Sleeping on the ground isn’t for everyone. A solid camping cot can be an easy solution to provide better rest outdoors. If you don’t want to wake up feeling stiff after a night on the ground, then a single camping cot is a good option. Other benefits include staying elevated off the ground. This keeps you safe from small rodents and insects at night.
You can find large camping cots that provide extra support and storage. There are also small and compact options to help save space.
Find our guide to the best camping cots below with our reviews:
Coleman Trailhead II Cot
Coleman ComfortSmart Cot
Magshion Portable Military Fold Up Camping Bed Cot
DESERT WALKER Camping cots
Trademark Innovations Folding Camping Cot
What are the benefits of having the best single camping cot?
Have more comfort outdoors
The greatest benefit of a camping cot is that you don’t have to sleep on the ground. This is one thing that stops many people from even going on a camping trip. With a camping cot, you can have the comforts of a bed within your tent. You won’t even remember you’re outside with your eyes closed.
The best single camping cot gives you better sleep and more energy
You won’t have to worry about discomfort keeping you awake. You are more likely to have sound sleep on a comfortable mattress. This means waking up with renewed energy and strength for a full day of camping and adventure.
More space to store camping gear
Since camping cots are elevated, they have space underneath. You can use this extra space to store your camping gear. This space would usually be covered with sleeping bags. If you put all items under your cot this is even more room to move around your tent.
You can also use it at home for guests
A camping cot is great for unexpected house guests. Use your camping cot indoors too. If a guest comes to visit, you will have a spare bed that is easy to set up in a few minutes.
What features to look for when buying the best single camping cot?
Frame strength and stability
We recommend looking for a sturdy steel frame that will be able to support you. Steel is great for camping cot frames. A steel frame offers a stronger, more stable sleeping platform compared to aluminum. The only trade-off is that steel is a heavier material. So it might be more appropriate for a car camping trip than for an on-foot adventure.
Benefits of a steel frame:
– Good corrosion resistance
– Affordable
– High tensile strength. This is the measurement of the force required to pull something apart.
Size and weight limit
Make sure the camping cot you choose will be able to fit you. For example, is the length appropriate for your height? Also, what is the maximum weight capacity? Make sure to check the fine print from the manufacturer before purchasing. If you’re 6’6”, you don’t want to have your legs hanging off the end. Or even worse, if you’re 400 pounds having the cot collapsing because it is better for a small person.
Easy of assembly
If you can find a cot that is easy to set up then even better. There will be many things you need to assemble once you reach camp. If you can save yourself time with your camping cot set up, then you’ve won. The last thing you want to do is huff, puff, and blow up an air mattress. After sleeping on it you might find yourself sunk to the ground in a matter of hours.
Look for cots that aren’t complicated to set up. There are many available that you can erect in only a few minutes.
Easy of transport of your single camping cot
As you want a cot that is simple to set up, you should also look for one that is easy to transport. This means that you can fit it into your car and also carry it into place.
You can fold many cots up easy and most all cots come with a carrying bag for fuss-free transportation. There are ones available with a thin profile. This means they won’t take up all the space in the trunk of your car or even to store at home.
Mattress comfort and support
Depending on the camping cot you choose, it might come with or without a mattress.
Cot without a mattress
You may prefer a strong fabric surface as a base surface more comfortable without a mattress. This is especially in warmer months as there is often a pro-air-circulation design. Also, without a mattress, your cot is lighter to carry and simpler to store. Also, easy to assemble.
If you want to add more comfort, you could also add a memory foam mattress with a sleeping bag on top of that. You may only want the sleeping bag. Or in other cases, you might use blankets as an added cushions.
Cot with a mattress
If you buy a cot with a mattress, look for one that offers a good level of support. Many of the best single tent cots come with a coil suspension system and foam mattress pad. This provides the same level of comfort as sleeping in your own bed.
These camping cots are not for backpacking or mountain climbing trips. They are most appropriate to wake up at the campground in the morning feeling refreshed. Wake up ready for another great day outdoors.
Additional features
Some of the best single camping cots come with extra features which is a bonus. For example, a side pocket offers space for phones, books, or other small items. Also, look for a cot that has a storage bag included to help with easy transport and storage.
