Finding the right air mattress can be the difference between a restful night under the stars and a long, uncomfortable ordeal. A good camping mattress provides not just a place to sleep, but proper support, insulation from the cold ground, and the durability to withstand the rigors of the outdoors. Whether you’re car camping with the family or backpacking into the wilderness, the ideal air bed is out there.
This roundup reviews nine of the top-rated air mattresses for camping, from luxurious high-rise options with built-in pumps to lightweight, packable sleeping pads. We have considered factors like comfort technology, material strength, ease of inflation, and overall value to help you find the perfect match for your next outdoor adventure.
Our Top Picks for Camping Air Mattresses
- Intex 64417ED Dura-Beam Comfort Plush Air Mattress
- iDOO Queen Air Mattress with Built in Pump
- King Koil Luxury Air Mattress Queen with Built in Pump
- OhGeni Queen Air Mattress with Built in Pump
- Intex 18″ Inflatable King Air Mattress
- SoundAsleep Dream Series Luxury Air Mattress
- Hikenture Double Sleeping Pad for Camping
- Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad
- Etekcity Upgraded Camping Air Mattress
Intex 64417ED Dura-Beam Comfort Plush Air Mattress
Standing at an impressive 22 inches high, the Intex Dura-Beam Comfort Plush offers a bed-like experience in the great outdoors. Its unique dual-layer air pocket system is designed to contour to your body for superior comfort, while the velvety top is soft to the touch and resists punctures. The built-in pump makes setup and takedown a quick and simple process.
This mattress is built with durability in mind. The unique edge construction prevents sagging when you sit or sleep near the sides, and the Fiber-Tech Construction, with thousands of high-strength polyester fibers, provides amazing strength and support. It can support up to 600 pounds, making it a reliable option for most campers.
iDOO Queen Air Mattress with Built in Pump
The iDOO Queen Air Mattress features an innovative four-chamber structure that provides exceptional support and stability across the entire sleeping surface. This design, combined with 40 internal air coils, helps distribute weight evenly and prevents the feeling of sinking, offering a comfortable night’s rest with a 650-pound weight capacity.
Built with a new, tougher PVC material formula, this inflatable mattress is designed for enhanced wear resistance and longevity. The built-in electric pump is streamlined for efficiency, reducing both inflation time and potential leak points. For added peace of mind, it includes a non-slip bottom strip and a repair kit for any accidental punctures.
King Koil Luxury Air Mattress Queen with Built in Pump
Engineered in partnership with a leading mattress company, the King Koil Luxury Air Mattress is designed to feel like a real bed. Its advanced coil-beam support system minimizes motion transfer and provides full-body comfort, while the plush, flocked top gently contours to your body for deep, restorative sleep.
This airbed goes a step further with ergonomic spinal support, engineered to ease pressure points and promote healthy alignment. A built-in raised pillow zone cradles your head and neck for added comfort. The construction uses PVC that is 1.5 times thicker than standard air beds, offering superior protection against leaks and punctures.
OhGeni Queen Air Mattress with Built in Pump
The OhGeni air mattress is built for speed and comfort, featuring a powerful 110V pump that can fully inflate or deflate the bed in approximately three minutes. Its smart Air Coil System adapts to your body’s contours, distributing weight evenly to prevent sinking and reduce pressure on your back for a firm, supportive sleep surface.
Durability is a key focus, with OhGeni using an upgraded, 10% thicker PVC material for enhanced strength and long-term reliability. The bottom of the mattress includes a quiet, non-slip base to keep it firmly in place throughout the night. This product is backed by a 2-year manufacturer support for added buyer confidence.
Intex 18″ Inflatable King Air Mattress
For those who need extra space, the Intex 18″ King Air Mattress provides a generous sleeping area without sacrificing comfort. The Dura-Beam technology allows you to adjust the firmness to your preference, ensuring a personalized and cozy sleep. The elevated 18-inch height makes getting in and out of bed easy.
Inflation is hassle-free with the built-in 120V pump, which can have the bed ready in just 4 to 5 minutes. The soft, flocked surface is comfortable against the skin, and the indented sides are designed to keep your fitted sheets securely in place all night long, preventing them from slipping off.
SoundAsleep Dream Series Luxury Air Mattress
The SoundAsleep Dream Series has earned its reputation as a top-tier air mattress, being Wirecutter’s #1 rated pick for nine consecutive years. Its standout feature is the ComfortCoil technology, which incorporates 40 internal air coils for structured support and durability, creating a stable sleeping surface that minimizes air shifting.
With over one million products sold and more than 50,000 reviews, this mattress is a proven choice for reliability. The built-in high-capacity pump inflates the mattress quickly and allows for easy firmness adjustment. The double-height design and waterproof flocked top provide a comfortable, bed-like experience.
Hikenture Double Sleeping Pad for Camping
Perfect for couples or families, the Hikenture Double Sleeping Pad offers a spacious 2-person sleeping surface that is both ultra-thick and remarkably lightweight. It inflates to a comfortable 4-inch thickness, providing ample cushioning from the ground while being easy to pack and carry on backpacking trips.
