Air Mattresses For Camping: A Guide To Find The Best One

Few things are more critical when camping than a good night’s sleep. But that perfect night under the stars can quickly become a restless, sleepless nightmare if you don’t have the right equipment.

A good air mattress is one of the essential camping equipment. And not just any air mattress – one specifically designed for camping.

These mattresses are made to be durable and comfortable, so you can rest easy knowing you’ll get a good night’s sleep.

In this blog post, we will be discussing the best camping air mattresses on the market today.

We’ll also provide a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right one for your needs. So whether you’re looking for an air mattress for car camping or backpacking, we’ve got you covered.

One of the most affordable ways to spend time away from home is to grab a campsite.

Camping can happen in state parks, national parks, or your backyard. Site rentals with a tent are highly affordable, but sleeping on the ground can be highly uncomfortable.

When you’ve got the best air mattress for camping that can slip into your tent, you can get a great night of rest comparable to any hotel.

Here’s what you need to know to find the best one.

The Best Chart for Camping Air Mattresses 

Quality is your #1 feature that must be evaluated in air mattresses used for camping.

If your air mattress goes flat, you might as well be sleeping on the ground.

The chart below will let you find the best that will meet your needs.

What Makes For a Good Camping Air Mattress? 

Air mattresses used for camping must be durable to account for any rough terrain you might be setting your tent upon.

The materials are also exposed to a broader range of temperatures than indoor or permanent air mattress solutions. Better material quality must be used to prevent air leaks or loss.

PVC and mesh mattresses with a thicker overall composition are often the best to use because they retain their shape better and are resistant to leaks.

A good camping air mattress will also be weather-resistant. Having a waterproof mattress is your best option.

Not only will this improve the integrity of the mattress, but you’ll be able to use it for multiple purposes. Want to float out on the lake for a while?

Put your air mattress on the water, relax, and enjoy the sun.

Camping often involves a campfire, and should a spark from the dry wood hit your mattress. You don’t want it to burst like a balloon. A good mattress should also be fire-resistant. Look for specific fire ratings in the air mattress reviews to find one that best meets your needs.

Read Next – Best Air Mattress Reviews

How To Find the Right Air Mattress For Camping

Finding the best air mattress for camping to meet your needs is a simple contrast and comparison situation.

By using customer reviews, fact-based overviews, and objective opinions from those with similar camping habits, you’ll see how each air mattress can perform before you put it to the test.

This gives you better confidence when you put the air mattress into your tent for the first time.

Some air mattresses for camping aren’t even designed for the tent. A method of camping that has grown in popularity is vehicle camping.

You still get the same outdoor experience, but instead of a tent, you sleep in the back of your SUV or pickup.

Air mattresses have been custom designed for most popular models to fit around the wheel arches and other design obstacles so you can sleep comfortably.

Some air mattresses have pillows built into the design itself. Others have vertical ribbons that are used for neck and back support.

Advanced mattresses even have individual air coils that support your body, similar to the spring coils in a regular bed.

By matching the design with your sleeping needs, you’ll be able to have the most comfortable experience possible.

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What Are the Advantages of an Air Mattress for Camping? 

Camping is proven to help reset your biological clock.

If you’re not getting enough meaningful rest every night and have a lot of screen time on the computer, tablet, or smartphone daily, then an air mattress for camping lets you rest comfortably while you reset.

It gets you to sleep with a firm, supportive surface.

The best air mattress for camping will also have several additional features you may wish to have in your tent at night.

• A top that has been flocked. Flocking helps keep your bedding in place on top of the air mattress. Instead of a sleeping bag, you could bring your sheets to make the environment a little more like home.
• A thicker composition. Your air mattress must be resistant to punctures and other damage that could prevent users from maximizing their use of this product. When you’re out camping, you will be around several different potential hazards.
• A level of different pumping options. Not every campsite is equipped with electricity. Not every user has a 12v connection they can use from their vehicle. The best air mattresses can be filled with air in several ways to sleep off the ground. 

Then there’s the advantage of price. For the cost of one night in a hotel room, you will receive several years’ worth of nights out camping in comfort.

That’s why finding the best air mattress for camping is so valuable. 

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What Are the Prices of Camping Air Mattresses? 

If you’re on a tight budget, you will find some value-priced air mattresses today that can get the job done.

Entry-level models can be found for less than $30. On the other end of the spectrum, an air mattress for camping with built-in pumps, battery monitoring, and continual air maintenance may cost well over $100.

For the average camping household, a good quality mattress can be found in the $60-$80 range that will have the needed features to meet specific needs.

These mid-range mattresses won’t address every situation, but not every mattress needs to meet every situation, and this is an easy way to save money.

What Do Our Reviews Have To Say? 

Only SUV Air Mattress

This air mattress is perfect for vehicle camping. If the weather isn’t nice enough to be out in the tent or you can’t find space for camping, this air mattress gives you a second option.

