How to Brew Coffee While Camping (10 Practical Methods)

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the beauty of nature, surrounded by the stillness of the wilderness, knowing you’ve escaped the chaos of daily life. But for coffee lovers, the joy of camping can be quickly overshadowed by the absence of their beloved coffee maker. Camping without coffee is a mistake you’re unlikely to make twice.

To help you avoid a caffeine-less morning in the great outdoors, here are ten tried-and-true methods for brewing coffee while camping. These options are ranked not necessarily by the quality of the coffee they produce, but rather by their convenience and ease of use while camping. Since every camping trip is unique, it’s important to choose the method that best suits your specific needs and circumstances. Let’s dive in!

The 10 Best Camping Coffee Brewing Methods

1. Compact Collapsible Pour-Over Devices

If you’re a fan of making pour-over coffee at home, a collapsible pour-over device is a fantastic choice. Lightweight, compact, and easy to pack, it’s perfect for minimizing space and weight.

To use this method, unfold the device and place a filter with coffee grounds inside. You’ll need a separate setup to heat water, but once it’s boiling, simply pour the hot water over the grounds. For optimal flavor, start by wetting the coffee grounds slightly to allow them to “bloom,” then continue pouring in a steady stream, ensuring all grounds are evenly extracted.

After brewing, dispose of the used filter, rinse the pour-over device, and allow it to dry completely before folding it back up. This prevents unwanted odors or mildew.

2. Integrated Pour-Over Travel Mugs

For a convenient, all-in-one brewing solution, consider a pour-over travel mug. These mugs combine the functionality of a pour-over setup with the practicality of a travel mug.

While you’ll still need to heat water separately, the brewing process is similar to a standard pour-over. Some models include a reusable steel mesh filter, eliminating the need for disposable filters and the hassle of disposing of used ones. Just remember to thoroughly clean the filter after each use.

An added benefit is that the mug keeps your coffee hot for longer. It can also double as a container for other hot drinks or even a hearty camping stew.

3. Submersible Filters

Brewing with a submersible filter is as simple as steeping coffee grounds in hot water and then removing the grounds before drinking.

This lightweight and versatile option is ideal for coffee enthusiasts who also enjoy tea, as the same filter can be used for steeping tea leaves. To use, fill the filter with coffee grounds, submerge it in a mug of hot water, and let it steep for a few minutes. Once the coffee reaches your desired strength, remove the filter and enjoy.

Cleanup is straightforward but requires emptying the filter of grounds and rinsing away any residue. While practical, submersible filters can take up a bit more space than other methods.

4. Coffee Sock Method

For a quirky and effective way to brew coffee, consider using a coffee sock. Although a regular sock might technically work, it’s better to use one specifically designed for brewing.

To make coffee with this method, fill the sock with coffee grounds and lower it into a mug of hot water. Let it steep for a couple of minutes, then remove the sock, and your coffee is ready to enjoy.

While this method adds a bit of humor and novelty to your camping experience, it does require more cleanup. Turn the sock inside out to rinse out the coffee grounds thoroughly. Over time, the sock may stain, but consider these marks a badge of honor from your outdoor adventures.

5. Durable Camping Pour-Over Options

Beyond collapsible pour-over setups, there are other pour-over designs created specifically for camping. These are excellent for those who want a slightly more refined coffee-making experience while still enjoying the simplicity of pour-over brewing.

Some camping pour-over devices come with innovative features like foldable legs that clip onto most mugs, keeping the filter securely in place. Once assembled, place the filter and grounds inside and pour hot water over them. Be sure to ensure everything is stable before you start pouring to avoid any spills or wasted water.

Many of these setups include reusable fabric filters, making them eco-friendly and easy to clean. After brewing, they can be folded down into a compact shape, making them easy to pack alongside other camping gear.

7. French Press

For those who love the rich, full-bodied flavor of French press coffee, the good news is that you can enjoy this brewing method even in the great outdoors. There are numerous compact French presses designed specifically for camping. These are worth exploring to find one that best suits your needs.

