Camping is pretty fun, but sleeping comfortably can make any camping trip a whole lot more enjoyable. While adults can easily adjust and sleep after a day full of excitement, things can be a bit more challenging for kids.
The problem is, no matter how energetic kids and toddlers are, they can get easily worked up if they don’t get enough sleep, and that’s where camping beds come in handy!
To help you find the most suitable option for your child, this guide will walk you through some of the best camping beds for kids, as well as a brief guide to help you choose the ideal one for your children.
Types of Camping Beds
When it comes to camping, there are plenty of designs and options that can be used as a bed. Here are the most suitable ones for young campers:
Inflatable Air Mattresses
The first and most popular type of camping bed is the inflatable air mattress. Air mattresses are exceptionally portable because once deflated, the mattress can fit right into any camping bag or carry bag without taking up a vast space.
They are also pretty comfortable and can be adjusted to the optimum level of softness by adjusting the air pressure inside the bed. Another advantage is that these toddler camping beds are pretty affordable and don’t cost as much as other options.
On the drawbacks side, a toddler air mattress can be pretty flimsy and will deflate if it gets punctured by whatever gets caught in it.
Poor quality materials can be quite uncomfortable and make squeaky noises. Additionally, filling them up with air can be a bit tedious without an air pump. Luckily, most inflatable mattresses out there come with an electric pump or foot pump that facilitates this process.
Foam Mattresses
Foam mattresses are another fairly suitable sleeping option for kids. Foam mattresses are usually made from soft synthetic foam and usually covered with a soft fitted sheet that is hypoallergenic and easy to remove and wash separately.
They are ideal for toddlers and kids, no matter their weight, which can be a critical factor. These mattresses are much quieter than an inflatable camping mattress and can be equally or more comfortable for children.
The only drawback for these camping beds is they’re quite bulky and will take a relatively larger space during storage and transportation, even when they’re folded. They might be a better option if you’re just car camping, so you don’t have to carry them around when hiking to your camping spot.
If you're hiking with your child, make sure they have some cozy hiking boots too.
Folding Camping Cot
Camping cots are commonly used as camping beds for adults because they’re decently convenient, highly portable, and provide the elevation necessary for a more comfortable sleep.
Luckily, there are small-scale camping cots that are designed for kids to use. Like inflatable air mattresses, these cots don’t take up a lot of space in your camping or hiking backpack. Although a child's hiking backpack might be far too small.
They’re also pretty easy to put together and disassemble when not in use. Yet, they might not provide the same comfort level for kids who prefer a plush and soft bed.
Top 7 Camping Beds for Kids Reviews
1. The Shrunks Toddler Portable Inflatable Air Mattress
This inflatable air mattress by Shrunks is one of the best camping beds for kids out there, providing comfort and convenience while coming at a reasonable price! The Shrunks Portable inflatable air mattress is an excellent solution for camping with toddlers.
This travel bed is made of soft PVC — which is free of lead, phthalates, and other dangerous chemicals. It’s lined on top with a layer of flocking fibers to prevent squeaking noises and make the bed softer to touch.
Additionally, it comes with inflatable travel bed rails that protect them from falling off it while sleeping. We also like that the bed comes ready with its own electric pump, which allows it to fill up in 30 seconds. It’s much more convenient than pumping it up by hand.
The design of this camping toddler bed makes it extremely comfortable for toddlers of all sizes and comes with a unique tucking-friendly design to keep your little angels warm at night.
Specifications
- Type: Inflatable air mattress with rails
- Bed Material: BPA-free PVC and flocking
- Total weight: 6.6 lbs
- Dimensions: 16 x 7 x 7 inches (deflated) | 60 x 37 x 9 inches (Inflated)
2. Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed
The Hiccapop is another excellent inflatable travel bed for kids. This one is made of vinyl (PVC), which is 40% thicker than other options you can buy.
Unlike the previous option, the mattress here is not sewn into the bedding and can be removed for cleaning and separate use, although this also means that you’ll need to inflate each one of them on its own.
The mattress is also topped with a layer of smooth velvet-like material to make the mattress softer on the skin. The incredibly lightweight travel bed also comes with its own electric pump as well as a carrying bag for portability and ease of use.
If you're carrying a lot of camping gear already like a camping chair, you'll certainly want something easy to carry.
