How comfortable are camp beds?

Camping beds will never be as comfortable as the bed you sleep on at home, but they still provide more comfort and warmth than sleeping on the ground.

Can you sleep on a camping cot?

Many campers can sleep in a camping cot comfortably, and being elevated off the ground means that they’re warmer than they would be sleeping on the ground. Camping cots are great for trips in the backcountry but shouldn’t be used long term.

What is a camping bed called?

Camping beds are often called camping cots in North America and are lightweight, compact, and perfect for use while camping.

How can I make my camp bed more comfortable?

You can make your camp bed more comfortable by adding an inflatable mattress or sleeping pad. You should also make sure that your camping bed is the right size for you in width and length.

The 10 Best Camping Beds and Cots for Travel [2022]

A camping bed will give you a great night’s sleep, even if you’re sleeping in the great outdoors. Lightweight, portable, and easy to set up, these camping beds offer an increased level of support and comfort for campers and outdoor adventurers.

Table of contents

Things To Consider With Camping Beds
The 10 Best Camping Beds and Cots
Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

Things To Consider With Camping Beds
The 10 Best Camping Beds and Cots
Final Thoughts

Things To Consider With Camping Beds

Increase your comfort with a camping bed for that real home-away-from-home feeling. While most fold-out camping beds are designed to offer a similar level of comfort and support, there are variations that you should take into account before you buy:

Weight

Weight is probably the main thing to consider when buying a camping cot bed. Too heavy and you won’t be able to travel far with it, too lightweight and it might not support you while you sleep.

If you’re car camping or traveling in your RV, you won’t have to move it very far, so the weight may not be a big issue, but if you’re hiking in the backcountry, most cot beds may be too heavy to carry, even when folded.

With the average fold-out camping beds weighing in at around 20 pounds, it’s important you look for models with a specially designed lightweight frame if you’re planning on trekking before bedding down. These may cost a few more bucks to buy, but the lightweight design will make it worth every penny.

Mattresses will also add to the overall weight, so simple cot beds are the best option if you want to keep the weight down while you hike.

Size

Some camping beds are wider and longer in length than others. If you’re tall, you’ll definitely want to consider a bed that offers additional length, and if you’re on the heavier side, wider beds will offer much more comfort and support.

Bigger beds will no doubt offer a more comfortable sleeping base for adults of all sizes. No matter what size you are, the best folding bed is one that supports your entire body from the width of your shoulders to the bottom of your feet, so look carefully at the sleeping surface dimensions before you buy.

Some kids’ camping beds are much shorter in length than adult ones. While these smaller dimensions may work well for younger children, you’ll find they grow out of them quickly.

Capacity

These beds are designed to keep you off the cold, hard floor for a better night’s sleep and should offer reliable support all night long. If the bed you choose cannot support your weight, it won’t feel safe to sleep on, and it could even break or tear, rendering it useless.

Hot Tip: Most camping beds can support between 225 and 500 pounds in weight, so check out the manufacturer’s recommendations before you buy.

Fabric

The fabric base on which you sleep plays an important role in the comfort and durability of your camping bed. Most modern camping beds are made from tough-yet-lightweight nylon or polyester material that is water-resistant and easy to clean, while older-style camping beds might use more traditional canvas fabrics that are heavier and harder to wipe over.

Frame

Strong and lightweight, the frame of your bed is designed to keep you suspended several inches above the floor for better protection and increased ventilation. Most come with aluminum steel tubes that click into each other for fast and easy setup, and some also feature non-slip bottoms to prevent the bed from sinking into soft or soggy floors.

Accessories

Camping beds are built to be basic, but some do come with useful extras. For example, some offer pull-out side tables, while others have hanging pouches that can be used to store books, phones, glasses, and other everyday essentials.

Bottom Line: For ease of transportation, some of the best beds also come with their own carry bags, and if you really want to maximize your sleeping space while you’re away, you could go for a camping bunk bed that’s versatile enough to be split into 2.

