Best Cots for Camping to Elevate Your Sleep!
Tired of sleeping on the ground while camping? Say goodbye to uncomfortable nights and upgrade your experience with the best cots for camping.
Ready to take your camping experience to the next level?
A good night's sleep can be hard to come by in nature, but with a comfortable camping cot, you’ll rest easy knowing that you have the best gear for any outdoor adventure.
Our selection of top-of-the-line cots are designed for maximum comfort and durability – so no matter what kind of terrain or environment you find yourself in, these cots will keep you cozy and safe from bugs. Plus, they’re lightweight and easily transportable – perfect for campers on the go!
Get ready to relax under the stars in style - our selection of camping cots feature expert engineering crafted into an ergonomic design that guarantees optimal comfort every time.
So don't let insect bites ruin another great outdoorsy escapade - get a reliable, durable camping cot today!
How We Picked
It can be tough to get a good night's sleep when you're camping. The ground is hard, the bugs are biting, and the sounds of nature keep you up all night.
Experienced campers know that a good night's sleep is essential for having a great camping trip. Without it, you're more likely to get cranky and spend your days in the tent instead of exploring the great outdoors.
Check out our list and find the best camping cots available today. We've done all the research for you so you can choose the best camping cot for your needs and have a restful night's sleep under the stars.
Disclosure: We only recommend things we’ve personally used or come highly recommended by trusted peers. Using one of our referral links might give us a small commission which helps support this website at no additional cost to you. If you’d like to learn more check out our disclaimer page.
Why We Chose
Wake up refreshed to the great outdoors with the TETON Sports Camping Cot! You don't have to worry about uneven terrain for a good night's sleep again.
This camping cot is not only incredibly sturdy and well-made, but it's also extra large, so you can count on having plenty of room to rest your weary bones after a long day spent exploring nature.
Plus, setup is a breeze - no complicated instructions or tools necessary! It may be a bit heavy for some campers, but that just means you're sure to get maximum security and support during the night.
And you can trust the quality; this is definitely not one of those cheaply-made cots from your childhood summer camps. So hit the sack in peace on your next camping adventure with the TETON Sports Camping Cot!
The Rundown
- With their revolutionary pivot arm, those pesky end bars are a cinch! Install them in no time and forget about struggling with that fourth corner.
- Designed with a reinforced steel S-leg assembly for maximum strength and stability, so you can take the hassle out of your next outdoor adventure.
- With a spacious size that easily supports up to 600 pounds and an impressive weight of only 26 lbs, this cot is perfect for the frequent camper.
Dimensions: 86 x 45 x 19.5 in. | Weight: 26lbs | Max Capacity: 600lbs
Pros
✔ Pivot arm for easy installation
✔ Reinforced steel S-leg assembly for strength and stability
✔ Spacious size that supports up to 600lbs
Cons
✖️ Storage bag could be better, needs a zipper
✖️ Can be time consuming to set
Why We Chose
The Coleman Trailhead II Cot is the perfect solution for comfortable camping or having a guest over in a small space.
With its strength, durability, and ease of set-up, it has all you need to give your body a restful night's sleep under the stars - or an extra bed in your home!
Even if setting up cots isn't second nature quite yet, the Trailhead II guarantees effortless assembly without compromising on quality and security. And with an optional foam pad for added comfort, you'll be feeling pampered like a real five-star camper—no matter where you may be.
The Rundown
Ready to hit the great outdoors?
This military-style camping cot provides a superior level of comfort when you're off exploring by eliminating any discomfort caused by sleeping on rough or cold ground!
- It features a strong crossbar steel frame and can support up to 300 lbs.
- With dimensions coming in at 73x35x17 inches, its extra-wide design is built for maximum comfort. all while folding down neatly into most car trunks with ease.
- It also comes with a 1-year limited warranty too!
Dimensions: 73 x 35 x 17 in. | Weight: 20lbs | Max Capacity: 300lbs
Pros
✔ Durable steel frame that can support up to 300 pounds
✔ Extra wide design for maximum comfort
✔ Easily foldable and transportable
✔ 1-year limited warranty
Cons
✖️ Some users have difficulty opening
Why We Chose
Ready to get off the ground and into luxury during your next trip?
Let us introduce the Coleman Camping Cot & Air Mattress Combo—the perfect way to turn any camping adventure into a luxurious getaway.
With its battery-powered pump, you won’t need to worry about finding an outlet for inflating the mattress. Plus, it also features a leak-proof system for keeping the bed inflated all night long.
Add in superior coil construction that provides superior support and comfort as well as convenient side tables with cup holders, and you’ll have everything you need for restful sleep and easy access during the night—all in one.
The Rundown
- Sleep soundly knowing that the AirTight system is factory-tested to be leak-free, while the ComfortStrong coil system provides a better night's sleep with unbeatable support.
- Double Lock dual valves ensure extra security against pesky leaks and an included 4D pump makes it easy to inflate or deflate indoors or outdoors.
