There’s nothing worse than waking up in the great outdoors… without coffee.
Whether you’re a backcountry purist, a car camper who wants the easiest brew, or someone who refuses to drink anything but espresso (even in the woods), we’ve got you covered.
Here are five foolproof ways to make coffee while camping, plus the best gear to make it happen. 
Instant Coffee: The No-Brainer, No-Fuss Option
If your goal is maximum caffeine with zero effort, instant coffee is the move. Just boil water, stir in your favorite instant coffee, and boom—you’re caffeinated in 30 seconds.
Best Instant Coffee for Camping: Mount Hagen Organic Instant Coffee (smooth, rich, and doesn’t taste like burnt regret) Best Compact Camping Stove: Jetboil Flash Cooking System (boils water in under 2 minutes) Best Insulated Travel Mug: YETI Rambler 14 oz Mug (keeps coffee hot forever)
French Press: For the Fancy Camper Who Needs Real Coffee
If you refuse to drink anything but freshly brewed coffee, a French press is your best bet. It’s easy to use, makes bold, full-bodied coffee, and requires minimal cleanup.
Best Camping French Press: GSI Outdoors JavaPress (lightweight, shatterproof, and built for adventure) Best Burr Grinder for Fresh Beans: 1Zpresso JX Manual Coffee Grinder (small, powerful, and way better than a blade grinder) Best Camping Kettle: GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Kettle (compact and durable for boiling water fast)
How to Use It at Camp:
- Add coarse-ground coffee to the French press.
- Pour in hot water, stir, and wait 4 minutes.
- Press the plunger slowly and pour. Enjoy fancy campsite coffee.
Pour-Over: For the Minimalist Who Wants Gourmet Coffee
If you love bright, clean, and smooth coffee, pour-over is the way to go. It’s super lightweight, requires almost no gear, and delivers serious flavor.
Best Camping Pour-Over Setup: Hario V60 Plastic Dripper (lightweight, unbreakable, and makes a killer brew) Best Reusable Coffee Filters: MiiR Pourigami Coffee Filter (packs flat and works with any dripper) Best Collapsible Camping Coffee Mug: Sea to Summit X-Mug (folds flat, easy to pack)
How to Use It at Camp:
- Place coffee filter in the dripper and add medium-fine ground coffee.
- Slowly pour hot water over the grounds in circles.
- Let it drip into your mug and enjoy the best-tasting camp coffee ever.
AeroPress: For the Espresso Lover Who Won’t Settle
If you love strong, smooth, and espresso-style coffee, AeroPress is the ultimate camping coffee maker. It’s fast, easy to clean, and basically unbreakable.
Best Camping Coffee Maker: AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press (compact, lightweight, and perfect for strong coffee) Best Microfilters for AeroPress: AeroPress Paper Microfilters (for clean, grit-free coffee) Best Travel Coffee Canister: Airscape Stainless Steel Coffee Storage (keeps beans fresh, no matter the weather)
How to Use It at Camp:
- Add fine-ground coffee to the AeroPress.
- Pour in hot water, stir, and let sit for 30 seconds.
- Press the plunger slowly over your cup.
- Enjoy rich, espresso-style camp coffee.
Percolator: For the Old-School Camper Who Loves Strong Coffee
If you like rugged, cowboy-style coffee, a percolator is the OG camping coffee maker. It makes bold, hot, and endlessly drinkable coffee over a campfire or stove.
Best Camping Percolator: Coletti Bozeman Percolator (stainless steel, built to last, and no plastic parts) Best Fire-Resistant Coffee Mug: Stanley Classic Legendary Camp Mug (indestructible, keeps coffee hot) Best Campfire Cooking Tripod: Texsport Heavy-Duty Over-Fire Tripod (for brewing over an open flame)
How to Use It at Camp:
- Fill the percolator with water and coffee grounds.
- Place over medium heat and let it percolate for 7-10 minutes.
- Remove from heat, let it sit for a minute, then pour.
- Sip like a true camping pro.
Final Thoughts: Which Coffee Method Is Right for You?
Want zero effort? Go for instant coffee. Love strong, bold coffee? Try French press or percolator. Want smooth, clean flavor? Choose pour-over. Need espresso-style coffee? AeroPress is your answer.
Whichever method you choose, great coffee = a great camping trip.
