Best Kids Camping Cots, As Chosen By an Outdoorsy Mom

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

Best Overall: Regalo My Pals Cot
Best for Very Little Kids: Baby Delight Go with Me Cot
Sturdiest: Redcamp Extra Long Kids Cot
Splurge Pick: Disc-O Kid-O Bunk Bed Cots (also on Amazon and Campsaver)

Comparison Table

Cot	LxWxH	Weight Limit	Packed Size	Cot Weight
Baby Delight Cot	50x26x11"	75lbs	6x9x32"	12lbs
Regalo My Pals Cot	48x24.5x9"	75lbs	8x9x24"	6.5lbs
Redcamp Extra Long	53x26x12.6	220lbs	28.4 x 12.6 x 12.6	14lbs
Ever Advanced	54x27.5x12.6"	110lbs	12.6x12.6x28.4"	14lbs
Joovy Foocot	48x25x9.5"	75lbs	6x8x24.5"	6.5lbs
Disc-O Kid-O Bunk Bed Cots	65x32.5x9.5/28"	200lbs	9x16x34"	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

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

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

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

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

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

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.