy and rustic	Hard to control brew strength

Here’s what you should do:

1. Boil Water: Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil over your campfire or camping stove. You’ll need about one cup of water per person.
2. Add Coffee Grounds: Once the water is boiling, remove it from the heat and let it sit for about 30 seconds to cool slightly. Then, add roughly 2 tablespoons of coarse coffee grounds per cup of water directly into the pot.
3. Stir and Wait: Give the coffee a good stir to help saturate the grounds. Then, let it steep for 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the coffee to brew. I’ve found that the longer you wait, the stronger it gets, so adjust the time to your taste.
4. Settle the Grounds: Here’s the old trick—after steeping, sprinkle a bit of cold water over the surface of the coffee. This helps the grounds sink to the bottom, so you’re not drinking a gritty cup.
5. Pour and Enjoy: Carefully pour the coffee into your mug, making sure to leave the grounds at the bottom of the pot. It may not be the cleanest method, but it’s got that raw camping vibe that makes it special.

8 – Camp Coffee Essence

Camp coffee essence is a liquid coffee concentrate that you mix with hot water. It’s not as common as other methods, but I’ve experimented with it once, and it’s super easy.

It’s a bit like instant coffee but with a more concentrated flavor. The upside is that it’s quick and easy with no need for brewing. However, the downside is the flavor can sometimes feel flat compared to fresh coffee.

Pros	Cons
Quick and convenient	Can taste a bit flat
No equipment needed	Harder to find compared to other methods

I suggest the following:

1. Bring the Essence: First, pack a bottle of Camp Coffee Essence before you head out. It’s lightweight, non-perishable, and perfect for camping because you don’t need any fancy brewing equipment.
2. Heat Water: If you’re making hot coffee, boil some water over your campfire or portable stove. If you’re feeling lazy or it’s a hot day, you can also use cold water for a quick iced coffee.
3. Mix It Up: Pour about a tablespoon of Camp Coffee Essence into your cup, then add your water—hot for a cozy morning brew or cold for an instant iced coffee. Stir it well, and you’ll see how quickly it blends.
4. Customize to Taste: Add sugar, milk, or whatever extras you’ve got on hand. It’s not the most gourmet cup, but it’s efficient and gets the job done when you’re craving caffeine during a hike or early morning at camp.

5 Essential Camping Coffee Hacks

Here are five camping coffee hacks that have saved me time and made my mornings a little easier while out in the wild.

1 – Pre-Portioned Coffee

One of the best things I’ve learned is pre-portioning my coffee before leaving the house. I mean there’s nothing worse than fumbling around with a bag of coffee grounds in the morning when you’re half asleep and trying to balance everything on a camp stove.

I usually measure out enough coffee for each day, seal it in small zip-lock bags, and label them. That way, it’s just grab and go each morning.

2 – DIY Coffee Bags

There was one camping trip where I forgot to bring my French press, so I had to get creative. That’s when I discovered how easy it is to make DIY coffee bags.

Just grab a few coffee filters, add a scoop of coffee, and tie them up with a string or twist tie. It’s like making your own coffee tea bags! Then drop one into your mug of hot water and steep for a few minutes. A quick, easy way to brew coffee without any special equipment.

3 – Eggshell Clarification

This hack sounds strange, but it works. If you’re making cowboy coffee (brewing directly in boiling water), tossing crushed eggshells into the pot helps the coffee grounds settle to the bottom.

I thought it was weird at first, but after trying it, I noticed a huge difference. It makes the coffee smoother and keeps it from getting too gritty. So you don’t end up drinking a mouthful of grounds.

4 – Spice It Up

One of my favorite ways to add some flair to my camping coffee is by spicing it up. A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg or even cocoa powder can make your coffee special.

I usually pack a small container of spices along with my coffee gear. It’s a simple trick that doesn’t take up much room but adds much flavor.

5 – Cold Brew Concentrate

If you want to save time and avoid brewing coffee every morning, cold brew concentrate is amazing! I make a batch at home, store it in a bottle, and bring it along on camping trips.

Since it’s concentrated, you can dilute it with cold or hot water, depending on your mood. Plus, cold brew is naturally less acidic, so it’s perfect for sipping on a hot camping day.

Last Thoughts

I wish I had more time to camp, but the few times I went, these tips helped me a lot. And hopefully, it will do the same for you.

I’d love to hear from you—what’s your go-to method for making coffee in the great outdoors? Do you have any tips or tricks that I didn’t mention? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and with that voilà!