11 Genius Ways To Make Coffee While Camping For Every Trip

Ever wonder if that perfect, steaming cup of coffee is even possible on a chilly morning at camp? You’re not alone.

The process of making camping coffee can seem like a frustrating chore, but that cherished morning ritual is worth getting right. It’s about bringing a small comfort of home to the great outdoors.

The easiest way to make coffee while camping is with high-quality instant coffee for maximum speed and zero cleanup. This guide will show you 11 tested and surprisingly simple methods for every type of trip. You’ll discover the perfect brew for your next adventure.

Why Does Camp Coffee Always Seem So Complicated (and Can It Be Simple)?

Waking up in the deep woods to the crisp morning air is one of camping’s greatest joys, but it’s often followed by a nagging question: how do I get my coffee fix without a full kitchen? Many campers get frustrated with complicated camping coffee setups that involve too much gear, too much time, and a messy cleanup. It feels like you have to choose between a terrible-tasting brew and a major hassle.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. That comforting, essential morning ritual can be just as simple and delicious in an outdoor setting as it is at home. After years of testing different brewing methods on countless chilly mornings in the backcountry, we’ve learned that a great cup of camp coffee is absolutely achievable.

The secret is matching the right brewing method to your camping style. Whether you need an ultralight coffee solution for a long backpacking trip or a way to brew for the whole family at a car campsite, there’s a genius, portable option that delivers a fantastic cup with easy cleanup.

11 Genius Ways To Make Coffee While Camping For Every Trip

Choosing the best way to make coffee while camping comes down to balancing taste, portability, ease of use, and cleanup. Not every method is right for every trip. This list breaks down 11 of the best camping coffee methods, selected and field-tested across various scenarios, from solo backpacking trips to large group campfire gatherings. For each one, we’ll cover the specific equipment needed, simple step-by-step instructions, and honest pros and cons based on real-world use. This will help you find the perfect camping coffee maker for your next adventure.

1. The Upgrade: Specialty Instant Coffee

Pin this ultralight tips to your ‘Backpacking Gear’ board!

This isn’t your grandfather’s instant coffee. Modern specialty instant coffee, often micro-ground from single-origin beans, has revolutionized easy camp coffee. For ultralight backpacking, this is the undisputed king. It’s the fastest, lightest, and has absolutely zero cleanup.

Materials Needed:

• 1 single-serving packet of high-quality specialty instant coffee
• 6-8 oz of hot water
• Insulated camp mug

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Boil water using your camp stove or over a campfire.
2. Pour the hot water into your mug.
3. Tear open the instant coffee packet and pour the crystals into the hot water.
4. Stir until fully dissolved and enjoy immediately.

Pro-Tip: To avoid clumping, pour the coffee crystals into your mug first, then add just an ounce of cold or warm water to make a smooth paste before pouring in the rest of the hot water.

2. The Tea Bag Method: Coffee Steep Bags

Save this easy cleanup idea for your next trip!

Imagine a tea bag, but filled with delicious coffee grounds. That’s the genius of coffee steep bags. This method offers the taste of real brewed coffee with the near-zero mess of instant, making it a fantastic lightweight alternative.

Materials Needed:

• 1 single-serving coffee steep bag
• 8 oz of hot water, just off the boil
• Camp mug

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Boil water on your stove and let it cool for about 30 seconds.
2. Place the coffee steep bag into your empty mug.
3. Slowly pour the hot water over the bag.
4. Let the coffee steep for 4-5 minutes, dunking the bag occasionally for a stronger brew.
5. Remove the bag, squeezing it gently. Enjoy your coffee.

Lesson Learned: Don’t use boiling water, as it can scorch the grounds inside the bag and create a bitter taste. Let it cool slightly first for a much smoother cup. The cleanup is amazing—just pack out the single bag.

3. The Backpacker’s Choice: Collapsible Pour-Over

Pin this lightweight coffee setup for your dream adventure!

For many backpackers, the collapsible pour-over dripper is the gold standard. These clever silicone or plastic cones pack down nearly flat, weigh next to nothing, and produce a fantastic, clean cup of drip coffee. It’s the perfect balance of great flavor and packability.

