The Very Best Camping Cots To Sleep Off The Ground In Comfort

Folded dimensions: 33 x 32 x 8.5 inches | Unfolded dimensions: 82 x 31.5 x 14 inches | Weight capacity: 300 pounds | Weight: 20 pounds

Pros:

• Adjustable legs, footrest and headrest
• Plush, padded, quilted top
• Folding frame packs away for convenient storage

Cons:

• Heavy, only suitable for car camping
• Pricey

A top-of-the-line camping cot designed for maximum comfort and durability, the REI Co-op’s Kingdom Cot 3 features a sturdy aluminum-steel frame and a durable polyester fabric that can support up to 300 pounds, making it suitable for campers who crave comfort away from home. The cot is designed with a headrest and footrest that adjust via a twist knob, allowing you to customize your sleeping position or set up the cot as a recliner to relax around the fire.

One of the standout features of the Kingdom Cot 3 is its easy assembly process. Thanks to its straightforward design and intuitive instructions, the cot can be set up in minutes, and its legs are also adjustable, allowing you to raise or lower it to your preferred height. With that said, the design itself is heavy at 20 pounds, which makes the Kingdom Cot 3 unsuitable for backpacking or hauling to a far-away campsite. If weight is a concern, opt for a lightweight model like the Helinox Lite Cot that weighs less than three pounds. Otherwise, REI’s take on a comfy camping cot will serve you well.

Folded dimensions: 40 x 10 x 10 inches | Unfolded dimensions: 80 x 44 x 17 inches | Weight capacity: 300 pounds | Weight: 7 pounds

Pros:

• Durable, breathable platform
• Removable side table
• Wallet-friendly price tag

Cons:

• Not as comfy as a high-end model
• A bit loud as you move throughout the night

Coleman’s Pack-Away Cot isn’t the lightest option on this list, nor does it provide the most comfortable sleeping experience, but if you need a camping cot that covers the basics without costing a whole lot, this is the one to get. Built with a durable steel frame and polyester fabric, the Pack-Away withstands the elements and the wear and tear of regular use. Its mattress-like sleeping surface offers just enough cushioning and support, and the fabric allows for plenty of ventilation to reduce the likelihood of overheating. With a weight capacity of up to 300 pounds, it’s suitable for people of most sizes, including sleepers up to 6 foot 6 inches tall.

Setting up and taking down this classic Coleman is a total breeze. Like one of the best camping chairs, it unfolds in minutes, and it packs down into a dedicated carrying bag when the time comes to deconstruct camp. Now, you shouldn’t expect this budget-friendly cot to deliver class-leading comfort, and if you need additional padding or support, REI’s Kingdom Cot 3 is the way to go. But if you don’t need the padding or don’t want to pay for a premium option, this classic Coleman is reliable and won’t break the bank.

Folded dimensions: 21 x 5 x 5 inches | Unfolded dimensions: 73 x 23.5 x 5 inches | Weight capacity: 265 pounds | Weight: 2.81 pounds

Pros:

• Lightweight at less than 3 pounds
• Pressure-fit legs save even more weight
• One of the best camping cots for backpacking

Cons:

• Expensive
• Low ground clearance

A popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts looking to save weight, the Helinox Lite Cot stands out for its featherlight and compact design. Made from high-quality materials, including a strong aluminum frame and durable nylon fabric, the Lite Cot is surprisingly comfortable and supportive, and it can support up to 265 pounds. Joe Bassett, founder of wilderness guiding company Valiant Outfitters, teaches an introductory backcountry course and recommends this cot for situations where weight is an issue.

While the Lite Cot weighs next to nothing, it’s actually more expensive than most camping cots, with a sticker price that’s three times greater than the budget Coleman Pack-Away Cot. For that reason, we don’t recommend the Lite Cot for most average campers, especially if you’re car camping, but for the backpacker or the weight-conscious hiker who’s counting every ounce, it’s one of the best options on the market.

