We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
  • Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
  • Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
  • Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Was this helpful?

No matter how much you love camping, sleeping outdoors can have its drawbacks. But the right air mattress can help you get a good night’s sleep in the wild.

We looked high and low for the best air mattresses for camping to help you sleep just as soundly outdoors as you do at home.

Here’s what we considered as we assembled our list of the best air mattresses for camping.

  • Durability, comfort, and ease of use: All of the mattresses on our list are designed for outdoor use. They’re made of durable materials, they set up easily, and they pack down well for travel. We also prioritized air mattresses that are flocked (think: super soft, velvety fabric) for warmth.
  • Customer reviews: We checked reviews to see what customers say about comfort, durability, and portability.
  • Company reputation and transparency: All of the brands we recommend have a good reputation, with transparent business practices and high standards for quality.
  • Company policies: While not all air mattresses come with a warranty, most of those on our list have at least a 1-year warranty.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $50
  • $$ = $50–$100
  • $$$ = over $100
Product NamePriceMattress HeightPump
SoundAsleep Camping Series Air Mattress$$8 inchesrechargeable battery-operated, external pump
Sierra Designs Camping Air Bed Mattress$$10.2 inchesbattery-operated, external pump
Zooobelives Inflatable Sleeping Pad$4 inchesmanual, built-in pump
REI Co-op Kingdom Insulated Air Bed$$$6 inchesmanual, external pump
EnerPlex Never-Leak Camping Series$$9 inchesrechargeable battery-operated, external pump
Active Era Luxury Camping Air Mattress$$9 inchesUSB rechargeable battery-operated, external pump
Coleman Camping Cot, Air Mattress, and Pump Combo$$23.5 inchesbattery-operated, external pump
Coleman Quickbed Airbed$10 inchespump not included
hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed$$12 incheselectric, external pump
EnerPlex Air Mattress$$6 incheselectric, built-in pump

Best overall air mattress for camping

SoundAsleep Camping Series Air Mattress

  • Price: $$
  • Mattress type: PVC
  • Mattress height: 8 inches
  • Pump: external pump with rechargeable battery
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

Designed for durability, comfort, and ease of use, reviewers say this air mattress does just what it’s supposed to do. It’s made for outdoor use and inflates in under 3 minutes with a high-powered, rechargeable pump.

A waterproof flocked top adds comfort and warmth, while the “sure-grip” bottom helps prevent sliding. The air mattress comes packed in a storage bag for easy portability and has a limited 1-year warranty.

Reviewers say they’ve been able to get great use out of it for camping and at home. Many reviewers also say they’ve had great experiences with customer service.

Some reviewers complain about the pump needing a full charge to get the air mattress inflated, so keep that in mind before heading out for a big trip.

Pros

  • Air mattress inflates quickly with included external pump that has a rechargeable battery.
  • It’s designed for durability and comfort.
  • Price point is considered affordable.

Cons

  • Pump battery may need a full charge to work properly.
Was this helpful?

Buy the SoundAsleep Camping Series Air Mattress online.

Best PVC-free air mattress for camping

Sierra Designs Camping Air Bed Mattress

  • Price: $$
  • Mattress type: Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)
  • Mattress height: 10.2 inches
  • Pump: battery-operated external pump
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

This lightweight, PVC-free air bed is made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a synthetic material that’s weather- and tear-resistant, which makes it ideal for outdoor use. It has an integrated pillow, which is a nice touch, and it comes with a battery-operated external pump.

The Sierra Designs air mattress comes with a roomy storage bag and has a 1-year limited warranty.

Most reviewers call this a comfortable, durable, and reliable air mattress for camping trips.

Some reviewers complain that this mattress’s pump is slow. They recommend purchasing a different pump in order to make this mattress a worthwhile purchase.

Pros

  • Air mattress is made with PVC-free material.
  • It has an external battery-operated pump for convenience.
  • Price point is considered affordable.

Cons

  • Some reviewers felt the pump was slow.
  • Options are limited to twin and full sizes.
Was this helpful?

Buy the Sierra Designs Camping Air Bed Mattress online.

