Buying guide for best air mattress for camping
![Megan Prevost]()
Written by Megan Prevost
Updated January 2025
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When you’re searching for a camping air mattress, the best choice for you hinges on your answers to several questions. Do you want an air mattress that folds up easily? One that can withstand extreme cold temperatures? Something comfortable to stretch out on after a long day of hiking?
The BestReviews Testing Lab rigorously tested several air mattresses to find the top choices. Our testers slept on each mattress for three to four nights, assessing comfort, ease of use, inflation and deflation time, storage size, insulation and more.
Looking at these factors and keeping in mind the needs of the average camper, we chose nine of the best air mattresses for camping. Our favorite was the Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort-Plus. It’s easy to set up and pack away, and it retains air better than other options we tested. Overall, it’s the best pick for the casual camper who wants a comfortable night’s sleep in the wilderness.
Ranking the best air mattresses for outdoor nights
Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort-Plush Luxury Queen Air Mattress
Best Air Mattress for Camping
Product specifications
Weight Capacity: 600 lb | Dimensions and Size: 80" L x 60" W x 18" H | Firmness and Support: Dura-Beam | Pump Type: Built-in pump | R-value: N/A
Of all the mattresses we tested, the Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort-Plush Luxury Queen Air Mattress was our hands-down favorite. Thanks to its Dura-Beam horizontal supports and fiber-technology construction, this mattress is firm and supportive. We didn’t experience much air leakage overnight, making it a great option for camping because you won’t have to worry about dragging it back over to a pump in the middle of the night.
During our tests, the mattress inflated in three minutes and 33 seconds and deflated in nine minutes and two seconds. Deflation took much longer; the pump struggled to get the air out quickly. However, the super-quick inflation time made up for the less-optimal deflation time.
This double-height Intex mattress is 18 inches tall, but notably, 13-inch and 22-inch options also exist. Our tests found it to be extremely durable. You shouldn’t have any issues with punctures or breaks, even when using it on the ground. Keep in mind, however, that no R-value is listed for this product. (See our section on R-value for more information.) So, the value likely falls between 1 and 3, making it an option for three-season camping.
Intex Dura-Beam Standard Pillow Rest Classic Air Mattress Series
Best Budget Air Mattress for Camping
Product specifications
Weight Capacity: 600 lb | Dimensions and Size: 80" L x 60" W x 10" H | Firmness and Support: Dura-Beam | Pump Type: Built-in | R-value: N/A
If you’re looking for a basic, affordable air mattress for camping, the Intex Dura-Beam Standard Pillow Rest Classic Air Mattress is the one. A single-layer mattress that’s 10 inches thick, it features a velvet-flocked top that makes it ultra-comfortable and Dura-Beam construction that prevents sagging.
When we tested it, we felt the vertical Dura-Beams really did help with support. Even though it’s low to the ground, this single-layer air mattress was very comfortable. With an onboard pump, you simply have to plug it in and wait about two minutes for it to inflate. The mattress also deflates quickly, in two minutes and 45 seconds.
Because it’s just 10 inches thick, however, it may not be the best option for cold-weather camping. Compared to thicker mattresses like the Dura-Beam Deluxe, it’s not as good at insulating against the cold. But it’s easy to roll up and store, and it doesn’t take up nearly as much space as thicker air mattresses.
If you want a great option for summer and spring camping, this is perfect. It’s small enough to store and pack almost anywhere. Furthermore, our tests showed that it doesn't lose much air overnight. Overall, we found it to be a far more comfortable option than other single-height mattresses.
SoundAsleep Dream Series Luxury Air Mattress
Best Air Mattress for Camping If You Have Access to an Outlet
Product specifications
Weight Capacity: 500 lb | Dimensions and Size: 80" L x 60" W x 19" H | Firmness and Support: ComfortCoil Technology | Pump Type: 1-Click Internal Pump | R-value: NA
This air mattress from the SoundAsleep Dream Series is one to consider if you seek a luxurious addition to your camping experience. Like other mattresses with internal pumps, you need a nearby outlet to plug in and inflate it to its 19-inch thickness. In under four minutes, it’s ready to be used, and you can unplug it and move it away from the outlet afterward.
The mattress has a weight limit of 500 pounds and is completely waterproof. The thick PVC material is flocked on the top, but it’s still rather lightweight. And talk about support: This mattress has 40 internal air-filled coils to keep you lifted off the ground — no sagging here! What’s more, the nonslip bottom keeps you in place so you don’t slide around in your tent.
With an included carrying bag, this mattress is easy to stash in the car for a nice getaway. It doesn’t have an advertised R-value, so you can assume it’s on the lower side, making it good for summer and spring camping.
OlarHike Inflatable Air Mattress
Product specifications
Weight Capacity: 600 lbs. | Dimensions and Size: 80" L x 60" W x 18" H | Firmness and Support: Air Support System | Pump Type: One-Touch Control Built-in Pump | R-value: NA
Not a fan of low-to-the-ground air mattresses? Then the OlarHike air mattress could be your best choice. This 18-inch-thick mattress comes in twin, queen and king sizes and, with the help of a one-touch control internal pump, inflates in about four minutes. The interior air support system prevents you from sinking to the ground, and the substantial top and bottom side-supports keep rolling to a minimum.