Specifications
- Type: Inflatable air mattress with bumpers
- Bed Material: PVC and a soft top layer
- Total weight: 1 lb
- Dimensions: 62 x 39 x 12 inches (Inflated)
3. Milliard Portable Toddler Travel Nap Mat
Next up, we have the Milliard Travel Nap Mat, a portable foam mattress specifically designed for sleeping while camping or during travel. If you're looking for the best toddler camping bed, the design of the Milliard Nap Mat based on foldability and comfort, puts it up there as one of the top choices.
The bed is shaped like a traveling bag with handles to make it easy to carry when not in use. The traveling mat can be used as a suitcase to keep all the sleeping essentials for the youngsters, including sleeping sheets, pillows, and any plush toy. You can even fit in a small sleeping bag on it.
The Nap Mat is very easy to maintain and comes with a washable sheet for easier cleaning. The travel bed is surprisingly machine washable, which is uncommon among other similar nap mats.
Moreover, the bed features 7 inch high (4.5 inches high on the inside) soft bumpers to keep your child secure when sleeping. The travel bed comes with small storage pocked to add some of your personal belongings.
Specifications
- Type: foam mattress with bumpers (nap mat)
- Bed Material: foam and fabrics
- Total weight: 10.3 lbs
- Dimensions: 25 x 14.5 x 27 inches (Folded) | 54 x 25 x 7 inches (Unfolded)
4. REDCAMP Sleeping Cot for Extra Long Kids
If you have a relatively tall older child or teenager who has grown too big to sleep in an inflatable bed, you might want to buy them this sleeping cot.
This foldable bed is one of the top choices for adult campers and is an excellent transition for teenagers.
One of the advantages of this kids camping bed is that it’s incredibly portable and lightweight for the size of bedding it offers.
The thick steel elliptical tubings of the bed and the durable fabrics keep the bed sturdy and reliable for continuous use. It also comes with side pockets to store belongings and is equipped with anti-slip feet to keep campers secure while sleeping.
REDCAMP trusts in the quality of its products and backs them up with a full year of limited warranty, which adds a layer of security and peace of mind to the purchase.
Specifications
- Type: Camping cot
- Bed Material: 600 Denier Oxford fabric and 25 mm steel tubes
- Total weight: 11.6 lbs
- Dimensions: 9 x 7.5 x 29 inches (Folded) | 53 x 26 x 13 inches (Unfolded)
5. Baby Delight Go with Me Bungalow Portable Cot
This baby cot is ideal for day napping because it adds an extra layer of protection against the sun. Just like with a toddler tent, you don't even need to use it for camping. It's perfect for kids to just hangout in the backyard.
The portable travel cot comes with an extra bungalow/canopy made from fabrics capable of absorbing up to 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays.
The smart design of the Go with Me cot from Baby Delight makes it extremely easy to unfold and use as a bed in a matter of seconds without needing any special tools or pumps.
Additionally, the cot comes with extra mesh barriers on 3.5 sides of the bed to keep your kid secure on the bed.
The package also comes with a convenient storage bag to keep the entire cot portable and easy to carry around. You can
In addition to all that, the fabric used to make the bed is relatively easy to clean, and you can easily wipe it off with a damp soapy cloth to maintain it in optimal condition.
Specifications
- Type: Camping cot
- Bed Material: fabric and steel tubes
- Total weight: 12.2 lbs
- Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 32 inches (Folded) | 50 x 26 x 41.5 (Unfolded with the canopy)
6. EnerPlex Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed
EnerPlex inflatable beds are among the largest on the list, making it an ideal pick for taller kids who prefer inflatable beds to sleeping cots.
The removable is made of thick PVC and lined with a layer of soft flocking for extra comfort and squeaking suppression.
The bedding with raised bumpers is also made of PVC with welded seams and a leak-proof design to ensure that the mattress doesn’t deflate with time.
The package also comes with a carry bag and a small electric pump that allows you to inflate the bed in 30 seconds or less. The travel bed is available in both pink and blue and can support up to 150 pounds.
Specifications
- Type: Inflatable air mattress with bumpers
- Bed Material: PVC and flocking
- Total weight: 12.4 lbs
- Dimensions: 66 x 44 x 13 inches (Inflated)
7. Regalo My Cot Pals Portable Toddler Bed
Lastly, we have this tiny travel bed for toddlers and kids with smaller builds. This toddler camping bed is made of alloy steel for further fortification and security, allowing it to support up to 75 lbs, which is pretty high for toddlers.