- Two side tables offer convenience in bed, plus there's a sewn-in cover for added stability.
- Strong folding steel frame accommodates people up to 6 ft., supporting weight up to 600 lbs., all at an inviting 22 inches tall.
- Comes complete with a convenient carry bag and 1-year limited warranty.
Dimensions: 78 x 59 x 22 in. | Weight: 41.9lbs | Max Capacity: 600lbs
Pros
✔ Battery-powered pump
✔ Superior coil construction for support and comfort
✔ Side tables with cup holders
✔ Steel frame accommodates people up to 6 ft, supporting 600 lbs
Cons
✖️ Difficult to fold and store away back into it's bag
✖️ Weak pump
Why We Chose
When you're ready to head out camping, the Coleman ComfortSmart Cot is the perfect choice. This cot is lightweight and easy to set up, allowing quick setup and breakdown so you can get back to exploring nature.
Plus, it's much more comfortable than traditional fold-down camping cots, providing a good night's sleep after a long day of adventures. Though it is bulkier to travel with than a fold-down option, it's worth it!
We recently bought two of these cots and we were impressed. Even our 6-foot-tall guest fit on the cot with room to spare! This cot has you covered for your next camping adventure as well as for any extra bed for overnight guests.
The Rundown
- With its sturdy steel frame and 300-pound weight capacity, it's perfect for campers of all sizes up to 6 feet tall.
- Enjoy luxurious comfort from its advanced coil suspension system that offers support comparable to traditional bedding.
- Smart folding design allows it to fit easily into most car trunks, making packing for your next adventure a breeze!
Dimensions: 80 x 31 x 15 in. | Weight: 21.5lbs | Max Capacity: 300lbs
Pros
✔ Sturdy steel frame with a 300-pound weight capacity
✔ Coil suspension system offers support
✔ Comfortable for campers of all sizes up to 6 feet tall
Cons
✖️ Slightly bulky
✖️ Might be too narrow for some
Why We Chose
You know what’s worse than sleeping on the ground when you go camping?
Waking up with a sore back! That’s why the MARCHWAY Ultralight Folding Camping Cot is perfect for any camping enthusiast.
This lightweight cot gives you all the comfort of a hotel bed without the worry of having to lug around a full-sized heavy cot. It only weighs 5 lbs, so you don’t have to give up half your pack just to sleep in comfort.
And it folds compactly, making it easy to store in your backpack. As one satisfied customer said,
I use this with my blowup mattress and I can sleep very comfortably now and the ground doesn’t hurt my back any more.
We also really liked the Helinox Lite Cot, but only if you are a serious backpacker. We felt the Marchway is the best lightweight cot for the price.
But if you are looking to shed more weight the Helinox lite cot weighs just 2.8 pounds, about two pounds lighter than our pick. It also costs more than three times as much.
The Rundown
- Weighs only 4.8 pounds yet packs into a convenient 16.9 x 5.5 inch sack to easily fit in any travel bag or backpack - giving campers, trekkers, hikers and adventurers alike lightweight comfort on-the-go.
- Crafted from resilient aircraft aluminum and tear-proof nylon, the sturdy bars and rods offer maximum lightness without sacrificing durability.
- Get all the sleep you need, no matter your sleeping style! A wide bed surface offers plenty of space for adults to enjoy a comfortable slumber - whether they're back or side sleepers.
Dimensions: 74.8 x 27.4 x 6.5 in. | Weight: 4..8lbs | Max Capacity: 275lbs
Pros
✔ Lightweight and portable
✔ Sturdy aircraft aluminum and tear-proof nylon construction
✔ Wide bed surface provides plenty of space for comfortable sleep
✔ Folds into a convenient 16.9 x 5.5 inch sack for easy storage
Cons
✖️ First-time setup can be time-consuming
✖️ Some sagging if you're on the heavier side
Frequently Asked Questions
Are camping cots worth it?
Absolutely! Camping cots are a great addition to any camping trip and can really enhance your outdoor experience. For those unfamiliar with camping cots, they’re basically like an elevated sleeping pad or platform designed for camping purposes.
Camping cots have a few advantages over traditional ground sleeping pads, such as improved comfort and insulation from the cold ground underneath.
- Since they’re raised off the ground you also stay considerably drier in wet weather.
- They might also be large enough that two people could sleep on them together provided that both individuals were of light to medium body weight.
In terms of downsides - some heavier car camping cots can be cumbersome when carried far distances and may not work out so well if backpacking with minimal gear weight is a priority.
Are camping cots comfortable to sleep on?
Camping cots can indeed be comfortable to sleep on, depending on the type of cot you get and how much energy you put into making it feel cozy.
One of the most important aspects of a good camping cot experience is getting one with the right level of support.
- Look for camping cot frames built from materials like steel or aluminum. You want something that won't bend or break under your weight as you move around in your sleep.
- Also, keep an eye out for adjustable legs so you can adjust them to match terrain changes if necessary.
