The Beer Guide for Camping, Hiking, and Enjoying National Parks Responsibly
After a long hike or drive, you’ve finally arrived. There’s wind in the pines, sun sparkling off the water, and that smell of fresh forest air in your nose. Time to set up camp.
But first…a beer. Whether you’re fishing, hiking, floating the river, playing on the beach, or just enjoying the view, there’s no doubt the outdoors pairs well with a cold, refreshing brew. Fortunately, we’re here to answer the age-old question: what’s the best beer for camping?
This article will address the basics: best beer for the outdoors, great non-alcoholic options, how to keep beer cold at camp, and—as always—ensuring we respect nature and leave no trace.
What Is the Best Beer for Camping and Hiking?
We’re glad you asked. While subjective, the best beer for camping and hiking will usually be balanced and refreshing with low-to-moderate bitterness, especially if you’re enjoying it after physical activity. With easy-drinking flavor and a crisp finish, Sierra Nevada Summerfest and Premium PILS nail warm-weather refreshment. For a bit more flavor, reach for the classic Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, or our fan favorite, Hazy Little Thing IPA.
When the sun dips and the stars come out, a special full-flavored beer makes a campfire even cozier. Enjoying a beer around the fire is nice, but sharing something special with friends makes it a night to remember. Check out our limited releases for barrel-aged beers, specialty Stouts and Porters, and rare offerings meant for sharing with friends. Or for a trusty favorite, reach for the boldly flavored Torpedo Extra IPA.
Choose Sessionable Beers for Outdoor Adventures
We’ve got the après-hike and campfire dialed, but what about during active days? Our Premium PILS has plenty of crisp and refreshing flavor at a sessionable 4.7% ABV. Or when the time isn’t right for alcohol, there are fortunately plenty of non-alcoholic options available, too.
Non-Alcoholic Camping Drinks
We could write a whole article on our non-alcoholic offerings. (Spoiler: we have.) Long story short: there are plenty. Our Trail Pass line is brewed just like our beers with signature Sierra Nevada craftsmanship, but thanks to our special process and yeast, all have less than 0.5% alcohol.
And with a full variety pack plus limited-time offerings, there’s something for everyone. Our original Trail Pass IPA brims with classic hop character. Then there’s our gold medal-winning Trail Pass Hazy IPA with huge dank and juicy flavor. Craving something lighter? Reach for Trail Pass Golden, a malt-forward crusher, or Brewveza, brewed with lime and sea salt, inspired by the refreshing Mexican lagers.
For something different, try our Hop Splash sparkling hop waters with full hop flavor and 0.0% alcohol. These sparkling waters are brewed with fan-favorite hop combinations like Amarillo and Citra for big hop flavor in bright bubbly water. In our Hop Splash Citrus line, a splash of real fruit juice complements those hop fruit notes even further.
Why Canned Beer Works Best Outdoors
The most important aspect of enjoying beer outdoors is being respectful of the land. That’s why cans are the best choice for outside. For starters, cans won’t break—no one wants broken glass on the trail. Yikes! Second, cans are lighter, making them easier to pack in and out. Especially a crushed can after you’ve enjoyed it. Finally, cans work better at protecting your beer from sun exposure, ensuring peak flavor and quality.
How to Keep Beer Cold While Camping and Backpacking
Alright, you’ve got your beverages selected. Now, how do you keep your beer cold while camping? A quality well-insulated cooler goes a long way, but there’s an art to packing it. Let’s go through the basics.
Optimize Your Cooler Setup to Keep Beer Cold
It’s much easier to keep things cold than to cool them down from warm, and this goes for both the cooler and the beer. Start with a cooler that’s at room temperature or colder by keeping the cooler inside rather than in a hot garage. Add a base layer of ice or ice packs, or use block ice for longer trips.
Next, starting with cold beer is clutch. Pop those beauties in the fridge overnight for best results, and then pack atop the ice layer right before your trip. Finally, top with more ice to fill the gaps.
Is Alcohol Allowed in National Parks?
An important note about bringing beer along for your trip: alcohol rules can vary from location to location. Most National Parks allow alcohol in designated areas like campgrounds, but it’s best to check the rules of your specific destination before packing up. That way you’re enjoying responsibly and respectfully.
Leave No Trace While Drinking Outdoors
We can’t stress this enough: when visiting the outdoors, please leave no trace. If you pack it in, pack it out. This includes beer cans, tabs, all packaging, and serving containers. Respecting the land is part of enjoying it.
Find the Right Beer for Your Next Outdoor Adventure
Now you’re ready for adventure. Next: explore our lineup, pack the cooler, and enjoy the outdoors!
Beer in the Outdoors FAQ
What is the best beer for camping?
The best beer for camping is refreshing, balanced, and easy to pack. Many campers prefer canned craft beers with moderate alcohol levels, since cans are lightweight, chill quickly in coolers, and are easier to pack out. Styles like pale ale, lager, and session IPA tend to work well outdoors because they are crisp, flavorful, and enjoyable after activities like hiking, biking, or swimming.
How do you keep beer cold while camping?
To keep beer cold while camping, use a well-insulated cooler with ice packs or frozen water bottles, and pre-chill your drinks before leaving home. Store the cooler in the shade and open it as little as possible to keep cold air inside. Many campers also separate drink coolers from food coolers to reduce frequent opening during the trip.
Can you drink alcohol in national parks?
Yes, alcohol is generally allowed in U.S. national parks, but rules can vary depending on the park and location within the park. Some areas such as beaches, overlooks, or visitor centers may have restrictions. Visitors should always check park-specific regulations before their trip and drink responsibly, especially in shared public spaces.
What are the Leave No Trace principles?
The Leave No Trace principles are seven outdoor ethics guidelines designed to protect natural spaces while people enjoy activities like camping, hiking, and backpacking. The principles encourage visitors to plan ahead, dispose of waste properly, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors. Following these practices helps preserve national parks and outdoor recreation areas for future generations.
