The Best Cots for Camping

Coleman Trailhead II Camping Cot

Bare Essentials

This tough and economical camping cot is everything you need for a good night’s sleep on the campground.

Best Overall

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If you’re in the market for an economical and well-made camping cot without the bells and whistles, this pick from Coleman is right up your alley. Camping is about roughing it, after all, so in that spirit, Coleman provides you with the bare essentials with this model. The cot is built tough with a durable cross-bar steel frame that can support up to 300 lbs. It’s also long enough to support the taller campers among us who sometimes have issues finding cots they can fit on. Convenience and storing functionality is key with camping gear, and Coleman gets that. That’s why this cot is eminently portable and able to fit into most car trunks when folded up. For the no-nonsense anti-glampers out there, your dream camping cot awaits.

Pros:

• Affordable with a durable design
• Highly portable
• Can support up to 300 lbs and up to 6’2” in length

Cons:

• Not as comfortable or versatile as some of our other picks, but a very well-rounded option

Teton Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot

Large and in Charge

This camping cot is a match made in heaven for campers who need some extra room to spread out on their cot.

Most Heavy Duty

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Campers who haven’t been able to find a cot big enough to support them can finally breathe a sigh of relief. The Outfitter XXL from Teton is here to let you sleep in peace. This thing is a behemoth that supports up to 600 lbs easily and is wider than your average twin bed. The reinforced leg assembly provides much-needed stability to your good night’s sleep. One of our favorite features about the Teton XXL is the pivot arm, making setup a breeze. Anyone who’s ever tried to put a fitted sheet on a mattress knows how hard it is to get that fourth and final corner on properly. The same problem exists when setting up a cot, but Teton’s pivot arm technology allows you to flip a lever during setup and slide the frame into place without strain. This cot is on the expensive side, but larger campers looking for a more comfortable sleep and convenient set up should not pass this one up.

Pros:

• A larger frame that supports up to 600 lbs
• S-leg design promotes durability and stability
• Innovative pivot arm design makes set-up hassle-free

Cons:

• It’s on the pricier side
• The legs may be susceptible to rust more quickly than expected

Alpha Camp Oversized Camping Cot

Store While You Snore

This oversized camping cot is ideal for those who want the necessities close at hand.

Most Storage

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Alpha’s camping cot is crafted with tall folks in mind. Being tall and camping isn’t always a walk in the park. Tall folks know: you have to strain to bend down in the tent, trying not to take the whole thing down with you when you walk out. Alpha’s oversized camping cot is here to make your life a little easier. The cot is long enough to comfortably sleep people up to 6’2” and can support up to 600 lbs. The high-quality steel tubes form a triangle structure that supports the durable Oxford fabric base. The Alpha cot also comes with an adjustable neck rest for people who like to sleep at an angle. This versatility also makes it an easy stand-in for a lounge chair around the campfire. What’s more, Alpha’s camping cot comes equipped with a side pocket ideal for storing your phone, wallet, keys, or other personal items while you sleep. For anyone in need of an overlong and versatile cot, Alpha is here to meet your needs.

Pros:

• Plenty of easily-accessible storage
• Easy to assemble and store
• Adjustable headrest makes for a more comfortable sleep

Cons:

• Might be too narrow for some people to sleep on comfortably
• It may not be comfortable enough to sleep on without a foam rollout

Coleman Camping Cot/Air Mattress Combo

Camp in Comfort

This camping cot/air mattress combo is ideal for those who want to bring some luxury to the great outdoors.

Premium Pick

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If you’ve been intrigued by our previous picks but wanted something that would ensure a little more comfort, Coleman is here to quell your camping concerns. This cot/air mattress combo comes in two different sizes, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs. The air mattress is exceptionally comfortable, and the cot provides a durable base that can support up to 600 lbs. This cot comes equipped with two side tables on each side for drinks or other personal items. It’s just like bringing your bedside tables out into the great outdoors with you. The air mattress comes with a pump that makes inflation simple so that you’re done within minutes. This pick does come with a high-end price tag, but for those in dire need of camping comfort, this pick is tailor-made for you.

Pros:

• Air mattress provides a more comfortable sleep
• Comes in queen and twin sizes
• Two side tables with cupholders included

Cons:

• Quite expensive, especially for infrequent campers
• 4D batteries not included with air mattress pump

Coleman Camping Cot with Side Table

Beverage in Bed

No need to leave the drink outside the tent with this uber-convenient pick.

Best on a Budget

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This camping cot from Coleman has solved the frustrating problem of spills and lost drinks in the tent with this conveniently connected side table and cupholder. Gone are the days of spilling your drink on your sleeping bag — with Coleman’s cot, you can secure it right next to you while you’re sleeping. Convenience is the theme for this pick from Coleman, as it features an adjustable headrest to accommodate campers’ different sleeping styles. This versatility also makes the cot a great option for outdoor seating and sun-bathing. It’s an affordable and highly functional pick that we gladly recommend to campers of all stripes.

Pros:

• Removable side table provides convenience and comfort
• Adjustable headrest accommodates different sleeping styles
• Supports up to 300 lbs

Cons:

• Does not come with an instruction manual
• Might need to pair with a foam rollout

Frequently Asked Questions

Do camping cots have any use outside of camping?

While camping cots are primarily used for camping and outdoor situations — shocking, we know — many people find uses for their camping cots indoors. These cots are easy to set up and store, so they’re a perfect budget alternative to futons or guest beds when you need to put up visitors for the night.

Do I need to buy an air mattress with my camping cot?

An air mattress will most likely make your camping cot more comfortable, but it is not a necessity. If you need extra support, sleeping bags and memory foam rollouts will usually do the trick, especially if you don’t plan on camping frequently. But if you’re a frequent camper who desires maximum comfort in the great outdoors, you should certainly look into getting one to match your camping cot.