Best camping bed 2024: sleep soundly anywhere

When it comes to planning your outdoor escapade, choosing the best camping bed suddenly becomes the star of the show. After all, with the right inflatable camping bed, even the chilliest campsite can transform into a cosy oasis.

But hold on tight because knowing the packed size is crucial – you'll need to make room in your boot for your tent and all the other essentials. Need help navigating the sea of options? Our airbeds vs. camp beds vs. sleep mats explainer has your back.

Pair one of these beauties with the best sleeping bag, and you're in for a dreamy slumber under the stars. Need a tent to match? Check out our best tent guide. Please note: the portable cots below are mainly for car campers. If you're a backpacker with space constraints, check out our guide on the best camping mats.

Our current favourite camping bed is the Quechua Ultim Comfort. It's ideal for a comfortable night's rest without being heavy, and it's affordable! Vango's Shangri-La II 10 combines the best features of a camping mat and an inflatable mattress, and it's perfect for couples. For side sleepers, we recommend the Quechua Inflatable Bed Base (with a mattress, of course).

The best camping bed to buy right now

Best overall

If you're in the market for a reliable and well-designed self-inflating camping mattress that requires no effort to set up, make a beeline for the Quechua Ultim Comfort. It's a sterling choice that provides excellent comfort while being effortless to set up and fold down. For the price, it performs superbly well in all temperatures, making it a shoo-in for car camping, caravanning, the beach and even the patio or garden on a warm summer's day. A depth of just 8cm may seem extreme, but if you're not too heavy, this exceedingly competent air-and-foam mattress will provide a very comfortable night's rest under the stars without breaking the bank.

Read our full Quechua Ultim Comfort Inflatable Camping Mattress review.

Best for couples

The Vango Shangri-La II 10 is just about the comfiest camping bed we've ever slept on. It sits somewhere between a shallow inflatable camping mat and a chunky inflatable mattress and takes the best points from each, with a stable, flat sleep surface covered with soft-touch fabric. In fact, it feels most like sleeping on a foam mattress rather than an air mattress.

We tested the 10cm deep option, but it's also available in 7cm and 15cm tall versions, as well as single and double in each. One big draw is that you don't need to pump it up – just switch the valve to the right side and leave it to self-inflate. The same clever valve can be flipped to the other side when it's time to pack up.

In this mode, it'll let air out but not in, which makes packing up much less painful. The main downside is that when packed, the Shangri-La II isn't small or light, but if you have the space, it's a major step up from a traditional air mattress.

Read our full Vango Shangri-La II review.

Best for side sleepers

If you're after extreme comfort when camping and maybe even a spare bed for home visitors, this really is the ultimate camping bed for you. A full-size inflatable single bed base which can be paired with another for a full (140cm) wide double bed, this really is luxury.

It's a massive 25cm deep, too, lifting your snoozing form up into the warmer air in the tent, as well as being so far from the cold floor that you may as well be in a hot air balloon. Another important benefit here is that the chances of puncturing your mattress with a sharp stone are near zero, as it's safely elevated. 

The downside is that this is a bulky item even when packed and not light enough for long-distance carry, in spite of the handy stuff sack. However, when in search of a literal home-from-home sleeping experience, this is at the top of the list – just add the inflatable mattress of your choice and sink deep into dreamland.

Read our full Decathlon Quechua Inflatable Camp Bed Base review.

Best for car camping

Currently only available in the USA, the Kelty Waypoint Si sleep pad is an exceptional camping mat. It's a self-inflating mat that, once fully inflated, provides you with 3 inches (8cm) of air and foam padding, with a soft stretch fabric topper that won't get sweaty and slippery in the night, and gives you as close to the feel of a traditional mattress as you're likely to get when out camping.

It's a breeze to inflate – it'll do much of the work itself, but to get things nice and firm, you can use its stuff sack as an additional inflation tool – and a clever three-way valve makes the entire business of inflating, deflating and packing it away when you're done fabulously straightforward. It's a little on the heavy side and doesn't pack down particularly well, so it's not an option for backpacking; however, as a robust and high-quality mattress for car camping, it's an outstanding choice.

