Enjoying the great outdoors is what camping is all about. But, sleeping on cold, lumpy ground will make the enjoyment short lived. Being uncomfortable hampers sleep and can only make you irritable and tired.

Even though you are outdoors, it is no different to sleeping indoors when it comes to a good nights sleep. A good quality bed will make all the difference and ensure a restful sleep. You will wake up ready to start the day and feeling refreshed. Tackling all the fun activities like hiking, canoeing or just relaxing will be enjoyable and achievable.

The traditional method of sleeping outdoors is to use a sleeping bag. But even the best sleeping bag can’t counteract uncomfortable, hard ground. So, it’s best to use a camping bed and sleeping bag together. That way you will be cushioned from the ground, be more comfortable and warm.

There are plenty of places to shop for camping beds including outdoor sporting goods stores. There are also some good options online.

There are a few different types of camping beds to consider and we’ll take a look at them below.

Inflatable Camping Beds

These are cushioned with air and need to be inflated before using. An air compressor or pump can be used to inflate the bed.

Inflatable beds are available in a wide variety of sizes and styles, so make sure to get one that will do the job properly. Some can take quite a long time to inflate and require you to manually work the pump. But, these are usually the cheapest option as well.

Self inflating beds are another option that are quick and convenient to set up. Usually they cost a little more but it can be worth it for saving time during camp setup.

Once inflated, inflatable beds provide a very comfortable sleeping area. The downside of some inflatable beds is that they are bulky and as a result quite heavy. Check the specifications before buying to make sure their size and weight won’t be an issue.

As with anything inflatable, there is always a chance of puncture. Most will come with a repair kit, so keep that handy along with extra repairs. To avoid puncture, always put the bed on flat ground with no sharp objects in the way. Check for rocks, sticks or any other potential puncture hazards.

Inflatable beds come in plenty of different sizes. From single, right up to king size you can get them to suit all members of the family. If there are a few small children camping, they may be able to sleep together on one larger mattress.

Cot Beds

Another style of bed is cots. These are a great way to stay right off the ground because they are raised. In particular, this makes them great for wet or cold weather. A sleeping bag added on top will give more cushioning and warmth.

Cots are portable and fold up easily to store in a small space. However, they aren’t always ideal to carry long distances as they can be awkard to pack. Typically cots have weight limitations and are for single use.

Sleeping Mats

The last option is sleeping mats. These are foam liners that lie on top of the ground underneath the sleeping bag for extra comfort. These mats have become standard gear for camping use. The foam liner acts to cushion any rocks or hard surfaces that may prevent a restful sleep.

Easy to roll up for convenient storage, foam sleeping mats come in a range of thicknesses. While thin mats will be lighter, they will also only provide minimal padding. Depending on your needs, investing in a high quality, thick mat may be the best option.

They are generally lightweight and easy to carry too. This makes them a great option when hiking and camping in remote areas.

It’s important to choose your camp bed with care. Take into consideration your personal needs and preferences and choose the one that will best suit you. Also, think about the environment you will be camping in and the weather conditions that may be encountered. This will all help you make the best decision.

Lastly, if you will need to carry the bed any distance from your parking area, consider the weight and portability of the camping bed.

Whichever bed you choose, using camping bed will give you a much better sleep and is a much better alternative to sleeping on the ground.