If you associate camping with sleeping in uncomfortable positions or on the cold hard ground, then your definition of camping needs updated.
You see, without rest, camping can be downright miserable.
Unless you have the best air mattress for camping.
But how do you know what to look for in an air mattress destined for camping?
In this guide, we’ve included what you should look for as well as some of the most popular air mattresses, so read up!
Top 6 Best Camping Air Bed
| Model | SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress | Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Dura-Beam Airbed | Insta-Bed Queen Air Mattress with Never Flat Pump | SoundAsleep Camping Series Air Mattress | Coleman Support Rest Double High Airbed | Twin Sized SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Capacity | 500 lbs | 600 lbs | 500 lbs | 500 lbs | 600 lbs | 600 lbs |
| Dimensions | 78″ x 58″ x 19″ | 60 x 22 x 80″ | 80″x60″x18″ | 78” x 60” x 9” | 78 x 60 x 18″ | 73″ x 38″ x 18″ |
| Pump Style | Internal Pump | Internal Pump | Internal Pump | External Pump (included) | External Pump (included) | Internal Pump |
| Warranty | 1-year warranty | No Warranty | 1-year warranty | 1-year warranty | 1-year warranty | 1-year warranty |
| Our Rating | 4.5 / 5 | 4 / 5 | 4 / 5 | 4 / 5 | 4 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
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Height (raised or lowered)
Air mattresses typically come in two different types of heights; raised or lowered.
The low type is as close to the ground as you can get, which can be a benefit for some since you can literally roll off the mattress onto the ground.
The raised height is just like your mattress back at home. The benefit is that you can get in and out of bed easier than with the lowered type.
But both types of mattresses do come with some drawbacks.
The low type literally means you’re inches away from the ground.
Depending on where or when you go camping, this means that the air within the mattress may become cold, and unless you have a proper insulator (like a foam mattress topper), you’re going to be miserable trying to keep yourself warm.
This may also make you more prone to insects that tend to hang out on the ground.
For the taller mattresses, they tend to take up more room in a tent.
Because of their fragile nature, you don’t want your mattress to be rubbing up against the walls of the tent or you could risk putting holes-even tiny ones- in the mattress.
Pump type
The second most important thing you’ll want to consider is the pump type.
Unless you have a source of electricity on hand, whether it be a battery operated pump or your own car; an electric pump could become a problem.
If you can’t take your car where you’ll be camping or there are no electricity hookups, your best option is a battery operated pump or a manual hand pump.
Even still, consider bringing a manual pump with you just in case.
Warranties
Warranties and air mattresses go hand in hand with each other.
You cannot have one or the other.
Due to their fragile construction, this makes them prone to tiny little prick holes or even leaks along the seams.
Now, if you’ve only spent a few dollars on a mattress, the warranty may not matter to you since you can just go out and buy another mattress.
However, if you’ve just spent a tiny fortune on an air mattress, you’ll want to keep a close eye on that warranty and pay attention to what it entails.
Some things are covered while others are not.
Typically though, most air mattress manufacturers offer a 1-year warranty.
Camping Air Mattress Reviews
1.SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress
Key Features
- Max Capacity: 500 lbs
- Dimensions: 78″ x 58″ x 19″
- Pump Style: Internal Pump
- Warranty Type: 1 year warranty
This particular brand is well known for its ability to produce quality products with excellent customer support.
The Dream Series mattress is certainly no exception.
This particular mattress offers their patented ComfortCoil, which not only acts as a wonderful barrier between you and the ground but also offers a bed that will stay inflated and firm throughout the night.
The double height should put you at or just below what you would normally sleep back at home.
Durability is always an important factor for an air mattress.
The SoundAsleep Dream Series is resistant to moisture issues while the thick flocked top provides a comfortable sleeping surface.
The material is multi layered and resistant to most punctures.
However, this isn’t an excuse to be careless with a pocket knife in your pant pocket-for instance.
The included pump is capable of inflating the mattress in about four minutes flat, which is great considering no one wants to stand around and wait for a mattress to inflate itself.
When your camping trip is over, simply deflate your air mattress and put it away in its very own carry bag.
The only drawback about this particular mattress seems to be due to the pump noise- it can be a little loud than what most accustomed to, but no worse than running a vacuum in your home.
Also, most sheet sets will not fit this mattress since there’s really no lip for the fitted sheet to grab onto, so sheets are kind of pointless.
- The ComfortCoil technology offers great support and comfort throughout the night.
- The material is immune to most punctures and is a durable/waterproof type material.
- The flocked design up top will help keep your bedding in place, but the lack of a lip on this mattress makes it nearly impossible for sheets to get a grip.
- The pump noise can be a little deafening, but you're only running it for a few minutes so it should be bearable.
