When gearing up for your next outdoor adventure, finding the perfect camping bed can make all the difference between a restless night and waking up refreshed. With the right inflatable camping bed, even the coldest or most rugged campsites can feel like a cozy retreat.
Feeling overwhelmed by the choices? Our comparison guide on airbeds, camp beds, and sleep mats is here to help simplify your decision. So now, let’s dive into the details with the National Park Shops team through the following article!
Best Overall: Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D ($239.95 – $274.95 on Amazon)
- Size Large: 77 x 25 Inches
- Product Dimensions: 77″L x 25″W x 4″Th
- Capacity: 1440 Pounds
- Material: Polyester
Why It’s a Standout
The Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D stands out among self-inflating mats for offering an impressive four inches of premium foam padding, delivering exceptional comfort for outdoor sleepers. This camping bed rivals the coziness and warmth of the softest mattresses tested.
What truly elevates this camping bed to the top of the list is its innovative dual-valve system. Inflation is a breeze – just connect the stuff sack to the valve and use it as a pump. When it’s time to pack up, the oversized deflation valve allows air to escape rapidly, making it easy to roll up and stow away without a struggle.
Best for Car: Exped MegaMat Auto ($379.96 on Amazon)
- Size Large: Megamat Auto
- Product Dimensions: 77.6″L x 51.9″W x 4″Th
- Weight Limit: 330 Pounds
- Material: Open-cell polyurethane foam
Why It’s a Standout
If you’re aiming for the most restful sleep possible in your vehicle, the Exped MegaMat Auto is the camping bed you need. Just like its MegaMat counterparts, this model delivers exceptional comfort without compromise. We put it to the test inside a Kia Telluride equipped with captain’s chairs, which left ten-inch gaps that the pad had to bridge.
Compared to using two single pads, which left uncomfortable spaces between them, the MegaMat Auto created the most seamless and luxurious car-camping sleep we’ve experienced. This camping bed also scores high marks for ease of use, with dual valves that allow for rapid inflation and deflation in under a minute. As long as you secure it with the included Velcro strap before stowing it in the stuff sack, packing it away is quick and hassle-free.
>> Camping-related products: Waterproof Stuff Sacks, Portable Mini Stove
Portable Folding: HEST Foamy Sleeping Pad ($349 on Amazon)
- Size Large: 78″ L x 30″ W
- Product Dimensions: 78″L x 30″W x 8.8″Th
- Item Weight: 11 Pounds
- Material: Foam
Why It’s a Standout
For those who often arrive at their campsite late in the evening, the HEST Foamy Sleeping Pad proves to be an ideal choice. With just two buckles to undo, the pad unrolls quickly and is ready for immediate use. It was noted that the setup process takes less than five seconds, highlighting its convenience. Offering nearly 4 inches of plush memory foam, the pad provides a level of comfort comparable to that of a home mattress. An R-value of 8.8 further establishes it as one of the warmest options in its category. While the foam is notably soft, the inability to adjust firmness due to the lack of air customization may not appeal to those with more specific comfort preferences.
Best for Two People: Exped MegaMat Duo 10 ($419.95 on Amazon)
- Size Large: Duo Long Wide Plus
- Product Dimensions: 77.6″L x 52″W x 4″Th
- Item Weight: 155.2 Ounces
- Material: Foam
Why It’s a Standout
For campers seeking top-tier comfort with enough space for two, the Exped MegaMat Duo 10 stands out as an exceptional choice. Designed with the same premium features and construction as the single version, this double-wide camping mattress offers a generous 52-inch width. While it’s slightly narrower than two single pads combined, it’s ideally sized to fit in the back of a pickup truck, minivan, or larger two-person tent. Notably, even when deflated, it still provides a decent level of comfort, serving as a practical safeguard against potential punctures.
>> Camping-related products: 10 Best Waterproof Backpacks
Coleman Queen-Size Airbed Cot Combination ($193.69 on Amazon)
- Size: Queen
- Product Dimensions: 59″L x 22″W x 78″Th
- Weight Limit: 600 Pounds
- Material: Blend
Why It’s a Standout
The Coleman Queen-Size Airbed Cot Combination is a practical and comfortable all-in-one sleeping solution for campers or overnight guests. This camping bed features a durable steel cot frame paired with a queen-sized air mattress elevated off the ground, offering comfort and insulation from cold or uneven surfaces. The airbed uses Coleman’s ComfortStrong™ coil system for enhanced support and an AirTight® system with a double lock valve to prevent leaks. Handy built-in side tables with cup holders provide added convenience, and a battery-operated pump makes inflation easy even without electricity. With a generous size (78 x 59 x 22 inches) and a 600 lb weight capacity, this setup comfortably fits two adults. It folds compactly into a carry bag for easy transport and storage.
