For many campers, the day doesn’t truly begin until the first cup of coffee is brewing. Whether you're waking up beside a mountain lake or preparing breakfast at a campsite, a hot cup of coffee makes outdoor mornings even better.
Fortunately, there are several simple ways to make coffee while camping — from classic campfire methods to lightweight backpacking solutions.
In this guide we’ll cover the best ways to make coffee while camping, what gear you need, and which brewing method works best for different types of trips.
What You Need to Make Coffee While Camping
Before choosing a brewing method, it helps to think about the type of camping you're doing.
Your coffee setup will depend on:
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how much gear you can carry
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whether you have a camp stove or fire
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how many people you're brewing for
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how strong you like your coffee
Common camping coffee gear includes:
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coffee maker or brewing device
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ground coffee or whole beans
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clean water
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heat source (campfire or camp stove)
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mugs or insulated cups
Once you have these basics, you can choose a brewing method.
1. Percolator Coffee (Best for Campfires)
One of the most traditional ways to make camp coffee is with a camping percolator.
Percolators are especially popular because they:
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brew multiple cups at once
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work directly over campfires
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are extremely durable
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produce strong coffee
To brew percolator coffee:
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Fill the pot with water
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Add coarse-ground coffee to the basket
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Place the percolator over the fire or stove
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Let the coffee perk for about 4–7 minutes
Percolators are one of the easiest ways to make coffee for groups at camp.
2. Cowboy Coffee
Cowboy coffee is one of the simplest ways to make coffee outdoors.
All you need is:
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a pot
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water
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coffee grounds
Steps:
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Bring water to a boil
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Add coffee grounds directly to the pot
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Remove from heat and let the grounds settle
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Pour carefully into cups
This method requires no special equipment, though it may leave some sediment in the cup.
3. French Press Camping Coffee
Many campers bring a French press designed for outdoor use.
To use it:
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Add coarse coffee grounds to the press
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Pour in hot water
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Stir and wait about 4 minutes
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Press the plunger down slowly
French presses produce rich coffee but can take up more space in your gear.
4. Pour-Over Coffee
Pour-over coffee is popular with backpackers because the gear is lightweight.
A simple pour-over setup includes:
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a pour-over dripper
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paper filter
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ground coffee
Hot water is slowly poured over the grounds, producing a smooth and clean cup.
5. Instant Coffee
Instant coffee is the lightest and simplest camping option.
Just add hot water and stir.
Modern instant coffees have improved significantly and can taste surprisingly good, especially for backpacking trips where weight matters.
6. AeroPress
The AeroPress is a compact brewing device that many campers love.
It works by pressing hot water through coffee grounds using air pressure.
Advantages include:
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small size
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fast brewing
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smooth flavor
It’s a popular choice for minimalist camping setups.
7. Portable Espresso Makers
Some campers bring portable espresso makers that work with hand pumps or camp stoves.
These devices can produce espresso-style coffee outdoors, though they usually require more gear than simpler brewing methods.
Best Coffee Makers for Camping
The best option depends on your camping style.
Best for groups
Camping percolator
Best for backpacking
Pour-over or instant coffee
Best flavor control
French press or AeroPress
Simplest method
Cowboy coffee
Tips for Better Camping Coffee
A few small tips can improve your camp coffee experience.
Use coarse-ground coffee for most outdoor brewing methods
Bring fresh beans or quality ground coffee
Use clean filtered water if available
Avoid boiling coffee aggressively
Clean your brewing equipment regularly
These steps help ensure a better-tasting cup wherever you camp.
Clean your equipment before and after each trip. Coffee oils build up inside percolators and French presses faster with campfire heat. A COLETTI percolator cleaning tablets run through one brew cycle removes buildup and keeps flavors clean without the mess of vinegar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to make coffee while camping?
Cowboy coffee and instant coffee are the simplest methods because they require almost no gear. Cowboy coffee needs only a pot, water, and grounds. Instant coffee needs only hot water and a cup. For campers who want something between simple and great tasting, a percolator adds only a few minutes and produces a far better cup.
What is the best coffee maker for camping?
For most campers, a stainless steel percolator is the best all-around choice. It brews multiple cups at once, works on any heat source, has no breakable electronic parts, and produces a bold, full-bodied cup. Solo backpackers may prefer a pour-over or collapsible option for the lighter pack weight.
Can you make coffee on a campfire?
Yes. Percolators, cowboy coffee pots, and kettles all work directly over an open campfire. Place the pot on a grate above the flames for consistent heat. Most stainless steel camping coffee makers are designed specifically for open flame use. Avoid putting glass or plastic components directly over high flames.
What grind size works best for camp coffee?
Coarse grind works best for most camping methods including percolators, French press, and cowboy coffee. Fine grinds over-extract quickly and pass through basket filters into the cup. If you are grinding at home before the trip, aim for a consistency similar to rough sea salt.
How much coffee should you bring camping?
A good rule of thumb is 1 tablespoon of ground coffee per cup, or roughly 2 ounces of ground coffee per person per day if you drink two cups. For a 3-day trip with 4 people drinking 2 cups each, bring around 24 ounces. Pack a little extra as appetite for coffee tends to increase outdoors.
How do you keep coffee hot while camping?
Pour coffee into an insulated camping mug immediately after brewing. Stainless steel percolators retain heat reasonably well but not as long as a dedicated thermos. For extended heat retention on cold mornings, a double-wall insulated mug or small thermos is worth the extra pack weight.
Can you make coffee while backpacking?
Yes. The lightest options are instant coffee packets, collapsible silicone pour-overs, or a small lightweight percolator. Instant coffee packs down to almost nothing. A collapsible pour-over adds only a few ounces and produces significantly better flavor. Choose based on how much weight and space you can spare.
Final Thoughts
Making coffee while camping doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right brewing method and a little preparation, you can enjoy a great cup of coffee almost anywhere — from remote wilderness campsites to family campground mornings.
Whether you prefer a classic percolator, lightweight backpacking setup, or simple cowboy coffee, camp coffee is one of the small rituals that makes outdoor adventures even more memorable.
