Best Cots for Camping

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Coleman Queen Airbed Folding
Test Winner: Coleman Queen Airbed Folding
Amazon Link
The only thing better than sleeping under the stars is not having to sleep on the uneven floor in a sleeping bag but rather elevated on a comfy camping cot. Investing in a good quality camping cot can take your weekend getaway to the next level by providing a warm and comfortable night’s sleep, and to boost these cots are easy to set up and pack. If you are going on a backpacking trip then these might not be for you, but for the thousands of campers that are traveling directly to their campsite, these are defiantly a piece of gear to invest in, if you value a good nights sleep. There are many different types of camping cots currently on the market, and some are so comfortable they may rival your bed at home. The more comfortable camping cots come at a higher price, and they are generally more difficult to assemble but if you camp frequently then these will be a great investment.

Standout Picks

Coleman Queen Airbed Folding
This is the camping cot for those that love exploring the outdoors and eating hot dogs around a campfire, but hate to leave their comfortable bed back at home. This cot comes from the trusted brand of Coleman, so you know that you are getting the best quality. It’s easy to assemble, can sleep two people comfortably (or one if you are unwilling to share), and can be easily packed up and stored away when it’s time to head back home.
Amazon Link
$199.99
Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe
This is a great camping cot that is brought to you by the trusted brand of Coleman. It has a durable frame and a comfortable mattress that is simple to set up and provides a great night's sleep under the stars.
Amazon Link
$124.99
Timber Ridge Camping
Timber Ridge offers a great camping cot that is as comfortable as it is compact. It’s made from superior materials that will hold up over many years of camping trips in all kinds of weather. It is simple to pack up into the trunk of your car and unfolds easily.
Amazon Link
TETON Sports Outfitter Camping
For those campers that need something a little more sturdy and rugged, the TETON Sports Camping cot is as tough as they come. It is able to hold up to 600 pounds without breaking a sweat. It’s also incredibly comfortable, easy to set up, and packs up quickly when it’s time to head home.
Amazon Link
$179.99
Kamp-Rite Oversize Kwik
Kamp-Rite makes a great camping cot that is both comfortable and easy to use. The canvas bed offers a warm and comfortable night's sleep that is great for people who sleep on their back, or for people who sleep on their side. The durable materials will make this the last cot that you will need for years to come.
Amazon Link
$124.99
KingCamp Camping
KingCamp offers a great camping cot that provides additional features that aren’t found in many other brands on the market. It has a slightly different design features that is intended to offer a superior sleep, and it is able to be folded to fit into the trunk of your car when you are ready to head back home for the week.
Amazon Link
Coleman Trailhead II
This camping cot doesn’t have all the additional bells and whistles as some of the other cots on this list, but it comes with the Coleman name and is offered at an excellent price. If you are in the market for a brand name cot without dishing out the extra money, this is an excellent choice.
Amazon Link
$51.99
Osage River Folding
Osage River offers great and reliable camping cots that check all of the boxes for what it takes to create a satisfied camper. This camping cot is not only affordable, but it also easy to pack up into the car, as well as simple to unfold. Because there is less maintenance involved in set-up, campers have more time to roast marshmallows because they won’t be spending a lot of time fiddling with setting up their cots.
Amazon Link
Moon Lence Camping
The Moon Lence Camping Cot is a little different than some of the other cots making this list. It doesn’t sit as high up off of the ground as some of the other cots on the market, but that just makes it easier to set up and pack away. It’s lower profile also makes it able to support more weight than some of the other cots.
Amazon Link
Trademark Innovations Camping
Simplicity is the name of the game when dealing with the Trademark Innovations Camping cot. It unfolds quicker than you can snap your fingers, so that you can spend more time fishing and hiking on your camping trips, and less time fiddling with setting up your camp.
Amazon Link
$52.03

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Comfort

Of course when it comes to a piece of gear that is intended to be used for sleeping, comfort was the number one thing that we looked for. Frames that are made from sturdy materials are an important factor, so that the cots won’t totter or buckle in the middle of the night. The sleeping surface is important too. Cots made from thin foam mattresses with coils tend to be the most comfortable, but they also come with a number of drawbacks, such as the price and ability to tote them away. Cots that are made from thick canvas materials are generally less warm, but they also provide excellent comfort without risking a higher price tag and being overly cumbersome.