- Don’t forget to bring along extra items to help make your bedding setup even cozier while out camping too!
- By bringing blankets and pillows along with you (made specifically designed for outdoor use) – these will ensure added comfort throughout those cold night hours outside! And if there's enough room in the car: why not splurge and bring some down-filled comforters too?
How long can you use a camp cot?
Camp cots are incredibly durable pieces of equipment, and with proper care and maintenance, they can last you a very long time. In fact, if used responsibly and stored in the right conditions, a camp cot should be able to easily last you around 10 years or more!
To ensure that your camp cot lasts as long as possible, make sure it is properly maintained on a regular basis.
- Inspect it before each use to look for any signs of wear and tear; check for holes in the fabric or weakness in the frame.
- If you spot anything suspicious, repair it yourself or get professional help from an outdoor gear store.
- Don't forget to keep your cot clean by drying off any moisture after heavy rainfall or sprinkles (or else mildew could become an issue).
- Store your camp cot somewhere dry when not using it so that it doesn't get damaged from humid weather conditions.
Do camping cots keep you warmer?
Yes, camping cots can definitely help to keep you warm while camping!
Camping cots are insulated and raised off the surface of the ground which helps trap in body heat generated by your sleeping bag and provides superior insulation from cold air and ground temperatures than laying directly on top of them.
- Many models also come with bedding that are made from fabrics designed to retain warmth while still allowing airflow to maintain comfort during sleep.
- Some products such as air mattresses have special insulating material built in too which acts as another layer between you and any cold spots that might form during the night due to uneven surfaces or temperature changes in your environment.
Is a cot warmer than a sleeping pad?
When it comes to keeping warm while sleeping, there are lots of different options. The question of whether a cot or a sleeping pad is better for staying warm really depends on your individual needs and preferences.
- A cot is usually more comfortable than a sleeping pad as it offers more support and cushioning, and also elevates you off the ground.
- Both features that help keep you warmer by keeping cold air away from your body.
- A cot also typically creates an enclosed pocket of air beneath it, which helps insulate your body against cold drafts coming up from the floor.
- While some sleep pads may achieve this too, most won't provide as much insulation (or be as comfortable) as a good quality cot.
Sleeping pads have advantages over cots too:
- They tend to be lightweight so if you're camping or backpacking then they can make an ideal choice due to their portability.
- They come in several different thicknesses, with some being quite thick and providing excellent insulation between yourself and the ground – although, even the thickest versions will not offer anywhere close to what a good quality elevated cot can give you in terms of warmth retention!
- Some models may also feature reflective coatings designed to reflect heat back towards your body for an added boost in warmth during colder nights outdoors.
Is it colder to sleep on the ground or on a cot?
It really depends on the environment you are sleeping in and the material of your cot.
Generally speaking, sleeping on the ground will be colder than sleeping on a cot. The ground will very quickly absorb and dissipate any heat you generate, whereas a cot provides some insulation from the cold air outside.
If you’re trying to be as warm as possible while camping or in other situations where you may have to sleep outdoors, then it's best to use multiple layers of insulation such as foam pads, air mattresses or even blankets between yourself and the ground if possible.
This should provide enough separation between your body heat and cold temperatures that can seep up from below.
Is a cot better than a sleeping pad in cold weather?
Absolutely - a cot is much better than a sleeping pad in cold weather!
In fact, many experienced hikers and campers often choose to bring both their cots and sleeping pads along on their outdoor trips
- A cot provides more insulation than just the thin material of a sleeping pad by creating an extra layer of air between you and the ground.
- By being lifted off the ground, body heat is kept trapped underneath instead of being transferred to the colder surface beneath you.
Moreover, many cots come with different layers that can trap even more air for extra warmth and comfort (particularly those made from heavy-duty canvas).
Do cots damage tents?
This is an interesting question, and the answer really depends on what type of cot you are using. Generally speaking, cots can damage tents when they are placed inside them.
Tent floors can be quite delicate and cots with metal rods or frame members can easily puncture or rip through a tent floor if it's not supported properly beneath them.
However, there are a few things that you can do to minimize any potential damage your cot might cause:
- First, make sure your tent has a good ground cloth (also known as a 'footprint') beneath it.
- This will provide extra support for you and your cot so it won't put pressure directly against the groundsheet.
- Think about getting an additional tarp to use underneath the whole setup; this way any stress points between the structure of both pieces will release onto something more pliable and less likely to tear apart.
Is it warmer to sleep on a cot or air mattress?
When it comes to sleeping in warmer temperatures, it really depends on the type of cot or air mattress you’re using.
Generally speaking, an air mattress is more prone to heat up quicker than a cot and can contribute to a rise in body temperature due to its low level of breathability and insulation from the ground.
That being said, if you use an inflatable air mattress with foam coating – either on top or incorporated into the design – your experience will be much warmer.
- Foam mattresses are better insulators and help keep warm air trapped within the space between you and your sleeping surface.
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