Best low-profile air mattress for camping

Zooobelives Inflatable Sleeping Pad

  • Price: $
  • Mattress type: Polyester, PVC
  • Mattress height: 4 inches
  • Pump: manual, built-in pump
  • Warranty: 2 years

At just four inches in height, this is more of a sleeping pad than an air mattress. But it’s very well reviewed, with customers noting that it’s thick enough to keep them comfortable and protected from the hard ground.

The mattress has a build-in air pump, but you’ll need to manually inflate it. On the plus side, that makes this option really lightweight (just over 3 pounds) and conveniently small when it’s folded up. It also includes snaps down the side that make it easy to connect to another sleeping pad for more space.

Pros

  • Air mattress is ultra low profile.
  • It can be connected to other sleeping pads for more space.
  • It packs down well.

Cons

  • It has a manual pump.
Was this helpful?

Buy the Zooobelives Inflatable Sleeping Pad online.

Best manually inflated air mattress for camping

REI Co-op Kingdom Insulated Air Bed

  • Price: $$$
  • Mattress type: Synthetic
  • Mattress height: 6 inches
  • Pump: manual external pump
  • Warranty: 1-year for REI co-op members, 90 days for non-members

This insulated air mattress was specifically designed for outdoor use. It’s a queen-size weighing in at just over 5 pounds, and it includes a manual air pump with a simple, one-way inflation valve that keeps air from leaking during set up. A separate valve makes deflating quick, and the stuff sack is handy for packing and storage.

Reviewers praise the mattress’s quality and comfort. REI’s return policy covers the mattress for a replacement or refund up to 1 year after purchase — but it doesn’t cover ordinary wear and tear, damage caused by improper use, or accidents.

Pros

  • Air mattress is lightweight and low profile.
  • It’s durable and well made.
  • It’s quick to deflate.

Cons

  • Manual inflation is required.
  • It has a higher price point.
Was this helpful?

Buy the REI Co-op Kingdom Insulated Air bed online.

Most comfortable air mattress for camping

EnerPlex Never-Leak Camping Series Queen Camping Airbed

  • Price: $$
  • Mattress type: PVC
  • Mattress height: 9 inches
  • Pump: rechargeable external pump
  • Warranty: 2 years

This mattress features welded seams, puncture-resistant PVC, and coil beam construction for durability and support — no matter where you pitch your tent.

This sturdy mattress comes with a rechargeable travel pump for 90-second inflation, and it packs down in its included carry bag. It does weigh over 12 pounds, so this mattress might make more sense for those traveling to their camping spot in their car rather than by foot.

Reviewers say this mattress is super comfortable and a total steal for the price. EnerPlex also offers a generous 2-year warranty, so no need to worry if it happens to spring a leak.

Pros

  • Air mattress has a high-speed pump for fast inflation.
  • It has coil-beam construction for comfort and support
  • Price point is considered affordable.

Cons

  • It’s on the heavier side.
Was this helpful?

Buy the EnerPlex Never-Leak Camping Series Queen Camping Airbed online.

Most supportive air mattress for camping

Active Era Luxury Camping Air Mattress

  • Price: $$
  • Mattress type: PVC
  • Mattress height: 9 inches
  • Pump: USB rechargeable external pump
  • Warranty: 1 year

With its wave-beam support structure, this camping air mattress is designed to be as supportive as a real mattress for comfortable alignment all night. The top is flocked for warmth and to keep your sheets or sleeping bag in place all night long.

The mattress comes with both an integrated manual pump and a high-powered, USB rechargeable pump that inflates the mattress is less than two minutes. Just be sure to charge it before you head out to the woods.

Reviews are generally quite positive. Customers are impressed with its comfort and durability. However, some noted that the queen size seemed closer to a full.

Pros

  • Air mattress has wave-beam construction for support.
  • It includes both a rechargeable pump and an integrated manual pump.
  • Price point is considered affordable.

Cons

  • Some reviewers found the queen size to be closer to a full size.
Was this helpful?

Buy the Active Era Luxury Air Mattress online.

