Looking for the best camping beds?
You're in the right place.
An uncomfy night's sleep can really ruin a camping trip!
So I've spent far too many hours researching the best options available.
I'm an avid camper and have been reviewing outdoor gear for a good few years now so I know exactly what to look for.
There's a real range on offer though so I've included everything from the best choice for those looking for maximum comfort to those looking for lightweight options to those with families.
Scroll down to find a mini-review for each product followed by a general buying guide.
Keep reading to find the best camping bed for you at the best price!
If you're fed up with rolling off a regular camp bed or trying to keep warm on colder nights, you might want to give this a try. The best camping beds are quick and easy to set up, and this is no exception. This is a super lightweight yet strong and stable camp bed that keeps you off the ground for a comfy sleep.
The aluminium alloy frame keeps it light but cosy, while the large feet and foot bars prevent it from sinking into the ground overnight. An extra spacious sleeping area stops you feeling like a sardine and you've got the extra security of a 5-year guarantee on top!
Helinox are committed to sustainable principles using their ‘green anodising' system, which preserves the frame without using toxic acids.
A cot leg extension option is sold separately if you want the feel of a real bed.
Bed size - 210cm x 75cm x 16cm
Packed size - 58cm x 17.5cm
Weight - 2.95kg
This is a great product from Vango's self-inflating mat collection and it shows; their mats feel more like proper mattresses than camp beds.
With a three-dimensional design to keep you off the ground for better insulation, it's so comfy it's almost as good as being in your own bed. The vertical wall construction means you get a bigger sleeping area – ideal if you like to stretch out.
Vango's Cyclone Valve allows fast and simple inflating and deflating. It's ready for use in about 30 seconds so you can soon have your feet up with a cuppa – our best camping stove article will help you make the ultimate tent brew!
It comes with a stuff sack with handles, compression straps and a wide mouth, so you don't need to wrestle it like an alligator to get it back in.
Bed size - 200cm x 76cm x 15cm
Packed size - unspecified
Weight - 4.35kg
An ideal camp bed for couples or two kids, this lightweight yet durable steel-framed double camp bed will keep you sleeping in comfort for years. The tough polyester canvas cover won't sag and being away from the ground helps keep out the cold on those chillier nights.
Built-in padded cushions are a nice touch and provide that extra bit of comfort for not much more room or weight. Although it's a double camping bed, it packs down small and includes a carry bag for easy transportation - a must when camping with kids.
Outwell have joined the EOCA (European Outdoor Conservation Association) as part of their commitment to protect and sustain the environment.
Bed size - 132cm x 192cm x 45cm
Packed size - 20cm x 27cm x 97cm
Weight - 13.5kg
One of the lightest and most compact camp beds available, its robust construction means it is much stronger than it looks. This camp bed will appeal to backpackers looking for a comfy night's sleep as well as those who are car camping.
The unique multiple air chambers design looks a little different, but it gives extra protection in case of punctures and is great for people who sleep on their side. The Ripstop fabric will also help prevent tears and damage. It's Primaloft insulated for 3-season use so will keep you toasty in all but the coldest conditions.
A pump for inflation is available separately although it's also designed to be blown up by lung power without too much effort. Deflating is fast and easy with the Peak Valve.
Bed size - 190cm x 55cm x 6cm
Packed size - 27cm x 8cm
Weight - 425g
This is a quality double camp bed that will give you a comfy night's kip – the 10cm height keeps you off the ground and the brushed polyester fabric on the top surface is oh so soft to touch and comfy to sleep on. As a bonus, the carry bag is made from a soft, brushed fabric so doubles up as a pillow.
A non-slip polyester base keeps the camp bed firmly in place inside the tent and the Cyclone Valve has an inflate/ deflate system that won't allow air to creep back in while you're packing it away.
The ultimate camping bed for comfort and luxury, although when packed it is bulkier than other camp beds. You'll appreciate an extra hand with deflating and rolling it up as it takes some effort.