Read our full Kelty Waypoint Si Sleeping pad review.

Best for comfort

The Coleman Extra Durable Airbed is the best camping bed if you're looking for a simple but comfy option that will last. Strong PVC makes it resistant to punctures – one of the biggest drawbacks of air mattresses – while a double-lock valve system ensures no leakages.

It folds and rolls into a cover with a handle for easy transportation, and this is attached to the mattress, so you don't have to keep an eye on where that extra bag has gone. Flocked PVC isn't too noisy when you sleep on it or wriggle about in your sleeping bag. You can opt for regular height or a deeper version for a little more luxury.

Read our full Coleman's Extra Durable airbed review.

Best for pregnant people

For the quickest set up possible, try the Outwell Posadas foldaway camping bed. With no assembly required, this bed simply folds out in seconds for a ready-made bed. It’s not the lightest on the list by any stretch, so it's better suited to car camping and longer camping holidays where comfort during sleep is exceptionally important. So it depends what you feel is more effort – carrying it or setting it up. There's a built-in padded head cushion for extra comfort, further boosting your chances of sleeping well (and feeling rested) when camping.

Best raised

The next entry in our best camping bed list another excellent air bed from Coleman. It is of standard height, which means it’s just like a regular bed, and you’ll be able to sit on it with your feet on the ground, plus the 32 air-springs are designed to create a soft but firm surface that reduces the bowing in the middle when two people are sleeping on it. Despite its size, it is said to be quick to inflate, and more importantly, easy to roll up and pack away. For anyone who’s not a fan of the great outdoors, this camping bed should make you feel more at home. While this isn't 'extra durable', the reliable brand name means we're confident you won't be plagued with punctures, either.

Best for heavy people

The Helinox Cot One Convertible represents a higher-end camping cot option, but its superior craftsmanship and features justify the investment for those seeking the best camping experience.

Constructed with a proprietary DAC aluminium alloy frame, the Helinox Cot One Convertible strikes an optimal balance between strength and weight. Its innovative lever system simplifies setup and takedown, ensuring a hassle-free experience at the campsite. 

One notable feature of the Helinox Cot One Convertible is its height of 16cm (approx 6.2 inches) off the ground, which provides ample clearance and allows for convenient storage space underneath. This elevated design helps to minimise contact with the cold ground, enhancing comfort and warmth during nights spent outdoors.

The cot's durable polyester ripstop fabric offers just the right amount of give for comfort while remaining firm and supportive.

Read our Helinox vs OEX vs Vango comparison.

How to choose the best camping bed for you

When choosing camping beds, consider factors like your preferred sleeping position and whether you need additional features such as adjustable firmness or built-in pillows.

You should prioritise portability, especially if you'll be carrying the bed on hikes or backpacking trips. Choose a lightweight option that folds or rolls up compactly for easy transportation and storage. 

Durability is crucial for outdoor use, so choose a bed made from robust materials capable of withstanding rugged terrain and varying weather conditions. Look for reinforced seams, sturdy frames, and resistance to punctures or tears. Consider the size of the bed relative to your tent and sleeping area to ensure a comfortable fit without overcrowding your space.

Ease of setup is essential, particularly if you'll be assembling the bed frequently. Opt for beds with simple designs and quick inflation or assembly methods to streamline the setup process. Consider the versatility of the bed—some models can double as chairs or loungers during the day, providing added functionality and value for your camping trips.

How we test the best camping beds

Testing camping beds involves assessing their comfort, durability, portability, and setup ease.

We begin by evaluating comfort, lying on the bed to gauge its cushioning and support. We consider factors like padding thickness, firmness, and overall feel. Next, test durability by examining the bed's construction materials and seams for strength and resilience against wear and tear.

Portability is another crucial aspect to test, as camping beds should be easy to transport and set up. We assess the bed's weight and size when packed for storage and transportation, ensuring it fits comfortably in your vehicle or backpack.

We also consider any additional features or functionalities the bed may offer, such as adjustable firmness settings or built-in storage compartments, as these can enhance the overall camping experience and add value to the bed.

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