The cot fabric comes with a fitted sheet and a removable pillow. It’s created with cartoonish designs that appeal to children. This cot for toddlers comes in a variety of color options to suit your kid’s preferences!
In addition to camping, the versatile bed can be used for various purposes, whether they’re indoors (for sleepovers) or outdoors.
Specifications
- Type: Camping cot
- Bed Material: Fabrics and alloy steel
- Total weight: 7 lbs
- Dimensions: 9 x 8 x 24 inches (Folded) | 47 x 24 x 9 inches (Unfolded)
Kids Camping Bed Buyers Guide
In order to make sure that you’ve made the right investment, there are some essential camping bed features that you need to consider. Here is a quick look at each feature:
Construction
One of the most essential aspects to consider when choosing a kids camping bed is the construction and design.
Always make sure the bed is made from durable materials that won’t leak, deflate, or collapse upon use and that allow them to support the weight of your child.
For inflatable beds, make sure the mattresses are made from thick polyvinyl chloride (PVC) free from harmful elements, such as lead, BPA, phthalates, and more.
As for the cots, check that the fabric is dense with stitched seams, and the feet are made from steel tubes for sturdy construction. Safety is even more important in a cot for toddlers.
Bed Size
A bed that is too big or too small won’t be comfortable for your child. For that reason, always ensure you measure your kid’s length and get a bed about 10 to 15 inches longer and wider to provide them with a snug fit.
In some cases, especially in sleeping cots and inflatable mattresses, the bed might also have a weight limit, so make sure that you keep that in mind and include the weight of pillows and covers in addition to your kid’s weight.
Portability
Since you’ll have to do the carrying, it’s essential to make sure that you have a highly portable bed while on a family camping trip. The most portable toddler beds out there is the inflatable mattresses, followed by camping cots. Extra features like carrying bags and handles also improve portability.
Comfort
Comfort isn’t only about the softness of the mattress but also about keeping your kid or toddler relaxed and cozy while sleeping. The bed shouldn’t be squeaky or make loud noises that can wake them up.
Additionally, the bed should come with a waterproof fitted sheet that is easy to clean by simply using a damp piece of cloth.
Ease of Use
While each type of bed has its way of assembly and disassembly, it’s always essential for you to be able to do that easily.
For example, mattresses should be easy to inflate and come with a simple electric pump to fill the bed with air in a few seconds.
Security
Kids toss and turn all the time when they’re sleeping, especially when they’re not used to sleeping outdoors.
To keep them safe, you must look for a bed with a design that’s elevated around the edge.
Inflated air mattresses and foam mats can have a bumper design that prevents your child from falling off the bed while sleeping.
As for the camping cots, they’re designed with a little give, so they dip down with the child’s weight to make the edges higher. This helps promote security, especially for young toddlers.
Tips to Help Kids Sleep While Camping
On camping trips, kids can be playing all day, so it’s not always difficult to get them to sleep at night. However, if they’re not used to sleeping outdoors, it can become difficult at certain points.
Here are some quick tips to help your kids get a good night's sleep while camping:
- Use a white noise machine if they’re used to sleeping hearing the sounds at home.
- Try to stick to the same sleep time routine, such as brushing their teeth and putting them in comfy sleeping pajamas.
- Let your children have a long day of exercising and playing around, so they’re tired when sleeping time arrives.
- Make sure they’re not cold at night and tuck them in properly. They can also wear jackets with hoodies to keep their head and ears warm.
- Cut out any sweets or caffeinated sodas at night because these ingredients will keep them alert and hyperactive.
- If you have enough time, allow them to sleep in the camping bed at home, so they get used to it before they’re out camping.
- You can always bring a sleeping bag for your child to sleep in. Most small sleeping bags will fit inside a large camping bed. You probably won't need a sleeping pad if the bed is lifted.
- For protection, you will want toddler travel bed rails to protect them at night and make sure they don't fall of it.
That being said, this is the end of the guide. You should now have a better understanding of camping beds and how to choose one.
The top pick for us is the Shrunks inflatable toddler bed because it’s super comfortable, all the while being effortless to pack and inflate. However, if your kid is relatively tall and needs a bigger bed without compromising portability, you should go for the REDCAMP Sleeping Cot.
Martin has been in the summer camp industry for 7 years now. He has worked in different roles for camps, including as a marketing director for summer camps in the United States. Martin enjoys all kinds of outdoor activities but likes hiking and kayaking the most. He’s also a huge fan of traveling.