When we tested it, we loved how comfortable this mattress was. It was also easy to use. After the quick inflation, we could enjoy a good night’s sleep, and the mattress was still firm to the touch in the morning.
This mattress comes with a carrying bag, making it easy to fold, roll and store. It’s a good option for people who want an air mattress for the indoors as well as the great outdoors. However, it’s likely not suitable for cold-weather camping.
Nemo Roamer
Most Compact Air Mattress
Product specifications
Weight Capacity: NA | Dimensions and Size: 78” L x 30” W x 4” H | Firmness and Support: Open-Cell Foam | Pump Type: Self-Inflating | R-value: NA
The Nemo Roamer was truly designed with campers in mind. It isn’t just for regular tent campers, either; it’s also a good choice for people who want to brave the wilderness and sleep in cold climates. While it’s much thinner than other options on our list at just 4 inches thick, it has a high R rating of 6, so you can use it in all seasons — even extreme cold.
With the Nemo Roamer, you can easily inflate anywhere — just unpack it and watch it self-inflate (its firmness can be adjusted with Nemo’s Laylow micro-adjustable valve). And you can sleep well anywhere thanks to the foam layer that cushions you against uncomfortable rocks and roots. The internal structure was created with both comfort and storage convenience in mind: It’s easy to roll up and store in its carry bag when not in use (it packs down to just 16 by 10 inches).
Backed by Nemo’s lifetime warranty, the Nemo Roamer is a fantastic option for serious campers who want a mattress that’ll brave the wilderness alongside them.
Exped MegaMat Duo 10
Best Air Mattress for Couples
Product specifications
Weight Capacity: NA | Dimensions and Size: 77.6" L x 52" W x 4" H | Firmness and Support: Open-Cell Foam | Pump Type: Self-Inflating | R-value: 8.1
The Exped MegaMat Duo 10 is great for couples. It’s extra wide with 52 inches of space for two people to spread out. And while it’s only 4 inches thick, it boasts a high R rating of 8.1 and maximum comfort levels.
The MegaMat inflates on its own. The foam inside expands once the valve is opened, pulling air into the mat. A mini-pump, included with the purchase, can be used to top off the mat if needed. Also included are a handy storage bag and patch kit.
This air mattress is made with soft, stretchy tricot polyester fabric that cradles and supports your hips, shoulders and other joints. Vertical sidewalls help create the largest possible sleeping surface; there are no tapering, rounded edges like other mattresses. Couples who don’t want to accidentally jostle each other in bed will find this style of mattress appealing for camping.
Therm-a-Rest MondoKing
Best Air Mattress for Tall People
Product specifications
Weight Capacity: 1,440 lb | Dimensions and Size: 80" L x 30" W x 4" H | Firmness and Support: StrataCore Construction | Pump Type: Self-inflating TwinLock Valves | R-value: 7
If you’re a tall person who loves camping in all seasons, the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing air mattress is an option to consider. With 80 inches of length and a generous weight limit of 1,440 pounds, it’s a mighty fine camping mattress. With its 7 R-value, it insulates against extreme cold, keeping you comfortable in all seasons.
To keep you cozy, the StrataCore foam structure has a continuous layer of thermal foam between alternating ridges of air and foam. TwinLock valves promote super-easy self-inflation, making it a breeze to set up. Just roll it out and open the inflation valve, and it’ll get to work.
This mattress comes with a bag for storage and is a great option for serious campers who want to add comfort, convenience and insulation to their sleeping gear.
Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed
Best Air Mattress for Camping with Kids
Product specifications: Weight Capacity: 310 lb | Dimensions and Size: 62" L x 39" W x 12" H | Firmness and Support: Vertical Beam Supports | Pump Type: External Electric Turbo Pump | R-value: NA
If you want a comfortable air mattress for a toddler, look no further. The Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler air mattress is a great take-along for trips to the campground. Vertical beams provide support, and an ultra-plush top makes it very comfortable. Not only that, but it also features detachable inflatable bumpers to keep your kiddo safe and secure overnight.
This air mattress comes with an external turbo air pump that requires an outlet to run. It inflates quickly, and once inflated, your toddler can expect a comfortable night’s sleep on this extra-long mattress.
The Hiccapop mattress comes with a large travel bag so you can easily fold and store the mattress and bumpers when not in use. The mattress fits all standard crib sheets and blankets, so you can use what you already have to make camping comfortable for your toddler.
Yuzonc Camping Sleeping Pad
Best Air Mattress for Backpackers on a Budget
Product specifications
Weight Capacity: 400 lb | Dimensions and Size: 79” L x 27.5” W x 4” H | Firmness and Support: Dispersed Pressure | Pump Type: Self-Inflating and Included Foot Pump | R-value: NA
The Yuzonc Camping Sleeping Pad may not look like your average air mattress, but it’s a great option if you want a comfortable, easy-to-use camping mat for a backpacking trip. This air mattress inflates and deflates in just about a minute with the foot pump, and it rolls up to the size of a water bottle. You can store it just about anywhere without sacrificing much space.
