How to Make Coffee Camping

One of the best things about camping or backpacking is enjoying a nice, hot cup of coffee in the great outdoors. If you’ve never made camp coffee or are interested in trying a new method, we’re here to help you make a great cup of coffee without electricity or a campfire. Our SCHEELS Camping Experts are big fans of two methods: the pour-over and the French press. To learn how to make the perfect brew on your adventure, check out our step-by-step guides or watch the video above!

Pour-Over Camp Coffee

Pour-over coffee works similarly to a drip coffee maker: hot water is poured over ground coffee in a filter. The result is a smooth coffee with a familiar at-home taste. To brew the perfect pour-over coffee at your campsite, our Experts recommend a Jetboil cooking system to boil your water, the Yeti Rambler Pour Over, and your favorite ground coffee (our Experts love Black Rifle Coffee).

How to Make Pour-Over Camp Coffee

Boil your water—you can use bottled water or a water filtration system. A Jetboil makes boiling your water especially easy.
Fill the top section of the Stanley Pour-Over set about halfway with ground coffee. If you want a stronger brew, you can go up to about three-quarters full.
Make sure the grounds are evenly distributed, then place the top over your mug.
When the water is boiling, slowly pour it over your grounds. Go in a slow circular motion and make sure the water is evenly distributed—this will ensure a balanced, great-tasting brew.
After you’ve poured the water, it will take a couple of minutes for the water to drip into the mug.
To clean the filter, just rinse out the coffee grounds—easy and fast!
Enjoy your delicious morning coffee while taking in the great outdoors.

French Press Camp Coffee

If you use a French press at home, you’ll love French press camp coffee. This method uses a carafe with a plunge-able filter to draw out the coffee’s flavor (our Experts recommend using the Jetboil Coffee Press with your Jetboil for an easy brew). The French press method results in a coffee with a thicker body and stronger flavor, great for outdoor adventurers who love a bold cup to start the morning. With your Jetboil, coffee press, and coffee grounds you’re ready to start!

How to Make French Press Camp Coffee

Add about 16 ounces of water to your Jetboil—this will make about 2 cups of coffee. The Jetboil Zip is a great option and is easy to pack!
Put your coffee press on top and put the Jetboil’s lid back on.
Bring the water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, turn the burner off.
Take the press out and add your coffee grounds to the boiling water. Use about one teaspoon for every 8 ounces of water, or to your taste.
Stir the water and coffee grounds.
Put the press back on and let the coffee steep for about five minutes.
Push down the plunger until it stops, and pour the coffee into your camp mug.
Enjoy your morning!

Camping and coffee go hand-in-hand, and with the right tools and some practice, you can make a great brew anywhere you go. Whether you choose the pour-over or French press method, you’re sure to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and start your day off on the right foot. For more great tips to make the most of your next adventure, check out our Camping Expert Articles or stop by and see a Camping Expert at your nearest SCHEELS.