The 10 Best Camping Beds and Cots

Super-Wide Camping Bed

DISCOUNT: 22%

BEST OVERALL: Coleman Trailhead II Cot

This military-style option is built with a cross-bar steel frame for increased durability. It is a convenient design that is easy to carry and store whenever it is not in use. It can be folded to fit into most car trunks hassle-free.

Coleman Trailhead II Cot

This military-style cot bed offers more sleeping room for a more comfortable night’s sleep with its extra-wide design. A strong steel X-frame can support up to 300 pounds in weight, and the extended length makes it suitable for individuals measuring up to 6 feet 2 inches tall.

Easy to assemble, this cot bed will keep you elevated and away from the cold, hard ground, and the easy-fold design lets you pack it away in an instant.

With an overall sleeping area of 75 x 30 inches, this camping bed feels much more comfortable than a regular-sized cot, and the strong and durable construction makes this an excellent bed for extended camping trips.

What We Like

This is a sturdy and comfortable military-style cot

What We Don’t Like

It can be a bit hard to assemble

Hot Tip: If you plan to camp in a tent, consider our guide to the best camping essentials to bring on your next trip.

Camping Bed for a Dreamy Night’s Sleep

DISCOUNT: 7%

UPGRADE PICK: Coleman Camping Cot

This firm queen-sized option is built using a durable steel frame. It can withstand up to 600 pounds and includes a detachable air mattress that can be replaced with a sleeping bag of your choice.

Coleman Camping Cot and Air Mattress

With the ability to support an impressive 600 pounds in weight, this camping-cot-and-air-mattress combo comes with a battery pump and retractable side tables for a truly wonderful night’s sleep, even in the great outdoors.

With a superstrong folding steel frame, this bed has been designed for individuals up to 6 feet tall, and the sewn-in cover helps to keep the airbed in place for a satisfactory night’s sleep every time.

The coil system offers incredible support, and the double-lock valve is dual-sealed to ensure it remains leak-free and fully inflated while you sleep. The 2 side tables come with built-in cup holders, and with a 4D pump for easy inflation and deflation, this camping bed can be set up as quickly and easily as a guest bed back at home.

What We Like

It offers an incredible amount of luxury and comfort for a camping bed

What We Don’t Like

The mattress is a little squeaky

Basic Camping Bed for Taller Campers

Coleman ComfortSmart Cot

This option is a 3-piece set that includes the air mattress, battery-operated pump, and side tables. The coil construction assured the support and durability that adapts to each body.

Coleman ComfortSmart Cot

Basic but beautiful, this easy-to-use camping cot bed has a durable steel frame that’s been built to last. Sturdy enough to be able to support up to 300 pounds in weight, this is an excellent adult cot that’s perfect for use while camping, fishing, or even as an extra bed at home.

The longer length means that this bed is comfortable for adults measuring up to 6 feet, 6 inches, and the easy-to-fold frame ensures it can easily be stored in the trunk of your car or RV in between uses.

In addition, with a superior sleeping mat that comes with the bed frame, this foam-filled, longer-length mattress offers incredible comfort when you bed down for the night. Easy to use, comfortable to sleep in, and highly portable, this is an excellent camping bed for even the tallest of campers.

What We Like

This bed feels solid and sturdy

What We Don’t Like

The black enamel chips off the frame easily

Superstrong Camping Bed That Folds up Nice and Small

DISCOUNT: 25%

Araer Camping Cot

This heavy-duty design can withstand up to 450 pounds of weight. It is made from a durable steel-tube frame with a 600D double-layered oxford fabric on top for increased comfort levels.

Araer Camping Cot

This strong and sturdy camping cot is made from alloy tubes and 2 layers of durable 600D oxford material to ensure it stays strong enough to last for repeated camping adventures. Easy to unfold and set up, this cot can support an impressive 450 pounds of weight, and the length is long enough to accommodate adults measuring up to 6 feet 8 inches tall.

