Best Kids Camping Cots, As Chosen By an Outdoorsy Mom

best camping cots for kids

Let’s be clear: your kids probably don’t need a cot for camping.  For years,  my kids just slept on a cheap $15 foam pad and never once complained about being uncomfortable (they fall asleep so quickly when outdoors all day long that comfort isn’t really an issue; adults are another story though!). 

But there are some situations where you might want to get your kids a camping cot.

 

Why You Might Want a Camping Cot for Your Kids

  • Kids Keep Rolling Off their Pad: Not only do they end up on the cold ground, but kick you in the face! Also read how to keep kids on their pads.
  • Hot Weather: Air circulates underneath a cot, so it’s more comfortable than a sweaty mattress or pad when camping in hot temperatures.
  • You are sleeping on a cot: It can feel crappy to have a comfy cot while your kids are on the ground. It’s also nice if everyone is on the same height level when sleeping.
  • Storage Space: Cots have storage space underneath them, which is particularly useful when glamping or long-term camping.
  • Can Use It At Home or When Traveling: If you need a bed for sleepovers, then it might make sense to get a cot instead of a pad.

 

Quick Picks

 

Comparison Table

CotLxWxHWeight LimitPacked SizeCot Weight
Baby Delight Cot50x26x11"75lbs6x9x32"12lbs
Regalo My Pals Cot48x24.5x9"75lbs8x9x24"6.5lbs
Redcamp Extra Long53x26x12.6220lbs28.4 x 12.6 x 12.614lbs
Ever Advanced54x27.5x12.6"110lbs12.6x12.6x28.4"14lbs
Joovy Foocot48x25x9.5"75lbs6x8x24.5"6.5lbs
Disc-O Kid-O Bunk Bed Cots65x32.5x9.5/28"200lbs9x16x34"23lbs

 

Choosing the Right Cot

What Length Cot?

A camping cot should be at least 6 inches longer than the user’s height.  This allows room for a small pillow (you don’t sleep with your head at the very top of the pillow, do you?).  The extra length also means your feet don’t rest on the bottom of the cot, which isn’t exactly comfortable.

Starting at age four, kids grow an average of 2 inches per year.  So, you might want to add another 6-8 inches to the cot length to get more use out of it.

Also read: Best Camping Beds for Toddlers

 

Consider Using an Adult Cot

Most kids camping cots are only 48″ long.  Factor in some extra room for the pillow and your kid will likely outgrow the cot by age 6.  For this reason, you may just want to get an adult-sized cot for your child. This way your child can still use the cot even as they grow.

The downside is that putting several full-size cots in your tent is going to take up a LOT of room.  It will also take up lots of space in your vehicle. So, if you are limited for space, then a kids-sized cot might be the only option. See these best adult camping cots.

You’ll need a giant tent if you want to fit 3+ full-sized cots inside!

 

Warning: Cot Legs Can Destroy Tent Floors

Cots, especially ones designed for sleepovers and not camping, can have small, pointy legs. These can destroy a tent floor! You’ll need to put coasters, pieces of Styrofoam or plywood underneath the legs.

 

Best Kids Camping Cots

1. Regalo Toddler Cot My Pals

Verdict: Best Overall

regalo toddler cot for camping my pals

The reason this cot gets the top pick is because it’s cheap and lightweight yet still sturdy enough to survive a lot of use. I love that the fitted sheet goes over the pillow, so the pillow actually stays in place.

Features

  • Open size: 48 (L) x 24.5 (W) x 9 (H)
  • Folded size: 24 x 9 x 8
  • Weight Limit: 75lbs
  • Cot Weight: 6.5lbs
  • Fitted sheet
  • Removable pillow
  • Buy Here 

 

2. Baby Delight Go with Me Bungalow Portable Cot

Verdict: Best for Really Little Kids

baby delight portable camping bed for toddlers

This camping cot has mesh side rails.  These are perfect if you worried about your little one falling off the cot.  However, the side rails can’t be removed, so two children won’t be able to sit on the cot together.  There is also a canopy which actually is removable, so the cot can be used for outdoor naps in sunny weather.  There’s a storage pocket but its where your child’s feet will be.  This isn’t a deal breaker but it would be better to have the pocket on the head side.

The cot 50″ long, 26″ wide,  and 11″ off the ground.  The height with the rails is 16″ and it’s 41.5″ tall with the canopy.

