The best camping cot isn’t always the same from person to person. A person’s individual size, weight, and budget all have to be taken into account when determining which is best.
But like all outdoor gear items, there are about a gazillion different camping cots to choose from. So, we’ve gathered the best to make it easier to determine which one is right for you.
Best Camping Cot - Top Picks
(Full List Below)
Highest Rated
Roomiest
Best Value
- Eliminates discomfort on rough/cold ground
- Strong cross-bar steel frame
- Supports up to 300 lb.
- Fits individuals up to 6 ft. 2 in.
- Dimensions: 73 x 35 x 17 in.
- Easily portable; fits most car trunks
- Comes with 1-year limited warranty
- Earth Brown XXL size for extra space
- Available in XL Version Here
- Sturdy 350lbs weight capacity
- Durable 600D polyester fabric, PVC coated
- Two-toned 600D polyester design
- Strong steel tube frame, powder-coated
- Rustic Ridge Camp Cot brand
- Suitable for heavier outdoor use
- Comfortable Mattress: Soft pad for enhanced sleep comfort.
- Double-Sided Pockets: Store essentials like phones, books, water.
- Quick Setup: Unfold in seconds, no installation.
- Durable Design: 1200D oxford cloth, 450lbs capacity.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for indoors, camping, beach, guests.
Best Camping Cot - Full List
- Strong cross-bar steel frame
- Supports up to 300 lb.
- Fits individuals up to 6 ft. 2 in.
- Dimensions: 73 x 35 x 17 in.
- Easily portable; fits most car trunks
- Comes with 1-year limited warranty
As evidenced by the insane amount of 5 star reviews, this military-style cot is one of the absolute best camping cots available anywhere.
It’s designed to get you off the ground, while keeping you comfortable. Its robust cross-bar steel frame ensures durability while supporting weights of up to 300 lb.
Specifically crafted for taller individuals, it can comfortably accommodate sleepers up to 6 feet 2 inches. Measuring 73 x 35 x 17 inches, this camping bed provides ample sleeping space and is extra-wide for increased comfort.
Portability is key when backpacking or camping, and this cot folds down to fit in the majority of car trunks. Also, its quality is backed by a 1-year limited warranty. This cot should definitely be at the top of your list.
- Earth Brown XXL
- Available in XL Version Here
- 350lbs weight capacity
- Durable 600D polyester fabric, PVC coated
- Two-toned polyester design
- Steel tube frame, powder-coated
- Suitable for heavier sleepers
The Rustic Ridge XXL Camp Cot is designed for those who need more space and more support. Sporting an Earth Brown tone, this cot is constructed with a durable 600D polyester fabric that’s PVC coated for added durability.
Its solid frame, made from 25mm x 25mm steel tubes, is powder coated to withstand the elements. With a generous weight capacity of 350lbs, this cot combines both reliability and comfort in one package. It’s the best camping cot for those who need more room and for campers who prioritize size and strength.
- Large and XL available
- Durable 600D Polyester Fabric
- Powder Coated Aluminum Frame
- Lightweight: only 19 lb.
- 325 lb capacity
- Floor Saver Foot feature
- Gear bag for essentials attached
- Collapsible with compact packed size
The ALPS Mountaineering camping cot, designed for those who live for the outdoors, comes in a khaki color and is available in two sizes: Large and X-Large. Constructed with a robust 600D polyester fabric and a powder-coated aluminum frame, it’s super durable and resistant to the elements.
Weighing only 19 lbs and supporting up to 325 lbs, it’s suitable for most campers while remaining portable. Its floor saver feet ensures stability on a variety of uneven terrain types.
One notable feature is its attached gear storage bag, which provides a spot for small essentials, keeping them within arm’s reach, but out of the way.
And when it’s time to pack up, this cot folds down to a compact size for easy transport. Another great option.
- ComfortSmart coil system: best support.
- Thick foam mattress
- Steel frame: supports 300 pounds.