- The PVC material has a tendency to stretch after continuous use.
- Again, the lack of lip means you may have to go without sheets.
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2.Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Dura-Beam Airbed
Key Features
- Max Capacity: 600 lbs
- Dimensions: 60 x 22 x 80″
- Pump Style: Internal Pump
- Warranty Type: No Warranty
The Intex Comfort Plus mattress has quite the following in the camping world.
A combination of an affordable price tag along with a variety of quality features makes it popular for enthusiast campers.
Intex has designed the Comfort Plush technology to provide equal support throughout the mattress, that way your body will feel supported on a stable and comfortable surface.
You won't feel like half of your body is sinking, while the rest of your is lying on a slab of rock.
Now because some people are picky to the firmness of their beds, the Intex allows you to choose how firm you want the mattress to be.
The built in pump makes inflating and deflating a piece of cake.
In just 5 minutes or less, you're ready to go.
The height of this bed ranges at the knee for some people, so it makes it a great bed if you're accustomed to a higher height just like back at home.
This mattress also comes with a flocked top.
The material is soft and adds to the comfortable experience away from home.
This mattress does seem to have a lip so you can bring your favorite sheet set with you, or you can use a specific sheet set for camping- it's all up to you.
As far as portability goes, you can move this bed with ease- although you should try and refrain from doing so as this makes it more likely that you'll put a hole in the mattress.
The strong polyester fibers of this mattress make it durable and prevent the mattress from sagging after a few days use, which means less time airing up the mattress and more time having fun.
Overall, this is a great in-between mattress if you desire the same comfort from home as well as an affordable price tag.
- The Dura-Beam patented technology ensures this mattress will last longer than most.
- The Comfort Plush patented technology also makes this mattress a winner with its comfort features.
- The price is affordable for what you get.
- There is a lip on the sides of the mattress so you can use a sheet set with your mattress.
- The material (polyester fibers) resist warping or stretching from extended use.
- The customer support from Intex could use some work- some customers were unable to receive any support when it was needed.
- The built in pump requires an electric outlet to plug into
- The trade off for comfort features- slow inflate and deflate times when done manually.
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3.Insta-Bed Queen Air Mattress with Never Flat Pump
Key Features
- Max Capacity: 500 lbs
- Dimensions: 80″x60″x18″
- Pump Style: Internal Pump
- Warranty Type: 1-year warranty
Another candidate for your camping to-pack list.
The Insta Raised Air Bed with Never Flat technology should be somewhere at the top of your list if it isn't already.
A mattress that loses air throughout the night is a common complaint-especially when it leaves you feeling achy and lethargic.
Luckily, the advanced pump system not only provides the perfect level of comfort, it also makes it incredibly easy for anyone to setup in a matter of minutes.
The raised height makes it especially easy to roll out of bed easily without little effort.
When you're finished camping, you can deflate the mattress in about three minutes and store it away in its very own storage bag.
Another cool feature is the ability walk away from the air mattress as it inflates itself- the automatic shut off will make sure that your mattress will inflate all the way without going so far as to pop.
So long as you have electricity, you don't have to worry about whether or not you can inflate this mattress.
When it comes to comfort, your mattress shouldn't be the last thought on your mind. If you're worried about having to wake up frequently throughout the night to reinflate the mattress, worry no more.
So long as you have electric hookups, you can utilize the Never Flat feature which will automatically supply your air mattress with regular air flow to put a stop to sagginess.
How does it work?
Sensors located inside the mattress will automatically detect when more air is needed to ensure the mattress stays firm and comfortable.
What about noise?
Not to worry, the noise is so quiet, you'll hardly notice it working as you sleep.
The flocked top not only helps keep the bedding from slipping and sliding around but it also helps secure you in the bed without worrying about rolling off the bed.
Overall, this mattress is one of the best air mattress for camping to take with you when you go camping.
- The large surface area will comfortably sleep two adults.
- The automatic secondary pump (Never Flat) helps ensure that you'll never wake up on the ground.
- Even as it works, it's so quiet, you'll never notice it.
- The soft flocked top provides comfort to stressed joints as well as provides support.
- The customer service is top notch, especially with a complete replacement warranty.
- Unless you intend to be carrying your own pump, or have access to your car, you will need an electricity source in order to use this air mattress to its full potential.
- The included patches are practically useless when it comes to making repairs- even small ones.
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4.SoundAsleep Camping Series Air Mattress
Key Features
- Max Capacity: 500 lbs
- Dimensions: 78” x 60” x 9”
- Pump Style: External Pump (included)
- Warranty Type: 1-year warranty
Enjoying a good night's sleep shouldn't be a struggle.
After a long day of having fun, the last thing you want to do is fall asleep on the cold hard ground.
Some mattresses make you feel like you're doing exactly that.
