Because mornings outdoors deserve more than instant granules.
There’s something deeply satisfying about brewing real coffee in the wild—the sound of the fire cracking, the smell of woodsmoke curling around rich grounds, and that first hot sip with the trees as your backdrop. Whether you’re glamping in style or off-grid with minimal gear, making coffee over a campfire is simpler than you’d think—and infinitely more rewarding than a packet of instant.
Here’s how to do it beautifully.
1. Choose Your Brewing Style
There’s no single “right” way to brew campfire coffee—just the one that fits your setup and mood.
✦ Option 1: The Cowboy Method (No Equipment Needed)
Perfect when you’re traveling light.
You’ll need:
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Ground coffee
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Water
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Metal pot or kettle
How to make it:
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Add water to your pot and place it over low flames or hot embers.
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Once it’s warm (not yet boiling), sprinkle in your coffee grounds.
→ A good ratio is about 2 tbsp per 1 cup of water. -
Let it gently simmer for 3–5 minutes.
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Remove from heat and let the grounds settle to the bottom for another minute.
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Pour slowly into mugs to avoid scooping up the grounds.
Tip: If you have eggshells, crush a couple and toss them in—the protein helps the grounds sink faster and cuts acidity.
✦ Option 2: Percolator Style (Classic Camp Brew)
You’ll need:
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Campfire percolator
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Coarse ground coffee
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Water
How to make it:
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Fill the base with cold water.
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Add coffee to the basket (roughly 1–2 tbsp per cup).
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Set the percolator over the coals—not direct flame.
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Once it starts “perking,” let it go for 5–10 minutes, depending on strength.
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Carefully remove and let it rest a moment before pouring.
The aroma alone is worth the effort.
✦ Option 3: French Press on the Fire
You’ll need:
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French press
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Kettle or pot
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Medium-coarse ground coffee
How to make it:
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Heat water over the fire until just below boiling.
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Add grounds to the press.
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Pour the hot water over the coffee and stir gently.
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Steep for 4 minutes, then press slowly and smoothly.
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Sip like you're in a forest café.
2. Build the Right Kind of Fire
A rolling flame might look romantic, but embers are your best friend when it comes to cooking.
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Let your fire burn down a little before brewing.
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Look for glowing coals with low flames.
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Create a flat spot for your pot or use a grill grate or stones.
3. Upgrade the Experience
The joy is in the details. Try adding:
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A splash of oat milk, cinnamon, or maple syrup
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Enamel mugs to keep the vibe old-school
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A wool blanket and a view while it brews
For winter mornings, add a dash of cardamom or cocoa to your grounds—instant mood elevation.
4. Clean Up the Right Way
Leave no trace and your campsite will love you back.
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Scatter or pack out used grounds (don’t dump them in streams).
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Rinse your pot with hot water over the fire.
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Let everything dry before packing away.
Campfire Coffee Is a Ritual, Not a Task
You’re not just making caffeine—you’re crafting a slow morning moment surrounded by sky, birdsong, and the promise of a day spent outside. Whether you go full cowboy or use a rugged French press, fresh coffee by the fire is one of life’s simplest, most grounding pleasures.
All you need is flame, water, beans, and time.
Now grab your mug, stoke the coals, and let the morning unfold.