Bed size - 200cm x 130cm x 10cm
Packed size - 67cm x 35cm x 35cm
Weight - 6.65kg
One of the best camping beds out there, you may just about get away with taking it on backpacking trips if a good night's kip is vital for you. The feet and carry bag have had a revamp to make them even more compact.
Although it's light, the Ripstop laminate and the construction of the frame makes it strong and sturdy. It's fully adjustable for your size and weight so there's the option of a standard or lightweight set-up.
Heavier users have reported some sag, but there is space on the frame to clip on additional supports (sold separately).
Therm-a-Rest have partnered up with a variety of organisations promoting conservation, sustainability and charitable works, including Outdoors Empowerment Network, The Conservation Alliance and European Outdoor Conservation.
Bed size - 183cm x 61cm
Packed size - 43cm x 13cm
Weight - 1.19kg
Eurohike are well known for providing basic but good gear and they're rightly popular with those undertaking their Duke of Edinburgh awards. One of the cheapest camp beds out there, the Eurohike is hard-wearing and ideal for any camping trip. It's thick enough to keep you off the cold damp ground and away from bugs.
Although an air mattress is designed to be blown up manually this can take some time, so using a separate pump makes things easier, though you'll need to buy this separately. The flock finish is soft, comfy and stops your sleeping bag from slipping off during the night. A good low-cost camping air bed that's just about light enough to be carried in a backpack.
Bed size - 185cm x 76cm x 22cm
Packed size - 30cm x 7cm x 19cm
Weight - 1.9kg
One of the comfiest camping beds out there – This luxury bed has a 35-structure air coil support mimicking the design of a regular bed so will feel just like your bed at home. It even comes with an in-built ergonomically designed pillow to keep your head raised.
The soft, waterproof flock material covering won’t irritate your skin and is large enough to sleep two adults in comfort. It comes with a lightweight yet powerful electric USB pump for superfast inflation – in less than two minutes you could have your feet up with a cuppa. Failing that, it’s also got its own built-in manual foot pump so you can save your breath.
If you’re using it in a tent, you’ll need to check it fits. It's definitely more suited to car camping than backpacking, but you’ll not get a comfier night’s sleep.
Bed size - 152cm x 203cm x 50cm
Packed size - unspecified
Weight - 7.74kg
A comfortable and strong-framed bunk camping bed for families wanting to maximise space in a tent when car camping.
Quick and easy to put up and take down, this camp bed comes with a carry bag for easy storage. Additional supports included means it's extremely stable.
The integrated pillows are a nice touch, although you may need to add a sleeping mat for extra comfort and warmth.
Bed size - 178cm x 70cm x 108cm
Packed size - 82.5cm x 31cm x 17.5 cm
Weight - 16.88kg
These are basically thin mattresses with a valve attached. When the valve is opened, it sucks air in to inflate the foam cells inside. You may need to top it up by blowing into the valve, but once it's shut the mattress stays inflated. To pack the mattress away, open the valve to let the air out – you'll need to kneel on it to force out all the air.
Air mattresses that self-inflate have the advantage of being lightweight and compact, making them more popular with backpackers or when space and weight are limited.
They are relatively thin so if you're going on a camping trip of a few days or more and you're staying in one spot, you may want something a little more substantial.
These are thicker mattresses that are inflated by either an external pump or an internal pump built into the mattress. They have the advantage of still being smaller and relatively lightweight but are comfier than the self-inflating mattresses as they tend to be thicker.
Many come with features such as non-slip fabric to keep sleeping bags in place, and the more expensive ones have extra protection against punctures.
Insulation is not always great although extra layers or a sleeping mat can easily be added if needed.
They do take up more room in the tent though so if you have a smaller tent and a bigger sleeping bag you might struggle for space, and they are notorious for losing air during the night.
These are constructed of stretched canvas attached to a foldable frame and are designed to keep you raised off the ground, much more like a traditional bed.
As well as being comfortable and warmer, these camp beds have the advantage of being easier to set up and take down – you don't need to faff around with an air pump or wrestle them to try to get all the air out. They also tend to be harder wearing and last longer than inflatable camp beds.
