Written by Andrew Marshall
UK parent of three sharing practical advice to help families enjoy camping, walking, garden play, and simple outdoor adventures across the UK.
Creator of Simple Days Outside.
Camping with children can be one of those things that sounds easier than it turns out. Most parents go in prepared for rain, snacks, and entertainment — but sleep is often the thing that catches people out.
A cold, uncomfortable night can quickly turn a relaxed weekend into a long one. Children feel the cold ground more than adults, they move around in their sleep, and unfamiliar surroundings can make settling harder than expected. That’s where a proper camping bed makes a real difference.
This guide focuses on camping beds for kids that are available on Amazon UK, and that work well for real family camping — weekend trips, UK weather, car camping, and parents who want something straightforward rather than over-engineered.
👉 In This Guide
Why Kids’ Camping Beds Matter More Than You Think
It’s easy to assume that children will sleep anywhere, especially after a busy day outdoors. In practice, poor sleep is one of the most common reasons families cut camping trips short.
A suitable camping bed helps by:
- Lifting children away from cold, damp ground
- Providing a clear sleeping “zone” that feels familiar
- Helping sleeping bags insulate properly
- Reducing tossing, turning, and overnight wake-ups
When kids sleep better, mornings are calmer, routines are easier, and the whole trip feels more enjoyable.
What to Look for in a Camping Bed for Kids
Before choosing a specific product, it’s worth knowing what actually matters for UK camping.
Height and insulation
Even in summer, UK ground stays cool. Raised beds or thicker inflatable mattresses help keep body heat in overnight.
Stability
Children move around a lot in their sleep. A bed that feels wobbly or slippery can make them feel unsettled.
Ease of setup
After travelling, cooking, and setting up a tent, nobody wants complicated instructions. Quick inflation or simple folding designs are usually best.
Size and fit inside the tent
Camping beds take up more space than you might expect. Always check both the length and width against your tent’s sleeping area.
Age suitability
Some beds are better for toddlers, others suit older children. Weight limits and length matter more than labels like “kids” or “junior”.
🛏️ Top 5 Best Camping Beds for Kids (UK)
All of the options below are available on Amazon UK and suitable for typical family camping trips.
1. Intex Kidz Travel Bed with Extra Comfort
Best all-round inflatable camping bed for kids
This is one of the most widely used kids’ travel beds in the UK, and it works well for camping weekends as well as sleepovers.
The raised inflatable sides help children feel secure, while the sleeping surface is large enough to be comfortable without taking over the tent. It packs down neatly and inflates quickly, which is helpful when setting up late in the day.
Why it works well
- Comfortable inflatable surface
- Raised sides help keep kids centred
- Packs down small for transport
Best for
- Preschool and primary-school-age children
- Families who want a soft, familiar sleeping surface
Things to keep in mind
- Adding a blanket underneath improves warmth
- An electric pump makes setup even easier
2. Copplestones Inflatable Child’s Air Bed
Best inflatable option for comfort
This inflatable bed offers a slightly firmer, more “mattress-like” feel than basic airbeds. It’s a good option for children who don’t sleep well on very soft surfaces.
The design helps keep sleeping bags in place, and the bed is a sensible size for most family tents without feeling cramped.
Why it suits family camping
- More supportive feel than basic inflatables
- Lightweight and easy to store
- Suitable for repeated weekend use
Best for
- Children who prefer a firmer sleeping surface
- Families short on boot space
Things to keep in mind
- Check whether a pump is included
- Slightly higher price than basic airbeds
3. Hi-Gear Single Folding Portable Camp Bed
Best raised camping bed for older kids
If your child prefers something closer to a “real bed”, this folding camp bed is a solid option. Being raised off the ground makes a noticeable difference on cooler nights, and the frame feels stable once set up.
It’s especially useful for older children who find inflatables uncomfortable or who move around a lot during the night.
Why parents like it
- Keeps kids off cold ground
- Feels sturdy and supportive
- Simple fold-out setup
Best for
- Older children and young teens
- Cooler-weather camping
Things to keep in mind
- Takes up more space when packed
- Pair with a sleeping bag for padding
4. Deryan Pop-Up Travel Cot
Best option for toddlers and very young children
This pop-up travel cot creates a contained sleeping space that feels familiar and reassuring for younger children. It opens quickly and provides a defined sleep area, which can help maintain bedtime routines away from home.
Many parents like this style for children who still sleep in cots or are unsettled in open sleeping areas.