Best all-in-one air mattress for camping

Coleman Camping Cot, Air Mattress, and Pump Combo

  • Price: $$
  • Mattress type: Vinyl
  • Mattress height: 23.5 inches
  • Pump: external, battery-operated pump
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

This all-in-one option includes a sturdy steel frame, two folding side tables, and an air mattress with a microfiber cover that keeps it in place.

The air mattress inflates with an included battery-operated pump and has an airtight system to protect against leaks. Plus, the combo comes with its own carrying bag.

Thousands of reviewers praise the set for its ease of use, quick inflation, and reliable comfort. But keep in mind that all those bells and whistles mean a higher price point and a heavier product — this combo weighs close to 42 pounds.

Pros

  • Air mattress has an elevated design that creates underbed storage.
  • Side tables are included.
  • It has a battery-operated pump.

Cons

  • It’s heavy.
Was this helpful?

Buy the Coleman Camping Cot, Air Mattress, and Pump Combo online.

Best basic air mattress for camping

Coleman Quickbed Airbed

  • Price: $
  • Mattress type: synthetic
  • Mattress height: 10 inches
  • Pump: not included
  • Warranty: 2 years

For a basic, inexpensive air mattress, the Coleman Quickbed Airbed is a good option. It comes in twin, full, and queen sizes with a plush finish on all three. An antimicrobial finish resists mold, mildew, fungi, and odors, and the internal coil construction offers good support.

On the downside, there is no integrated or external pump, so don’t forget to pack your own.

Customers are generally very satisfied and call it a great value.

Pros

  • Air mattress has an affordable price point.
  • It’s available in three sizes.
  • It has a supportive design with antimicrobial finish.

Cons

  • No pump is included.
Was this helpful?

Buy the Coleman Quickbed Airbed online.

Best camping air mattress for kids

hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed

  • Price: $$
  • Mattress type: PVC
  • Mattress height: 12″
  • Pump: external electric pump
  • Warranty: lifetime

This air mattress for kids is designed for comfort and safety. According to the company, it even exceeds federal standards for children’s safety. It comes with its own external electric pump and can inflate in under 30 seconds and includes bumpers on the sides and on either end. Plus, it can accommodate kids up to 310 pounds.

Reviewers say it works really well for their kids on camping trips but keep in mind that unless you have a power outlet nearby, you’ll need a car outlet adaptor to inflate it.

Pros

  • Toddler air mattress is designed for safety.
  • It has four-way bumpers.
  • It comes with a lifetime warranty.

Cons

  • Car adaptor is not included.
Was this helpful?

Buy the hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Bed online.

Best double-height air mattress for camping

EnerPlex Air Mattress

  • Price: $$
  • Mattress type: PVC
  • Mattress height: 16 inches
  • Pump:integrated electric pump
  • Warranty: 2 years

This double-height air mattress is designed for versatility. It’s made with sturdy PVC, so it’s designed to work in the woods, as a portable bed for travel, or even at home when the family is visiting. It inflates quickly with a built-in electric pump, so don’t forget to pack the car outlet adaptor when you’re at the campsite.

Customers who used the air mattress for camping note that it worked really well.

Pros

  • Air mattress has a double-height design for comfort.
  • It’s quick to inflate.
  • It comes with a generous warranty period.

Cons

  • Car outlet adaptor is not included.
Was this helpful?

Buy the EnerPlex Air Mattress online.

While most camping air mattresses are designed to be lightweight and portable, there’s a whole world of options out there. Here’s what to keep in mind as you shop.

  • Material. Most air mattresses are made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for durability. For a more eco-conscious but still durable option, look for those made with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
  • Mattress height and comfort. Camping air mattresses can be low or high profile, so think about what might work best for your situation. They may have a flocked top for softness and warmth or a grippy texture on the bottom to prevent slipping.
  • Inflation method. Some camping air mattresses come with manual or rechargeable pumps that are either built-in or external. If you’ll be close to a vehicle and have access to electricity, you may want to investigate electric pumps too. For remote campers who want to travel light, there are camping air mattresses that inflate the old-fashioned way — with your lungs.

Finding the right outdoor air mattress will largely depend on the kind of camping you have planned. Will you be sleeping in a tent, in your car, in the back of a truck, or under the stars? This will help you choose the right size of air mattress you’ll need.

