Car Camping Coffee Makers: Brew the Perfect Cup in the Wild
Coffee is more than just a morning ritual for many of us—it’s a comforting, energizing beverage that kick-starts the day. And when you’re car camping, there’s something incredibly rewarding about brewing a fresh cup of coffee in the great outdoors. The sounds of nature, the smell of the campfire, and the warmth of your brew can make the experience of camping feel even more special.
But how do you enjoy a perfect cup of coffee while you’re away from home and possibly miles from the nearest café? The answer is simple: with the right car camping coffee maker. Whether you’re an espresso enthusiast or a fan of a strong black brew, there are plenty of portable coffee makers designed specifically for outdoor adventurers.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why having fresh coffee while car camping is a game-changer, and we’ll introduce you to several coffee makers that are perfect for the task—along with their pros, cons, and why they are great for different car camping setups.
Why It’s Great to Have Fresh Coffee While Car Camping
There’s something undeniably satisfying about sipping on a hot, fresh cup of coffee when you wake up surrounded by nature. For many, coffee isn’t just a pick-me-up—it’s a comfort. After a night spent in the great outdoors, a cup of coffee can be the perfect start to a day of hiking, fishing, or exploring.
Having coffee while car camping means:
- A Cozy Start to Your Day: There’s nothing like sitting around a campfire or your campsite, enjoying your coffee as you watch the sunrise or listen to the birds.
- Better Morning Energy: If you’re used to your morning cup of coffee, having it available when you wake up will help you feel more energized and ready to take on your day in nature.
- Convenience: Car camping gives you the space to bring more gear than backpacking. This means you can bring along a coffee maker that works for your needs and gives you a taste of home, no matter how far off the beaten path you are.
- Relaxation: Making coffee outdoors can also be a calming ritual—whether you’re using a French press, drip coffee maker, or even a pour-over. It adds to the experience of being away from everyday distractions.
The Best Car Camping Coffee Makers: Our Top Picks
Now that you know why coffee is a must-have for many car campers, let’s dive into some of the best coffee makers you can bring along on your next car camping adventure. Whether you’re looking for something compact and lightweight or a more robust machine for creating café-quality brews, there’s a coffee maker here for every type of camper.
1. Aeropress Coffee Maker
The Aeropress is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts for its compact design, ease of use, and ability to make strong, flavorful coffee. This simple yet effective device works like a manual espresso maker, pushing hot water through coffee grounds to extract the best flavors.
Pros:
- Portable: Lightweight and compact, making it easy to pack and carry.
- Versatile: Can make both coffee and espresso-style brews.
- Easy to Use: Simple to use with minimal mess or fuss. Great for beginners and seasoned coffee lovers alike.
- Durable: Made of sturdy plastic, it’s nearly indestructible, even in rugged conditions.
Cons:
- Single-Serving: Best for making one cup at a time. If you’re camping with a group, it may require multiple rounds.
- Requires Filters: While the filters are small and easy to pack, you’ll need to bring them along (or use reusable alternatives).
Why It’s Great for Car Camping: The Aeropress is ideal for solo campers or couples who want to brew a quick, quality cup of coffee without taking up too much space in their gear. It’s super lightweight, easy to clean, and doesn’t require electricity, making it perfect for any camping trip.
2. Coleman Camping Coffee Maker
If you have access to a camp stove and prefer a more traditional, drip-style coffee maker, the Coleman Camping Coffee Maker could be the perfect option for you. This 10-cup coffee maker operates over a camp stove and brews coffee much like an electric drip coffee maker does at home.
Pros:
- Large Capacity: Can brew up to 10 cups of coffee at once, making it great for groups or families.
- Familiar Brew Method: If you prefer drip coffee, this is an easy transition to the camping world.
- Easy to Use: No complicated setup—just pour in the water, add grounds, and brew.
Cons:
- Requires a Camp Stove: This maker doesn’t have its own heat source, so you’ll need to bring a camp stove or some other means of heating water.