Kelty Waypoint Si Sleeping Pad ($119.96 on Amazon)
- Size: One Size
- Product Dimensions: 78″L x 30″W x 3″Th
- Water Resistance Level: Water Resistant
- Material: Super-soft stretch fabric & air-filled foam
Why It’s a Standout
Available exclusively in the USA, the Kelty Waypoint Si stands out as a top-tier camping bed designed for comfort and convenience. This self-inflating pad offers a generous 3 inches (8 cm) of supportive air and foam cushioning, topped with a soft stretch fabric that resists becoming sweaty or slippery through the night. It delivers a sleeping experience remarkably close to that of a traditional mattress, making it a game-changer for outdoor stays.
Inflation is nearly effortless, the mat takes in most of the air on its own, and for a firmer feel, users can utilize the stuff sack as a secondary pump. Its innovative three-way valve simplifies inflation, deflation, and packing, ensuring a smooth setup and takedown process. While it’s a bit bulky and heavy for backpacking, this camping bed excels in car camping scenarios, offering durability, premium comfort, and ease of use.
>> Camping-related products: Winter Survival Kits, Thermal Jackets
Outwell Posadas Foldaway Camping Bed ($228.53 on Amazon)
- Size: 132 x 192 x 45cm (WxLxH)
- Product Dimensions: 132 x 192 x 45 cm (W x L x H)
- Shape: Rectangular
- Material: Polyester
Why It’s a Standout
If you’re looking for a camping bed that offers instant setup, the Outwell Posadas foldaway is a top contender. Requiring absolutely no assembly, this bed unfolds within seconds, providing a hassle-free sleeping solution right out of the bag. While it’s not the most lightweight option available, it’s ideal for car camping or extended stays where comfort is a high priority. Ultimately, it comes down to what you’d rather avoid, carrying extra weight or spending time on setup.
Designed with convenience and relaxation in mind, the Outwell Posadas includes a built-in padded head cushion that adds a welcome layer of comfort. This thoughtful detail enhances the sleeping experience and increases your chances of waking up refreshed, making it a reliable camping bed choice for those who value ease and restfulness in the great outdoors.
>> Camping-related products: Winter Hiking Hats, Winter Hammock
Coleman Inflatable Raised Double Camping Bed ($99.99 on Amazon)
- Size: Twin 18″
- Product Dimensions: 75″L x 40″W x 18″Th
- Weight Limit: 300 Pounds
- Material: Blend
Why It’s a Standout
Another strong contender on our camping bed list comes from Coleman, offering a high-quality air bed designed for comfort and practicality. With a standard bed height, it allows users to sit comfortably with their feet touching the ground, much like a traditional home bed. The design includes 32 air-springs that provide a balanced combination of softness and firmness, helping to minimize sagging in the center when two people share the bed.
Despite its generous size, this camping bed is praised for its quick inflation and hassle-free packing. It’s an excellent option for those who may not typically enjoy sleeping outdoors, as it brings a touch of home-like comfort to the campsite. While it may not be built for extreme durability, the trusted Coleman brand gives peace of mind that punctures are unlikely to be a frequent issue.
Helinox Cot One Convertible ($349.95 on Amazon)
- Size: Regular
- Product Dimensions: 75 x 27 x 6.5 inches
- Weight Limit: 4.8 Pounds
- Material: Aluminum
Why It’s a Standout
The Helinox Cot One Convertible is a premium camping bed option that offers exceptional quality and design, making it a worthwhile investment for those looking to elevate their outdoor sleeping experience.
Crafted with a durable DAC aluminum alloy frame, the cot expertly balances strength and lightness. Its unique lever system simplifies both setup and takedown, ensuring that you spend less time wrestling with your gear and more time enjoying your campsite.
A standout feature of this camping bed is its 16cm (about 6.2 inches) elevation off the ground, providing generous clearance and extra storage space underneath. This raised design not only improves comfort but also helps keep you warmer by minimizing contact with the cold ground, making it ideal for cooler nights in the wild.
>> Camping-related products: Best Neck Fans, Best Water Shoes
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right camping bed can make a world of difference when it comes to your outdoor comfort. Whether you prefer a lightweight, inflatable option or a more durable, cot-style bed, there’s something for every type of camper. By considering factors like portability, ease of setup, and material quality, you can ensure a restful night under the stars. So, take your time to find the perfect camping bed for your adventures, and make the most of every camping trip!