This pad is designed for convenience in the outdoors. It features a built-in foot pump, eliminating the need for a separate pump or lung power. The two-valve system allows for quick inflation and even faster deflation. Made with durable polyester pongee and TPU lamination, it can support up to 600 pounds.
Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad
The Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D is the pinnacle of camping comfort and insulation. This self-inflating pad is an ultra-comfy 4.25 inches thick and features a stretch knit fabric layer that conforms to your body, offering a restful sleep even on rough terrain. It’s an excellent choice for car campers who prioritize comfort.
Its TwinLock valve system simplifies setup and pack-down, with one valve for inflation and another for rapid deflation. Most importantly, it boasts a 7.0 R-value, providing exceptional insulation in cold weather. The StrataCore construction uses a continuous layer of thermal foam nestled between ridges of air and foam for maximum warmth.
Etekcity Upgraded Camping Air Mattress
The Etekcity Upgraded Camping Air Mattress is designed with practicality for the outdoors. It features a built-in pump for easy setup and is constructed to be waterproof, protecting against moisture from the ground. This makes it a durable and reliable choice for tent camping in various conditions.
As an inflatable sleeping pad, it balances comfort with portability. The design focuses on providing a stable and insulated sleeping surface without the bulk of a traditional high-rise air bed. It’s a solid option for campers looking for a straightforward, effective, and easy-to-use sleeping solution.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Air Mattresses for Camping
Choosing the right air mattress for camping can feel like a big decision. I’ve spent many nights on different ones, from luxurious glamping setups to minimalist backpacking trips, and I’ve learned what truly matters. It’s not just about comfort; it’s about how the mattress fits your specific camping style. The wrong choice can lead to a cold, deflated, and miserable night, while the right one feels like a home away from home.
First, consider the type of camping you do most often. Are you a car camper who drives right up to the site, or a backpacker who carries everything on your back? For car camping, weight and packed size aren’t huge concerns. You can prioritize comfort and size, opting for a thicker, queen-sized mattress that feels like a real bed. For backpacking, every ounce counts. You’ll want an ultralight, compact mattress that packs down small, even if it means sacrificing some plushness. I always recommend looking at the R-value, which measures insulation. A higher R-value (typically 4 or above) is crucial for cold-weather camping, as it prevents the ground from sucking away your body heat.
Next, think about the material and durability. I look for mattresses made from thick, puncture-resistant TPU or PVC. The denier rating of the fabric is a good indicator of strength—a higher number is generally tougher. Seam construction is also critical; welded seams are far superior to glued ones and are much less likely to split open in the middle of the night. If you’re camping in rocky or rooty terrain, this is non-negotiable.
Finally, the inflation method is a practical detail you don’t want to overlook. A built-in pump is a fantastic convenience, especially for larger mattresses, but remember it requires batteries or a power source. For a lighter, more reliable option, a simple manual pump works everywhere. While you can inflate some with your breath, I avoid it because the moisture from your lungs can lead to mold and mildew inside the mattress. Taking the time to consider these factors will help you find one of the best air mattresses for camping that will provide restful sleep for many adventures to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most comfortable camping air mattress?
Comfort is subjective, but I find that mattresses with a minimum 3-inch thickness and some form of internal coil or baffle system offer the best support and feel most like a traditional bed. Self-inflating mats that combine air with open-cell foam are also incredibly comfortable as they cushion your body more evenly than air alone. For car campers, a large, thick airbed is usually the winner for pure comfort.
How do I prevent my air mattress from getting punctured?
Prevention is key. I always use a ground cloth or a dedicated mattress footprint underneath my sleeping area. Before I inflate it, I clear the ground of sharp sticks, stones, and pinecones. When packing it away, I’m careful to fold it neatly and avoid forcing it into its stuff sack. A quick patch kit is an essential part of my gear for handling any unexpected leaks in the field.
Are there any good eco-friendly air mattress options?
Yes, the market is improving. Look for brands that use Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) instead of PVC, as TPU is more recyclable and doesn’t contain phthalates. Some companies are also moving away of PVC in their products. Another eco-friendly choice is a high-quality self-inflating mat, as they tend to have a much longer lifespan than cheap air mattresses, reducing waste.
Can I use a regular home air mattress for camping?
You can, but I don’t recommend it. A regular home air mattress isn’t designed for the outdoors. It lacks the insulation (R-value) to keep you warm, the materials are often thinner and more prone to punctures, and it usually requires an external AC power source to inflate. Investing in a mattress built for the outdoors will provide a warmer, more durable, and more reliable sleep.
What’s the difference between an air mattress and a sleeping pad?
This is a common question. In camping terms, an air mattress is typically larger, thicker, and mimics a traditional bed, often requiring a pump. A sleeping pad is more compact, lighter, and designed primarily for insulation from the ground. For backpacking, a sleeping pad is the standard. For car camping, a full-sized air mattress is a popular choice for its familiar comfort. When looking for the best air mattresses for camping, you’ll find options that blur this line, but the core distinction lies in their size, weight, and primary use case.