While camping is a great way to spend time outdoors with family and friends, an uncomfortable sleeping mat can make the entire experience less pleasant. A sleeping bag keeps you warm, but it doesn’t offer any support or enough cushioning underneath your body. Finding the right mattress is no less important while camping than at home.
Add in problems like back pain, and your dream camping trip can become a nightmare. Luckily, we’ve got just the answer: elevate your experience with one of these best air mattresses for camping.
While air mattresses are convenient and there are tons to choose from, they’re not all going to be great for camping. You’ll need an air mattress that is not only lightweight but also durable, so it can stand up to the rigors of trip after trip. With those factors in mind, we reviewed all the options we could find to narrow down our list of the best camping air mattresses.
1. SoundAsleep Camping Series Air Mattress with Eco-Friendly PVC
First on our list is the SoundAsleep Camping Series Air Mattress with Eco-Friendly PVC. While the mattress is primarily constructed using PVC, which is a material often considered bad for an outdoor air mattress, the company has made a proprietary type of PVC that is completely eco-friendly and very durable. The mattress features SoundAsleep’s unique ComfortCoil technology, along with I-Beam Air Coils, to offer superior comfort and cushioning.
This air mattress comes with an external pump for inflating and deflating. The pump contains a rechargeable battery and does not need to be hooked up to a power source. This is an excellent feature, as many similar pumps need to be plugged in, and wall outlets are scarce in the woods!
The pump and the mattress were both designed to withstand heavy use in the outdoors, and in case you have any issues, the air mattress also comes with a one-year warranty.
Stats
- Firmness: Firm
- Material: Eco-Friendly PVC
- Lifespan and warranty: 1-year limited warranty
- Special features: Specifically made for use in the outdoors
- Special offers: Made from a proprietary material that is eco-friendly and thicker than many alternatives
2. Intex Classic Downy Airbed Set
If you’re looking for a budget air mattress that still offers a great night’s sleep in the woods, consider the Intex Classic Downy Airbed Set. This airbed costs less than $25, and features a soft, downy cover on top. It also comes with two pillows, so you can leave your regular pillows at home.
The airbed also comes with a hand pump so you can easily and quickly pump it up no matter where you are. You’ll never have to worry about finding a power outlet or even having to recharge the battery before your next trip.
Stats
- Price: $23.65
- Firmness: Firm
- Material: n/a
- Lifespan and warranty: n/a
- Special features: A comfortable downy cover, two pillows
- Special offers: n/a
3. Light Speed 2-Person PVC-Free Air Bed with Pump
The Light Speed 2-Person PVC-Free Air Bed with Pump is made from high-quality materials that stand up to outdoor use. Instead of PVC, which is a relatively common material in camping air mattresses, the Air Bed uses thermoplastic polyurethane, also known as TPU. In addition, it does not contain any type of phthalates. These choices mean it’s also better for the environment.
This air mattress comes with a useful carry bag, which it folds into for easy storage at home and to help save space in your car. It provides temperature stabilization, helping you sleep soundly even when the temperature fluctuates during the night. The Light Speed 2-Person PVC-Free Air Bed with Pump is made of durable materials that make it a great choice for camping in rougher terrain.
A battery-operated pump means you don’t need to worry about plugging it into a power source, and it’s easier than using a hand pump to inflate your mattress.
Stats
- Firmness: Adjustable
- Material: Thermoplastic polyurethane
- Lifespan and warranty: 1-year warranty
- Special features: PVC- and phthalate-free design
- Special offers: Available online and at some local retailers
4. Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D
The Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D air mattress is one of the more luxurious options you’ll find. While it’s expensive, it’s also hard to find a mattress that offers you a more comfortable sleep.
The upper part of the mattress is made from a 50D polyester knit, while the bottom part is made from a standard 50D polyester material. On the inside, the product contains a urethane foam layer to offer nearly the same level of comfort you expect from your mattress back home. The air mattress is made in the United States with top-quality materials to ensure it stands up to life in the woods.
The Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D air mattress comes with a limited lifetime warranty, giving you extra peace of mind as long as you own it. In addition, it has a three-month satisfaction guarantee, so if you don’t like it after sleeping on it for a few months, you can get a refund.
