The best mattresses for both seasoned and rookie campers

Whether you love camping or just tolerate it for the sake of your partner or family, it's undeniably better when you don't have to sleep on the ground.

The best camping mattress is different in each situation. If you're hiking, you'll want something lightweight. If you're sleeping in the car, you'll want something that fits. And if you have a big tent, and won't be shifting locations, you can definitely bring an air mattress if that's going to make you most comfortable.

Below, we've put together the best camping mattresses for each camping scenario, so scroll through to find the one that best suits you.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.

Best reviewed mattresses

Trekology UL80 Sleeping Mat

Was $73.99, now $69.99

With an average 4.3 stars across 6300 reviews, this simple mat from Trekology is a popular choice for camping mattresses. Featuring a new curvature design for better support and a large valve for quick inflation, this is a simple mat that goes above and beyond to get the job done.

"This is a fantastic entry-level hiking mat that is portable, light, and comfortable," one reviewer writes.

While the electronic pump is sold separately, you can inflate the mattress manually using your lungs if you prefer. It's also ultra-compact, folding down to 18.5cm by 12cm. And at 191cm long when extended, it's perfect for campers of various heights.

Elegear Self Inflating Sleeping Pad for Camping

Now 26% off

With an average 4.4 stars across 1111 reviewers, this ultra-thick outdoor mattress is another popular choice for those who enjoy a good camping adventure. Featuring a portable design and top comfort with a built in foot pump, it takes only 2 minutes to fully inflate it. For the curious about measurements, the camping mattress sits at about 195.58 cm by 66.04 cm by 11.94 cm. "Super comfy, packs up small and easy to inflate" one reviewer raved.

Best car mattress

Saygogo SUV Air Mattress

Buy it here for $89.99

While this is a perfectly good camping mattress, its curved sides also make it ideal for fitting into the back of the car once your back seats are lowered. With more and more people experimenting with 'van life' these days, you might find your camping trips are regulated to sleeping in the car, rather than dealing with the hassle of a tent. Equipped with an air pump that plugs into the car, you won't have to rely on manual effort to get this one inflated.

Best all-terrain mattress

Sea to Summit Self-Inflating Lightweight Sleeping

Here from $179.95

Sea to Summit is the brainchild of Roland Tyson, an outdoors enthusiast who tested his designs in the Australian outback before heading to the Himalayas to test them on a hike up Mount Everest. With so much experience going into these products, they're definitely worth the money. This lightweight sleeping mat is designed for easy carrying, so it won't burden you on your adventures. It has an anti-slip base that makes it perfect for camping in any kind of terrain.

Best double mattresses

Abtohe Double Sleeping Pad Camping

Yours for $39.96

Ideal for family camping trips, and car boots big enough, this queen-sized mattress will fit two people with room to spare – perfect for couples or if the kids need to share. With a built-in foot pump, it inflates in about two minutes. The one-piece pillows also mean you don't have to bring your own from home, with their double pressure valves ensuring they stay inflated and comfortable throughout the night. It's made from 40D nylon to increase its durability, so you'll be able to use it for years to come.

Elegear Double Sleeping Pad

Here for $87.99

While this mat also features a foot pump for easy inflation, it's the level of thickness that makes it stand out. Inflating up to 10 centimetres high, you'll notice the decent elevation as soon as you lie on top of it. The mattress fits the body curve, to allow for greater weight-bearing capacity. It also has one continuous pillow, rather than two separated ones, so there's less risk of rolling into the gap.

Best air mattress

Intex Rest Raised Airbed

Buy it here for $109.65

For those who like to be comfy – and have a relatively big tent – bringing a proper air mattress along to camp is always an option. Made from a fibre-tech interior, it's a stable and comfortable design from the inside out. It has a high-volume electric pump built into the side, so you won't have to pack one. With an included packing bag, you can easily slide it into the car once it's folded down.

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