10 Best Camping Cots in 2022 (Coleman, Kamp-Rite, and More)

When sleeping poorly can affect your camping activities, camping cots can be the solution. They're great sleeping systems for those who don't want to sleep on cold, hard ground while camping during the summer or fall. However, they don't provide any insulation, so you might want to bring a blanket in the colder months. 

A camping cot can offer some protection from snakes and other creepy crawlies, too, unlike a sleeping bag or a camping mattress. If you usually camp with your family, you'll also like it when your kids can rest well and be ready for the next day's adventures. 

What's more, a camping cot is usually spacious. There are some products that can accommodate up to two people! Some have space for storing your camping gear and essentials, too!

In order to create this list of the 10 best camping cots available online, we took into consideration the following factors:

• Matching the camping cot to sleeping styles 
• The material of the frame and the bed 
• The type of leg 
• Making sure the cot is easy to assemble 
• Seeing if it comes with extra features like pockets or side tables

Read our buying guide to know more about those important factors. And for now, check out our list of favorites for some great options! 

When we looked at the online marketplaces, we found that camping cots are great in number. Here's our list containing camping cots with good ratings. We made our choices based on the points listed in the buying guide below, as well as reviewer comments when available.

Your choice of a cot will primarily be affected by what kind of camping you do. Certainly, those who travel by car and stay in a cabin will have different considerations from those going on a solo hiking trip in rough terrain for two weeks. We'll help explain the materials, specs, and special features which should influence your decision.

Everyone sleeps in a different way. And it's important to choose a camping cot that suits your sleeping style in order to ensure comfort. 

Side sleepers put a lot of pressure on their hips and shoulders while sleeping and, therefore, tend to experience hip and shoulder pain. If you're a side sleeper, you might want to go for a product that has a mattress topper to provide support beneath your hips and shoulders. 

People with back problems need a firm sleeping surface that relieves pressure on the back and can facilitate spinal alignment. If you have back pain, consider a camping cot that has a spring suspension system, as it offers a sleeping area that's firm, even, and not sagging.

There are also camping cots with integrated headrest that gives your head and neck some cushioning. You no longer need to bring a pillow with you when you're traveling! 

The frame is one of the core components that determine the camping cot’s stability and comfort. It would be best to choose a cot with a lightweight, rust-resistant, and sturdy frame.

While most heavy-duty cots come with steel frames, aluminum is commonly used for standard camping cots. Both are strong and can render great support and stability to the cot. However, aluminum is more lightweight. But it can bend when subject to lots of weight or pressure.

On the other hand, steel can withstand heavy weights and can last long without bending. But to make sure how much weight a cot can handle, check the product's description. Many products can withstand a weight of 300 pounds, but there are also products that have a max weight of 600 pounds!

While the cot’s material must remain your priority, you also shouldn't forget to check how easy it is to fold the cot for mobility. Many products can fold up to a very compact size that fits into your car trunk or even a storage bag. But those that come with a mattress might take up more space. 

The legs of camping cots determine their stability and support and are an equally important feature to consider during decision-making. Camping cots can have X legs, C legs, or vertical legs. 

X-shaped legs offer great strength and durability to the cot to bear varying weights. They are greatly preferred by those in the armed forces and can provide the comfort of a king-sized bed. They are a favorite among serious campers who cannot do away with a good night’s sleep.

Camping cots with C or U-shaped legs are super portable, easy to fold, and are great for casual campers. They can be folded twice or thrice depending on the number of legs available. 

Multiple legs enable even distribution of weight in addition to being easy to carry. Some camping cots with vertical legs feature one leg at each corner plus an additional leg on each side for optimal support, but they aren't that common.

If your cot has X or vertical legs, a lot of pressure goes to the feet and can damage your tent floor. To prevent the legs from tearing or puncturing the floor, ensure that the feet have rubber caps.

Polyester is commonly used in camping cots. It's lightweight, offers great support, and is easy to clean and maintain. However, there are many kinds of polyester, and they are not created equally. You should look specifically for 600D polyester, as it's a heavy-duty material that is strong, dust-resistant, and can provide some insulation as well. 

Nylon is another popular material. Compared to polyester, it's more durable and feels softer. Although nylon can repel water just like polyester, it actually takes a longer time to dry. So when it comes to rain, polyester performs better.

A cot with cotton canvas fabric can be heavy and can grab all the dust and dirt from the surroundings. They retain stains and can be difficult to clean. But if you get tempted by its comfort and classic looks, you can go for it, regardless of the shortcomings.

For camping in the hot summer months, a cot with a mesh top will be the best choice. They offer better air circulation below without trapping heat between the ground and your body.

A standard camping cot is 75 inches long and 25 inches wide. You can also find longer cots to accommodate taller individuals and wider cots for those who want more space.

A standard cot made of an aluminum frame can weigh anywhere between 15 and 20 pounds. And if your cot is made of heavy-duty steel, it will be heavier. The same applies to a cot with extra padding or a foam mattress on top.

There are some portable cots that weigh about four pounds only. They usually stay close to the ground and are great for backpackers who want to travel light. Those cots might not be able to tolerate a lot of weights, too. Sturdier cots are better, but you may have to sacrifice that to reduce weight for portability.

Simple camping cots are straightforward and are easy to assemble and pack. But if your camping cot comes with features such as tension springs, it can take a while before you completely unfold it and assemble it for use.

But none of these will take the time it takes to set up a tent! Most models can be set up in a breeze after a few attempts. Cots that collapse into multiple folds pack small and are easy to assemble. They are highly recommended for inexperienced campers.

Certain features are not compulsory but are added to offer more comfort. A side table attached to the cot can be a good option and can provide a home-like luxury. You can place your water bottle or other essentials like your phone, keys, or a flashlight on it for easy access in the middle of the night.

Some cots come with side pockets or storage organizers to store your valuables. Convertible camping cots with innovative designs are ideal when camping with friends or family. They can be converted into a bunk bed or collapsed to make a bench to sit on during the day, or you can unlock the cot to separate it into two single cots.

You can also find self-contained cots that resemble an off-the-ground tent. They are made of nylon or polyester and give extra protection from insects and moisture if used inside a standard tent. Some are so flexible that you can convert them into a standard cot or a lounge chair during the day.

Are you a beginner at camping? Need help picking a good place to place your tent by? Then check out this video by Howcast that gives you a few pointers on what kinds of areas to set up camp by!

Are you looking for other outdoor sleeping options? And do you have the right shelter for your wilderness adventure? Here are some recommendations from us!

Still looking for some more options? Take a look at Amazon's list of best-selling camping cots! 

Author: Biji Ravindran

Updated by: Thuy Nguyen, 12/6/2021

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