Materials Needed:

• 1 collapsible silicone or lightweight plastic pour-over dripper
• 1 paper coffee filter (#2 or #4, depending on dripper size)
• 2 tablespoons of medium-ground coffee
• 8-10 oz of hot water
• Camp mug and a pot/kettle for boiling water

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Place the collapsible dripper on top of your mug and insert a paper filter.
2. Add the coffee grounds into the filter.
3. Slowly pour just enough hot water (just off the boil) to wet all the grounds. Wait 30 seconds for the coffee to “bloom.”
4. Continue pouring the rest of the water slowly and in a circular motion.
5. Once the water has dripped through, remove the dripper, pack out the used filter and grounds, and enjoy.

Pro-Tip: Before adding coffee, pour a little hot water through the paper filter first to rinse out any paper taste and to pre-heat your mug. Dump this water before you start brewing.

4. The Coffee Aficionado’s Pick: AeroPress Go

Save this for the best coffee you’ll ever have on a trail!

When taste is your absolute top priority, the AeroPress Go is the answer. This compact, all-in-one travel version of the classic coffee maker uses pressure to brew a uniquely smooth, rich, and low-acidity coffee in about a minute. For coffee lovers who refuse to compromise, this is the best tasting camping coffee you can make.

Materials Needed:

• AeroPress Go coffee maker (includes mug, stirrer, scoop)
• 1 AeroPress paper micro-filter
• 1 scoop (about 15g) of fine-drip to medium-ground coffee
• Hot water (around 185°F / 85°C is ideal)

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Place a paper filter in the filter cap and twist it onto the AeroPress chamber.
2. Stand the chamber on its included mug and add one scoop of coffee.
3. Add hot water up to the number ② mark on the chamber.
4. Stir the coffee and water for about 10 seconds.
5. Insert the plunger and press down gently and steadily for about 20-30 seconds until it bottoms out.
6. Top off with more hot water to make an Americano, or enjoy as a concentrated shot.

Lesson Learned: The cleanup is the most satisfying part. Just unscrew the filter cap over your trash bag and push the plunger the final inch—a compact puck of dry grounds pops right out. No mess!

5. The Classic Full-Bodied Brew: Durable French Press

Pin this classic coffee idea to your ‘Car Camping Meals’ board!

For car camping trips where weight isn’t an issue, a durable French press is a fantastic choice. This classic immersion method is perfect for making a rich, full-bodied brew for two or more people. Just be sure to choose an unbreakable model made of stainless steel, not fragile glass.

Materials Needed:

• A durable, non-glass French press (stainless steel is best)
• 4 tablespoons of coarse-ground coffee (for a 32oz press)
• 30 oz hot water, just off the boil
• Mugs for serving

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Add the coarse coffee grounds to the bottom of the empty French press carafe.
2. Pour in the hot water, ensuring all grounds are saturated.
3. Place the plunger lid on top but do not press it down yet.
4. Let the coffee steep for exactly 4 minutes.
5. Slowly and steadily press the plunger all the way to the bottom.
6. Pour immediately into mugs to prevent over-extraction.

Pro-Tip: The cleanup is the trickiest part. Scrape the bulk of the wet grounds into your trash bag. Then, add a bit of water, swirl, and pour the slurry through a small mesh strainer into your greywater bucket to catch the remaining grounds. Never dump grounds on the campsite.

6. For The Whole Crew: Classic Camp Percolator

Save this timeless camping tradition to your ‘Campfire Cooking’ board!

The enamel camp percolator is the nostalgic icon of campfire coffee. This durable pot is designed to make a large batch of coffee at once, making it the best choice for serving a family or group. It works equally well on a camp stove or a grate over a fire.

Materials Needed:

• 1 camp coffee percolator (8-cup or larger)
• 1 tablespoon of coarse-ground coffee per cup of water (e.g., 8 tbsp for an 8-cup pot)
• Cold water

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Remove the percolator’s internal assembly (basket and tube).
2. Fill the pot with cold water to just below the basket level.
3. Add your coarse coffee grounds to the basket, place the lid on it, and insert the full assembly back into the pot.
4. Place the percolator on your camp stove or a campfire grate over medium heat.
5. Watch the clear knob on the lid. Once you see it start to bubble with dark liquid (perking), turn the heat to low and let it perk gently for 6-8 minutes.
6. Carefully remove from heat, let it sit for a minute for grounds to settle, and serve.