What about accessibility? If you can pull your car right up to your camping site, you may have fewer concerns about the size and weight of your packed air mattress. If you’re hiking to your campground, a major priority may be an air mattress that packs down well and isn’t too heavy. You’ll also need a manual pump or one that’s battery operated.

Consider climate, too. Air mattresses don’t offer warmth. Instead, they’ll come close to the ambient temperature. If you’ll be camping in cool temperatures, keep in mind that you may prefer a base layer between you and your air mattress.

Here are a few other considerations while you shop for a good air mattress to take camping.

Comfort

After a busy day of hiking and exploring, you’ll probably want a comfortable sleeping surface so you can recharge. Internal air coils keep air mattresses flat for comfort and support, while flocking helps with warmth and is soft to the touch.

Mattress type

There are different types of air mattresses, and the right one for your needs will depend on the kind of camping you’re doing. Consider things like mattress height, method of inflation, and portability.

Mattress size

Base the size of your air mattress on how much space you’ll have in your tent or sleeping area and how many people will be using it at once.

Mattress weight and packed size

This is another consideration that will depend on the specifics of your camping trip. Pay attention to the weight and size of your air mattress when it’s packed down for travel. This might not be a huge deal if you’re planning on using your car to get to your camping spot, but a heavy mattress can be a burden during a backpacking trip.

Materials

Air mattresses are typically made from PVC or TPU and reinforced with textiles for a softer, warmer top. While some air mattresses have an R-value, which measures warmth on a scale from 1 to 5, this rating is typically more applicable to insulated sleeping pads. Check the weight limit too — it can be a good indication of overall durability.

Ease of use

From standard foot pumps to battery-operated hand pumps, there are different methods of inflation. Consider the value of convenience and what will work best for your camping trip.

Battery-operated pumps can be convenient because you can always bring along extra batteries, but batteries can add extra weight to your overall gear.

While you can just toss a sleeping bag on top of your air mattress, there are other options. A base layer between you and the air mattress is a good first step in cold temperatures, so consider packing a fitted sheet.

Again, the nature of your camping trip dictates the kinds of pillows and blankets you can bring along. Just keep in mind that the air mattress itself is designed to provide a comfortable sleeping surface — it won’t keep you warm by itself.

Air mattresses aren’t inherently high-maintenance, but there are a few best practices. Scan the ground so you aren’t pitching your tent and inflating your air mattress over sharp stones. You should also avoid overinflating.

Keep your air mattress in good shape by wiping it down before packing it away. Take the time to fold it properly instead of stuffing it into its carrying bag. If the pump runs on batteries, make sure to remove those before storing it away.

How do I insulate an air mattress for camping?

To properly insulate an air mattress for camping, you’ll need to insulate the bottom and top of the mattress. Set it up on top of a foam mat to help prevent it from absorbing cold from the ground. A fitted sheet or blanket over the entire air mattress can help insulate the air inside the mattress even as temperatures drop. If you climb into your sleeping bag on top of this setup, you should stay pretty cozy.

How do you clean an air mattress used for camping?

Air mattresses used for camping can be swept down with a broom or handheld vacuum to remove debris. In most cases, a damp rag can also be used. Just make sure you let the air mattress dry completely before packing it down for storage.

Do you need a pump for a camping air mattress?

It depends. Some camping air mattresses come with integrated or separate pumps that use batteries or electricity. Others have manual pumps. But some don’t come with any kind of pump, which means you’ll need to buy one. Make sure to double-check how your air mattress inflates before leaving for your camping trip so you’re prepared before heading out.

The right air mattress can help you get the sleep you need for an all-around amazing trip.

Consider what matters most to you — convenience, ease of use, durability, comfort — as well as the kind of camping you’ll be doing to determine the best option for you.

Jessica Timmons has been working as a freelance writer since 2007, covering everything from pregnancy and parenting to cannabis, chiropractic, stand-up paddling, fitness, martial arts, home decor, and much more. Her work has appeared in mindbodygreen, Pregnancy & Newborn, Modern Parents Messy Kids, and Coffee + Crumbs. See what she’s up to now at jessicatimmons.com.