Folded dimensions: 41 x 7 x 7 inches‎ | Unfolded dimensions: 80 x 31 x 20 inches | Weight capacity: 325 pounds | Weight: 19.5 pounds 

Pros:

• Impressive weight capacity
• Telescoping center support
• Durable materials

Cons:

• Heavy
• Expensive

If the Cadillac Escalade were a camping cot, it would look something like the befittingly named Alps Mountaineering Escalade Cot. At 80 inches long by 31 inches wide, this behemoth is longer than a twin bed, yet it remains cozier than a cocoon. Outfitted with a durable polyester fabric, an aluminum frame and steel connectors, the Escalade supports up to 325 pounds and angled legs prevent the platform from rocking if you toss and turn at night.

The no-assembly-required setup takes minutes to unfurl from the included carrying case, and once you’re relaxing, a small storage pocket keeps your campsite essentials within reach. Tipping the scales at 19.5 pounds, there’s no denying that this camping cot is heavy, so while we wouldn’t recommend schlepping it very far in the woods, you’ll find it suitable for all manner of car camping. And if it isn’t quite big enough, fear not—there’s an extra-large model that’s 7.5 feet long.

Folded dimensions: 42 x 12 x 7 inches‎ | Unfolded dimensions: 86 x 45 x 19.5 inches | Weight capacity: 600 pounds | Weight: 26 pounds 

Pros:

• Incredible weight capacity
• Strong and stable

Cons:

• Very heavy at 26 pounds

While the aforementioned Alps Escalade is great for tall folks, we aren’t quite as blown away by it’s weight capacity. If you’re looking for a cot that offers a lot of support, we recommend Teton Sports’ Outfitter XXL. With dimensions that make it a true titan in the world of camping comfort, this cot measures a generous 86 inches long by 45 inches wide.

Crafted with robust materials, including durable canvas fabric, reinforced steel legs and sturdy connectors, the Outfitter XXL is built to withstand the demands of camping. It’s also designed to accommodate larger individuals or even couples seeking a cozy night’s sleep (the width lies somewhere between a twin and full-sized mattress), as it’s designed to support up to an impressive 600 pounds. It also pairs with the brand’s Outfitter XXL camping pad if you need to keep warm on cold nights or just want to add some extra cushion.

Weighing 26 pounds, this is one of the heaviest cots we tested, and it is in no way suitable for backpacking or even short hikes to a remote campsite. Really, it’s suitable only for car camping, and it needs to fit in your tent if you don’t intend to camp under the stars.

Folded dimensions: N/A‎ | Unfolded dimensions: 78 x 59 x 22 inches | Weight capacity: 600 pounds | Weight: 42.6 pounds 

Camping cots and twin beds share similar dimensions, which is to say, they don’t support more than one person at a time. If, however, you’d like to share a cot with your partner, friend or even a pet, Coleman’s queen-sized Airbed offers more than enough room for two.

Essentially, the Airbed, as its name implies, attaches an air mattress to a steel frame that folds up and packs away when it’s not in use. The design is comfortable and supportive at 22 inches high when fully filled with air, and Coleman adds pull-out side tables with cupholders on each side for convenience. They also throw in a motorized pump to make inflation a breeze, though the batteries for the pump are sold separately.

At nearly 43 pounds, the queen-sized Airbed is by far the heaviest camping cot on this list, and it isn’t a design you can take anywhere on a whim. If you head out to the local campground every other weekend, you might consider investing in twin-sized cots and linking them together with Velcro straps to build a two-person setup. But if you’d like a cot that offers a lot of space, or if you intend to use this model as an air mattress for guests and the occasional camping trip, it’s a solid investment that’s really comfortable. Just keep in mind that even the best camping tents need to be pretty big if they’re to fit the Airbed, so plan accordingly.

The High Cot One looks decidedly modern, and at 5.8 pounds for a full-size sleeper, it certainly is a marvel of modern engineering. The aluminum alloy frame blends strength and minimal weight to eliminate every unnecessary ounce, and it’s incredibly durable should you choose to lug it into the backcountry. But it’s so incredibly difficult to recommend a cot with such a high sticker price when other value-driven options abound, which is why it didn’t earn a spot on our roundup.