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The Best Camping Cots

Last updated on May 4, 2022

We looked at the top 10 Camping Cots and dug through the reviews from 36 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Camping Cots.

Our Review Process

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The COVID-19 pandemic brought renewed attention to a great way to vacation. Instead of staying in hotels or vacation rental homes, travelers have discovered the benefits of sleeping outdoors. In 2021, 53 percent of travelers included camping as part of their travels, while camping accounted for 40% of all leisure trips.

There are many benefits to camping, one of which is the amount of money you save. This type of accommodation requires just the one-time purchase of a tent and some supplies, and you can set up camp anywhere that’s allowed. For a minimal nightly fee, you can often get a place to set up your tent that includes access to restroom facilities and showers. Some campgrounds even have grills and fire pits to make dinnertime easy.

When bedtime comes, though, it can be tough to get comfortable, especially when you’re used to sleeping on a cushy mattress in a temperature-controlled home. But sleeping outdoors can be rewarding, and you’ll make memories that will last a lifetime.

For years, campers spread sleeping bags out on the floor of a tent. Sleeping bags are cozy while also providing some cushioning between your body and the ground. Today, campers may also use air mattresses and foam pads for extra comfort while sleeping  But the U.S. armed services went another route, and members of the military use cots for resting on while at base camps and other on-the-go situations.

You can put this same concept to work on your camping adventures. The right cot will keep you off the ground, giving you a reliably flat surface to sleep on. You can even buy a memory foam topper or use blankets or a sleeping bag to provide the cushioning you need to feel like you’re sleeping on a mattress. Some cots even come with a topper that serves this purpose.

But a topper can negate the one thing that’s handiest about a cot: It can be quickly folded and taken with you. Many come with carrying bags, so you can easily sling them over your shoulder. If you’re hiking, this can come in handy since it can join your pack as one of the supplies you take along with you.

Our Picks For The Top Camping Cots

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

Coleman Adjustable Pack-Away Camping Cot

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Coleman

Adjustable Pack-Away Camping Cot

This fold-out camping cot has a convenient side table — complete with a cupholder — that's perfect for holding drinks, mobile devices or a good book. Made from durable polyester with a steel frame, the cot has a capacity of up to 300 pounds and can support campers up to 6 feet 6 inches tall.

Overall Take

Super ConvenientA camping cot with removable side table packs extra convenience into your campsite accommodations.

Pros
" Easy to unfold, single-piece construction, comfortable"
Cons
"It’s important to note that the cot does not lock into position, so it can collapse if you don’t have the legs fully extended."
 Runner Up

ARAER Heavy Duty Folding Camping Cot

ARAER

Heavy Duty Folding Camping Cot

This camping cot is designed for convenience, with an angled head section that's perfect for back sleepers. The steel-tube frame can support up to 450 pounds, and the breathable fabric keeps you cool all night. Anti-slip rubber feet prevent the cot from moving around while you climb in and out.

Overall Take

Great for TravelingWith a weight of 15 pounds and a matching carrying case, this sturdy camping cot is great for taking on the go.

Pros
" This cot is extremely versatile and can be used for many occasions like camping and sitting in the backyard. Carrying tote. Supports up to 450 pounds. Top lays at an angle to support the head. Double layer oxford fabric. Comfortable..."
Cons
"Initial fitment tight"
 We Also Like

REDCAMP Extra-Wide Folding Camping Cot

REDCAMP

Extra-Wide Folding Camping Cot

Elliptical tube-shaped legs give this cot more support, making it a great choice for those who like sturdier sleeping surfaces. The cot itself weighs 14.7 pounds, so it's easy to transport from one place to another. It can be set up and broken down in just seconds, with no assembly required.

Overall Take

Easy to CarryWith a weight capacity of 500 pounds, this cot will provide plenty of support throughout your camping trip.

Pros
" Packs other conveniences; has no end bars, comes with organizers and the high-density fabric is very comfortable."
Cons
"Not for light travels"
 Strong Contender

Lilypelle Double Layer Folding Camping Cot

Lilypelle

Double Layer Folding Camping Cot

This product includes the cot itself and a breathable topper that provides extra padding while you sleep. The steel tube frame supports up to 450 pounds, making it great for one adult or two children, and the cot weighs 15.8 pounds. It has water-resistant fabric for durability and a tilted head area.

Overall Take

Extra ComfortableThe included mattress makes this cot very comfortable, helping you get a great night’s sleep outdoors.