- Fits campers: up to 6’6″
- Folds for easy storage
- Highly rated
The ComfortSmart, with its coil suspension system and thick foam mattress pad is one of the most comfortable camping cots available.
Designed with a robust steel frame, it supports weights up to 300 pounds and accommodates users up to 6 feet 6 inches tall. This is another cot that folds up nicely to be easily transported inside a car or truck.
And it also comes with a 1-year limited warranty, which adds a little piece of mind behind the purchase. It’s one of the best camping cots for those who are looking for a little more comfort out of their camping bed.
- Comfortable Mattress: Soft pad
- Double-Sided Pockets
- Quick Setup: Unfold in seconds, no installation
- Durable Design: 1200D oxford cloth,
- 450lbs capacity
The Sportneer Camping Cot has one of the highest weight capacities and comes with a comfortable mattress designed with great sleep in mind. The soft pad provides extra comfort, and during the warmer months, the pad can be removed for increased breathability.
This cot includes two large side pockets, making it convenient to store items like sunglasses, books, and phones. Setting it up is super simple, with the cot unfolding in seconds and folding back neatly into its storage bag quickly.
Constructed with a 1200D double-layer oxford cloth, it’s both water and dirt-resistant. With its robust 450lbs capacity, this cot is ideal for heavier campers or for those just looking for more stability. This camping cot provides the most value for the money with the extra foam padding.
- Comfortable faux leather headrest
- Durable powder-coated steel frame
- Supports up to 300 lbs
- Fits campers up to 6′ tall
- Heavy-duty 600D polyester fabric
- Compact packed size: 37.5 x 5.5 in
- Inludes carry bag
The Eureka Camp Cot is a no-frills, but reliable option. Designed with a deep water/smoked pearl color, this camping cot is durability with its powder-coated steel frame and has a heavy-duty 600D by 300D polyester fabric. Measuring at 76 x 25 x 17.5 inches, it comfortably accommodates campers up to 6 feet tall and has a weight capacity of 300 lbs.
Its faux leather headrest adds a little more comfort and like with many others, packing away is easy with its compact size of 37.5 x 5.5 x 5 inches and its included carry bag.
It may not come with many features, but it’s one of the best camping cots for getting yourself off the ground.
- 600D Polyester with aluminum frame
- Weight capacity: 264 lbs
- Olive Drab color
- Dimensions: 75″ x 24″ x 10″
- PVC components
The Rothco Camping Cot is another simple, yet reliable camping bed for camping, backpacking, or hunting trips. With its sturdy construction featuring a 600D nylon cover and robust aluminum tubular legs, it’s going to be lightweight, but durabile in design.
This cot measures 75x24x10 inches and can support a weight of up to 264 pounds, which is an odd number, but at least you know what you’re getting. So, it’s not for the heaviest sleepers, but the capacity fits most.
- 3-in-1: Bunk beds, bench, or twin cots
- Packs away for neat storage
- Includes pocket organizers for essentials
- Suitable for kids aged 7-12
- 200lbs weight limit per sleeping deck
- Outer Dimensions: 65″ L x 32.5″ W x 32″H
- Comes with carry bags and locking straps.
The Disc-O-Bed Kid-O-Bunk is the absolute best camping cot for kids. It’s a versatile 3-in-1 mobile sleep solution that easily transitions between bunk beds, a bench, or two separate twin cots to cater to varying needs and space requirements.
Equipped with two pocket organizers, it ensures your child’s essentials are tucked out of the way while remaining within arm’s reach.
Made for kids aged 7-12, each sleeping deck supports up to 200lbs. With outer dimensions of 65″ L x 32.5″ W x 32″H and a sleep area of 62″ L x 28″ W, it offers ample room for sleeping, as well as hanging out during the day when it’s time to chill for a bit between activities.
This package comes complete with two cots, side organizers, carry bags, stack adapters, and locking straps for added security. It’s everything you need to make sure your kids can sleep comfortably, while also serving multiple purposes throughout the day.
