Folding Camping Cots

You'll find a selection of folding camping cots in the camping section of many hardware stores.

These come in a variety of styles, ranging from simple metal frames covered with fabric to real little beds with springs and mattresses.

Depending on your family's needs, a camp cot may be for you. 

A camping cot with an inflatable mattress

Portable Shower for Camping

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Portable Camping Shower

Folding camping cots
- Advantages

It looks and feels like a bed

People who must sleep in a tent for months at a time often choose a cot for this reason.

If your children need to be "in bed" to go to sleep, a folding camping cot may be a good option.

A folding camping cot with green pillow and duvet, in a tent

It raises you off the ground

Some new campers especially like this feature.

If you are worried about bugs and critters in the tent, you may appreciate being above the ground.

Of course, if you are careful about always keeping your tent well zipped, there shouldn't be any critters in your tent at all!

It makes good use of the limited space in a tent

Some tent cots are high enough off the ground that you can store gear under them.

Kamp-Rite Oversized Cot

This sturdy cot is 22 inches high.

Its sleeping surface is 33" x 84" and it can hold up to 400 lbs.

It's designed to provide a rapid and straightforward spare bed solution at your campsite. CLICK HERE to order!

At home, a cot can double as an extra bed

It's handy to have an extra bed for visitors!

Disadvantages

Folding camping cots are heavy

In general, the more comfortable they are, the heavier they are.

Aluminum cots are the lightest option - but even they weigh about 8 pounds/3.6 kg each.

Queen Cot with Airbed

Coleman Queen Cot with Airbed

This luxurious camping cot has great reviews on Amazon.

Customers find the air mattress comfortable and easy to set up, with solid construction and good value for money. The cot style frame and side tables also receive positive feedback.

CLICK HERE for further details and to purchase.

They are bulky to pack

On a family camping trip, space for packing is generally at a premium.

A family set of camping cots will take up a lot of room in the trunk of the car!

They take up a lot of space in the tent

 You'll need a bigger tent than you would if you used sleeping pads.

You'll probably want a cabin style tent with straight walls, rather than a dome camping tent with sloping walls.

They must be assembled

Before you can use a camping cot, you have to set it up. Some cots require more work than others.

If you are staying in one place for a number of nights, doing the work to set up a camp cot makes sense.

If your camping trip will be short - or if you will be moving from campground to campground - choose a cot that sets up easily. A folding cot is a good choice.

Coleman ComfortSmart Folding Bed

This folding camping cot is sturdy, lightweight and easy to set up.

You can purchase it HERE on Amazon.

You might get chilly

This might be hard to believe, but on a cool night, you won't be as warm on an uninsulated cot as you would be on a sleeping pad.

You can solve this problem by putting a closed cell foam sleeping pad on top of the cot.

Choosing a camping cot

Avoid cotton

If you decide to get a camping cot, be sure to get one made with polyester or nylon fabric - not cotton.

Polyester is easily cleaned with a damp cloth and will dry quickly. Cotton is harder to clean and takes a long time to dry.  

ALPS Mountaineering Cot

This cot has a polyester cover and steel legs. It packs small and gets good reviews for comfort.

CLICK HERE for further details and to purchase.

Some cots are like actual beds, with spring systems and mattresses. This type of cot is most suitable for use at home. If you are considering one of these for camping, check the material used in the mattress. Avoid cotton, even in a polyester-cotton blend. If the mattress gets wet, it will take a long time to dry.

Check the measurements

Will the cot fit comfortably in your tent?

If you want to store gear under your cot, look for a cot that is at least 15 inches/38 cm high when set up.

There's even a cot for your pet!

Pozico Pet Cot

This handy folding cot keeps Fido or Fluffy off the ground - both at home and at camp. It includes a removable cushion for warmth in cooler months and breathable mesh to keep pets cool in warmer months.