Coleman Trailhead II Cot
The Coleman Trailhead II Cot is designed after a military-style cot. It has a strong steel X-frame to give you a comfortable place to sleep, season after season. It also has an extra-wide design to offer you more room to relax. When your camping trip is over, you can fold it up into a carry bag for easy transport and storage.
Pros
- Military-style camping cot
- Extra-wide design for more sleeping room
- Strong folding steel X-frame
- Designed for people up to 6 ft. 2 in. tall
- Supports up to 300 pounds
- Overall size: 75 x 35 x 17 inches
- Sleeping area: 75 x 30 inches
- Carry bag included
- 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- Might take time to setup
- Noisy with movement
- Too short for tall people
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
Coleman ComfortSmart Cot
The Coleman ComfortSmart Cot is great for anyone who wants rest before a big day of exploring the outdoors. This cot has a coil suspension system and a thick foam mattress pad. You will feel like you’re sleeping in a bed. The strong steel frame will offer a great place to sleep, season after season. When your trip is over, the cot folds compact and fits inside most car trunks for transport.
Pros
- Coil suspension offers the bed-like feel
- Comfortably covered foam mattress pad
- Strong folding steel frame
- Designed for people up to 5 ft. 7 in. tall
- Supports up to 275 lbs.
- Dimensions: 65 x 25 x 15 in.
- 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- Not for tall people
- The fabric could be more durable
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
Magshion Portable Military Fold Up Camping Bed Cot
The Magshion Portable Military Fold Up Camping Bed Cot gives you a place to rest while enjoying the great outdoors. It is made with a durable frame and reinforced with water-resistant 600D polyester fabric for long-lasting all-weather use.
The cot is convenient to set up and designed to support a maximum weight of up to 280 pounds. It is built tough and strong and is also comfortable. It adheres to high-quality standards set for outdoor equipment.
Pros
- Portable Magshion cot with quick and easy fold-up design
- Lightweight and portable
- Suitable for adults or children, campers, explorers, or unexpected house guests
- Simple operation to open and close in seconds with no assembly required
- Easy to take and store whenever and wherever with carrying bag included
- Size: 72”L x 24.5”W x 13.5”H (fits heights 6” tall max)
- Fold size: 36”L x 24.5”W x 4.5”H
- Material is steel/ oxford cloth
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Available in multiple color options – black, blue, camo, green, navy blue, purple, and red
Cons
- The material could be higher quality
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
DESERT WALKER Camping cots
The DESERT WALKER Camping Cot is a super light cot that uses aviation aluminum alloy. This cot is great for warmer months as the bed surface materials are breathable. It also has a tough structure and is waterproof up to ten thousand above. It also has tearing resistance while being sturdy and durable.
Pros
- Ultralight cot. Weighs 1.3kg/ 2.8 lb
- Comfortable with special oxford fabric
- Strong frame with aviation aluminum rod material.
- Can support up to 440 pounds.
- Size: 72.8 x 23.6 x 5.9 inches
- Packing size: 19.7 x 4.7 inches
- Easy to install and remove
Cons
- Frame is narrow
- Could be sturdier on the ground
- Some reviews have said isn’t best for very heavy people
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
Trademark Innovations Folding Camping Cot
The Trademark Innovations Folding Camping Cot is a lightweight and portable camping bed. A great option for the outdoors and a camping trip. There is no assembly required. The cot comes with a lightweight carry case and the bench folds in half the maximize portability. This cot measures 75 inches (L), 15 inches (H), and 25 inches (W) when set up.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- No assembly required
- Comes with carrying case
- The bed folds in half to maximize portability
- Measures: 75” (L), 17” (H) and 24” (W)
- Holds up to 260 lbs
Cons
- Not very sturdy with an aluminum frame
- Plastic components are not very durable
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
My recommendation
The single camping cot you choose will depend on your personal preference for comfort. For example, if you want a mattress or a firmer surface. It will also depend on your personal requirements (height and weight).
If I had to pick my favorite from the single camping cots reviewed in this article, I would go with the Coleman ComfortSmart Cot This folding camping cot offers bed-like comfort for a restful night’s sleep. It also offers great support with a coil suspension system and a thick foam mattress. The portable design makes it easy to transport since it can fit into most car trunks when folded.
Any of the single camping cots reviewed will give you a comfortable and supportive design. It depends on the nature of your trip and the requirements you need for weight and height. Either way, you will be able to sleep much deeper and have plenty of energy for enjoying time outdoors.