With compact folding dimensions, this cot comes with a carry bag for easy storage and transportation, and the large storage pouch attached to the bed is perfect for keeping your phone, laptop, headphones, books, magazines, and more close at hand while you relax.

For a more comfortable night’s sleep, this bed comes with an angled top end that acts just like a pillow, and the triangle structure of the frame ensures that this bed will stay upright all night long.

What We Like

This bed is lightweight to carry

What We Don’t Like

The fabric cot bed feels a bit hard to sleep on

Hot Tip: You may also need a camping blanket or quilt.

Fold-Out Camping Bed for Use All Year Round

Osage River Camping Cot

This ultra-lightweight and highly comfortable choice is made from durable, heavy-duty 600D polyester coated with PVC. It is easy to set up and easy to carry on any outdoor trip.

OSAGE RIVER Standard Folding Camping Cot

Featuring carbon steel legs, this cot can easily cope with up to 300 pounds of weight, and its flat feet have been designed to prevent it from sinking into the soft ground while you’re camping. With an elevated headrest, it lets you sleep comfortably with or without a pillow, and its dimensions are large enough to comfortably hold a full-size adult.

Made from heavy-duty 6000D PVC-coated polyester, this cot can easily withstand cold and wet weather conditions, and the sturdy frame can be locked in position by pressing down on the joints.

For your added convenience, this cot also comes with a side pocket with a phone section and a mesh pocket that’s perfect for keeping your flashlight, tablet, and other items close by you while you sleep.

What We Like

It can be set up super quickly

What We Don’t Like

This particular camping bed feels quite low to the ground

Super Lightweight Camping Bed for More Extreme Adventures

Marchway Ultralight Camping Cot

A highly portable option that is practical and compact. Made from aircraft-grade, heavy-duty aluminum legs, and comfortable ripstop nylon, this choice is easy to set up and includes anti-skid feet to prevent too much movement.

MARCHWAY Ultralight Folding Camping Bed

Ultralightweight and incredibly compact when folded, this neat little camping cot bed only weighs 4.8 pounds and can fit in a 16.9 x 5.5-inch bag. It’s perfect to use while trekking, backpacking, and backcountry camping, and it comes with an aluminum shock-cord pole structure for fast and easy assembly.

The high-strength aluminum legs allow this bed to comfortably support up to 275 pounds, and the 10 specially designed anti-skid feet make sure that this bed always feels stable without ever wobbling.

This camping cot is anything but basic and large enough to allow solo adults to sleep with plenty of room to stretch out. The innovative design provides safe and comfortable support while you sleep, and the sturdy fabric sleeping area does a great job of keeping you suspended away from the cold, hard ground.

What We Like

It features an incredibly lightweight and compact design

What We Don’t Like

It creaks quite a lot when you move around

Camping Bed for Younger Campers

Joovy Foocot Child Travel Cot

This excellent toddler sleeping solution includes 2 storage pockets for enhanced convenience. It is ideal for little ones weighing under 75 pounds and less than 48 inches tall. This choice includes a practical travel bag with shoulder straps.

Joovy Foocot Child Travel Cot

Your littlest adventurers will love this brightly colored, kid-friendly camping bed that’s perfect for anything from a family camping trip to sleepovers at the neighbor’s house.

Featuring a sturdy steel frame and tough nylon materials, this bed offers an easy sleeping solution that’s been built to last. Strong enough to support children weighing up to 75 pounds and 48 inches tall, this is a great camping bed for use both at home and away.

With 2 storage pockets attached to the bed, your child can keep their toys, phones, books, flashlights, and snacks close at hand, and the easy to operate open-and-close mechanism means parents love this bed just as much as the children do. With a carry bag included for easy transportation, this little bed will be a big hit with kids of all ages.

