There’s nothing quite like a good cup of coffee with a view of the mountains. Learning how to make coffee when camping is a skill that turns a good morning into a great one. It’s simpler than you might think, and you don’t need to settle for instant if you don’t want to. With a few basic methods and the right gear, you can enjoy a fantastic brew anywhere. Let’s get you sipping in no time.
First, let’s talk about your coffee itself. Pre-ground coffee from the store is perfectly fine and convenient. But for the freshest taste, consider grinding your beans at home just before you leave. A simple airtight container or even a heavy-duty ziplock bag will keep it fresh. If you’re a real enthusiast, a small, manual hand grinder is a lightweight luxury for camp. Don’t forget to pack a little extra – camping coffee always seems to taste better, so you’ll drink more!
Water is the other half of your cup. Always use the cleanest water you have avaiable. If you’re filtering or treating water from a lake or stream for drinking, do that before you boil it for coffee. The taste of your water directly affects the taste of your brew. And always bring a little more than you think you’ll need, both for coffee and for cleaning up.
Now, for the fun part: choosing your method. The best way is the one that fits your pack, your patience, and your personal taste.
How to Make Coffee When Camping
This is your core guide. We’ll break down the most popular and reliable methods, from fastest to most involved. Each has it’s own charm and place in a camper’s kit.
Method 1: The Classic Campfire Percolator
This is the iconic method. That bubbling pot over the fire is a classic camping scene for a reason. It makes a strong, robust coffee that can serve a whole group.
What You’ll Need:
* A campfire or camp stove
* A percolator pot
* Coarse-ground coffee
* Water
* Heat-resistant glove or pot grip
Steps:
1. Fill the percolator with cold water to the desired level.
2. Insert the stem and basket. Add coarse-ground coffee to the basket. A good rule is one tablespoon per cup of water, plus one “for the pot.”
3. Assemble the pot and place it over your heat source.
4. Watch for the coffee to start perking in the glass top. Once it begins, let it perk for 5 to 10 minutes. Shorter time for lighter coffee, longer for stronger.
5. Remove from heat. Carefully lift out the basket assembly to stop the brewing. Let it sit for a minute for grounds to settle before pouring.
Method 2: Simple Pour-Over (with a Dripper)
This method brings cafe-style quality to camp. It’s light, clean, and gives you great control over the brew.
What You’ll Need:
* A pour-over dripper (like a Hario V60, Kalita Wave, or even a simple Melitta)
* Paper filters (pre-folded ones are easiest)
* Medium-fine ground coffee
* A kettle with a gooseneck spout is ideal, but any kettle will work
* Your mug or a carafe
Steps:
1. Boil your water and let it sit for 30 seconds to cool slightly (ideal brew temp is around 200°F).
2. Place the filter in the dripper and set it over your mug. Rinse the filter with hot water to remove paper taste and pre-heat your mug. Dump this water out.
3. Add your coffee grounds to the filter (about 2 tablespoons per 6 oz cup).
4. Start a slow, circular pour, just enough to wet all the grounds. Let it “bloom” for 30 seconds.
5. Continue pouring slowly in circles, keeping the water level consistent until you’ve reached your desired amount of coffee.
Method 3: The Sturdy French Press
A french press makes a rich, full-bodied coffee and is surprisingly camp-friendly. Many brands make durable, stainless steel versions perfect for the outdoors.
What You’ll Need:
* A camping-friendly French press (insulated or stainless steel)
* Coarse-ground coffee
* Hot water
* A spoon
Steps:
1. Add your coarse coffee grounds to the empty press. Use a heaping tablespoon per 4 oz of water.
2. Pour hot (not quite boiling) water over the grounds, filling the press.
3. Give it a gentle stir with a spoon to ensure all grounds are wet.
4. Place the lid on top with the plunger pulled all the way up. Let it steep for 4 minutes.
5. Press the plunger down slowly and steadily. Pour your coffee immediately to avoid over-extraction from the grounds sitting in the water.
No-Frills Alternative: The Cowboy Coffee Method
Forgot your gear? Cowboy coffee is the ultimate back-up plan. You just need a pot, heat, and ground coffee.