Lesson Learned: It’s very easy to over-extract and make bitter coffee with a percolator. Do not let it perk too long or boil too aggressively. A gentle “plink…plink…plink” in the knob is all you need for a great brew.

7. The Original Method: Minimalist Cowboy Coffee

Pin this ultimate minimalist coffee tips for true adventurers!

Want to know how to make coffee without a filter or any special gear? Cowboy coffee is the answer. It’s the original, traditional method, perfect for minimalists or when you’ve forgotten your coffee maker. All you need is a pot, water, coffee, and heat.

Materials Needed:

• Any pot or kettle
• 2 tablespoons of coarse-ground coffee per 8oz of water
• Cold water
• A heat source (camp stove or fire)

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Add water to your pot and bring it to a rolling boil.
2. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 30 seconds to stop boiling.
3. Add your coffee grounds directly to the water and give it a gentle stir.
4. Let the pot sit undisturbed for about 4 minutes. The grounds will slowly sink.
5. To help the grounds settle faster, you can sprinkle a tablespoon of cold water on top.
6. Pour slowly and carefully into your mug, trying to leave the settled grounds in the bottom of the pot.

Pro-Tip: Don’t boil the coffee grounds in the water! This is a common mistake that makes the coffee extremely bitter. Add the grounds after the water has been removed from the heat.

8. The Stovetop Espresso: Moka Pot

Save this for strong, espresso-style coffee on your next trip!

A Moka pot, or stovetop espresso maker, is a durable and simple way to make strong, concentrated coffee on a single-burner camp stove. The rich flavor is perfect for those who enjoy a bold cup or want an espresso-like base for a camp latte.

Materials Needed:

• 1 Moka Pot (3-cup size is great for camping)
• Finely ground coffee (finer than drip, coarser than true espresso)
• Cold, filtered water
• Single-burner camp stove

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Unscrew the Moka Pot. Fill the bottom chamber with water up to the safety valve.
2. Insert the filter funnel and fill it with coffee grounds. Do not tamp or pack them down. Level it off.
3. Screw the top chamber on tightly.
4. Place the Moka Pot on your camp stove over low-medium heat.
5. Listen carefully. Soon you will hear a gurgling sound as the coffee fills the top chamber.
6. Once the gurgling sound becomes light and airy, immediately remove the pot from the heat to prevent a metallic taste. Serve and enjoy.

Lesson Learned: Cleaning a Moka Pot at camp requires care. Let it cool completely first. Unscrew, tap the grounds into your trash bag, and rinse all three parts with water. Dry thoroughly to prevent the aluminum from oxidizing.

9. The Foolproof Drip: All-in-One Pour-Over Packets

Pin this genius, no-mess idea for beginner campers!

Perfect for first-time campers or anyone who wants a genuine cup of drip coffee with zero learning curve. These single-serve pour-over packets contain both the coffee grounds and an integrated filter with clever cardboard arms that hang on your mug.

Materials Needed:

• 1 all-in-one single-serve pour-over packet
• A mug
• 6-8 oz of hot water

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Tear open the top of the coffee filter packet.
2. Unfold the small cardboard arms and hang them securely on the rim of your mug.
3. Slowly pour hot water into the filter, pausing to let it drip through.
4. Continue pouring until you’ve used all your water.
5. Remove the disposable filter, pack it out in your trash, and your coffee is ready.

Pro-Tip: These are slightly bulkier than instant coffee but provide a much better taste for almost the same level of effort. They are the perfect ‘first step’ into brewed coffee for new campers.

10. The Efficiency King: Jetboil French Press

Save this all-in-one system for your fast and light adventures!

If you already own a Jetboil stove system, adding the compatible coffee press accessory creates one of the fastest and most efficient all-in-one camping coffee solutions available. You can boil water in under two minutes and immediately brew your coffee in the same pot.

