You can’t put a price on a good night’s sleep and for many people, one of the worst things about camping is sleeping on the ground. Even the best sleeping pad or air mattress can’t totally eliminate the bumps, lumps and the sort of uneven ground that has you pressed into the side of the tent by morning. The ground is also cold, a test for bad backs and nearer to any crawling insects. It’s no wonder they invented the bed.
Taking your own bed with you camping isn’t practical but a good camping cot can give you a portable sleeping surface that can be as comfortable and get you a great night’s sleep whether you’re camping or staying over at someone's house. The best camping cot needs to be supportive, easy to set up and pack into the back of your car along with all your other kit. Here are the ones we’d recommend.
Coleman Trailhead II Cot
Classic design with strong frame
When you want to sleep off the ground, this classic Coleman cot will give you a supportive platform to rest on. It’s built to last with a cross-bar frame made from steel which is strong enough to hold up to 300 pounds. The cot is long enough for people up to 6'2" and folds down to fit in most car trunks.
Coleman ComfortSmart Cot
As comfy as it is durable
This cot from Coleman is all about delivering comfort when camping. The sleeping pad is made from thick foam to offer levels of comfort that aren’t far off a bed. It will take sleepers up to 6'6" and support 300 pounds of weight thanks to a durable steel frame which should see you through many camping trips.
Camping Cot
Big cot with plenty of support
Suitable for sleepers up to 450 pounds and 6’8” tall, the unique design of its steel frame gives a high level of support as you sleep on the breathable double layer 600D Oxford fabric pad. It’s easy to set up and portable, fitting in most car trunks. A storage bag is included.
TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot
Huge cot that’s seriously strong
Here’s a cot that’s extra-strong - supporting up to 600 pounds - and extra big - larger than a twin bed. Yet it’s relatively lightweight at 26 pounds, easy to set up with a built-in lever and sturdy thanks to a reinforced steel S-leg assembly. It all adds up to a comfortable night's sleep when you’re in the outdoors.
Bottom line
You can trust Advnture Our expert reviewers spend days testing and comparing gear so you know how it will perform out in the real world. Find out more about how we test and compare products.
If sleeping on the ground puts you off camping or you can’t stand another night on the floor at a friend’s house, the best camping cots can save the day. They offer the kind of comfort that you only usually get at home. Some swear they sleep better on them than their own beds, in fact. The camping cot we would recommend to most people is the Coleman Trailhead II Cot. It’s a classic design that goes up easily and can fit in the back of your car but provides plenty of support, even to tender backs. It feels durable enough to last for years too.
If you want a bigger bed that can take some serious weight, the TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot will fit the bill. You don’t have to be heavy either, just someone who wants the extra room to stretch out. It’s very robust but easy to put up so you can start relaxing as soon as your tent is up. It would also make a good guest bed.