Some of these models go beyond just brewing coffee. Many are multifunctional, allowing you to boil water for cooking and then make coffee—all within the same container. This versatility can be a significant advantage when packing for a camping trip. While a French press may be slightly heavier and bulkier than other methods, its ability to perform multiple functions could make it an excellent choice for your adventure.

Another great perk of this option is the lack of disposable filters. Cleanup is as simple as dumping out the used coffee grounds and giving the press a quick rinse.

While using a French press might bring an element of elegance to your outdoor mornings, it does lack the rugged vibe that some campers might prefer. If that’s what you’re looking for, don’t worry—we’ve got more rustic options coming up!

8. Percolator

The percolator is a timeless coffee-brewing method that might make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a classic Western movie. It’s an excellent choice for those who want something stronger than standard drip coffee. In terms of flavor, a percolator offers a brew that lands somewhere between drip coffee and espresso, providing a robust and bold morning wake-up.

However, it’s worth noting that a percolator is not the most packable option, and unlike some alternatives, it doesn’t have any extra functionality beyond brewing coffee.

For those familiar with stovetop percolators at home, the process will feel intuitive. If you’re new to this method, here’s how it works: Start by filling the bottom chamber with water, then add coffee grounds to the middle basket. Place the basket on top of the water and screw the top chamber onto the assembly. When placed over a flame or nestled in the campfire coals, the boiling water from the bottom chamber is pushed up through the coffee grounds, with the freshly brewed coffee collecting in the top chamber.

There are no filters involved, which simplifies packing. However, cleaning a percolator can be a bit more tedious compared to other methods.

9. Brew Bags

If you’re planning a summer camping trip and crave a refreshing, cold coffee option, brew bags might be just what you need. This method is ideal for making cold brew, offering a chilled alternative to traditional hot coffee. It’s perfect for those sweltering mornings when even the thought of hot coffee feels exhausting or for sipping along the trail throughout the day.

Using brew bags is simple: Fill them with coffee grounds and let them steep in water overnight. For the adventurous, you can even place the brew bag into a water bladder and let it steep as you hike, turning your carried water supply into a batch of cold brew coffee.

One of the main benefits of brew bags is their portability. They are incredibly lightweight and easy to pack, making them a great space-saving choice. The primary drawback, however, is the extended steeping time required—typically a minimum of five hours—so patience is key.

10. AeroPress

If you’re an AeroPress enthusiast, there’s no reason to leave this handy gadget behind on your camping trip. Its compact and straightforward design makes it an excellent choice for brewing coffee in the wilderness.

Before deciding to bring your AeroPress along, there are a couple of things to consider. First, you’ll need to pack filters and ensure you can dispose of them responsibly in an outdoor setting. Second, cleaning an AeroPress requires a bit more effort than some of the other methods.

That said, if you’re already a fan of AeroPress coffee and appreciate its ability to deliver a rich, smooth brew in a short amount of time, it can be an ideal companion for your outdoor adventures.

What About Instant Coffee?

While all the methods listed above provide a more involved brewing experience, sometimes the easiest option is the best one—especially on a camping trip. Instant coffee is a tried-and-true solution for those mornings when you’re groggy and in need of caffeine but don’t want to fuss with equipment.

Modern instant coffee options have come a long way, offering improved flavor and quality compared to what you might remember. It’s lightweight, quick to prepare, and requires minimal cleanup, making it an excellent choice for campers who prioritize convenience.

Why Convenience Matters in the Great Outdoors

When choosing your coffee brewing method for camping, convenience is one of the most critical factors to consider. While it’s tempting to prioritize taste or the brewing ritual, the reality of camping often demands practicality. After carrying equipment through challenging terrain or dealing with limited space and resources, you’ll appreciate a method that simplifies the process.

Beyond brewing, think about factors like how the equipment will fit in your pack, whether you’ll be heating water over a fire or with a portable stove, and how easy cleanup will be. These small considerations can make a big difference when you’re in an unpredictable outdoor setting.

Final Thoughts

We hope this list of coffee brewing methods for camping helps you elevate your outdoor experience. Whatever method you choose, you can rest assured that your mornings will start with a much-needed caffeine boost and a connection to the beauty of nature around you.