It’s designed to be a three-piece folding air mattress and can double as a recliner or beach tool. Both sides of the air mattress have to flock for a stable sleeping experience.

Best of all, the rated temperature range is from -13F to 140F, so you can sleep in virtually any weather comfortably and then go exploring the next day.

This is a superb solution if you’ve got an SUV or a van.

Intex Kids Air Mattress

An air mattress for camping is great for adults but not for kids.

That changes with this model that Intex has produced.

The sides of the air mattress inflate to be higher than the sleeping surface, giving young children and toddlers a great chance to sleep comfortably.

It uses standard crib sheets that are on toddler beds and cribs.

You’ll have to hand pump this air mattress to fill it up, but since it’s smaller than average, it only takes a few minutes.

It’s a solid purchase for families with young kids who want to go camping.

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Alps Mountaineering Air Mattress

This is for those hard-core adventures you want to have in the backcountry.

You’ll enjoy the open-cell foam construction that promotes a fast inflation and deflation process.

The valves are made from brass that won’t rust, so you won’t have to worry about plastic cracking under challenging conditions.

You’ll receive a stuff sack for easy transportation and a repair kit for emergencies. It even offers a PVC-dotted fabric on the bottom for sleep stability.

If necessary, check your R-value and purchase the suitable model for you.

Fox Outfitters Air Mattress

Consider this camping pad if you need something that isn’t quite the size of a mattress but still want to be comfortable in your tent.

If you wish, it slips right into your sleeping bag, or you can sleep on top of it in your hammock or another surface.

The base fabric is heavy-duty and resistant to even abrasions, so you don’t have to worry about losing comfort.

Brass valves help keep this self-inflating mat intact, and compression bands are included for easy stacking and packing.

The triple-zone comfort is a little overrated, but overall you can’t go wrong with the value this product gives you.

Stansport Air Mattress

This air mattress for camping will also self-inflate.

However, it has a plastic valve, so take care of the conditions you plan to camp in to ensure the mattress can survive.

The mattress is fully bonded and sturdier than your standard air mattress, but another camping mattress can offer more resounding support and durability.

The support may not be very beneficial if you sleep on your side. Otherwise, make sure you give this product a good look.

The best air mattress for camping will give you a comfortable night of sleep underneath the stars.

Explore, relax, and enjoy what Mother Nature offers in comfort when you have one of these great items packed for the trip.

Read Next – Best Air Mattress Reviews

How to Choose an Air Mattress

When choosing an air mattress for camping, there are a few things to consider. Camping air mattresses come in various shapes and sizes, so choosing one that will fit comfortably in your tent is essential.

You will also want to consider the weight and portability of the mattress when making your decision.

Air mattresses can be made from various materials, including PVC, nylon, or polyester. PVC air mattresses are the most common type used for camping, as they are lightweight and easy to inflate.

Nylon and polyester air mattresses are more durable than PVC ones but also heavier and more difficult to inflate.

The size of the air mattress is an important consideration when choosing one for camping. Most tents can accommodate an air mattress up to queen size, but if you have a giant tent, you may want to consider an inflatable cot or sleeping pad.

It is also essential to ensure that the air mattress you choose will fit through your tent door.

When considering the weight and portability of an air mattress, it is essential to remember that you will need to carry the bed with you when hiking or backpacking.

If you plan on using the mattress for car camping, weight may not be a big concern. However, if you plan on using the bed for backpacking trips, you will want to choose a lighter-weight option.

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The Best Air Mattresses for Camping

Regarding camping, few things are more important than a good night’s sleep. And while sleeping on the ground may be part of the experience for some, others prefer a little more comfort. That’s where air mattresses come in.

Air mattresses are great for camping because they’re light and easy to carry and can be inflated quickly with an air pump.

They also provide a comfortable surface to sleep on, making all the difference after a long day of hiking or exploring.

So, what are the best air mattresses for camping? Here are our top picks:

Intex Queen 22″ Air Mattress: This mattress is large enough for two people and features a built-in electric pump for quick and easy inflation. It’s also made with puncture-resistant material, so you don’t have to worry about waking up on the ground in the middle of the night.

Coleman SupportRest Elite Double High Airbed: This mattress is perfect for couples or families who want to camp in comfort. It has a built-in pillowtop design that makes it extra soft and comfortable, and it comes with an external pump for quick inflation.

Sable Inflatable Air Mattress: This mattress is perfect for solo campers or those who want a lightweight option. It weighs just 5 pounds and can be inflated by mouth in about 10 minutes. It also has a built-in pillow for added comfort.

Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress: This mattress is perfect for those who want extra height.

It’s raised 18 inches off the ground, so you don’t have to worry about sleeping on rocks or roots. It also has a built-in electric pump for quick and easy inflation.

These are just a few of the best air mattresses for camping. Read reviews and compare features to find the perfect bed for your next camping trip.

