There’s nothing quite like waking up in nature and savoring a fresh cup of coffee right outside your RV. Even while not camping, it is one of our favorite times of the day. Whether you’re plugged into shore power or camping off-grid, having a reliable way to brew your favorite morning pick-me-up is essential. Here’s a guide to four popular coffee-making methods for RV travel — what you need for each, how to do it, plus the pros and cons to help you decide which is best for your adventure.

If you’re particular about your coffee, consider bringing your favorite beans — preferably pre-ground for convenience — along with you. Having your preferred coffee on hand makes the experience even more enjoyable no matter where the road takes you.

1. Pour-Over Coffee

What You Need: Pour-over dripper, filters, ground coffee, hot water.

Pour-over coffee offers a clean, flavorful cup without needing electricity, making it ideal for minimalist travelers and those who appreciate control over their brew. It’s lightweight and easy to clean but requires a steady hand and patience to pour slowly and get the perfect extraction.

How to Make It:

1. Rinse your filter with hot water and discard that water.
   
2. Add ground coffee to the dripper.
   
3. Slowly pour hot water in circular motions, allowing coffee to bloom and drip through.
   
4. Enjoy your fresh brew!

2. AeroPress

What You Need: AeroPress, filter, ground coffee, hot water.

The AeroPress is a favorite among RVers who want a quick, strong, and smooth cup without fuss. It’s compact, durable, and easy to clean, perfect for solo travelers. The downside? It only makes one cup at a time and requires pressing down steadily.

How to Make It:

1. Insert and rinse the filter.
   
2. Add coffee grounds to the chamber.
   
3. Pour in hot water, stir, then press down the plunger slowly.
   
4. Sip your rich coffee!

3. Electric Coffee Maker

What You Need: Electric drip coffee maker, filters, ground coffee, water.

Electric coffee makers are convenient and can brew multiple cups with minimal effort — great for groups or those who prefer a “set it and forget it” routine. However, they require shore power or a generator, which isn’t always available on the road, and take up more storage space.

How to Make It:

1. Add water to the reservoir.
   
2. Place a filter and ground coffee in the basket.
   
3. Turn it on and wait for brewing to finish.
   
4. Pour and enjoy!

4. French Press

What You Need: French press, coarse ground coffee, hot water.

The French press produces a rich, full-bodied coffee and doesn’t need paper filters, making it environmentally friendly and easy to use without power. It’s perfect for sharing multiple cups but can be a bit messier to clean and requires careful plunging to avoid grounds in your cup.

How to Make It:

1. Add coarse coffee grounds to the French press.
   
2. Pour hot water and stir.
   
3. Let it steep for about 4 minutes.
   
4. Press the plunger down slowly and pour.

No matter your brewing style, having your favorite coffee on the road adds a comforting start to any RV day. Choose the method that fits your travel style and enjoy that perfect cup wherever the road takes you!