ByThere’s nothing quite like waking up in the great outdoors and enjoying a fresh cup of coffee surrounded by nature. The crisp air, the sound of birds, and the warm mug in your hands—it’s an unbeatable experience. But if you’re wondering how to make coffee while camping, don’t worry.
Even though you might not have your home kitchen or coffee maker at hand, making a delicious brew while camping is easier than you think. Whether you’re venturing deep into the backwoods or staying at a more established campsite, here are five tried-and-true methods to help you prepare that perfect cup, no matter where your adventure takes you.
1. Cowboy Coffee
Cowboy coffee takes you back to the basics and requires nothing but a pot and some coffee grounds. It’s simple, efficient, and packs a punch—ideal for those who don’t want to fuss with gadgets. This method involves adding coffee grounds directly into boiling water, then letting it steep before pouring carefully. While you might end up with some grounds at the bottom of your cup, the rich, unfiltered flavor is worth it.
What you’ll need:
- A campfire or camping stove for heat
- A pot, kettle, or tin can to boil water
- Medium or coarse coffee grounds
- A mug for serving
How to prepare: To make cowboy coffee, begin by boiling water over your campfire or camping stove. You want the water to reach a rolling boil, so patience is key here—it can take a few minutes depending on the fire’s intensity. Once the water is boiling, remove it from the heat source for about 30 seconds to let it cool slightly. This ensures the water won’t burn the coffee grounds, which can result in a bitter taste.
Next, add your coffee grounds directly into the water. A good guideline to follow is using two tablespoons of coffee for every eight ounces of water, but you can adjust this based on how strong you prefer your brew. Stir the mixture and let it steep for about 3-5 minutes. The longer it steeps, the stronger the coffee will be.
To help settle the grounds, some campers like to tap the sides of the pot or sprinkle a tiny bit of cold water on top. Once the coffee has settled, carefully pour it into your mug. Be sure to pour slowly to avoid getting too many coffee grounds in your cup. While cowboy coffee is known for its strong, bold flavor, it’s a great option if you enjoy a more rustic experience.
2. Portable French Press
The French press method offers rich, full-bodied coffee, perfect for sharing. For camping, opt for a durable, stainless steel French press like the Stanley Classic French Press. It’s great for brewing multiple servings in one go and keeps your coffee hot for hours. It’s also compact enough to fit into most camping setups without taking up too much space. If you’re traveling with a group, this method is perfect to brew larger quantities quickly.
What you’ll need:
- A portable French press
- Coarsely ground coffee beans
- Hot water, boiled over a campfire or camping stove
How to prepare: To brew coffee using a French press while camping, start by boiling water. Once your water reaches a boil, let it sit for about 30 seconds to cool slightly. You don’t want it to be at a full boil when it hits the coffee grounds, as this can cause bitterness.
Add your coarse coffee grounds to the French press—about one tablespoon of coffee for every four ounces of water. Slowly pour the hot water over the grounds, making sure they’re fully submerged. Give the mixture a quick stir to ensure the water and coffee are properly combined, then let the coffee steep for about 4-5 minutes.
Once the steeping time is complete, press the plunger down slowly to separate the grounds from the coffee. Pour the coffee into your mug and enjoy a flavorful, aromatic brew that tastes just as good as anything you’d make at home.
One of the great things about using a French press while camping is that you don’t need any additional filters or accessories, making cleanup fairly simple. However, it’s a good idea to bring a small brush or sponge to rinse out the press thoroughly after each use.
3. Coffee Bags
If you’re all about convenience and space-saving, instant coffee or pre-packed coffee bags are your best bet. These days, instant coffee has significantly improved, with many gourmet options available that won’t leave you feeling disappointed. One example Mount Hagen Instant Coffee is which has a rich flavor profile perfect for those looking for a quick caffeine fix without sacrificing taste. Similarly, Steeped Coffee Bags offer single-serve coffee that functions like a teabag—you simply steep it in hot water.