How to Inflate and Deflate an Air Mattress

Assuming you have an air mattress and an air pump (either manual or electric), follow these steps to inflate your mattress:

• Plug in your air pump if using an electric one. If using a manual pump, you can skip this step.
• Place the air pump’s nozzle on the air mattress’s valve.
• Start pumping air into the mattress. You’ll know it’s full when it feels firm to the touch, and no more air comes out of the nozzle.
• To deflate the mattress, open the valve and let the air out. Once inflated, remove the nozzle from the valve and close it off. Once it’s fully reduced, close off the valve again.

Read Next – Inflatable Bed Reviews: What To Look For When Buying One

Tips for Camping with an Air Mattress

If you plan camping with an air mattress, you should keep a few things in mind to ensure a good experience.

First, always make sure your air mattress is inflated correctly before using it. If not, it will be very uncomfortable to sleep on and could deflate during the night. Second, always put a sheet or sleeping bag on your air mattress to keep you warm.

Otherwise, you’ll be cold all night long. Third, if camping in a tent, ensure the floor is level, so your air mattress doesn’t roll around.

Lastly, if you have an electric pump for your air mattress, bring extra batteries, just in case. By following these tips, you’ll have a comfortable and enjoyable experience camping with an air mattress.

Pros and cons of camping air mattresses

An air mattress has some definite advantages over a traditional bed. They are much lighter and can be rolled up, making them easy to transport.

They can also be inflated or deflated quickly so that you can adjust the level of firmness to your preference. And if you happen to get a puncture, most come with patch kits.

On the downside, air mattresses don’t have the same level of support as regular mattresses, so if you have back problems, you may want to stick with a more traditional option.

They can also be uncomfortable in colder weather since they conduct heat. And if there’s no electricity available to inflate them, you’re out of luck.

How to choose the best camping air mattress for you

When selecting the best camping air mattress for you, consider the following factors:

• The size of the bed. Make sure to choose a size that comfortably fits you and your camping gear.
• The weight limit. Some air mattresses are not designed to hold much weight, so check the weight limit before purchasing.
• The type of pump. Consider which kind of pump would be best for your needs. Some air mattresses come with an electric pump, while others require you to inflate them manually.
• The price. Air mattresses can range in price from around $30 to $100. Choose the one that fits your budget.
• The warranty. Some air mattresses come with a warranty, while others do not. If you are planning on using your air mattress frequently, it might be worth it to choose one that comes with a warranty.

Top 10 camping air mattresses

A good night’s sleep is essential when you’re camping. You want to be well-rested for hikes and activities during the day.

An air mattress can significantly affect your comfort level when camping.

Here are the top 10 camping air mattresses:

• Intex Classic Downy Airbed: This air mattress is comfortable and affordable. It has a built-in pillow and a patch kit in case of leaks.
• Coleman SupportRest Elite PillowStop Double High Airbed: This air mattress is very comfortable and has a built-in pump for easy inflation. The pillow stop feature keeps pillows in place overnight.
• AeroBed Ultra Light Mattress: This mattress is lightweight and easy to carry. It has a built-in pump for quick inflation and a storage bag.
• Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress: This air mattress has 18 inches of height for added comfort. It has a built-in pump and an extra bed sheet for warmth on cold nights.
• King Koil Luxury Raised Air Mattress: This air mattress has a luxurious feel with its quilted top design. It also has a built-in pump and an extra bed sheet for comfort on cold nights.
• SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress: This mattress has a ComfortCoil system that provides stability and support. It also has a built-in pump for quick inflation and comes with a storage bag.
• Etekcity Camping Air Mattress: This mattress is comfortable and easy to carry. It has a built-in pump for quick inflation and an extra bed sheet set for added comfort on cold nights.
• Lightspeed Outdoors 2-Person PVC-Free Air Bed Mattress: This air mattress is perfect for couples. It’s made of PVC-free material and has a built-in pump for quick inflation.
• Inflatable Mattress by Fox Outfitters: This mattress is comfortable and easy to store. It has a built-in pillow and comes with a storage bag.
• Intex Dura-Beam Standard Series Deluxe Pillow Rest Airbed: This air mattress is very comfortable and perfect for back sleepers. It has a built-in pillow and a patch kit in case of leaks.

FAQs about camping air mattresses

When finding the perfect camping air mattress, remember a few things.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about camping air mattresses:

What is the best type of camping air mattress?

The best type of camping air and your new mattresses and preferences. For instance, if you need a durable bed, an inf relatable camping cot might be a good option. On the other hand, if you want a light and portable mattress, an air bed might be a better choice.

Read Next – Best Air Mattress For Everyday Use

What are the benefits of using a camping air mattress?

There are many benefits to using a camping air mattress. One advantage is that they are much more comfortable than sleeping on the ground.

Air mattresses also provide insulation from the cold ground and help you stay warm during cold nights. Additionally, they are great for people with back pain because they provide firm support.

The 5 Best Camping Air Mattresses

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