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You go camping to get a break from daily life, but that doesn’t mean that you want to turn your back on all the comforts of home. If you love the idea of camping and simultaneously loathe the idea of sleeping on the ground, all you need is a good camping cot.
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After all, a restful night’s sleep shouldn’t be reserved for sleeping in a building. Sleeping under the stars can be comfortable too, as long as you have the right gear.
If you’re looking for a quick tip, check out our top pick for the best overall camping cot, the Coleman ComfortSmart (available in standard and deluxe sizes). It’s affordable and well loved by thousands of reviewers—it’ll get the job done well.
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Our Top 7 Camping Cot Recommendations
Best Camping Cot – Coleman ComfortSmart Camping Cot (Standard and Deluxe)
With over 5,600 reviews on Amazon, the Coleman ComfortSmart standard-sized camping cot is like a camping staple. It’s inexpensive, has a sturdy steel frame, and includes a foam sleeping pad. This is an all-around good pick that’s easy on the wallet, with two sizing options.
Ideal for a car camping setup, since it’s not the lightest option on this list, the Coleman ComfortSmart is a comfortable cot that’ll keep you up off the cold ground.
While the standard-sized cot is ideal for people up to 5’7″, the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe is the version for people up to 6’6″, and it is equally well-loved. The deluxe version supports up to 300 pounds, and there’s enough room and enough support to keep you happy all night long.
When every ounce counts and you need to be very methodical about the gear you bring, backpacking cots are the way to go. Other camping cots are way too heavy to be carrying around on long-distance hikes, but the Helinox Lite Cot will get you a good night’s rest, even on your backpacking trip.
Weighing just 2 pounds, 13 ounces, and folding down to a packed size of just 5 x 21 inches, this Helinox cot is tiny but mighty. Its lightweight design leverages an innovative tension system for quick setup, and it doesn’t compromise on comfort.
While this is a more expensive option for a portable bed on the market, this ultralight cot is a no-brainer for outdoor enthusiasts who require a sleep system that weighs next to nothing.
Summer camping is fun, but if you’ve planned a trip during the cold months, look for a cot with insulated padding, like the OZTENT Gecko Series II Cot. At 24 lbs, the OZTENT Gecko is best for car camping. Its packed size isn’t huge, and it comes with a carrying bag, so it’s just as portable as other cots.
The OZTENT Gecko cot’s star features are its extra padding and its mesh storage bag—perfect for holding a water bottle, a cell phone, and whatever else you need close by as you’re sleeping. Its unique metal frame features an X-leg structure, which provides stability, and it looks nice too.
The best cots come from companies that stand by their products, and OZTENT does just that. The company offers a two-year warranty on its Gecko Series II Cot, and you can get three years with product registration.
The OZTENT Gecko Series II is our top insulated cot pick, but if you’re willing to splurge for a cot in this category, also check out the Helinox Cot One Insulated, a four-season cot that’s got a lot going for it.
With more than 80 inches of sleeping space, if you’re a tall person, the TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camp Cot with Pivot Arm is the choice for you. It’s also nearly three feet wide, so, when it comes to full-size cots, this cot truly is full-size.
Fun fact: TETON Sports’ testing process for this XXL cot included putting it under 600 pounds of stuff, and it easily held up.
TETON Sports says it wanted to make a cot that was extremely comfortable but also exceptionally easy to set up. For all those times you need an extra bed at your home away from home, and you’d prefer to have a significant amount of room to toss and turn, turn to the Outfitter XXL.
The patented steel S-leg design gives this cot its superior strength, and the patented pivot arm makes setup easy. Add the Outfitter XXL Camp Pad for extra cushioning, the Camp Cot Under-Storage for bonus storage underneath, or the Camp Cot Organizer to keep items handy.
You can even transform this cot into a tent with TETON Sports’ Vista One-Person Quick Tent. If you plan to set the Outfitter XXL cot within a different tent, consider how much space this sleep setup will require. Make sure your tent is well over 86 inches long to accommodate the Outfitter XXL cot.
Need a cot at an exceptionally affordable price? The Kamp-Rite Economy Cot may be the best cot on the market for under $50. Designed for tight spaces like a tent, as well as emergencies, this cot packs up conveniently, and it includes a carrying case.
The Kamp-Rite Economy Cot isn’t the best-reviewed option on our list, with some users saying this is not one of the easiest cots to set up. As a second option in the budget cots category, check out the OSAGE RIVER cot.
