When camping, the last thing you’ll want to do is go without a good night’s rest. After all, you have hiking, biking, and canoeing to do! You probably already know about the different sleeping bags and cots on the market. But there’s more to sleeping well while camping.
In this article, we’re diving into the best camping beds that guarantee the best rest.
No more lying on the hard ground or tossing and turning on that old air mattress. Here you’ll find top-notch and budget-friendly camping beds to keep you fully rested for the next day’s activities.
Our Top 5 Picks
Best Overall:
LILYPELLE Foldable Camping Bed with Carry Bag
Closest to Your Home Mattress:
HEST Sleep System Sleeping Pad
Best Rollable Mattress:
Gaialoop This Memory Foam Camping Roll-Up Mattress Bed
Best Premium Option:
FLATED Air-Deck Raised Platform Bed
Best Budget-Friendly Option:
HIKENTURE Ultralight Double Inflatable Sleeping Pad
Best Overall
LILYPELLE Foldable Camping Bed with Carry Bag
If you’re looking for a folding, comfortable, keep-me-off-the-ground camping bed, this was made for you. Compact yet ultra cozy, this 75” X 28” camping bed keeps you a perfect two feet off the ground yet fully supported by a steel frame.
Better yet, the mattress for the frame is included and is made from a high-tech Oxford fabric, making cleaning a breeze which is ideal for camping. The tilting angle of the frame prevents back or neck pain while sleeping, and eliminates tossing and turning.
This foldable camping bed includes a carry bag, making it easy to pack for traveling. Once in the carrying case, it’s easy-to-store folded size of 39” X 8” is perfect for tossing in your closet until your next adventure.
Pros:
- Lightweight.
- Sturdy.
- Comfortable.
- Easy to fold and store.
- Good value for the price.
Cons:
- The carry bed isn’t the best quality.
- No separate carry bag for the mattress top.
- Suitable for only one person.
- Could be a bit small for a taller person.
Closest to Your Home Mattress
HEST Sleep System Sleeping Pad
If you cannot fathom being away from your home mattress, this camping bed is the one for you. The HEST sleep system offers a two-layer design, one of soft cushy poly foam and the other a highly durable air mattress.
After a long day of activity, it’s nice to know you’ll be sleeping on a pressure point relief mattress that keeps you off the ground, warm, and comfortable. The durable top cover is extra soft and offers protection to the mattress and a convenient “phone pocket”, making it easy to access small items in the middle of the night without leaving the bed.
This 78” X 25” X 7” camping bed is not small, making it excellent for camping in tents or SUVs. It folds down to 12” X 25” for fitting inside the carry bag. When packed away, it’s the perfect size to toss into the car or when you need to store it until the next trip.
This camping bed comes with an easy-to-use pump that fits inside the carry bag with the bed, making it easy to take along. Weighing only 26 pounds, this mattress will keep you rested and ready for a new day.
Pros:
- Durable.
- Comfortable and closer to an actual mattress.
- Both foam and air mattresses combined into one.
- Convenient carry bag and pump included.
- Washable top cover.
Cons:
- Heavy, not for backpacking or hiking.
- Large size even when rolled away.
Best Rollable Mattress
Gaialoop Thick Memory Foam Camping Roll-Up Mattress Bed
![Gaialoop Thick Memory Foam Sleeping Pad for Camping [Car/Tent/Cot] Portable Floor Mat Roll Up Futon Mattress for Guests Kids Adults Sleepover Travel [Cot: 72 * 24 * 3" 2023 Upgraded]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51GIlkl22xL._SL500_.jpg "The Best Camping Bed for 2024: Our Top 5 Picks 4")
Memory foam and camping may not have gone together in the past, but now you can bring that homey, cozy comfort with you on your next camping trip! This camping bed is the perfect fit for that weekend tent getaway you’ve been looking forward to.
It’s made with high-density memory foam so that you won’t feel any pokes from rocks or uneven ground beneath you. Whatever your sleeping position, this camping bed conforms to your shape, ensuring a great night’s sleep.
The velvety plush cover is waterproof, keeping all types of moisture (such as rain, dew, or sweat) from penetrating the memory foam. After your camping trip, toss the cover in the wash to prepare for the next camping trip.
This camping bed measures 72” X 24” X 3” – perfect for average-sized adults or kids. Even when not using it for camping trips, it’s great for guests staying over or for kid’s sleepovers.
Pros:
- Washable waterproof cover.
- Thick foam to keep you off the ground.
- Great for kids and adults.
- Includes carrying case.
Cons:
- Not for long-distance hiking or backpacking.
- Difficult to roll up.
- Large and bulky to carry.
- Takes up space in your vehicle or traveling space.
Best Luxury, Truck or SUV Truck Camping
FLATED Air-Deck Raised Platform Bed
If you love taking a truck on your camping trips, you’ll want this luxury camping bed. This 75” X 62” X 4” camping bed was made for truck bed tents and fits like a glove in most 6’ X 5” beds.