1. Bring your water to a boil in a pot.
2. Remove from heat and add coarse grounds directly to the water (same ratio as percolator). Stir.
3. Let it steep for 2-4 minutes.
4. To help grounds settle, sprinkle a tiny bit of cold water on top. The grounds will sink to the bottom.
5. Pour carefully, trying to leave the settled grounds in the pot.
Method 4: Quick and Easy Instant Coffee Upgrades
Instant coffee has come a long way! It’s the king of speed and convenience when you’re tired or weather is bad.
Pro Tips for Better Instant:
* Use water that’s truly hot, not just warm, for best dissolution.
* Stir in a tiny pinch of salt to cut bitterness (trust me on this).
* Bring individual packets of sugar, powdered milk, or cocoa mix to customize your cup.
* Consider single-origin or specialty instant coffees for a much better flavor than traditional jars.
Essential Camp Coffee Gear Checklist
Packing the right stuff makes everything smoother. Here’s a basic list you can adapt:
* Coffee: Whole beans or pre-ground in an airtight container.
* Grinder: Small manual grinder (optional but nice).
* Water: Plenty of clean water, plus a treatment method if needed.
* Heat Source: Camp stove, backpacking stove, or safe campfire setup.
* Kettle or Pot: For boiling water. A pot with a lid is versatile.
* Brewing Device: Your chosen method (press, dripper, etc.).
* Mug: Insulated travel mug keeps it hot longer.
* Measuring Spoon: A simple tablespoon from home works.
* Small Towel or Rag: For handling hot gear and cleanup.
* Biodegradable Soap: For washing up properly in the outdoors.
Mastering the Details: Heat, Cleanup, and Storage
Your heat source matters. A controlled camp stove is easier than an open fire for most methods. If using a fire, let the flames die down to hot coals for a more consistent, less sooty heat. Always have a stable surface.
Cleanup is non-negotiable. Coffee grounds and smells attract animals. Never dump grounds near your site. For pour-over, pack out the used filter and grounds in a ziplock. For French press or percolator, strain out the grounds and pack them out with your trash. Wash your gear with biodegradable soap well away from water sources.
Store your coffee and gear properly. Keep coffee in a bear canister or hung up with your food if in bear country. A dry bag can keep your gear organized and clean in a packed backpack.
Troubleshooting Common Camp Coffee Problems
* Coffee is too weak: Use more coffee grounds, use a finer grind, or extend the brew/steep time.
* Coffee is too strong or bitter: Use less coffee, use a coarser grind, shorten the brew time, or use slightly cooler water.
* Grounds in my cup: Your grind might be too fine for the method, or you didn’t let them settle (for cowboy coffee). Pour more slowly.
* Water won’t boil at high altitude: Be patient. It takes longer, but it will get hot enough to brew. The boiling point is lower, so your brew temp might be slightly off, but it will still work.
* I forgot my filter!: Use a clean bandana or paper towel as a makeshift filter for pour-over. Or, switch to the cowboy method.
FAQs About Making Camp Coffee
What is the easiest way to make coffee while camping?
Instant coffee is the absolute easiest. Just add hot water. Next easiest is a single-serve pour-over filter that sits right on your mug – no extra equipment besides hot water.
How do you make good coffee when backpacking?
Focus on weight and simplicity. A lightweight plastic pour-over dripper or an Aeropress Go are excellent choices. Pre-measure your coffee into small bags at home. Instant coffee is also a totally valid, weight-saving choice for long trips.
Can you use a regular coffee maker camping?
Unless you have a significant power source (like an RV), a standard electric drip maker isn’t practical for tent camping. The methods listed here are designed for manual, off-grid brewing.
How do you boil water for camping coffee?
A portable camp stove (canister, liquid fuel, or alcohol) is the most reliable. A safe, established campfire ring with a grate can also work. Always follow local fire regulations and never leave a fire unattended.
What kind of coffee grind is best for campfire percolator?
Always use a coarse grind for a percolator. A fine grind will slip through the basket and make your coffee muddy, and it can also over-extract and become bitter.
Making great coffee outdoors just takes a little preparation. It’s a ritual that starts the day right. Whether you go for quick instant or a slow pour-over, that warm cup in your hands is a big part of the camping experience. So pick a method, pack your coffee, and get ready to enjoy the best part of waking up… when you’re already up in the great outdoors.