What you’ll need:
- Coffee bags
- Boiled water
- A mug
How to prepare: The process of making coffee with coffee bags couldn’t be simpler. Begin by boiling your water over a campfire or stove. Once the water has come to a boil, let it cool for about 30 seconds. Place the coffee bag into your mug, and pour the hot water directly over it. The coffee bag will start to steep, just like a tea bag.
Let the coffee steep for about 3-5 minutes. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can leave it in a little longer. After steeping, simply remove the coffee bag and you’re ready to enjoy a hot cup of coffee.
This method is great for campers who are packing light and don’t want to deal with the cleanup of other brewing methods. Coffee bags are compact, require no extra equipment, and can be disposed of easily, making them ideal for backpacking trips or minimalist camping setups.
4. Pour-Over Coffee
For those who take their coffee seriously, a pour-over setup offers the best balance between portability and flavor. All you need is a pour-over cone (many compact, foldable versions exist), a filter, and hot water. Unlike cowboy coffee, this method offers a cleaner cup, with the grounds fully filtered out, and allows you to customize the brew to your liking by controlling the pour. A lightweight, foldable coffee dripper like the GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip makes this method ideal for backpackers.
What you’ll need:
- A portable pour-over coffee maker (many collapsible or camping-specific options are available)
- Paper filters
- Medium-ground coffee beans
- Boiled water
How to prepare: Set up your pour-over coffee maker on top of your mug, and place a paper filter inside. Add one to two tablespoons of ground coffee into the filter, depending on how strong you like your brew. Start by boiling your water, then let it cool slightly before pouring (about 30 seconds off the boil). This ensures you won’t scorch the coffee.
Begin by pouring a small amount of hot water over the grounds in a slow, circular motion. This allows the coffee to “bloom,” a process that releases carbon dioxide and enhances the flavor of the coffee. After the bloom (which takes about 30 seconds), continue pouring the rest of the water steadily over the grounds. The coffee will drip through the filter and into your mug below.
This method takes a little more time and care compared to others, but the result is a clean, flavorful cup that highlights the nuances of the coffee. Pour-over equipment is lightweight and portable, and there are many designs specifically made for outdoor use, making it a great option for coffee lovers who are serious about their brew.
5. Instant Coffee
If you’re all about convenience and space-saving, instant coffee or pre-packed coffee bags are your best bet. These days, instant coffee has significantly improved, with many gourmet options available that won’t leave you feeling disappointed. One example is Nescafe Instant Coffee, which has a rich flavor profile perfect for those looking for a quick caffeine fix without sacrificing taste.
What you’ll need:
- Instant coffee
- Boiled water
- A Temperature Control Smart Mug
How to prepare: Making instant coffee while camping is as easy as it gets. Start by boiling water over your campfire or camping stove. Once the water is hot, pour it into your mug, and stir in your instant coffee packet. That’s it—your coffee is ready in seconds!
While instant coffee might not provide the same rich flavor as some other brewing methods, it’s the ultimate convenience option. No additional equipment is needed, and there’s virtually no cleanup afterward. Instant coffee is lightweight and can be easily packed, making it an excellent choice for ultralight backpackers or campers who prioritize speed and simplicity.
Essential Tips for Brewing Coffee While Camping
Here are a few tips to make sure you’re brewing the best coffee possible:
- Bring the right gear: Whether you’re using a French press, pour-over, or just going with cowboy coffee, make sure you have all the necessary equipment before heading out.
- Use fresh coffee grounds: Stale coffee can ruin an otherwise perfect cup. Keep your coffee in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
- Be mindful of cleanup: Coffee grounds and filters can be considered litter. Always clean up your coffee maker and pack out any trash or waste.
- Adjust to your environment: Depending on where you’re camping, the elevation can affect how water boils and how coffee brews. Be ready to experiment with brew times.
Conclusion
If you’re curious how to make coffee while camping with simple tools or want a gourmet brew in the wild, there’s a method for everyone. From the rugged simplicity of cowboy coffee to the rich flavors of a French press or the no-fuss convenience of instant coffee, you can enjoy a perfect cup of coffee no matter where your adventures take you.
Try out these different techniques on your next camping trip and discover which one becomes your go-to favorite for those serene mornings in the wild.