Portability

Because camping cots are meant to be carried from campsite to campsite, it was important to select cots that were easy to fold or or disassembled, and that were lightweight for those long treks back to the car. After being stuck at the office all week at work, the last thing that you want to do when you finally are able to get away for the weekend is spend precious outdoor time fiddling with setting up your campsite. The best cots were the ones that could fold up like a folding chair, and could fit in a bag small enough to fit into the back seat of your car. To pack it away, simply gather all of the legs in the center and tuck it away into the carrying bag that comes with purchase. After being packed away into a storage bag, it is small enough and light enough to toss into the trunk of your car with all of your other camping gear.

Materials

What the cot is actually made of can make a big difference when it comes to comfort and travel ability. Cots that are made from aluminum or carbon steel are generally lighter and easier to carry. Foam mattresses may be more comfortable and warm, but there is often a metal bar that runs right along the place where it is folded in half. And after a long day of fishing or hiking, the last thing anyone wants is a metal bar digging into their back. Ouch. The canvas cots may not be as warm, but they are able to wick away moisture, don’t have the annoying metal bar, and the hammock-like design takes pressure off of the back.

Value

For something as important as where you will lay your head at night, camping cots are generally affordable. Sure, there are some on the market that might even rival your bed at home. But the more expensive beds not only cost more, but they typically take more time to set up, will take up a lot of storage space, and are often incredibly heavy to lug back to your car. When spending time outside, you want to be able to get out there immediately so you can fish, swim, or hike. The last thing that you want to be doing for the first portion of your trip is setting up an expensive and complicated camping cot.

Top 10 Picks

1. Coleman Queen Airbed Folding

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$199.99
Coleman Queen Airbed Folding
Amazon Link

This is the camping cot for those that love exploring the outdoors and eating hot dogs around a campfire, but hate to leave their comfortable bed back at home. This cot comes from the trusted brand of Coleman, so you know that you are getting the best quality. It’s easy to assemble, can sleep two people comfortably (or one if you are unwilling to share), and can be easily packed up and stored away when it’s time to head back home.

Read more

Brand Recognition:

Coleman is the go to brand for many campers when they are shopping for outdoor gear. They have been making quality products with the consumer in mind since the early 1900’s, they and continue to create new and innovative products that campers depend upon again and again for all of their outdoor adventures.

Materials:

What makes this cot different is that it comes with an inflatable mattress that sits atop a traditional steel frame. The frame is queen sized and is able to hold up to 600 pounds. It can comfortably sleep people that are under 6 feet 2 inches tall. The airbed sits on top of a traditional foam mattress, making it versatile enough to remove the airbed and set it on the ground to sleep four people. A 4D battery powered pump comes with purchase to inflate the air mattress that is is made from Coleman’s AirTight materials that prevent annoying slow leaks.

Price:

The price is a little bit more expensive than many of the other camping cots to make this list. However, considered that is it capable of accommodating up to four people, it’s actually a really great deal for the price point.

Travel Readiness:

Due to the fact that this is a queen sized cot, popping it into the trunk of your car can prove to be a little bit more difficult than some of the other cots. Also, it weighs more than most cots, weighing in at just over 40 pounds. It may be a superior cot in terms of comfort, but that comfort comes at cost. Once the bed has made it to the campsite, the battery powered pump makes filling the mattress simple. When it’s time to go home, that same pump is used to deflate the mattress.

Summary:

If comfort is the only thing that are concerned with when shopping for a new camping cot, you won’t get any more comfortable than this. Many past users have found that is cot is so comfortable that they have set it up in their guest bedroom for the times that they have visitors sleeping over.