This camping bed is elevated to offer storage underneath for your camping necessities. With four tie-down points, the camping bed stays secure in the back of your vehicle and won’t slide around.
Made with a durable valve port, there won’t be air leaks – not even in the middle of the night when you’re rolling over or changing sleeping positions.
This camping bed weighs 28 pounds and packs down to a size of 18” X 32”, making it easy to put away for storage.
Pros:
- Easy to inflate and deflate.
- Perfect for truck bed tents.
- Elevated for storage underneath.
- Can pack up for storage.
Cons:
- Can only be used comfortably in truck beds.
- You must accurately measure to make sure it’s the right fit.
- Heavy and hard to maneuver.
- Large packed away size.
Best Budget Friendly
HIKENTURE Ultralight Double Inflatable Sleeping Pad
Camping on a budget can still be comfortable and cozy with this affordable sleeping pad. If you plan on doing extended backpacking or hiking, this sleeping pad is a must because of its 2.8-pound weight and 13.4” packed-away size.
Measuring 72” X 50” X 2.8” when fully inflated, this camping bed is perfect for couples or if you want more room to stretch out by yourself. A pump sack is included to make inflating the mattress quick and easy, while the two-way valve setup makes the bed simple to deflate.
Although low in profile, the tubular-shaped air pockets in this camping bed offer lumbar support after a long day of hiking.
This camping bed is made of high-grade nylon fabric that keeps it rip and tear-free and completely waterproof. Better yet, if it doesn’t work out for any reason, you have a 90-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Light.
- Easy to travel with.
- Comfortable support.
- Pump sack included.
Cons:
- Less thick, it can leave space for ground and rocks making sleeping uncomfortable.
- The pump sack isn’t so user-friendly, may take some time to get the hang of it.
- Thinner than most foam and air camping beds.
Camping Bed Buyers Guide
When buying a camping bed, you want to feel confident that it will hold up to the elements, be comfortable, fit your budget, and be functional for your type of camping. Here are some things to consider before purchasing a camping bed.
Durable Materials
When looking into these beds, one of the more important aspects is what kind of materials they are made of and if they’ll last through many or maybe just one or two camping trips.
Make sure off-the-ground camping beds or cots are made from steel framing and have multiple support points. Manufacturers often pride themselves on using quality materials, so that information will be front and center in the descriptions of these types of camping beds.
Next, evaluate the different types of fabrics and materials used. When camping in a tent, one thing to look for is a waterproof material that can withstand any moisture, be it rain or morning dew.
These fabrics should also be durable and not tear or puncture if they get caught on a stick or rock. A lot of these fabrics are nylon based because of their excellent durability.
Portability and Storage
There are many types of camping, from the rough and rugged to the more elegant glamping or even backpacking for multiple days. Choosing the type of camping bed to purchase weighs heavily on exactly what kind of camping you do.
Of course, if you plan on doing a multiple-day backpacking hiking trip, you won’t be carrying a 26-pound camping bed in your gear. You’ll want to opt for something more lightweight and compact such as a sleeping pad.
If you plan on pitching a tent and staying for multiple days and nights, invest in something a little hardier, like a foldable camping bed with a mattress topper. These are easy to set up and offer more comfort in the long term.
Raised Beds or Ground Mattresses
Depending on the setting, you may want to invest in a raised camping bed like a cot because of ground or weather conditions.
Raised camping beds offer more support and temperature control since airflow is higher than sleeping on an air or foam mattress.
Foam camping beds and other ground mattresses may be good choices if you have a durable tent and can keep things on the ground without worrying about the elements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are camping beds worth the investment?
Camping beds offer more support than sleeping on the ground or in your car. Camping beds help you get a better night’s sleep so you’ll be rested and ready for more camping activities.
How often you go camping determines how much money should invest, but even budget-friendly camping bed options are better than nothing.
How can you make a camping bed more comfortable?
One way to add to the coziness and comfort of a camping bed is to have some extra comfortable soft blankets and bring your pillow from home. Make sure to get waterproof pillowcases and bring blankets you can throw in the washer when you return home.
Are memory foam camping beds a good choice?
Memory foam camping beds are great for comfort and easy roll-up options. Most foam camping mattress options have durable waterproof covers that allow you to be outdoors without worrying about ruining your bed.
Wrapping Up The Best Camping Beds
Whether you’re an avid hiker looking for the best sleeping pad or need a higher-end camping bed for your next glamping trip, this article has you covered.
Know what you need before making your purchase and stick to durable, quality materials when buying a camping bed. By doing so you’ll make more of an investment, rather than a quick, cheap purchase.
Check out our Camping Gear series of articles for more great product recommendations.
- About the Author
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Lauren is a housewife and mother with a passion for writing about all things outdoors! Whether choosing a camping location or the top chairs to put around your campfire, Lauren will guide you each step of the way.
So make sure to get up and plan that outdoor getaway, and remember to see what Lauren has to say about the best camping or gaming gear and what sites to visit!