What We Like

This is a really good quality camping bed for kids

What We Don’t Like

It seems a little short for some older children

Heavy-Duty Camping Bed for All Occasions

KingCamp Camping Cot

A large heavy-duty design made from 1000D oxford fabric. It can fit people up to 6-foot-2-inches tall and 265 pounds. This comfortable and sturdy option features a high-strength steel frame with a triangle structure for durability and stability.

KingCamp Heavy Duty Camping Cot

Enjoy the gift of a great night’s sleep even out in the open with this larger camping cot. Weighing in at 12.5 pounds, this strong and sturdy folding bed can support up to 265 pounds, and the larger dimensions make it suitable for adults measuring up to 6 feet 2 inches tall.

Made with high-strength steel tubes and brackets, it has a triangle symmetry design for increased load-bearing capabilities, and the double layer 1000D oxford fabric is water-resistant and easy to clean.

With a useful side pocket, you can keep your glasses, books, phone, and other essentials close at hand, and the easy-fold design means that this cot can be packed away in its own travel bag in just a few seconds.

With a sleeping area of 74.8 x 26.8 inches and a raised head height of 18 inches, this is a comfortable and highly capable camping cot suitable for hiking, camping, fishing trips, and so much more.

What We Like

The super sturdy design makes this a really comfy bed to sleep on

What We Don’t Like

This bed is particularly squeaky

Extra-Large Camping Bed for Bigger Adventures

Osage River XL Camping Cot

A deluxe lightweight option made from a carbon steel frame and water-resistant 600D polyester coated with PVC. This choice is easy to set up and easy to carry on your adventures.

OSAGE RIVER XL Camping Cot

Super lightweight while still being incredibly supportive, this camping cot can hold up to 440 pounds of weight and comes with plastic feet to prevent it from sinking into the soft ground. Wider than many, it measures 31.5 x 79 inches, and standing at 18.5 inches high, it will keep you suspended plenty far from the hard ground.

Made from heavy-duty 600D PVC-coated polyester, this bed has been designed to withstand harsh conditions, and the elevated headrest offers extra comfort while you sleep. With a handy accessories pocket and elastic cup holder, this bed offers the ultimate in chilled-out relaxation, and the easy-to-lock frame allows you to get your bed set up in an instant.

What We Like

The height of this camping cot makes it feel more like a regular bed

What We Don’t Like

It’s quite firm, which may not be suitable for everyone

Excellent Camping Bunk Bed for 2

Disc-O-Bed Bunk Bed Cot

An ideal solution for 2 people camping together. This practical design includes 2 separate sleeping areas with 2 organizers. It can also easily be used as a bench. Made from durable 600D polyester coated with PVC.

Disc-O-Bed Large Cam-O-Bunk

This fabulous 2-person camping cot offers the awesome practicality of a bunk bed while still being lightweight and highly portable. Versatile and easy to use, this clever bed can be used as 2 separate cots, a bench, or bunk beds, making it an excellent piece of camping gear for serious adventurers.

Offering 2 even sleeping spaces, it sits 11 inches off the ground and offers 21 inches of space between the top and bottom bunks. Made with a powder-coated, rust-resistant steel frame, both beds feature PVC-coated 600D polyester fabric that’s strong and water-resistant.

The 2 side organizers let both sleepers keep their personal items close at hand, and with an impressive weight capacity of 500 pounds, this bunk bed is a great addition for car camping and RV adventures.

What We Like

It’s incredibly versatile and comfortable to sleep on

What We Don’t Like

While relatively lightweight, these can be tricky to carry

Final Thoughts

These lightweight and durable camping beds are designed to offer fuss-free comfort on the go. By allowing you to sleep on an elevated platform, you can keep warmer and sleep better knowing you’re further away from animals that crawl on the ground, and their fold-up design makes them easy to store when not in use.

Enjoy the outdoors more with any one of these comfortable, practical, and affordable camping beds that are versatile enough to even be used back at home.