This modular, portable bunk bed is ideal for families and groups who want to avoid sleeping on an uncomfortable double air mattress but who also want to be up off the ground. For two or more people, these stackable cots maximize the space inside your tent. Assembly is quick and tool-free.
These cots with Organizers offer a versatile solution. You can configure it as a bunk bed, as two separate cots, or as a bench as needed. Its steel frame is engineered to provide a level sleeping surface even on uneven ground. The side organizers are a nice touch and include zippered sleeves and pockets.
Like all the cots on this list, the Disc-O-Bed doesn’t require a mattress. The surfaces are water-resistant, durable, and easy to clean. Disco-O-Bed also offers a kid-sized version of this product, the Disc-O-Bed Kid-O-Bunk. It has the same features and benefits, just in a smaller format.
You might not always want your cot to lay flat, and Coleman says it doesn’t have to. If this is the case for you, your favorite cot might just be a convertible one that can not only be a bed but also a chair for lounging around the campsite. Add a couple of side tables, and you’ll be camping in style.
The Coleman Converta Cot is an inexpensive cot that offers four back positions and two-foot positions, which gives you the ultimate control over your comfort any time of day or night.
After a nice long sleep, bring the Converta out of your tent to the fireside, use it as a lounge chair, and enjoy a nice morning cup of coffee. When it’s time to hit the hay for the night, convert it back to a cot, cozy up in your sleeping bag, and sleep tight.
When shopping for a cot to suit your particular needs, consider factors such as size and weight capacity, portability and ease of setup, durability, comfort, and price. Here are some points to keep in mind.
Size and Weight Capacity
Consider your body size, body weight, and the space you have available for a cot before you purchase one. The cot should be large enough to accommodate your height and be able to support your weight.
You’ll also want to check the unfolded dimensions of the product and ensure the cot will fit in your tent or space—ideally with some room to spare.
Portability and Ease of Setup
Camping cots can be heavy. If you’re backpacking and can spare the space and weight in your pack, consider the Helinox Lite Cot. Even if you’re not backpacking, pay attention to the packed size and weight of a cot before you purchase. You don’t want something difficult to transport or set up.
Durability
A cot made for the outdoors should have a solid frame and use durable fabrics. Read reviews from users, if possible, to see if there are any red flags on the quality or durability of the frame or fabric.
Comfort
Some cots offer mattress-like padding, insulation against cold weather, options to adjust the incline, and/or storage pockets. Choose a cot that will provide the comfort and convenience you anticipate needing for a comfortable night’s sleep while camping.
Price
As with all camping gear, you can spend a lot or a little, and you often get what you pay for in terms of quality and comfort. Decide what features are most important to you and select the best cot option within your price range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to place a mattress on top of a camping cot?
Many camping cots offer a comfortable surface, and some also include a bit of foam padding, so there’s usually no need to add a mattress. Place your sleeping bag or a sleeping pad on top, and you’re good to go. If that’s not enough padding for you, consider selecting a cot with additional padding built in.
Compare your height and weight to the dimensions and weight capacity of the cot you’re considering. The cot should be long enough, wide enough, and have a weight limit well above your body weight to ensure good sleep.
How do I set up and assemble a camping cot?
The setup and assembly will depend on the specific cot manufacturer and model. To set up most cots, unfold the frame, attach the sleeping surface, and secure any tension bars or support straps underneath. The manufacturer’s user manual will have all the information you’ll need for a smooth setup.
How do I clean a cot?
When you’re camping, your gear is bound to get dirty. To clean a cot, wipe the frame down with a wet cloth, then clean the fabric using mild soap and water. Give the cot a chance to fully air dry before folding it for storage.
Best Camping Cots
If you’re not a hotel-room person but you’re also not a sleeping-on-the-ground person, and air mattresses are not your jam, add a camp cot to your gear. The best cot for you will fit your body comfortably, it’ll fit within the space you have available for sleeping, and it’ll fit within your budget, too.
Thankfully, there are a range of camping cots for all body types and for all budgets. Double-check your tent size, pay attention to packed dimensions, setup dimensions, and weight limit, and select the cot that’ll give you the best bang for your buck.
For most people, the Coleman ComfortSmart Camping Cots (Standard and Deluxe) are a safe bet. Simply choose the size that makes sense for you. (For ample room, definitely go with the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe Cot or the even larger TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camp Cot).
A nice place to sleep will make your camping trip much better, so it’s worth doing the legwork now to pick the right setup for you.