Amazon Link
$199.99

2. Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$124.99
Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe
Amazon Link

This is a great camping cot that is brought to you by the trusted brand of Coleman. It has a durable frame and a comfortable mattress that is simple to set up and provides a great night's sleep under the stars.

Read more

Brand Recognition:

Coleman is a company that has been making great quality products for camping and outdoor recreation since the early 1900’s. Their name is synonymous with superior craftsmanship and innovation. Since their founding, Coleman has accumulated a following of loyal customers that use Coleman as their only brand for outdoor gear.

Materials:

The cot frame is made from sturdy steel that can hold up to 300 pounds, and it can comfortably sleep one person that is 6 feet 6 inches tall. The mattress sits atop a coiled suspension system and the thin mattress is made from foam.

Price:

Some camping cots can really rack up a hefty price tag, but this is not one of those cots. It is offered at an incredibly reasonable price. It is not the least expensive camping cot on the market, but it is nowhere near the most expensive camping cot out there. For campers that are looking for a quality cot but aren’t willing to pay top dollar, this is an excellent choice.

Travel Readiness:

When packing to head out on your camping trip, this cot folds up and is able to fit into the trunk of most cars. The steel frame makes it a tad heavy, due to the solid steel frame which weighs slightly over 20 pounds. However, it can easily be removed from the trunk to set up for campers of any age.

Summary:

If you are a camper that is in the market for a good quality cot that is comfortable, easy to assemble and set up, and can provide a wonderful nights sleep under the stars without breaking the bank, than the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe Camping Cot will be an excellent addition to your next camping trip.

Amazon Link
$124.99

3. Timber Ridge Camping

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Timber Ridge Camping
Amazon Link

Timber Ridge offers a great camping cot that is as comfortable as it is compact. It’s made from superior materials that will hold up over many years of camping trips in all kinds of weather. It is simple to pack up into the trunk of your car and unfolds easily.

Read more

Brand Recognition:

Timber Ridge might not exactly be a household name, but they have made quite a name for themselves in the tent world. They are known for their tents that are made from quality materials that are made to last for years.

They take the same level of pride in their tents as they do their camping cots. This is a brand that focuses primarily on camping gear, so you know that each design was crafted with the user in mind. They have generated a loyal following of satisfied customers that have come to depend on their products.

Materials:

The frame of this cot is composed of a sturdy steel that is able to be easily folded when not in use and can support up to 300 pounds. Unlike some of the other cots on this list, there isn’t a set of spring coils or a soft foam mattress. Instead, the bed is composed of ripstop nylon that wicks away water and moisture. It may seem like this cot may not be as comfortable as cots with spring coils and mattresses, but that is a misconception. Some of the cots with springs have a center bar that can dig into your back, and this cot sleeps more like a small hammock, which can take pressure off of tired backs.

Price:

This cot is priced modestly and runs right down the center of the road. It is not the most expensive cot in the market, but it is far from the least expensive. Given the superior quality and craftsmanship, it is well worth the price.

Travel Readiness:

The ability to fold up this cot and go is one of its best features. The simplicity of the design and the absence of a foam mattress with a complicated spring coil system makes it a cinch to fold in half.

The purchase of this cot also comes with a travel bag, so when you are ready to go, you just fold it up and place it in its own travel bag, and pop it into the trunk of your car.

Summary:

If you are in the market for a camping cot that is simple, comfortable, and easy to pack up when you are ready to leave, this model will fit all of you needs.

Amazon Link

4. TETON Sports Outfitter Camping

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$179.99
TETON Sports Outfitter Camping
Amazon Link

For those campers that need something a little more sturdy and rugged, the TETON Sports Camping cot is as tough as they come. It is able to hold up to 600 pounds without breaking a sweat. It’s also incredibly comfortable, easy to set up, and packs up quickly when it’s time to head home.