Stats
- Firmness: n/a
- Material: Polyester, urethane foam
- Lifespan and warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
- Special features: Plush surface with foam core, self-inflating
- Special offers: 3-month satisfaction guarantee
5. Coleman SupportRest Double High Airbed
The Coleman SupportRest Double High Airbed is one of the thicker options on the market. The bed is much higher than the other options on our list, which is a nice touch for people who don’t like to sleep too close to the ground. This is a great multipurpose air mattress: while it is ideal for camping, it can easily double as a spare bed in your house as well.
The top cover features a velvet-like plush texture that’s soft and comfortable. It also helps keep you from sliding around on the top. The Airbed is available in a queen size and easily fits any queen sheets.
The Wrap ‘N’ Roll storage system makes it easy to store this air mattress: simply deflate it, roll it up, and store it in the built-in storage system. The AirTight system also helps to ensure that no air can escape while you’re sleeping, so it maintains its firmness all night.
Stats
- Firmness: Adjustable
- Material: n/a
- Lifespan and warranty: 1-year limited warranty
- Special features: Support Lock system for better retention of air
- Special offers: n/a
6. Etekcity Camping Air EAM-EQ
The Etekcity Camping Air EAM-EQ mattress is another great option that you might want to consider. It’s a queen-sized air mattress, so two people can sleep comfortably and you can use sheets you already own.
While the manufacturer does not specifically state what materials are used in this particular air mattress, we did note that it is not PVC and that the materials are free of toxins. The 0.5mm-thick material is durable, so it stands up to campsite use.
The mattress pumps up fairly quickly and easy using the included air pump, which can be charged through a wall unit between camping trips.
Stats
- Firmness: n/a
- Material: n/a
- Lifespan and warranty: n/a
- Special features: non-toxic materials
- Special offers: 30-day satisfaction guarantee
7. Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress
The Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress is another option that comes with more height than most of the traditional options — it’s 18 inches tall. The product has a range of unique features, such as NeverFlat technology: two different pumps work together to ensure your mattress stays inflated at just the right level all through the night. This is a fantastic feature, especially if you’ve ever woken up in the middle of the night to find that your air mattress has deflated and you’re essentially sleeping on the ground.
The upper part of the air mattress contains 35 circular coils that help to provide stronger support and to level out your sleeping surface. It also comes with a carry bag for easy packing and storage.
Stats
- Firmness: Adjustable
- Material: PVC
- Lifespan and warranty: n/a
- Special features: NeverFlat technology
- Special offers: 30-day return policy
8. Active Era Premium Queen Size Air Mattress
If you are looking for an all-in-one solution, take a closer look at the Active Era Premium Queen Size Air Mattress. This air mattress is made from high-quality materials and it comes with built-in pillows, so you can save a little packing space. The pillows add a comfortable level of support for your shoulders and your head.
The Active Era Premium Queen Size Air attress is made from puncture-proof material, so you can take it with you into the wild without being concerned about leaks. The built-in electric pump also makes inflating the air mattress exceptionally easy.
Stats
- Firmness: Adjustable
- Material: n/a
- Lifespan and warranty: n/a
- Special features: Built-in pillows
- Special offers: 30-day return policy
9. ALPS Mountaineering Outback Mat
If you are annoyed by having to use an air pump with most air mattresses, the ALPS Mountaineering Outback Mat might be an ideal option for you. This self-inflating sleeping pad does not require any type of hand-operated or electronic pump to inflate. Simply activate the valve, and it will inflate on its own — and when you’re done using the mat, open up the valve and it deflates on its own, too.
The upper part of the ALPS Mountaineering Outback Mat is made from a 30D elastic fabric, and on the bottom, you will find a thicker, more durable 150D fabric.
Stats
- Firmness: n/a
- Material:150D elastic fabric, 150D fabric
- Lifespan and warranty: n/a
- Special features: No pump required
- Special offers: Free ground shipping to U.S. addresses
10. Berocia SUV Air Mattress
The last air mattress on our list is another great option if you’re sticking to a low budget. The Berocia SUV Air Mattress is primarily promoted for sleeping in your SUV, but this does not mean that the mattress is not great for camping — it works just as well in a tent. It product comes with three airbags on the inside for maximum stability and a better sleeping surface.
The Berocia SUV Air Mattress includes an air pump, which can be recharged through your car charger or back home. The mattress also folds up small, which makes it easier to carry around with you.
Stats
- Firmness: n/a
- Material: 6P environment-friendly material
- Lifespan and warranty: n/a
- Special features: Air trap, inflates in 90 seconds
- Special offers: n/a