After inflation, this camping pad can be used on any surface: It’s designed to shield the sleeper from the discomfort of rocks and uneven ground. Egg-shaped air cells and a built-in pillow relieve any pressure on the head and neck while sleeping. Indeed, this mattress was designed with comfort in mind.
It only weighs 1.5 pounds, so you can easily bring it along on a backpacking trip. And, unlike other air mattresses, you won’t have to worry about it leaking during the night, as the air valve is equipped with “no-leaking film” that prevents the pad from slowly deflating while you sleep. Unfortunately, this camping pad doesn’t offer much insulation, so while it is a great budget option, it’s probably best used in warmer seasons like spring and summer.
What to consider before you buy an air mattress for camping
R-value
R-value (or R rating) is a term often used in construction. It’s a scale on which insulation is rated based on its reduction of heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the product insulates, or reduces heat loss. In the case of air mattresses, this is incredibly important, especially when camping in the cold months.
The Nemo Roamer mattress has a generous R rating of 6. This means it can be used in extreme cold. Most air mattresses have an R rating of 1 to 4. A mattress with a rating of 1 is usable in the summer. A mattress with a rating of 4 is usable in all seasons.
Internal support
It’s possible to get a comfortable night’s sleep while camping, even if you’re sleeping over rocks and roots. But the quality of your rest depends, in large part, on your mattress.
Some air mattresses are best for tent use, while others hold up well on more rugged ground. Your comfort while sleeping depends on the support structure of the mattress. This can range from coils to beams. Some mattresses with tighter coils may provide more support than mattresses with beams. Thinner mattresses may provide less support than thicker mattresses in some, but not all, cases.
The Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort-Plush is comfortable and thick. As such, it’s more likely to provide a better night’s sleep on uneven or rocky ground than a thinner air mattress. That said, the Nemo Roamer is a fairly thin mattress (only 4 inches), but it’s equipped with an ultra-soft foam layer that helps to negate the feeling of rocks or roots beneath it.
Storage bag
If you’re a camper, you likely understand the importance of strategic packing: not too much and not too little. You also likely understand that space is a hot commodity when loading a car. You want a comfortable mattress to sleep on, but you don’t want to sacrifice too much precious car space.
That’s why, when purchasing your air mattress, it’s important to know the dimensions of the product and whether a storage bag is included. Mattresses like the SoundAsleep Dream mattress and the Nemo Roamer can be easily zipped into their storage bags and tucked into your vehicle. Mattresses like the Intex Dura-Beam Standard Pillow rest mattress don’t have a storage bag and may be more complicated to pack and store.
Puncture resistance
Whether you’re camping in a tent or on the ground, puncture resistance is vitally important. If the mattress is thin or made of material that isn’t puncture-resistant, there’s a chance it won’t last more than a few nights against the elements. When choosing an air mattress, select one with thick, premium material that resists punctures.
Size and capacity
It would be quite annoying to realize at the last second that your air mattress won’t fit in the car with the rest of your gear or that you can’t cram it into your tent. Therefore, pick a mattress that matches your needs not only in terms of length and width but also thickness and weight capacity.
Pump
An air mattress may come with an internal, built-in pump; a separate electric pump; or a manual pump. Depending on the area you’ll be camping, you may or may not have access to an electrical outlet. If you don’t have an outlet in your vehicle or near your campsite, you’ll want to stay away from mattresses that need to remain plugged in overnight.
And of course, if you don’t plan on being near electricity, you’ll want a mattress that can be manually inflated or includes a pump with battery-capability.
Tent and car type
When choosing your air mattress, consider the type of car and tent you’ll be using. Will there be enough space for that double-height, extra-wide luxury mattress in your tent? Or will you need something slimmer that fits in the backseat of your car? Take note of the details and size information before making a decision.
How we analyzed
We tested nine air mattress models to decide which were the best for a variety of situations. Our testers slept on each air mattress for several nights and recorded extensive notes regarding comfort, support, air leakage, inflation and deflation time, ease of storage and more.
Air mattress for camping FAQ
Q. Are air mattresses good for camping?
A. Air mattresses can be great for all types of camping, whether you’re sleeping in the back of a vehicle, in a tent or on the ground under the stars. But not all air mattresses are the same, so you’ll want to choose one with the features that best meets your needs. As mentioned above, if you’re camping somewhere without access to an electrical outlet, you’ll want to be sure that the air mattress you’re buying has the option to be manually inflated.
Q. What do you put under an air mattress when camping?
A. To increase the degree of insulation between the ground and your bed, place a thick layer (like a mattress topper or thick blanket) between the ground and the mattress. This will help decrease the amount of cold air that travels through the mattress, keeping you warmer throughout the night.
Q. How do I know which R-value I need?
A. Air mattress R ratings go from 1 to 9. The value you need depends, in large part, on where and when you’ll be camping. For a simple reference, a lower R-value of 1 to 2 can be used for summer camping. An R rating of 2 to 4 is suitable for three seasons. A mattress with an R-value of 6 or more can be used in winter and extremely cold environments.