Read more

Brand Recognition:

TETON Sports is a brand that stands by their products, perhaps more than any other brand on the list. If for any reason you are not satisfied with the quality of one of their camping products, they make it incredibly easy to get in contact with one of their customer service representatives to request replacement parts when needed. Great customer service is very important to them whenever users need help with assembling or using any of their products.

Materials:

The frame of this cot is what makes it stand out from other cots on this list. It has a patented S-frame steel design that allows this cot to hold double of what most cots on the market are capable of holding.

The bed is composed of a sturdy Oxford canvas that can wick away moisture, hold in heat, and takes pressure off of tired backs after a long day of hiking or climbing.

Price:

This camping cot is priced slightly higher than some of the other cots on the market. However, the innovative S-frame design and the quality of materials used make this an excellent price for the quality of this cot.

Travel Readiness:

One of the best features of the TETON Sports Camping Cot is how easy it is to assemble. Once it is taken out, all the user has to do is snap the four pins in each corner securely into place. When it is time to go home, all you have to do it pop out the four pins, fold all four sides in, and place it into a lightweight canvas bag with a shoulder strap that is included, and then place it into the trunk of your car.

Summary:

This is the perfect option for those that are concerned about having trouble with a difficult setup. It folds up small enough to be stored in a carrying bag and is incredibly comfortable and study. If you are willing to dish out just a little bit more extra money, you won’t be disappointed with the purchase of this product.

Amazon Link
$179.99

5. Kamp-Rite Oversize Kwik

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$124.99
Kamp-Rite Oversize Kwik
Amazon Link

Kamp-Rite makes a great camping cot that is both comfortable and easy to use. The canvas bed offers a warm and comfortable night's sleep that is great for people who sleep on their back, or for people who sleep on their side. The durable materials will make this the last cot that you will need for years to come.

Read more

Brand Recognition:

Kamp-Rite has been in the business of solving camping problems since 1999. Their products are designed to help improve the comfort of the everyday camper. The original claim to fame for this company way the invention of that tent-cot that gained popularity quickly. Since then, they have been dedicating to making products that serve the very specific needs of campers.

Materials:

The frame is made from a heavy duty powder-coated steel. The bed is composed of a thick canvas fabric that holds in heat and takes pressure off of tired backs. Unlike many of the other cots on this list, there are additional pockets that run along the side. The pockets are perfect for storing phones, wallets, and sunglasses securely while you sleep. It also has a padded head section for additional neck support to provide the best possible sleep under the stars.

Price:

The price of this cot is incredibly affordable, and one of the least expensive camping cots to make this list. With it’s sturdy frame, comfortable cot, and ease of use, this is an incredible deal at its price point.

Travel Readiness:

Packing this cot up and taking it home is a cinch. It folds in on itself and is able to be stored in the lightweight carrying bag. Under the cot, are snaps to keep the carrying bag for additional storage when the cot is in use. After it’s placed into the carrying bag, it’s small enough to pop into the trunk of your car and head home.

Summary:

If you are looking for a camping cot that is comfortable and easy to set up, and doesn’t cost a lot of money, the Kamp-Rite Oversize Kwik Cot is sure to make your next outdoor excursion comfortable and hassle-free.

Amazon Link
$124.99

6. KingCamp Camping

Where to buy
Amazon Link
KingCamp Camping
Amazon Link

KingCamp offers a great camping cot that provides additional features that aren’t found in many other brands on the market. It has a slightly different design features that is intended to offer a superior sleep, and it is able to be folded to fit into the trunk of your car when you are ready to head back home for the week.

Read more

Brand Recognition:

KingCamp isn’t necessarily the first brand that comes to mind when considering outdoor gear, but one should not look past this brand. The company was the brainchild of a single person that made a backpacking journey from China to Europe.

Each product that KingCamp makes is designed to solve very specific problems that campers run into during their travels, and many past users have been very pleased with the quality of their products.