Materials Needed:

• A Jetboil stove system (like the Flash or MiniMo)
• The compatible Jetboil Grande Coffee Press accessory
• Coarse-ground coffee
• Water

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Boil water in your Jetboil—it will be ready in under 2 minutes.
2. Turn off the stove, remove the pot, and add your coarse coffee grounds. Stir gently.
3. Let the coffee steep for 3-4 minutes.
4. Assemble the coffee press plunger and press it down slowly into the pot.
5. Pour your freshly pressed coffee directly from the Jetboil pot into your mug.

Lesson Learned: The silicone ring on the press filter can be tricky to clean. After scraping out the grounds, use a spork handle or twig to carefully clear any remaining grounds from the ring before rinsing to ensure a good seal for next time.

11. The No-Heat Hero: Cold Brew Concentrate

Pin this simple idea for hot weather camping trips!

For summer camping, hot days, or areas with fire bans, cold brew concentrate is a genius no-heat solution. This liquid coffee requires no brewing at camp. Just dilute it with hot or cold water for a smooth, low-acid coffee instantly.

Materials Needed:

• A bottle of cold brew coffee concentrate
• Hot or cold water
• A camp mug or tumbler

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. For Hot Coffee: Boil water and pour it into your mug. Add 1-2 oz of cold brew concentrate. Stir and enjoy. No brewing, no grounds, no mess.
2. For Iced Coffee: Pour 1-2 oz of cold brew concentrate into your mug. Add cold, filtered water from your water bottle. If you have ice in a cooler, even better!
3. Adjust the amount of concentrate to your preferred strength.

Pro-Tip: You can make your own concentrate at home before your trip! Just steep 1 part coarse-ground coffee in 4 parts cold water in a jar for 12-18 hours in the fridge, then strain it through a coffee filter into a leak-proof bottle.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Choosing a Camp Coffee Method

Feeling overwhelmed by the options? Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you choose the best method for your specific camping style. This simple decision framework can save you time and ensure you have the perfect brew on your next trip.

• For the Ultralight Backpacker: Specialty Instant Coffee or Coffee Steep Bags are unbeatable for weight and ease.
• For the Taste-Focused Backpacker: The AeroPress Go delivers the best-tasting cup in a portable package.
• For the Car Camper: A durable, stainless steel French Press or a large Camp Percolator is perfect for making coffee for a crew.
• For the Beginner Camper: All-in-one pour-over packets are foolproof and require zero extra gear.
• For the Minimalist: Cowboy Coffee requires nothing but a pot, water, coffee, and a fire.

People Also Ask About Making Coffee While Camping

How much coffee should I pack for camping?

A good rule is to pack two tablespoons of ground coffee per person, per day. For a weekend trip for two people, this means packing 8 tablespoons of coffee, plus an extra serving just in case. Pre-measuring servings at home into small, reusable bags saves time and hassle at camp.

What’s the best way to make coffee for a large group?

For groups of four or more, a large 8-cup or 12-cup camp percolator is the most efficient method. It’s a durable, single piece of equipment that can brew a large volume at once on a camp stove or fire grate. A large pot of Cowboy Coffee is the best gear-free alternative.

How do you properly dispose of coffee grounds when camping?

You must always pack out your used coffee grounds according to Leave No Trace principles. Never dump them on the ground, in a river, or in a fire pit. Scrape wet grounds into a designated trash bag (a sturdy zip-top bag works well) and carry them out with the rest of your garbage.

Is it better to grind coffee beans at camp?

Grinding beans right before brewing at camp provides the freshest flavor, but it requires carrying a manual hand grinder. For most campers, the convenience of pre-grinding your coffee at home and storing it in an airtight container is the more practical and popular choice.

Final Thoughts

A great cup of coffee isn’t a luxury reserved for home—it’s an accessible and essential part of the camping experience that can elevate a cold morning in the wilderness. The “best” way to make coffee while camping is simply the one that fits your adventure. Whether you prioritize the ultralight efficiency of specialty instant coffee or the rich, full-bodied flavor of a French press, there’s a perfect method for you. By choosing the right gear and mastering a few simple steps, you can ensure your morning ritual is a highlight of every trip.

What’s your go-to method for making coffee in the great outdoors? Share your favorite tips in the comments below

Last update on 2026-01-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API