Why it works well
- Quick pop-up setup
- Secure, enclosed design
- Familiar feel for young children
Best for
- Toddlers and younger children
- First camping trips
Things to keep in mind
- Takes up more tent space
- Best suited to shorter trips
5. YFNVH 2-Pack Kids Inflatable Airbed (Flocked Surface)
Best value option for siblings
This two-pack of inflatable airbeds is practical if you’re camping with more than one child or want a spare. The flocked surface adds comfort and helps sleeping bags stay in place.
It’s a straightforward option that works well for occasional camping without a large spend.
Why families choose it
- Good value for multiple children
- Lightweight and easy to pack
- Simple setup
Best for
- Siblings sharing a tent
- Occasional camping trips
Things to keep in mind
- Add insulation underneath for warmth
- Pillows not included
Camp Bed or Inflatable — Which Is Better for Kids?
Both options can work well; it depends on your child and your setup.
Inflatable beds
- Softer and lighter
- Easier to transport
- Familiar for many children
Raised camp beds
- Better insulation
- More stable
- Slightly bulkier
For UK camping, raised beds tend to work better in cooler months, while inflatables are fine for summer weekends.
Getting the Size Right
Always check:
- Internal tent dimensions
- Bed length once inflated or unfolded
- Your child’s growth over the next year
Choosing a slightly larger bed can save replacing it too soon.
Small Things That Help Kids Sleep Better While Camping
- Bring a familiar pillow or soft toy
- Place beds away from tent walls
- Add a blanket under the bed
- Keep bedtime routines similar to home
Comfort is often about familiarity as much as equipment.
🌧️ Getting the Whole Setup Right for Family Camping
A comfortable bed is only one part of helping kids sleep well outdoors. The tent itself plays a big role too — especially when you’re dealing with damp grass, early morning light, or a sudden shower overnight. Enough space, a proper living area, and good weather protection all help keep bedtime calmer and mornings easier. If you’re still choosing your tent, our guide to Best Family Tents for Weekend Camping (UK) walks through sensible, family-friendly options that work well with kids’ camping beds like the ones above.
It’s also worth thinking about the wider setup beyond sleep. Packing the right basics — from lighting and clothing to simple cooking gear — can make the whole weekend feel more organised and far less stressful. Our Family Camping Checklist: What You Actually Need (UK) breaks this down clearly, helping you arrive prepared without overpacking.
Author Insight
When I first started camping with children, I assumed a sleeping bag on the ground would be fine — it usually isn’t. Cold ground, wriggling sleepers and unfamiliar surroundings can quickly turn nights into a struggle. I’ve found that giving kids a proper bed, even a simple inflatable or raised camp bed, makes a noticeable difference. When they’re warmer and more settled, everyone sleeps better, and the whole weekend feels far more relaxed.
Final Thoughts: Which Camping Bed Should You Choose?
For most UK families camping at weekends, the best option is:
- A comfortable inflatable bed for younger children, or
- A raised camp bed for older kids
- Easy to set up and pack away
- Sized properly for your tent
If you want one safe, all-round recommendation, the Intex Kidz Travel Bed with Extra Comfort is a sensible starting point. It’s comfortable, easy to use, and suits a wide range of family camping situations.
Older children may prefer the added support of a raised bed like the Hi-Gear camp bed, while toddlers often sleep best in a contained, familiar space such as the pop-up travel cot.
When children sleep well, everything else about the trip tends to fall into place — calmer evenings, easier mornings, and more energy for enjoying the outdoors together.
Quick Product Recap
If you want to keep the decision simple, here’s a quick reminder of which camping bed suits which type of child:
- Intex Kidz Travel Bed with Extra Comfort — A safe all-round choice for most families. Comfortable, familiar, and easy to pack for weekend camping or short breaks.
- Copplestones Inflatable Child’s Air Bed — A good option if your child prefers a slightly firmer, mattress-style feel but you still want something lightweight and portable.
- Hi-Gear Single Folding Portable Camp Bed — Best for older children who want to sleep off the ground and feel more supported, especially on cooler UK nights.
- Deryan Pop-Up Travel Cot — Ideal for toddlers and younger children who sleep better in a contained, familiar space away from home.
- YFNVH 2-Pack Kids Inflatable Airbeds — A practical, budget-friendly option for siblings or families who want flexibility without spending a lot.
If you’re planning a relaxed family camping break, our Family Camping & Short Trips Guide covers the essential gear, simple setups, and realistic advice for weekends away with kids — without overpacking or stress.
About The Author – Andrew Marshall
Andrew Marshall is the creator of Simple Days Outside and a UK parent of three who regularly camps, walks, and explores outdoor activities with his family. His guides focus on practical gear, realistic family adventures, and simple ways to help families enjoy the outdoors across the UK. The recommendations on this site are based on real-world use, research, and the kind of equipment families actually rely on for weekend trips and everyday outdoor fun.