Pros
" Has a well-designed, water-resistant, and easy-to-clean mattress"
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
17

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the camping cots available to purchase.
10

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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36

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: New York Mag, Dope Outdoors, Mortons on the Move, Rilor Wilderness, WhyWeLikeThis.

21,152

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 10 Camping Cots and also dug through the reviews from 36 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Camping Cots.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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The Best Bang For Your Buck

ARAER Heavy Duty Folding Camping Cot

Our Expert Score

6.0
4 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

9.2
2,768 user reviews

Our Take

This camping cot is designed for convenience, with an angled head section that's perfect for back sleepers. The steel-tube frame can support up to 450 pounds, and the breathable fabric keeps you cool all night. Anti-slip rubber feet prevent the cot from moving around while you climb in and out.

What other experts liked

This cot is extremely versatile and can be used for many occasions like camping and sitting in the backyard. Carrying tote. Supports up to 450 pounds. Top lays at an angle to support the head. Double layer oxford fabric. Comfortable and strong.
- BestReviews
Multiple reviewers who describe themselves as “big guys” say this cot, which holds up to 450 lbs, supported their weight with no problems.
- New York Mag
10 anti-slip rubber feet on the base, so suitable and firm on most surfaces
- Not Quite Wild
Unique stable and strong design
- Hiking Gear Lab

What other experts didn't like

Some sleepers had issues with not having enough room. Some reports of breaking.
- BestReviews
Initial fitment tight
- Hiking Gear Lab

What to Look For

  • Look at the measurements of the sleeping area of any cot you’re considering. Not all cots will work for taller people.
  • Although you’ll want a cot that’s sturdy, pay attention to the overall weight of the cot if you plan to carry it far. This is especially important if you’re taking them hiking. Many weigh around 15 pounds, but go as light as you can for those longer treks.
  • Each cot has a maximum weight capacity. If the sleeping area is large enough, you may be able to snuggle with your child, but most cots are built to sleep one adult.
  • If you’re used to a bedside table, that could be one thing you miss during your camping excursion. A cot elevates you from the floor, so setting the items on the ground next to you will require you to reach down. Some cots come with storage pouches or even a removable table. This can come in handy for keeping items like glasses or smartphones within reach.
  • If you prefer to sleep with a pillow, you might need to take one with you on your camping excursion. Plan for this as you consider the space you’ll have for supplies.
  • On hot nights, the material of some cots can tend to build up body heat. Look for one that’s breathable to keep you cool while you sleep.
  • Cots can slide around as you move. If you’re looking for more stability, find a cot with slip-resistant rubber feet.
  • Most cots fold and unfold for speedy setup, though some can take longer than others.
  • Even tent camping can expose you to bad weather at times. Look for a cot that’s water-resistant to hold up even in wet conditions.

Camping Cot Rankings

1. Coleman Adjustable Pack-Away Camping Cot

Overall Score: 9.7
Reviews Included: 5

2. ARAER Heavy Duty Folding Camping Cot

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 5

3. REDCAMP Extra-Wide Folding Camping Cot

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 4

4. Lilypelle Double Layer Folding Camping Cot

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 3

5. Tough Outdoors Organizer Fold-Up Camping Cot

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 5

6. FE Active Jasper Compact Camping Cot

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 5

7. TETON Sports Outfitter Pivot Arm Camping Cot

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 5

8. Sportneer Folding Storage Camping Cot

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 4

9. OSAGE RIVER Folding Lightweight Camping Cot

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 5

10. MARCHWAY Compact Folding Camping Cot

Overall Score: 7.7
Reviews Included: 5

More to Explore

It’s a staple camping recipe today, but you may not realize that s’mores have a long history. Chocolate and marshmallows were already a combination found during the Victorian era in some funeral cakes, which were baked after a loved one died. The practice of roasting marshmallows over fires became a fad in resort towns of the northeastern U.S. in the 1890s, and Mallomars, which taste similar to s’mores, emerged on grocery shelves in 1913.

But the recipe for s’mores made its first appearance in 1927 in a Girl Scouts guidebook titled “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts.” Although the book itself focused on how to be a Girl Scout, its most lasting legacy came in the form of a recipe titled “Some More.” The recipe promised to feed 16 hungry scouts, requiring 16 graham crackers, eight chocolate bars and 16 marshmallows. The treat was referred to as “Some More” until at least 1971, but at some point, the two words were combined to create “s’mores.”

More to explore