- Bulky: While not excessively heavy, it’s larger than most portable options and takes up more space.
Why It’s Great for Car Camping: The Coleman Camping Coffee Maker is ideal for those who enjoy larger quantities of coffee and have the space in their car to bring a bulkier unit. It’s perfect for larger groups or family camping trips where multiple cups are needed.
3. GSI Outdoors JavaPress
For car campers who prefer a French press, the GSI Outdoors JavaPress is an excellent option. It’s made of stainless steel, which makes it durable enough for outdoor adventures, and it’s double-walled for insulation, ensuring your coffee stays hot longer.
Pros:
- Durable: Stainless steel construction is rugged and resistant to breaking.
- Insulated: Keeps your coffee hot for longer.
- Good for Multiple Servings: Comes in both 30 oz and 50 oz sizes, which are great for individuals or small groups.
Cons:
- Requires More Ground Coffee: The French press method may require a slightly coarser grind, which means you’ll need to bring along a coffee grinder (or buy pre-ground coffee).
- Takes a Little Time: Unlike drip coffee makers, the French press takes a bit longer to brew.
Why It’s Great for Car Camping: The JavaPress combines the rich, bold flavor of French press coffee with the durability needed for the outdoors. It’s perfect for people who want a quality, full-bodied coffee without a lot of fuss.
4. Jetboil Java Kit
If you’re a fan of the Jetboil system for cooking, you’ll love the Jetboil Java Kit. This is a complete coffee-making solution that attaches directly to Jetboil’s compact cooking system. The kit includes a French press, making it perfect for brewing fresh coffee while you’re out on the road.
Pros:
- Compact and Efficient: Works with Jetboil’s existing cooking system, saving space and weight in your gear.
- Fast Boiling: Jetboil’s design means that water boils incredibly fast, perfect for when you’re in a hurry.
- Versatile: The system can be used for cooking and boiling water as well as brewing coffee.
Cons:
- Not Ideal for Large Groups: If you need to brew multiple cups of coffee at once, this may not be the best option.
- Requires Jetboil System: You’ll need to already have or plan to purchase a Jetboil stove for this to work.
Why It’s Great for Car Camping: For minimalist campers or those who already use Jetboil for cooking, this is a fantastic coffee-making system. It’s quick, easy to use, and doesn’t require extra space in your kit. If you’re already using a Jetboil, the Java Kit is a no-brainer.
5. Percolator Coffee Pot
A percolator is a classic coffee maker that has been around for decades. While it’s typically associated with old-school camping, this method is still incredibly popular for car campers looking for a rich, strong brew. The Coleman Percolator Coffee Pot is a great option for those who want to take a step back to a more traditional coffee-making method.
Pros:
- Durable: Usually made from stainless steel, percolators are tough and long-lasting.
- Rich Flavor: The percolating method extracts deep, robust flavors from coffee beans.
- Large Capacity: You can brew a large pot of coffee, making it great for groups.
Cons:
- Takes Longer to Brew: Percolators need a bit more time to brew than drip coffee makers or French presses.
- Needs Direct Heat: Requires a camp stove or fire to heat the water.
Why It’s Great for Car Camping: If you’re camping with a group or enjoy a strong, classic brew, a percolator is a reliable and simple way to make coffee. It doesn’t need power or electricity, making it a great choice for camping.
Conclusion
Having a great cup of coffee while car camping can make your outdoor experience even more enjoyable. Whether you’re brewing a single cup with an Aeropress or making a whole pot for your group with a Coleman Coffee Maker or percolator, the right coffee maker can elevate your camping experience.
The key is finding the coffee maker that suits your camping style, the number of people you’re camping with, and your preferred brewing method. Each of the coffee makers we’ve covered here has its own set of advantages and challenges, but all of them are fantastic tools for enjoying fresh, hot coffee in the wild.
Choose the one that fits your needs, and get ready to savor the perfect cup of coffee—no matter where your adventures take you!
