3 Ways To Make Campfire Coffee on Your Next River Trip

When on a camping trip, what better way to start your day than with an energetic cup of joe? However, you won’t have access to a coffee machine. Luckily, there are different ways to make a quality cup of coffee without a machine, and we’ve compiled them here to show you the best ways to make campfire coffee for your next river trip.

Drip Cone Coffee

A drip cone is a straightforward way to make campfire coffee on your river trip. It’s portable, so you can safely carry it in your whitewater packraft on the way to the campsite or anywhere else your river adventure takes you.

You need a collapsible pour-over coffee dripper, a filter, and your mug. It’s important to note that some drips don’t require filters. Follow these instructions to make drip cone coffee:

1. If your cone requires a filter, place it in the cone.
2. Arrange your mug or coffee container of choice to catch the coffee.
3. Add your grounds to the cone.
4. Pour hot water over the grounds.
5. Let it sit and seep until it’s obtained a color to your liking.

Cowboy Coffee

Cowboy coffee is a traditional French press coffee made without a filter. It’s brewed by heating up course grounds of coffee beans with water and pouring it into a cup to enjoy.

1. Measure the exact amount of cold water you desire into a pot.
2. Mix one generous tablespoon of coarsely ground coffee into the pot for every ½ cup of water.
3. Allow the water to reach near boiling temperature. At the first sign of boiling, remove the pot. You don’t want the water to boil, as it will create a burnt and unenjoyable taste.
4. After removing from heat, add a one-ounce shot of cold water and allow the grounds to brew and settle for about 5 minutes.
5. Pour and enjoy!

Traditionally, cowboys would also add eggshells to the ground to help in the brewing process. This step is optional but helps reduce the grounds for a smoother pour.

Percolator Camping Coffee

If you enjoy rich, hearty coffee, percolator camping coffee is for you. You’ll need a percolator, ground coffee, your mug of choice, and, of course, a heat source.

1. Fill the percolator with cold water (remove apparatus first). The line of water shouldn’t go over the bottom of the spout.
2. Reinsert apparatus.
3. Fill the brew basket with ground coffee. Make sure you attach the basket to the stem since that is where the boiling water will travel through to make the coffee (two tablespoons per cup).
4. Place the ground’s cover back on and secure the lid.
5. Put the pot over the fire and wait for the water to boil. At the first signs of boiling, take the percolator away.
6. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
7. Pour and enjoy!