Car camping is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy nature. While sleeping in a car doesn’t sound that comfortable, technology has advanced and there are tons of great car camping mattresses to help you catch some zzz’s at night. In this post we will go over the best mattress for a car camping trip and which one is best for you.
While Jake and I now live in a camper van, we did start our camping adventures via car camping many years ago. We first slept in a tent with a modest air mattress, but later learned Jake’s car seats could lay down flat. So we then changed to sleeping in his car when the weather was extra cold or rain was in the forecast.
And additionally, on a road trip from Denver to Boston, we saved a ton of money by renting a car and sleeping in the car instead of renting hotels along the way.
Personally, Jake and I have just used the individual backpacking air pads. But if you want to take car camping seriously, there are tons of great car camping mattresses to choose from. Most are designed for SUVs or minivans where all the seats can lie flat.
But, if you are camping in a small sedan, you might want to consider getting one of these best backpacking sleeping pads.
Let’s dive into the best mattresses for car camping below.
This post may contain affiliate links. Disclosure policy.
Hest Dually:
Hest created an awesome and very comfortable car camping mattress. One of my favorite features is that it folds in half. So if you go on a solo adventure, you can have double the comfort and more space in your vehicle for other things.
Another awesome feature of Hest is that they offer a 100-night satisfaction or money-back guarantee. So after trying out this mattress for 100 nights, if you aren’t comfortable and fully satisfied, they will give you a full refund!
Hest offers two different styles. The Dually Long and the Dually Wide. To find out which car camping mattress is best for you, measure the length and width of your vehicle and see which one will fit better.
One of the main reasons Hest Dually is one of the best mattresses for car camping is because of the dirt and water-resistant cover. The memory foam inside the mattress is protected. And you can even wash the cover between uses.
Hest Dually Car Camping Mattress Stats
Thickness: 3.9 inches
Weight: Long: 26 pounds, Wide: 31 pounds
R-Value: Unavailable (although the foam is temperature-resilient)
Material: Top Layer – Open Cell Foam, Bottom Layer – Closed Cell Foam
Pros Of The Hest Dually
- Most comfortable camping mattress
- Ease of use (just throw it in the car)
- Portable
- 100-night satisfaction or money-back guarantee
- It comes in 2 different sizes
- The cover is machine washable
- Made of foam, so will not pop like other air mattresses
- Easy to set up
- Won’t shink on cold nights
Cons Of The Hest Dually
- Expensive
- Heavy
- It doesn’t pack down very small
- R-Value not disclosed (although the foam is temperature resilient)
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Luno Car Camping Air Mattress:
Luno is your best car camping mattress built for ruggedness. So if you are looking for an air mattress that will last you through all your car camping adventures, look no further. Luno products are built for comfort, convenience, and durability.
One of the coolest features of the Luno air mattress is there are 2 separate air chambers. So if you are traveling solo you only have to blow up one side and fold the other half underneath. And if your partner or a friend joins in, you can blow up the other side! Plus their air mattress fits more than 1,800 different vehicles.
What is most unique about the Luno air mattress is the design. The top part of the mattress flares out the length of the doors and narrows in the back where the wheel wells come in. Most other air mattresses are just the shape of a rectangle. So this air mattress is specifically designed to nicely fill up the space of the SUV trunk and back seats.
Additionally, Luno provides base extenders that can be placed behind the driver and passenger seats. This allows the air mattress to extend past the folded-down seats and helps the air mattress extend to lay flat an extra 12 inches.
The air mattress material is made of 300-denier Oxford fabric which is made for years of use. It can also withstand pet claws, pine needles, wood chips, and more. Although, it’s best to avoid anything sharp from hitting the mattress.
Luno includes a 1-year warranty for every purchase with the option of upgrading to a lifetime warranty.
The Luno Mattress comes with an electric pump. Simply plug into your car outlet and it pumps up with no extra work.
Luno Air Mattress Stats
Thickness: 4 inches
Weight: 15 lbs
R-Value: Unavailable (although air provides a low R-value)
Material: 300D Oxford Fabric
Pros Of The Luno Air Mattress
- Comfortable
- Portable
- Easy Inflation
- 2 air chambers for single or double-use
- 1-year warranty (with the option of adding a lifetime warranty)
- Not too heavy
- Easy set up and take down
- Packs down rather small
- Fit’s travelers up to 6’2”
- Mattresses fit 1800 different vehicles
- Material is made durable for many years of use
- Included pump
- The best option for a car camper
Cons Of The Luno Air Mattress
- Expensive
- Air has a low R-value
- It has the ability to pop
- It is vulnerable to shrinking during cold nights
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Exped Megamat
Exped has a few different models for car camping mattresses, but for this specific review, we will be talking about the Exped Megamat Duo 10. BUT, this mattress won’t fit in every SUV or Truck bed like the Luno or Hest listed above.
