There’s nothing quite like a good cup of coffee in the great outdoors. If you’ve ever wondered how to make coffee camping, you’re in the right place. It’s easier than you might think, and it doesn’t require fancy gear. With a few simple methods, you can enjoy a fantastic brew even when you’re miles from your kitchen. This guide will walk you through everything you need, from the simplest techniques to the best gear for backpackers.
A great camping coffee starts with understanding your options. You don’t need to settle for instant if you don’t want to (though it’s a fine choice!). Whether you’re car camping with plenty of space or hiking with a light pack, there’s a perfect method for you. Let’s get your morning started right.
How to Make Coffee Camping
The core idea is simple: you need hot water, coffee grounds, and a way to separate the grounds from the water. The method you choose depends on your trip style, budget, and how much effort you want to put in. Below, we’ll break down the most popular and effective ways.
Essential Gear for Any Method
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk gear basics. You’ll need a few key items no matter which brewing style you pick.
* A Heat Source: This is usually a camp stove, like a canister stove or backpacking stove. A campfire with a stable grate or a tripod works too, but it’s less controlled.
* A Pot or Kettle: To boil your water. A lightweight backpacking kettle with a pour spout is ideal for precision.
* A Mug or Cup: Preferably insulated to keep your coffee warm in the cool morning air.
* Fresh Water: Always pack more than you think you’ll need for drinking and cooking.
* Coffee!: Whole beans, pre-ground, or instant. We’ll cover prep later.
Method 1: The Cowboy Coffee (Simplest)
This is the classic, no-frills approach. It’s perfect if you forgot your filter or just want to keep it ultra-simple.
What You Need:
* Pot
* Water
* Coarse ground coffee
* A little cold water (optional)
Steps:
1. Bring your water to a boil in your pot over your stove or fire.
2. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for about 30 seconds. This brings the temperature down to a better brewing range.
3. Add your coffee grounds directly into the pot. A good ratio is about 2 tablespoons of coffee for every 6 ounces of water.
4. Stir gently, then let it steep for 4-5 minutes.
5. To help the grounds settle, you can sprinkle a tiny bit of cold water on top. Some folks tap the side of the pot.
6. Pour slowly, trying to leave most of the grounds at the bottom of the pot. A few stray grounds in your cup are part of the charm!
Method 2: The Pour-Over (For Quality)
This method gives you a clean, flavorful cup similar to what you might make at home. It requires a bit more gear but is worth it for coffee lovers.
What You Need:
* Pour-over dripper (like a Hario V60, Aeropress, or a simple plastic cone)
* Paper filters (compatible with your dripper)
* Kettle with a gooseneck spout is best, but any pot works
* Ground coffee
* Mug
Steps:
1. Boil your water, then let it rest for a minute to reach about 200°F.
2. Place the filter in your dripper and set it on top of your mug. Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any paper taste and pre-heat your mug. Dump this water out.
3. Add your medium-fine ground coffee to the filter.
4. Start a “bloom”: pour just enough hot water to saturate all the grounds. Wait 30 seconds.
5. Slowly pour the rest of your water in a circular motion, keeping the water level consistent. This should take about 2-3 minutes total.
6. Remove the dripper, discard the filter and grounds, and enjoy.
Method 3: The French Press (For Richness)
A camping French press, usually made of durable steel or plastic, makes a full-bodied, robust cup. It’s great for car camping.
What You Need:
* Camping French press (or a standard one if you’re careful)
* Coarse ground coffee
* Hot water
Steps:
1. Add your coarse coffee grounds to the empty press. Use your standard ratio.
2. Pour hot (just off the boil) water over the grounds, filling the press.
3. Stir the mixture gently, then place the lid on top with the plunger pulled all the way up.
4. Let it steep for 4 minutes.
5. Press the plunger down slowly and steadily. If it’s very hard to press, your grind is too fine.
6. Pour immediately to avoid over-extraction from the grounds sitting in the water.
Method 4: Instant Coffee (For Speed & Weight)
Modern instant coffee has come a long way. High-quality brands offer single-origin and micro-ground options that are surprisingly good. This is the king of convenience for backpackers.
What You Need:
* Instant coffee crystals or powder
* Hot water
* Mug
Steps:
1. Boil water.
2. Put 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee into your mug.
3. Pour in the hot water and stir. That’s it!
Method 5: The Percolator (For a Group)
The classic camp percolator is iconic for a reason. It’s a self-contained system that makes multiple cups at once, perfect for family or group camping.
What You Need:
* Camp percolator (stovetop or fire-ready)
* Ground coffee (medium-coarse)
* Water
* Heat source
Steps:
1. Fill the percolator with cold water up to the fill line.
2. Insert the stem and basket. Add coffee grounds to the basket—don’t pack them down.
3. Assemble the pot and place it on your heat source.
4. Heat until the water percolates. You’ll see it bubbling in the glass knob on top. Let it perk for 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you like it.