Materials:

The base of the cot is constructed from steel that is sturdy and constructed into geometric triangles to offer the maximum support and reliability. The bed is composed of a thick and water resistant canvas. The canvas is available in many fun colors such as blue, green, and grey. Each cot also comes with a storage pocket that hangs over the side that is perfect for storing smartphones, wallets, and car keys securely while you sleep. Also, what makes this cot unique is the raised head rest to help you get a good night’s sleep even if you forgot your pillow at home.

Price:

One of the best features about this camping cot is the incredibly affordable price. It makes it one of the least expensive cots on the market, allowing campers to spend more money on snacks without sacrificing a comfortable night's sleep.

Travel Readiness:

It’s a cinch to fold this cot up and pack it away in the car. Weighing in at 15.9 pounds, it’s one of the lightest camping cots that’s currently on the market. To pack it away, simply gather all of the legs in the center and tuck it away into the carrying bag that comes with purchase. After being packed away into a storage bag, it is small enough and light enough to toss into the trunk of your car with all of your other camping gear.

Summary:

If you don’t want to worry about carrying around a heavy cot with you, and want something that is comfortable, affordable, and easy to use, the KingCamp Camping Cot is a great purchase. It checks off all of the things that campers typically want from a camping cot.

Amazon Link

7. Coleman Trailhead II

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$51.99
Coleman Trailhead II
Amazon Link

This camping cot doesn’t have all the additional bells and whistles as some of the other cots on this list, but it comes with the Coleman name and is offered at an excellent price. If you are in the market for a brand name cot without dishing out the extra money, this is an excellent choice.

Read more

Brand Recognition:

Coleman has been making great quality gear for outdoor recreation since the early 1900’s selling gasoline pressure lamps, and it grew quickly to be one of the most recognized brands when it comes to outdoor gear. Campers will be able to rest easy a night on a Coleman product.

Materials:

The name of the game when it comes to this cot is simplicity. The cross bar steel frame is incredibly strong and durable and can support up to 300 pounds. The bed is made from a thick polyester fabric that is great at wicking away moisture.

Price:

One of the great features about this cot is the price. It comes with the satisfaction and reliability that comes with any Coleman product, but it is offered at a fraction of the cost as some of the other cots on the market. You aren’t getting as many additional features as some of the others, but you should sleep quite comfortably.

Travel Readiness:

When fully packed away, this entire cot has the same footprint as a modest cloth folding chair. It is a cinch to assemble, and when it is time to leave, all you have to do is fold the cot in on itself, place it into the travel bag (included) with shoulder strap, and place it in the backseat of your car or trunk before heading home.

Summary:

For those no-nonsense campers that are looking for a basic and simple cot that serves the purpose of keeping their body off of the cold hard ground, the Coleman Trailhead II will fit those needs perfectly. It may not have as many comfort features as some of the others, but it makes us for that with its lightweight design, and ease to pack away.

Amazon Link
$51.99

8. Osage River Folding

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Osage River Folding
Amazon Link

Osage River offers great and reliable camping cots that check all of the boxes for what it takes to create a satisfied camper. This camping cot is not only affordable, but it also easy to pack up into the car, as well as simple to unfold. Because there is less maintenance involved in set-up, campers have more time to roast marshmallows because they won’t be spending a lot of time fiddling with setting up their cots.

Read more

Brand Recognition:

Osage River isn’t a very well known brand, but they have generated a loyal following of satisfied customers over the years. They are a smaller company of fellow campers that test out all of their products personally before selling it to other campers. If you are looking for a brand that was designed by fellow campers, than Osage River will be your new favorite brand.

Materials:

The frame of this cot is constructed with a tubular carbon steel frame that is incredibly durable and capable of holding up to 300 pounds. The bed is composed of a water resistant polyester fabric that is coated with PVC. Unlike some of the other cots on the market, the Osage River cot had a slight head incline to support the neck if you happen to leave your pillow at home. It is available in green and red.