- Easy Setup with Pivot Arm
- Durable 600D Poly Canvas
- 85″ x 32″ x 19″
- Compact Stored Size: 42.5″ x 8.5″ x 5.5″
- Reinforced Steel X-Leg Assembly
- Protective Rubber Feet
- Includes Canvas Carry Bag
The TETON Sports Universal XL Camp Cot offers a spacious and comfortable sleeping surface for those looking for extra room. Its dimensions are 85 x 32 x 19 inches and it’s made of heavy-duty 600D poly canvas with a reinforced center.
Setup is made much easier with its pivot arm, eliminating the struggle with taut corners. With its reinforced steel X-leg assembly, this cot is stable with its rubber feet, which offer protection for tent and indoor flooring.
Storing is easy, as this camping cot collapses down to 42.5 x 8.5 x 5.5 inches and weighs ony 24 lbs. It tucks nicely into its 600D canvas bag.
It’s another no-frills camping bed that doesn’t come with many features, but it’s another of the best camping cots for those looking to get off the ground comfortably without breaking the bank.
- 600D polyester fabric
- Sturdy steel connectors for stability
- Powder-coated aluminum frame
- Easily foldable
- Includes carry bag
- Organizational pocket included
The Alps Outdoorz Camp Cot is another simple design for minimalist camping. Constructed with 600D polyester fabric, it’s both durable and comfortable.
Sturdy steel connectors combined with a powder-coated aluminum frame make for a robust structure that will last for years. Designed with practicality in mind, it folds seamlessly for storage and comes with a carry bag for easy transport. Additionally, it features an organizational pocket, providing a handy space for your essentials. Whether you’re hunting, backpacking, or just camping for a night at a state park, this camping cot is a great option.
What Is A Camping Cot
If you’re asking the question what is a camping cot, you came to the right place. You can think of a camping cot as just a small bed that’s going to get you off the ground while camping, backpacking, or hunting.
They’re designed to usually only fit one person while being easy to pack up, store, and transport. They usually have a weight capacity around 325-375 lbs., though some have more and some have less.
There are some designed to be very minimalist with no features, while others are designed for XL sleepers who need more room and support. Some come with small thin mattresses or foam padding on top for added comfort, while most just have a nylon surface for sleeping.
The legs usually fold up nicely, so that it can be stored away easily in an included carry bag. The price point is usually around $100-$200, making them affordable for most campers.
Camping Cot vs Air Mattress
The camping cot vs air mattress debate may seem like a tough one, but it can really be boiled down to just a few things – durability, portability, and comfort.
Durability – Winner: Camping Cot
Camping cots are much more durable than air mattresses because a camping cot is going to generally have a durable metal frame with a tough 600D polyester fabric. Air mattresses are durable also, but only at first. Over time, they usually leak air and they can be easily punctured. They also require a hand pump or an electric pump that requires power.
Portability – Winner: Air Mattress
Even though most camping cots can be folded down to a much smaller size to fit in a carry bag, no camping cot built on a frame is going to pack down as small as an air mattress will. Hands down, the air mattress wins on portability.
Comfort – Winner: Camping Cot
At first glance, there’s no clear winner in terms of comfort because you can find a lot of comfort in both, depending on the model you choose. There are going to be comfortable camping cots, as well as comfortable air mattresses. Where the two split, however, is in terms of warmth when camping in colder months. If you’re sleeping on a cold ground, that cold temperature is going to transfer to the air in a mattress, robbing you of body warmth throughout the night.
On the other hand, camping cots get you off the ground, eliminating that problem. For that reason, the camping cot gets the victory in the Comfort category.
Camping Cot With Mattress Versus One Without
No matter how nice of a camping bed you have, having a camping cot with mattress is definitely going to be more comfortable than one without.
However, a mattress is going to be one more thing to pack, carry in, and setup. I always prefer to go the minimalist route because I want less things to think about and less things to remember. With that being said, if I were going camping for an extended period of time – over 5 days – I’d definitely take the mattress.