5. Remove from heat. Carefully lift out the basket and stem to stop the brewing.
6. Serve, being mindful of the hot handle!
Choosing & Preparing Your Coffee
The best method won’t save bad coffee. Here’s how to handle your beans in the wild.
Grind Size: Why It Matters
The grind size is crucial for non-instant methods. Using the wrong grind can lead to bitter, weak, or muddy coffee.
* Coarse: Looks like sea salt. Best for French Press, Cowboy Coffee, and Percolators.
* Medium: Like sand. Ideal for pour-over cones.
* Fine: Like table salt. Used for espresso (not common camping).
* Pre-ground: If you pre-grind at home, choose a medium grind as a versatile option. It won’t be perfect for every method, but it works.
To Grind or Not to Grind?
For the freshest taste, grind beans at camp. Small, manual grinders are lightweight and effective.
* Grind at camp: Maximum freshness, but it’s an extra step and piece of gear.
* Pre-grind at home: Much more convenient. Store grounds in an airtight container and use within a day or two for best flavor.
Measuring Your Coffee
Consistency is key. A simple plastic scoop or a tablespoon works. The golden ratio is 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee for every 6 ounces of water. Adjust to your taste.
Mastering Your Camp Kitchen Setup
A smooth coffee routine makes the morning better. Here’s how to set up for success.
* Prep the Night Before: Measure your coffee and water into separate containers. Set your stove and pot out so you’re not fumbling in the dark.
* Water Temperature: If you don’t have a thermometer, a good rule is to boil water, then take it off the heat and let it sit for 30-45 seconds before pouring over grounds. This gets you close to the ideal 195-205°F range.
* Clean Up Fast: Rinse your gear immediately after use. Coffee oils and grounds can become a sticky mess that’s harder to clean later. Pack out used paper filters and wet grounds in a zip-top bag.
Leave No Trace for Coffee Lovers
Enjoying nature comes with responsibility. Here’s how to minimize your impact.
* Pack Out All Grounds: Never scatter used coffee grounds on the ground. They don’t decompose quickly and can affect soil chemistry and wildlife. Put them in your trash bag.
* Wastewater: When you rinse your mug or pot, strain any grounds out and pack them out. Disperse grey water at least 200 feet from any water source.
* Use Reusable Filters: Consider a reusable metal or cloth filter to cut down on paper waste.
Troubleshooting Common Camp Coffee Problems
* Coffee is too weak: Use more coffee grounds, use a finer grind, or increase the steep/brew time.
* Coffee is too bitter: Use less coffee, use a coarser grind, decrease brew time, or use slightly cooler water.
* Grounds in my cup: Pour more slowly. For cowboy coffee, let it settle longer. Ensure your French press plunger screen is clean and intact.
* Water won’t boil: Check your fuel, ensure your stove isn’t clogged, and use a windscreen to protect the flame.
FAQ: Your Camp Coffee Questions Answered
What is the easiest way to make coffee while camping?
The absolute easiest way is with high-quality instant coffee. Just add hot water. The next simplest is the cowboy coffee method, which requires no special gear beyond a pot.
How do you make good coffee when backpacking?
For backpacking, prioritize weight and simplicity. Instant coffee is the top choice. For a better cup, a lightweight pour-over system (like a collapsible silicone dripper) or an Aeropress Go are excellent compact options. Pre-measure your grounds into small bags.
Can you make camp coffee without a filter?
Yes, you can. The cowboy coffee method requires no filter. You can also use a fine-mesh strainer, a bandana (dedicated to coffee!), or even a paper towel in a pinch as a makeshift filter for pour-over style.
What is the best coffee for camping?
The best coffee is the one you enjoy. For convenience, pre-ground coffee in an airtight container is great. For flavor, whole beans and a small hand grinder are best. Choose a medium or dark roast if you prefer stronger flavor with milk alternatives, as they often hold up better to camping conditions.
How do you heat water for coffee when camping?
The most reliable method is a portable backpacking or camp stove with a small pot or kettle. If fires are permitted and you have a safe, stable grate, you can boil water in a pot over the fire. Immersion heaters that plug into a car outlet are an option for car campers.
Is a percolator good for camp coffee?
Percolators are excellent for group or family car camping where you need to make many cups at once. They are durable and simple, but they can be heavy and bulky, making them unsuitable for backpacking. They also tend to make stronger, sometimes more bitter coffee if over-perked.
Making a great cup of coffee in the outdoors is a simple pleasure that enhances any trip. With a little practice, you’ll find the method that fits your style, and it’ll become a seamless part of your morning ritual. The sound of the pot heating, the smell of fresh grounds in the crisp air—it’s all part of the experience. So next time you pack your tent, don’t forget to plan for your morning brew.