They can also help maximise space inside a tent as things can be stowed underneath.
The disadvantage of this type of camping bed is that they tend to be heavier and bulkier so they're best suited if you're car camping.
They're not padded so if you don't sleep on your back or you're on the skinny side you'll need a sleeping pad on top.
The right gear makes all the difference. For the best camping bed with sea to summit comfort you'll need to think carefully about your needs and preferences, so make sure your sleeping bag will also keep you toasty all night and your tent is up to the job too – read our article on the best tent brands for some help with that. Adding a camping cushion could help.
Store your self-inflating camp bed inflated with the valve open. If it's stored rolled up and deflated for long periods the insulating foam will deteriorate. If you’re short of space try storing it under a bed or at the back of a wardrobe.
If you do need to keep a self-inflating air mattress rolled up, let it inflate from time to time.
Camping bed cots are designed to be stored folded up so it won’t harm them.
The thicker the mattress the more it will insulate you from the ground. Although camping bed cots get around this problem by keeping you off the ground, cold air can pass through the gap underneath. A thick camping mattress is probably the warmest option, but if you use a sleeping pad or a thin mattress with a cot there won’t be much difference.
We feel you. It can be tough enough sleeping under canvas at the best of times, so throwing a bad back into the mix can make it a nightmare. Contrary to what you’d expect, blow-up air camp beds aren't always the best, as they tend to leak air slowly during the night. This can affect your posture and cause more problems.
The best camping beds for bad backs are camping cots or a self-inflating air bed as these offer better support. Of course, your choice will depend on other factors such as space and weight but be prepared to experiment to find the best camp bed for your back.
We’re sure most regular campers have been rudely awakened by a punctured air mattress – talk about a sinking feeling! You do get what you pay for - some cheaper air mattresses are more likely to puncture over time, but not even the best camping beds are immune.
Make sure you clear the area of sharp objects such as sticks and stones before pitching your tent. Take off shoes and boots before entering to stop stones from being carried in. Using a tarp or a groundsheet under the tent or mattress will give extra protection on rough ground – a foam mat under the mattress will also do the job.
Check your pockets before lying down – an errant set of keys can do some serious damage to an air bed. Make sure you roll up your camp bed carefully and don’t store it somewhere too warm.
Adding a self-inflating mattress on top of your camping bed will increase the cushioning and therefore the comfort. Alternatively, a cheap hack is to fold a double duvet in half on top of the bed. The best camping beds shouldn't need changing at all, but if you're on a budget these are good hacks. Alternatively, get one of our picks from our best down sleeping bag to lie on top!
The best camping bed for you will largely depend on what type of camping you're planning. Are you backpacking? If so you'll need a lighter, more compact camp bed like the Eurohike Flocked Airbed. Perhaps you're going on a family car camping holiday with the kids? The Kampa Bunkie would fit the bill nicely in this case. Going as a couple? A double camp bed like the Outwell Posadas could be the best fit.
How big is your tent? Size might be a factor – it's not much use buying a huge, luxurious camp bed only to find that it literally takes up the whole space. Similarly, if you're going backpacking, thru-hiking or wild camping, you'll probably want a more lightweight roll mat instead of a bulky camping bed.
If you're fed up with rolling off a regular camp bed or trying to keep warm on colder nights, you might want to give this a try. The best camping beds are quick and easy to set up, and this is no exception. This is a super lightweight yet strong and stable camp bed that keeps you off the ground for a comfy sleep.
The aluminium alloy frame keeps it light but cosy, while the large feet and foot bars prevent it from sinking into the ground overnight. An extra spacious sleeping area stops you feeling like a sardine and you've got the extra security of a 5-year guarantee on top!Helinox are committed to sustainable principles using their ‘green anodising' system, which preserves the frame without using toxic acids.A cot leg extension option is sold separately if you want the feel of a real bed.
December 4, 2023
December 4, 2023
December 4, 2023
December 4, 2023
December 4, 2023
December 4, 2023