Features

  • Open size: 50 (L) x 26 (W) x 13 (H)
  • Folded size: 29x 9 x 7.5
  • Weight Limit: 220lbs
  • Cot Weight: 11.6lbs
  • Storage pocket
  • Buy Here

 

3. Redcamp Extra Long Kids Cot

Verdict: Sturdiest while still being affordable

redcamp cot

Most kids camping cots have six legs.  The Redcamp cot has four additional legs.  This makes the cot a lot sturdier.  It also adds extra support for the fabric so the cot doesn’t sag nearly as much.   Redcamp also uses Oxford fabric, which is a heck of a lot stronger than canvas.  At 600 denier, it’s thicker than the Oxford used on other cheap camping cots.

The only downside is that the frame and material make the cot heavier and bulkier than other options, but it’s a good choice for older kids or when the cot needs to withstand a lot of abuse.

Features

  • Open size: 53 (L) x 26 (W) x 12.6 (H)
  • Folded size: 28.4 x 12.6 x 12.6
  • Weight Limit: 110lbs
  • Cot Weight: 14lbs
  • Canopy 
  • Storage pocket
  • Buy Here

 

4. Ever Advanced Cot with Canopy

Verdict: Good canopy cot for slightly older kids

EVER ADVANCED Portable Deluxe Toddler Sleeping Cot with Canopy, Foldable Kids Camping Cot Travel Bed, with Carry Bag, for Indoor & Outdoor,140lbs, Grey

This cot is a good choice for older children for a few reasons.  Firstly, at 54″ long, it will fit older children.  The product description lists two weight limits: 110lbs and 140lbs.  It’s still  more than the 75lb weight limit of most cots!

It’s also different from other cots in that it is made with a padded fabric.  The fabric does make it more comfortable, but it makes the cot bulkier and heavier.  The padding also means that the cot will take longer to dry if it gets wet, so not ideal if you’ve got a bed wetter.  There is a removable canopy which has UV protection.

Features

  • Open size: 54 (L) x 27.5 (W) x 12.6 (H)
  • Folded size: 28.4 x 12.6 x 12.6
  • Weight Limit: 110lbs
  • Cot Weight: 14lbs
  • Canopy 
  • Storage pocket
  • Buy Here

 

5. Joovy Foocot

Verdict: Lightweight cot with a storage pocket

Joovy Foocot Travel Cot Featuring a Steel Frame and Tough Polyester Fabric, Storage Pocket, and Easily Folds into Included Travel Bag – Holds Kids Up to 48” Tall or 75 Lbs (Orange)

This cot is basically the same as the Regalo cot in terms of size, weight, and sturdiness.  The difference is that the Joovy Foocot doesn’t come with a fitted sheet or a pillow.  For this reason, the I recommend the Regalo.  However, the Joovy cot does have a storage pocket and may be cheaper or on sale.

Features

  • Open size: 48 (L) x 25 (W) x 9.5 (H)
  • Folded size: 24.5 x 8 x 6
  • Weight Limit: 75lbs
  • Cot Weight: 6.5lbs
  • Storage pocket
  • Available in several colors
  • Buy Here 

 

6. Disc-O Kid-O Bunk Bed Cots

Verdict: Awesome solutioin for two kids but expensive

disco o bunk bed cots for camping

Disc-O Beds makes camping cots that can be used separately or stacked together to make a bunk bed.  Putting the cots together is surprisingly easy and they are definitely sturdy.  The kids cots hold up to 200lbs each.  The sturdy construction does mean that the cots are heavy.  The entire setup is 23lbs, but it comes in two carrying cases so is manageable.

These are definitely not cheap.  If you go camping very often, then the investment may pay off — especially since the beds are 65″ long so your kids will get a lot of use out of them.  Note that there is a bottom and top rail on these bunks, so there’s no way someone can sleep on them with their legs hanging off.   It’s really best for kids under 5 feet tall.

The brand also makes adult-sized bunk bed cots.  There’s an option to get a kids-size trundle bed which fits underneath the adult bunks. Again, not a cheap setup, but a good solution for families who camp a lot.

Features

  • Open size: 65 (L) x 32.5 (W)
  • Height off ground: 9.5″ (bottom bunk); 28″ (top bunk)
  • Folded size: 34 x 16 x 9
  • Weight limit: 75lbs
  • Cot weight: 6.5lbs
  • Storage organizer
  • Available at AmazonREICampsaver

Read my full review of Disc-O Bed Bunk Cots here


Resources:

https://etc.usf.edu/clipart/42500/42517/body_prop_42517.htm,
https://www.magicfoundation.org/Is-My-Child-Growing/

Image credits:

Inside the tent” (CC BY 2.0) by CseaWillis,
Camp set up” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by elliemcc11

About the author /


Diane Vukovic grew up camping and backpacking in upstate New York. Now, she takes her own daughters on wilderness adventures so they can connect with nature and learn resiliency. With dozens of trips under her belt, Diane is an expert in minimalist camping, going lightweight, planning, and keeping her kids entertained without screens.

Related Articles

Post your comments

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *