11 Best Camping Coffee Makers in 2024

This is a review of the best coffee makers for camping. Read on to learn more.

As a somewhat seasoned camper, I’ve learned much about coffee making in the woods. That led me to write a list of recommended coffee makers.

The Hario V60 offers durability, portability, excellent-tasting coffee, and no electricity requirements. Making it the best overall coffee maker for camping.

You may not want to spend a lot of time making coffee while in the great outdoors. That’s cool. Check out my other recommendations.

Here’s where the fun begins.

11 Best Coffee Makers to use when Camping

1. Hario V60: Best overall 
2. AeroPress Go: Best for outdoors
3. UniTerra Nomad: Best for RV camping
4. Coleman QuikPot: Best Coleman maker
5. Flair NEO: Best off-grid maker
6. Widesea Camping Coffee Pot: Best for backpacking
7. Top Rapid Brew: Best maker with thermal carafe
8. Farberware Yosemite Percolator: Best percolator
9. Kulu Coffee Bags: Best for car camping
10. Bialetti Moka Express: Best under $100/Budget Option
11. Fellow Clara Coffee Press: Best coffee maker UK & Australia

11 Top Coffee Makers for Camping

By “camping” coffee makers, I selected portable brewing devices that aren’t knockoffs and produce decent-tasting coffee.

For those who want automation or milk-based drinks, you’re out of luck. Most coffee makers for camping won’t include milk frothers or grinders. These add-ons come with bulky and pricey espresso machines. Or drip coffee makers.

We’re in the outdoors, so we must adapt our coffee-making habits.

Before adapting, here’s a legend to prevent confusion:

• Dimensions:
  • D: depth
  • W: width
  • H: height

I may clear any other questions you may have in a buyer’s guide toward the end of this piece.

1. Hario V60: Best Overall Coffee Maker for Camping

The Hario V60 is ideal for those making coffee outdoors due to its simplicity, portability, and the fact that it doesn’t require electricity.

Pour-over coffee makers involve you pouring hot water over a bunch of coffee grounds. Gravity pulls flavors from the beans and pulls them into your mug. This works great for someone who wants a better-tasting drip coffee.

Despite its steep learning curve, mastering the V60 can lead to a clean, flavorful cup that fully expresses the complexity of the coffee beans. Its portability also makes it a great travel companion.

You’ll need to use paper filters, though. Some third parties do make stainless steel reusable filters, which I’d recommend trying. Though, they’re priced up in the $30 range.

My favorite part of the Hario V60 is the cleaning. You don’t need to dismantle it to clean. Run some water and soap through it and you’re good.

The upgraded design from its previous model improves airflow when brewing. This will improve flavor extraction and drink taste. And the fact it’s pour-over coffee means you’ll have control to tailor drinks to your preferences.

Though, you may want to practice caution while doing so when camping. Ceramic and glass aren’t materials known for taking a beating. Making them not the best choices to haul when outdoors.

Backpackers will love this next choice.

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2. AeroPress Go: Best Outdoor Coffee Maker

Its ability to produce a strong, flavorful brew quickly and easily makes it the perfect coffee maker for RV camping.

The AeroPress Go produces black coffee or an espresso-style drink by forcing water through a chamber to extract your beans’ flavor and oil. It’s best for producing various types of drinks without needing a bulky machine.

Its durable construction ensures longevity, and the ease of use and cleaning adds to its overall worth. The fact that it includes all necessary tools and fits within its own mug for space-saving storage further enhances its value.

Don’t trust me? Trust James Hoffmann. He’s a coffee influencer who reviewed the AeroPress Go and said it’s an excellent choice for those who want a smaller AeroPress [1].

How’s the AeroPress Go any different than a normal AeroPress? It’s ⅓ the size. Making it easy to tuck in a backpack. Just don’t lose it.

When getting any AeroPress product, you’ll need coffee beans and paper filters. Pack the paper filters you think you’d need for your trip to conserve space. And opt for a hand coffee grinder for the freshest beans.

The removable components make it simple to clean. You may want to use mild soap or soak the thing in vinegar also. Since you’re camping, who knows what kind of germs could get to it.

And due to its size and easy(ness) to clean, it’s suitable for taking on international trips or to work. You’d likely have no issues tucking it in a carry-on backpack when flying.

The biggest downside comes from the filter holder not staying closed. It may prove annoying if you’re trying to make coffee and it comes loose.

Need a device that produces stronger drinks? Keep reading.

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3. UniTerra Nomad: Best Coffee Maker for RV Camping

The UniTerra Nomad Espresso Machine is an ideal choice for coffee enthusiasts with motorhomes, due to its compact size.

Manual espresso makers work great for folks who want to brew espresso without electricity. But requires manual input on every step of espresso making. Bad for anyone who doesn’t want to put a lot of effort into brewing drinks.

Considering its unique features such as the True Crema Valve, which compensates for coffee grind and tamping variations, it can be seen as a worthwhile purchase.

What is the True Crema Valve? Brewed espresso flows through it and adds a rich layer of crema on top. Great for making espresso taste better.

This toy-looking espresso maker will give you 9 bars of pressure—ideal number of bars for balanced taste [2]. You’ll apply this pressure by using the see-saw tool to force water from the reservoir into the maker’s basket.

If you get it, I recommend pre-heating the Nomad by pouring hot water into the reservoir, then pumping it out of the basket. It’ll help clean out the maker and ensure consistent drink temperature.

The Nomad’s water reservoir is a bit less accessible compared to most espresso makers. It only has a small opening, which makes it difficult to clean. However, you could easily remove the rest of the parts for cleaning.

As with every machine on this list, you’ll need pre-ground beans or a coffee grinder. If you opt for the latter, don’t settle for a cheap one that’ll break within a month.

If that costs too much, the next pick won’t bust your bank account as much.

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4. Coleman QuikPot: Best Coleman Camping Coffee Maker

The Coleman QuikPot Propane Coffeemaker is ideal for those who want to make drip coffee without electricity. 

Drip coffee makers require you to drip water over a filter cone filled with beans. It’s a decent way to get black coffee made without manual input. However, the taste isn’t ideal.

Its robust construction, PerfectFlow technology, and ability to brew a full pot in just 20 minutes make it the best Coleman coffee maker for camping. The first feature is a type of regulator that delivers constant heat.

Ensuring your machine won’t lose heat while you’re brewing in abnormal weather (e.g., snow).

The fact this thing runs on propane caught my attention. Not the most environmentally-friendly option, but it’s excellent for being off the grid. It’s the only drip coffee maker I’ve seen like this.

However:

Due to its bulky size, I wouldn’t want to use it if you need to hike to your campsite. Use it for RV camping, base camps, cabins, or long-term off-grid camping.

It’s a pain in the ‘A’ to clean, though. Most parts aren’t removable, and getting to the burner is a pain due to the heat protector. However, the water reservoir is easy enough to access since it has a wide opening.

You may not like the reservoir’s capacity if you’re camping for a long time. Since you’ll need to refill it frequently. And while the machine’s operating, it can become very hot. Don’t touch it while it’s in use.

That’s a double-edged sword, though. Since it stays hot, it’ll keep your coffee hotter for longer.

Here’s another popular pick.

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5. Flair NEO: Best Off-Grid Coffee Maker

The Flair NEO is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a hands-on process of making espresso.

Its manual operation makes it ideal for making coffee off-grid. Where electricity may not be readily available. The NEO’s ability to produce high-quality espresso, even outdoors, makes it the best espresso maker for camping.

It’s a manual espresso machine. Meaning, you could make espresso, but with no automation. These work best for anyone who wants to learn the ropes on making espresso. And to tailor drinks to their specifications.

It’s a high-quality, durable machine that can produce espresso shots comparable to those made by much more expensive espresso machines. Adding to its overall value.

You’ll need ground coffee beans or a hand grinder. Then you’ll need a way to boil water to pour it through the portafilter. After you preheat the brew head. Not ideal for conserving space.

However:

Due to Flair making all the components removable, it’s easy to clean. So long as you have access to clean running water.

Flair sells cases that allow you to take this thing wherever you go. But it requires a separate investment..

Here’s an even more portable alternative.

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6. Widesea Camping Coffee Pot: Best Coffee Maker for Backpacking

The Widesea Camping Coffee Pot is ideal coffee for backpacking due to its lightweight design, dual functionality as a boiling pot, and its ability to brew multiple cups at once.

What’s a French press?

It immerses ground coffee in hot water and separates the oils and flavors. It’s an excellent way to achieve a flavorful brew that isn’t too strong-tasting while traveling.

The Pot’s unique design allows it to double as a boiling pot. Eliminating the need for an additional piece of equipment and saving space in your backpack. Moreover, its large capacity, and versatility make it worth the price.

It weighs less than a pound and only requires a heat source (e.g., propane) to run. However, it’s made with aluminum, which means it won’t retain heat well or take a beating. Then the filter may allow some coffee grounds from entering your drink.

Yeah, that sounds bad.

But it’s an alternative to an AeroPress Go for backpackers. Since it doesn’t require paper filters. Otherwise, I’d recommend an AeroPress Go. They’re smaller, durable, and often produce better-tasting drinks than French presses.

Need hot coffee throughout the day? The next choice is great for that.

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7. Tops Rapid Brew: Best Camping Coffee Maker With Thermal Carafe

The Tops Rapid Brew is best for folks who want to keep their coffee warm in even the chilliest of weather.

If you’re not familiar with percolators, you place them over an external heating source. As the water heats, steam will travel through the device’s innards and through the coffee grounds. Creating a concentrated coffee drink.

A welcomed addition to anyone who wants strong coffee drinks that’ll stay warm long—due to the thermal carafe. As it’ll retain heat better than other materials.

Its durable stainless steel construction promises longevity, while its ability to brew without electricity makes it versatile.

Its price is justified by its performance, durability, and convenience.

There’s no area to see what’s going on inside the coffee pot, which is a downside if you needed to troubleshoot the Tops. And since it’s stainless steel, you MAY notice a slight metallic taste. But that metallic taste means you have a durable coffee maker.

Since it’ll withstand wear-and-tear well. Then it’s large enough to serve a group of campers. Another plus.

Here’s an alternative percolator.

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8. Farberware Yosemite Percolator: Best Camping Coffee Percolator

The Farberware Yosemite Percolator is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want a durable coffee maker that’ll serve multiple people.

It’s another percolator. It’ll make concentrated coffee drinks by using an external source to produce steam. The steam flowing through your coffee beans will result in a strong coffee drink.

Faberware’s sturdy stainless steel construction ensures longevity, while its effective metal filter minimizes grounds in your coffee. The percolator is also dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze after your outdoor adventures.

Most percolators don’t include a million features in an attempt to stand out among a sea of competitors. While it’s not the most attractive coffee maker, they can last forever if treated right. You may have to replace gaskets from time-to-time.

But that’s it.

Plus they’re an optimal way to serve more than 1 person coffee while camping. They have a large water reservoir and only require a heat source. And they’re easy to clean due to everything being removable.

Maybe you don’t want a coffee maker. Here’s another way to get coffee.

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9. Kuju Coffee Bags: Best Car Camping Coffee Maker

The Kuju Pour Over Coffee Bags are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who crave quality coffee on their adventures.

Place a coffee bag in a cup, pour hot water over it, and wait for the flavors to pour into your mug. Then you’ll have a cup of decent-tasting coffee in about 10 minutes. Think of it like instant coffee, but tastes better due to using fresher beans.

While it’s more expensive than traditional coffee, users appreciate its ease of use, especially during travel or camping. The unique pour-over design delivers a fresh, robust coffee that rivals a café brew.

Kuju sells 6-, 10-, and 28 packs of their Fair Trade coffee bags. And since we’re not talking about coffee machines, you won’t need an additional grinder or coffee maker. Making this the best way to minimize space used.

Each coffee bag starts at around $2.00, but it’s more affordable than hitting up coffee shops a couple of times a day and paying $5.00 per drink.

The biggest issue with coffee beans comes from their fragility. Like tea bags, they’re easy to accidentally rip. Many customers complained they came pre-ripped. And if this doesn’t sound ideal to you, opt for instant coffee.

It’s more affordable and won’t rip as easily.

I suppose you want something that tastes better. Here’s a coffee maker that’ll make that happen.

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10. Bialetti Moka Express: Best Camping Coffee Maker Under $100

The Bialetti Moka Express is a fantastic fit for campers who enjoy espresso-style coffee and value a straightforward brewing method.

Stovetop makers work like percolators. They produce steam within their insides thanks to external heating elements. The steam then flows through the coffee beans and extracts their flavor.

What’s the difference between a Moka pot and a percolator, then? The former makes much less coffee and produces a less bitter-tasting drink than the latter.

Its durable, high-quality aluminum build promises long-term use. Its simplicity in operation and cleaning adds to its overall appeal. And the fact that you can easily get replacement parts from the manufacturer ensures that this coffee maker will live on for many years.

The biggest downside comes from it requiring constant babysitting. Otherwise, you may over extract your coffee and have a bitter drink. Moreover, some folks have complained about coffee erupting from the top.

Though, I haven’t experienced that with a Moka pot. However, I don’t recommend using it with an induction stovetop, because nothing will happen. Induction stovetops require pots with magnetic casings, something the Moka pot doesn’t have.

Once you finish brewing your coffee, you may have a bit of difficulty cleaning. You don’t want to use harsh soaps, because it could damage the Moka’s components. And you must clean the parts individually.

And here’s something to our friends in the UK and Australia.

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11. Fellow Clara Coffee Press: Best Camping Coffee Maker UK

The Fellow Clara French Press is ideal for coffee enthusiasts who value both aesthetics and functionality. Its compact size and durability make it the perfect camping coffee maker for those residing in the United Kingdom and Australia.

The Fellow Clara is a French press, which uses immersion to extract flavors from your beans. It’s ideal for folks who want a somewhat quick drink that isn’t too strong.

Its superior construction, including a fine mesh filter for a cleaner cup and a non-slip silicone foot, ensures longevity and consistent performance. Enough reason to justify the investment.

The Fellow Clara Coffee Press has a luxury look, not something that looks good for camping. However, its stainless steel design makes it much more robust than other French press makers that use glass.

And since it has a double wall, it’ll retain heat longer. Great for beverages that you want to drink later. Probably why it’s so expensive. And since the maker will stay hot longer, its handle may heat up. Practice caution when grabbing it.

Other than the mesh part on the plunger, the Fellow Clara is easy to clean. Since you can remove all the parts easily. Otherwise, there’s not much else to talk about with this device.

Read on to learn how to find a great coffee maker.

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How to Choose the Best Coffee Maker for Camping

Here are some criterion that’ll help you choose the best coffee maker for camping:

Criteria	Why it’s Important
Portability	Ease of transport
Durability	Outdoor usage suitability
Brew Method	Preference & complexity
Brewing Time	Convenience
Capacity	Group size compatibility
Ease of Cleaning	Maintenance effort
Price	Budget considerations

The following sections will further explain why each criteria matters. And I’ll provide information on how to choose the best item to point in the checklist above.

1. Portability

The less space a coffee maker occupies, the easier it is to pack and carry.

Drip coffee makers may be a staple in home kitchens, but can be bulky and delicate for camping trips.

However, the following options are compact and perfect for camping:

• French press
• AeroPress
• Pour-over
• Clever dripper

If cold brew is your go-to, although the process is straightforward, it requires larger equipment and more time. Potentially limiting its camping feasibility.

Weigh your preferred coffee style against the practicalities of your camping gear.

2. Durability

With rugged conditions and lots of moving around, you need a coffee maker that can handle a little rough and tumble.

Some coffee makers, like the AeroPress, have sturdy plastic bodies. Making them near-indestructible and ideal for camping trips.

While cold brew coffee makers can produce delicious coffee, they often feature glass components that could break easily.

Stainless steel French presses or percolators offer a middle ground—they’re tougher than glass, but require careful handling as they can dent. 

When choosing your camping coffee maker, weigh its durability, taste, and brewing time.

3. Brew Method

When camping, the brewing method shapes your coffee’s final taste, particularly its acidity.

Let’s consider a couple of examples.

French presses allow for a longer extraction process because the coffee grounds steep directly in the water. This process brings out more acidic compounds. Giving the coffee a distinctive, bright flavor profile.

Cold brew coffee has less acidity. It’s made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for several hours. This slow extraction process produces a smooth, sweet, and low-acid brew. An ideal choice for those with digestive issues. 

