A camping cot can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel at the campsite.
Instead of sleeping directly on the ground, a cot raises your sleeping surface off the floor of the tent. This can make getting in and out of bed easier and can give you a more traditional bed-like setup.
But camping cots come in many different sizes, heights, materials, and designs. Some are large and comfortable for car camping, while others are lighter and easier to carry.
So how do you choose the right camping cot?
This beginner-friendly guide explains what to look for when choosing a camping cot, including size, weight capacity, height, portability, materials, comfort, and camping style.
A camping cot is a portable bed designed for outdoor use.
Most camping cots have a fabric sleeping surface stretched across a folding metal or aluminum frame. When assembled, the frame raises the sleeping surface above the ground.
Camping cots are commonly used for:
Because a cot can be heavier and bulkier than a sleeping pad, it is generally more practical for car camping than backpacking.
For car campers, weight and packed size are often less restrictive because the vehicle carries the gear, making it practical to bring larger and heavier comfort items that would be difficult to transport on foot.
Not every camper needs a cot.
A sleeping pad on the floor is usually simpler, lighter, and easier to pack.
A camping cot may be worth considering if you:
If you are backpacking, a traditional cot is usually not the first choice because of its weight and packed size.
For car camping, however, a cot can be a useful comfort upgrade.
Size is one of the first things to check.
Camping cots come in different lengths and widths, so make sure the sleeping surface is large enough for your body.
A basic cot may be relatively narrow, while wider models provide more room to move around.
Consider:
If you are tall, check the actual sleeping surface length rather than relying only on the overall product dimensions.
A cot that is too short can be uncomfortable, especially if your feet extend beyond the frame.
Every camping cot should have a specified weight capacity.
This is an important specification because the capacity needs to account for the person using the cot and, depending on the design, anything else placed on it.
Before buying, check the manufacturer’s stated weight limit.
If you are close to the maximum capacity, consider choosing a model with a higher rating rather than operating near the limit.
For couples or shared sleeping arrangements, look specifically for a double camping cot designed for two people rather than assuming a standard cot can safely support two adults.
Camping cots come in different heights.
A low cot keeps you closer to the ground and may be easier to fit inside a smaller tent.
A higher cot can make getting into and out of bed easier and can provide useful storage space underneath.
Low-profile cots can be useful when:
Higher cots can be useful when:
Think about your tent height before buying a tall cot.
A cot that fits comfortably in an open campsite may feel cramped inside a smaller tent.
A cot is not automatically comfortable just because it lifts you off the ground.
The fabric sleeping surface, frame design, width, tension, and overall construction all affect comfort.
Some people may prefer a firm sleeping surface, while others may want additional cushioning.
For more comfort, you can place a sleeping pad on top of the cot.
This can give you the benefits of both systems:
Cot + Sleeping Pad = Elevated Sleeping Surface + Cushioning
A sleeping pad also provides insulation between your body and the colder air below the cot.
A sleeping pad provides both cushioning and insulation, so a cot alone may not offer enough protection from the cold when camping in cooler temperatures.
The frame is one of the most important parts of a camping cot.
Common materials include:
Steel frames can provide strong support but may add more weight.
Aluminum frames are often chosen when reducing weight is more important.
For car camping, a heavier steel cot may be perfectly practical if you do not have to carry it far.
For trips where you frequently move your gear, a lighter construction can make setup and transportation easier.
The fabric used on the sleeping surface affects durability, comfort, and cleaning.
Common outdoor cot materials are designed to handle regular use and campsite conditions.
Look for:
Remember that a camping cot will eventually encounter dirt, moisture, and dust.
A material that can be wiped down easily can save you time after a trip.
A camping cot may look compact when it is folded, but always check its actual packed dimensions.
This matters particularly if you have limited space in your vehicle.
Before buying, measure:
If you are building a complete camping setup, remember that the cot is only one part of your sleeping system.
You may also need room for:
A cot that is comfortable at camp is not useful if it takes up too much space in your vehicle.
Weight matters differently depending on your camping style.
Weight is usually less important.
You may prefer a heavier cot if it offers:
Weight becomes somewhat more important if you need to carry your gear from the parking area to your campsite.
Weight becomes extremely important.
Traditional camping cots are generally not the first choice for backpacking because they are larger and heavier than sleeping pads.
If you are primarily a backpacker, a lightweight sleeping pad may make more sense.
A complicated cot can become frustrating after a long drive.