Not this one.
The SoundAsleep Camping Series mattress is the perfect alternative to throwing your regular mattress into the car for camping.
Because the elements are out of our control when we go camping, you'll want a durable product that can provide you comfort as well as stand up to the abuse that camping brings with it.
Everything from sharp objects that can potentially puncture the mattress, to the unpredictable weather elements.
If you get this right, you'll be waking up without any aches and pains, and you won't have to worry about having to climb out of the sunken deathtrap that once was your air mattress.
The SoundAsleep Camping Series Air mattress differs from the rest of the air mattresses in this lineup with its extra thick and puncture resistant material.
As far as comfort goes, it's practically guaranteed with this mattress.
The Flocked top is not only waterproof, it also helps keep your bedding where it belongs- on your bed.
Included with this air mattress is an external rechargeable electric pump.
However, this means you'll need to either have it charged before hand or a connection to electricity.
Need to top off the air in your mattress without any electric connections? Don't worry, you can use the pump approximately 6 more times before you have to recharge it again for use.
- This mattress combines durability and comfort in a lightweight package.
- Included with the mattress is a rechargeable electric pump- which definitely sets it apart from the rest of the competitors in this lineup.
- This mattress may not stay inflated completely throughout the night. This varies depending on circumstances such as where it's being used. Definitely take note and be sure to bring the rechargeable air pump with you in case you need to top off the air.
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5.Coleman Support Rest Double High Airbed
Key Features
- Max Capacity: 600 lbs
- Dimensions: 78 x 60 x 18″
- Pump Style: External Pump (not included)
- Warranty Type: 1-year warranty
Coleman has established itself as a maker of quality camping products.
The Coleman SupportRest air mattress is certainly no exception.
The versatility of this mattress makes it possible to use it inside and out- whether you're in a tent or in a RV.
The support is firm enough to make you feel secure and comfortable, without being too uncomfortable.
The only disadvantage for this mattress seems to be the lack of an air pump, either an external or internal.
You're on your own with that.
So when you order this mattress, make sure you either have a pump on hand or order one that is compatible with this air mattress.
The soft top of this mattress has a velvet like texture.
While the plush top is certainly a welcome addition, don't rely on this feature alone to keep you warm at night. Instead, consider taking a set of sheets to use with this mattress- they'll fit and stay on!
The ComfortStrong Coil Construction not only helps keep the air from escaping the mattress, it also ensures that you and whoever sleeps on it will be comfortable throughout the night.
When your camping trip is over, you can deflate the mattress easily and store it with no problems. This is the thing which makes it best camping air mattress.
Depending on the pump you choose, you can pick up a manual pump and be able to take this mattress anywhere without worrying relying on technology.
- The air mattress is practically weightless whether inflated or deflated It comes with its own roll up storage system so you don't have to worry about losing the carrying case.
- The strong PVC material is resistant to most damage.
- The top has a velvet type material that covers the entire top of the mattress. It does seem to help with keeping the bedding in place.
- The affordable price tag.
- Purchasing a pump separately is all on you since this mattress doesn't come with one of its own.
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6.Twin Sized SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress
Key Features
- Max Capacity: 600 lbs
- Dimensions: 73″ x 38″ x 18″
- Pump Style: Internal Pump
- Warranty Type: 1-year warranty
Ideal for a one person mattress, the SoundAsleep twin mattress is perfect for when you need an air mattress that will comfortably sleep one person, or need a sleep arrangement for older kids.
If you think the smaller size means that the features are lacking, or it means you have to put up with an uncomfortable bed, you're wrong.
Being one of the most comfortable air mattresses available on the market, the mattress is supported by 40 coils that not only help maintain the shape of this mattress but also minimize the chance of air leaks.
The top of the mattress is covered with a soft velvet material that helps act as a barrier between you and cold vinyl, but you should still consider adding an extra barrier by utilizing a sheet system.
Airing up the mattress is simple, as this mattress does come with its very own pump.
The bottom of the mattress utilizes patented Sure Grip bottom to help eliminate the mattress from sliding all over the place- a common reason that results in punctures or damage to the mattress itself.
The effectiveness of the feature varies depending on the surface the mattress is resting on.
While this mattress needs to be aired up every now and then to maintain the firmness, this mattress seems to resist the damage that frequently occurs from airing up frequently.
- Comes with its own internal one-click pump for easy inflation and deflation
- 40 internal coils help ensure stability and comfort while sleeping on this air mattress
- The customer service is fantastic
- The SureGrip material on the bottom helps keep the air mattress stationary.
- The flocked top will ensure your bedding stays in place while resisting moisture build up.
- Some air mattresses suffer from stretching due to weak PVC materials
- The pump noise is a little loud for some- so maybe consider this air mattress if you don't mind noises.
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