For shorter trips, I’d rather just take what I need and not necessarily everything that I want, cutting down on overall pack weight and size.
There are a lot of options for putting a mattress on a camping cot, but if you’re starting without a cot, I’d say purchasing one that already comes with one, like the Sportneer, is the way to go. It’s way more cost-effective.
The Best Camping Cot For The Money
The best camping cot comes down to personal preference, personal size, personal weight, camping style (i.e. backpacking, car camping, hunting), and budget.
There are so many camping cots to choose from at different sizes, weights, and price points that you really have to weed through them. So, take a look at the list above and see which ones offer the right size, weight capacity, and price point for you.
If you’re backpacking in for a week or more, you’re going to want a camping cot that’s easy to break down and transport, while also remaining comfortable enough to use for a week at a time.
If you’re more interested in glamping, you may want a camping cot with mattress. Creature comfort isn’t the only reason to get an ultra-comfortable camping cot. If you’ve got a back that acts up on you after a bad night’s sleep, skimping on a comfort isn’t an option for you. There’s no shame in it.
If you’re going on a hunting trip, you may just need something super minimal to get you off the freezing ground. It all depends on you, your reason for camping, and your budget.
How To Make A Camping Cot More Comfortable
If you’re wondering how to make a camping cot more comfortable, the number one way is to add a mattress or foam pad if yours doesn’t already have one. Mattresses, such as this thick memory foam mattress, can make a world of difference in the way you sleep on a camping cot. You just need to check the measurements on your camping bed versus the measurements on the camping mattress you’re looking at to make sure it’ll be a good fit.
You can also add a camping pillow. You can bring your own or purchase a pillow designed specifically for camping. Doing those two things – adding a mattress and a pillow can get you much closer to feeling like you’re sleeping at home while camping.
Also, this may seem like a no-brainer, but make sure your camping cot is sitting level. If it’s not, use books or rocks to prop the legs up so that your body isn’t wanting to slide, roll, or lean to one side while you’re sleeping. Your bed at home is level. You’re going to feel a little off if gravity is trying to pull you to one side or the other as your sleep.
The Importance of Durability In A Camping Bed
The importance of durability in a camping bed cannot be overstated. Unless you plan to only use your camping bed once, it needs to be durable. You’re going to be taking it out into the elements, putting it up, taking it down, packing it out, knocking into it – it’s going to get abused to some degree.
So, having a powder coated or aluminum frame is going to go a long way in keeping it from rusting and just looking beat up. Also, the frame being sturdy is critical to longevity. So, it’s important to read the reviews to see which camping cots are actually durable and which ones don’t last as long as they should.
Comfort
Comfort is a relative term when talking about a camping cot. Nothing is going to be as comfortable as a plush mattress in your home. But a 25-year-old is going to have a much different definition of comfortable than a 45-year-old.
So, taking comfort into account when choosing a camping cot is key to actually enjoying yourself while using it. If you’re older, you’re going to want to make sure you’re using a camping cot with mattress, along with a camping pillow. If you’re younger, that probably won’t matter as much to you.
The Best Camping Cot is Packable and Portable
The best camping cot is not only comfortable and sturdy, but also packable and portable. You want your camping cot to be easily folded up where it can fit nicely into an included carry bag to be stored away until your next trip.
A big, clunky cot that doesn’t store well is just going to be in the way. There are plenty that offer exceptional portability, so keep that in mind when choosing.
What I Like And My Final Thoughts
For camping cots, I like those that offer a good comfortable foam padding, are medium in size to fit my body, and can pack away easily. For me, I’d go with the Coleman ComfortSmart or Comfort Trailhead II. Because I also have kids, if I were purchasing for them, I’d definitely go with the Disc-O-Bed Kid-O-Bunk. A great option that gives you 3 options for use throughout your trip.
If I were larger in size, I’d definitely go with the Rustic Ridge XXL or XL to make sure I had enough room and support. Either way, the reviews would guide my purchase decision more than anything. So, good luck and I’d love to hear what you decided on and where you’re camping this year!