Look for a design that can be assembled and folded without excessive effort.
Before buying, consider:
If possible, practice setting up your cot at home before your first camping trip.
This is especially useful if you plan to arrive at camp near sunset.
Setting up your tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad soon after arriving at the campsite can make the evening easier and prevent you from having to arrange your sleeping area after dark.
The same basic idea applies to your cot.
A camping cot should feel stable when you sit down, turn over, or move around.
Pay attention to:
A narrow cot may feel less stable for some sleepers.
Also pay attention to the ground underneath the cot.
Even a well-designed cot can become unstable if one or more legs are sitting on uneven or soft ground.
Choose a reasonably level campsite and check the ground before setting up your sleeping area.
One useful benefit of a raised cot is the space underneath it.
Depending on the height, you may be able to store small camping items underneath.
This can include:
Keeping gear underneath the cot can help keep the inside of your tent more organized.
However, avoid turning the area underneath your cot into a cluttered storage zone.
Keep important items easy to reach and make sure nothing interferes with the cot’s legs.
A camping cot and sleeping pad serve different purposes.
A cot primarily provides an elevated sleeping surface.
A sleeping pad provides cushioning and insulation.
Pros:
Cons:
Pros:
Cons:
For many car campers, using both can create a comfortable sleeping system.
An air mattress is another option for camping.
An air mattress provides a cushioned sleeping surface but remains close to the ground unless it is placed on a suitable elevated frame.
A cot provides a raised sleeping platform.
The choice depends on what matters most to you.
Choose a cot if you prefer:
Choose an air mattress if you prefer:
You can also combine a cot with a suitable sleeping pad for additional comfort.
Single cots are designed for one person.
Double cots are wider and can be designed to accommodate two people.
A double cot may be useful for:
However, double cots are usually larger and heavier.
Before choosing one, check your tent dimensions and vehicle storage space.
Do not assume that a double cot will fit comfortably inside a standard camping tent.
Your camping style should determine what type of cot you buy.
A comfortable, full-size cot can be a great option.
You do not need to prioritize minimum weight.
A wider or more stable cot may be useful, especially when comfort is a priority.
If you stay in one location for several days, a larger and more comfortable cot can make sense.
If you move campsites often, consider a lighter and easier-to-pack model.
A traditional camping cot is usually not ideal.
A lightweight sleeping pad is generally more practical when every ounce matters.
Before buying a cot, check your tent.
Measure:
Also consider how many people will sleep inside the tent.
For example, two large cots can take up much more floor space than two sleeping pads.
If you are using a smaller tent, a low-profile or compact cot may be more practical.
Beginners often focus on comfort but forget about the practical details.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
A cot may look compact online but take up a lot of space when folded.
Always check the measurements.
Do not assume every cot can support the same amount of weight.
Check the manufacturer’s specifications.
A huge cot may be comfortable but difficult to fit inside your tent.
A cot does not necessarily provide enough cushioning or insulation by itself.
Make sure the packed cot fits in your car.
Practice at home before taking it camping.
You do not necessarily need the most expensive camping cot.
A beginner should focus on:
If you only camp a few times a year, a basic model may be enough.
If you camp frequently, spending more on durability, comfort, and easier setup may make sense.
Think about how often you will actually use the cot.
A more expensive cot can be worthwhile if it becomes part of your regular camping setup.
If you are building your first comfortable car-camping sleep system, you do not need complicated equipment.
A simple setup can include:
Add clothing appropriate for the expected weather.
For colder conditions, choose an appropriately insulated sleeping system rather than relying on a blanket alone.
Your sleeping system should be selected based on the conditions you expect to encounter.
Before buying a camping cot, check the following:
A camping cot can be a useful upgrade if you want a more comfortable and elevated sleeping setup.
The right cot depends less on having the most features and more on finding the right balance between comfort, size, weight, stability, portability, and price.
For car camping, you can usually prioritize comfort and space because you do not have to carry your entire setup on your back.
For more mobile camping, a lighter and more compact sleeping system may be more practical.
And remember that a cot does not have to replace your sleeping pad. For many campers, combining a cot with a sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and pillow creates a much more comfortable sleep system.
The best camping cot is simply the one that fits your body, your tent, your vehicle, and the way you actually camp.
Want to learn more? Check out these related camping guides:
→ Sleeping Pad vs Air Mattress
→ Best Sleeping Gear for Beginner Campers
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