Price:

The price of this camping cot is very reasonable and runs in line with most of the mid-priced camping cots available on the market. It’s not the most expensive bed out there, but it is far from the least expensive.

Travel Readiness:

When it’s time to pack it all up and go home, campers won’t have to worry about spending too much time fiddling with their cot. To put it away, you simply fold in the legs like you would a simple canvas folding chair, and pack it away in the carrying case that comes with each purchase.

It’s small enough to keep in the trunk of your car, or even the back seat. Weighing in at just 13 pounds, it’s not going to weigh you down too terribly much if you happen to have a long trek back to your car.

Summary:

This is a great cot if you are in the market for something simple, comfortable, and affordable. As far as camping cots are concerned, it checks all of the boxes for what campers look for when looking to improve their camping experience.

Amazon Link

9. Moon Lence Camping

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Moon Lence Camping
Amazon Link

The Moon Lence Camping Cot is a little different than some of the other cots making this list. It doesn’t sit as high up off of the ground as some of the other cots on the market, but that just makes it easier to set up and pack away. It’s lower profile also makes it able to support more weight than some of the other cots.

Read more

Brand Recognition:

Moon Lence isn’t exactly the most well known company on the market, but their innovative designs make them a great brand for campers. Many past users rave about how reliable, comfortable, and affordable their products are. They are definitely worth checking out.

Materials:

This cot has a simple design that makes it a snap to set up. The frame is composed of a a high quality and durable alloy aluminum, which makes this bed very lightweight compared to many of the other cots on the market that are made from a heavier steel. The bed is composed of a thick canvas that comes in blue, grey, or green. The polyester fabric is both warm and comfortable.

Price:

The price of this camping cot is a little bit more expensive than some of the other cots on the market, but it is nowhere near the most expensive cot out there. Given it’s small footprint and ease in assembling, this is a great price for this product.

Travel Readiness:

The most impressive feature about this cot is how easy it is to take along with you. It is basically a bed in a bag. All the camper has to do is affix fve metal arms to the adjoining brackets, and they’re ready for lights out. This cot also comes with an additional pillow and bed cloth, and they all can fit into the same incredibly small carrying case.

Summary:

If you are being chased out of your campsite by a bear, you will have plenty of time to grab your cot and stash it into your car before you high tail it out of there. This cot is incredibly lightweight, weighing in at just over 4 pounds, and it could even fit in oversize tote bags.

Amazon Link

10. Trademark Innovations Camping

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$52.03
Trademark Innovations Camping
Amazon Link

Simplicity is the name of the game when dealing with the Trademark Innovations Camping cot. It unfolds quicker than you can snap your fingers, so that you can spend more time fishing and hiking on your camping trips, and less time fiddling with setting up your camp.

Read more

Brand Recognition:

Trademark Innovations isn’t exactly the most widely known brand, but they are a great company that is worth mentioning. Their primary concern is to make the outdoors just a little more fun, and the less time campers have to spend setting up their campsite, the more fun they will have.

Materials used:

The bed frame is composed of a very sturdy steel that is capable of supporting up to 260 pounds. The canvas bed comes in a variety of fun colors including blue, army green, black, camo, and black aluminum.

Price:

If you didn’t want to spend a lot of money on a camping cot, then this is the perfect option for you. It is one of the most inexpensive cots that is currently on the market. Given its small footprint and effortless set up, it is a great deal.

Travel Readiness:

This is one of the most simple cots to set up. All campers have to do is unfold it the same way they they would unfold a folding chair. It takes up about the same amount of room as a folding chair, and comes in a compact carrying case that makes it easy to throw it into the back of your trunk for when you need it.

Summary:

If you are in the market for a new camping cot and don’t want to spend a lot of money, this is an excellent option. It’s sturdy enough to last many camping trips, and it’s so simple to set up that you will have more time to roast marshmallows around the campfire.

Amazon Link
$52.03

Sources

  1. KRYSTIN ARNESON, The 8 Best Camping Cots to Buy in 2019, Article