Understanding the brewing method helps you tailor your camping coffee experience to your flavor preferences.

4. Brewing Time

The less time you spend making coffee, the more you have to enjoy your surroundings. 

An AeroPress, for instance, brews a cup of coffee in 2 minutes [3]. This makes it an ideal choice if you want to minimize your coffee-making time and get back to your campsite activities.

A French press takes around 4–5 minutes. However, it offers a richer taste and the ability to brew more coffee at once. Beneficial for larger camping groups.

Your choice depends on your priorities: speed, flavor, or serving size.

5. Capacity

A larger reservoir means fewer refills. A boon when clean water isn’t immediately accessible. But it adds weight, a negative if you’re backpacking or hiking.

Smaller reservoirs are lighter, simpler to carry, but demand frequent refills. In the end, it’s a trade-off between convenience and portability.

Evaluate your water availability and pack weight restrictions before deciding.

6. Ease of Cleaning

A model that’s hard to clean can turn a fun camping experience into a chore. Especially without a sink or dishwasher.

Seek a coffee maker with fewer components. They’re easier to clean. Also, consider how much water and time cleaning requires. French press or AeroPress are often great makers due to their straightforward cleanup. 

7. Price

The outdoor environment may subject the coffee maker to wear and tear. Thus, investing in a high-end machine might not make sense.

However:

Choosing the cheapest option can lead to subpar coffee and frequent replacements. Costing more in the long run. Consider the price-quality balance. Evaluate your frequency of camping, how much you value an excellent brew outdoors, and your budget.

Types of Coffee Makers for Camping

Here are all the different types of coffee makers you could use for camping:

Coffee Maker Type	Average Maker Price *	Price Per Cup †	Coffee Acidity ‡	Best For
AeroPress	$31.95–$49.95	$0.20–$0.40	Medium-high	Portability
Clever Dripper	$25–$61.99	$0.20–$0.40	Low-medium	Balance & simplicity
Stovetop	$18.99–$99.95	$0.10–$0.20	High	Simplicity
Phin	$17.99–$30	$0.10–$0.20	Medium-high	Camping
Cold brew	$27–$65	$0.40–$0.60	Low	Smoothness & low acidity
Pour-over	$14–$50	$0.30–$0.50	Low-medium	Control
Nel drip	$7–$28.25	$0.30–$0.50	Low-medium	Low-cost
Espresso maker	$100–$6,000	$0.50–$1.00	High	Intensity & crema
French Press	$16.99–$32.99	$0.20–$0.40	High	Beginners

† These prices are only estimates based on the cost of coffee beans, filters, water and electricity, and they may vary depending on your location, preferences and equipment.

‡ Acidity levels are only estimates based on the pH scale and the brewing methods, and they may vary depending on your location, preferences and equipment.

Here are all the most compact (and ideal) coffee makers for camping:

• AeroPress: Super durable & produces various drink types
• French press: Fragile, but is easy to use.
• Nel drip: Affordable, but difficult to clean
• Phin: Durable & produces strong coffee
• Clever dripper: A great balance with durability & taste.

If you have tablespace, I’d recommend a manual espresso maker. Imagine sipping on freshly made cafe-grade coffee while watching the distant sunrise. Don’t get an electric espresso maker, though. They demand too much space.

And electricity.

Pour-over and cold brew makers are fantastic for camping, but are often fragile due to their glass bodies. Thus, I wouldn’t prioritize them over the above choices.

Stovetop makers are perfect if you have a portable cooktop that ISN’T induction. As many stovetop makers have aluminum bodies. Induction ovens won’t heat aluminum [4].

FAQs: Coffee Makers for Camping

Read on to find frequently asked questions about finding coffee makers for camping.

Our Verdict

Here are the top 3:

1. Hario V60: Portable, affordable, & produces some of the best pour-over coffee without electricity.
2. AeroPress Go: Most compact coffee maker out there.
3. UniTerra Nomad: Portable way to make cafe-style espresso.

I went with the Hario V60 as the top coffee maker for camping, since it’s competitively priced and will produce high-quality espresso drinks without electricity.

Footnotes:

* Price will vary by model, manufacturer, and vendor.