While the Exped Megamat Max 15 Duo is probably one the most comfortable of the models, it simply won’t fit in most vehicles. Therefore, the Exped Megamat Duo 10 is one of the best mattresses for car camping if you are looking for a rectangular air mattress that will fit in a larger vehicle or truck bed.
The dimensions of the Exped Megamat Duo 10 are a bit smaller at 72 x 41 x 3.9 inches. The dimensions of the Exped Megamat Duo 15 are 77.6 x 52 x 6 inches.
Therefore, these might be a bit large for some vehicle makes and models. It’s best to measure the inside of your vehicle to see if this will fit in. Or if you are traveling solo, they both carry a one-person mattress, which will most likely fit better. You can also refer to their vehicle fit guide.
Exped put a lot of extra thought into this mattress making it as close if not better than your home mattress. With an impressive R-value of 8.1, this bed will keep you warm all night long no matter the temperature outside. The vertical side walls make it extra wide for 2 people to sleep without feeling like you are going to fall off the edge.
The biggest drawback is deflating the Exped Megamat. With the powerful, self-inflating hole, it can be a challenge to get the air mattresses back to travel size. It often takes two people to deflate the mattress.
Stats For The Exped Megamat Duo 10 Car Camping Mattress
Thickness: 3.9 inches
Weight: 7 lbs 8 oz
R-Value: 8.1
Material: Open-cell foam
Pros Of The Exped Megamat Duo 10
- Easy to set up
- Very comfortable
- Lightweight
- Packable (if you can deflate it properly)
- High R-Value of 8.1
Cons Of The Exped Megamat Duo 10
- Expensive
- It doesn’t fit all vehicles
- Hard to deflate
- Doesn’t have 2 air chambers (it’s always blown up for 2 people)
- It has the ability to pop
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Stoic Double Cloud
The Stoic Double Cloud is a budget-friendly mattress for car camping, yet still made of quality. The foam padding and stretchy fabric make it feel as though you are sleeping on a cloud, or so they say!
It is also probably one of the most packable air mattresses on this list. Plus the bottom is meant to withstand rough and abrasive surfaces. So whether you are using this air mattress for car camping or out in the backcountry, this mattress should withstand some wear and tear.
The dimensions of the Stoic Cloud is 80 x 51.5 x 4in, which might be a bit long for some vehicles. Therefore, be sure to measure the inside of your vehicle before ordering this car camping mattress.
This might be better for longer truck beds, versus inside a small SUV like some of the other car camping mattresses listed above.
Stats For The Stoic Cloud Car Camping Mattress
Thickness: 4 inches
Weight: 10 lbs
R-Value: 8.4
Material: 30D stretch fabric, & 190T polyester
Pros Of The Stoic Cloud
- Less expensive
- Comfortable (although probably not top choice)
- Lightweight
- Packs down small
- R-value of 8.4
Cons Of The Stoic Cloud
- It has the ability to pop
- It doesn’t fit all vehicle makes & models
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Therm-A-Rest MondoKing 3D
The Therm-A-Rest MondoKing 3D is probably one of the comfiest car camping mattresses. But it can strike a challenge with its rigidity. If you often use your camping mattress for both tent camping and sleeping in your car, then this can be a great option.
There are 2 different sizes to choose from: Large and Extra Large. The Large car camping mattress has a length of 77 inches and the extra large has a length of 80 inches. This could pose a challenge in shorter vehicles.
One unique feature of the Therm-A-Rest MondoKing is that it is self-inflating. No extra setup time is needed. However, you may need to add a little extra air at the end. This alternatively does make it a bit more challenging for deflating. People have complained it’s harder to fit back in the stuff sack.
With the StrataCore™ construction, the pad has an impressive r-value. This layer incorporates a continuous layer of thermal foam sandwiched between alternating ridges of air and foam. Plus the stretch-knit fabric provides deluxe breathability and the ultimate comfort.
Because of its higher R-value is can be used in cold weather.
Stats For The Therm-A-Rest MondoKing 3D
Thickness: 4.25 inches
Weight: 5 lbs 8 oz
R-Value: 7
Material: Polyester, open-cell foam
Pros Of The Therm-A-Rest MondoKing 3D
- Comfy
- R-Value of 7
- Self-inflating pads
- Lightweight
- Best best sleeping pads for thickness
Cons Of The Therm-A-Rest MondoKing 3D
- Expensive
- Vulnerable to pop
- Can be hard to deflate because of its self-inflating mechanics
- It doesn’t fit all car makes and models
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Budget-Friendly Mattresses For Car Camping
To be honest, Amazon has a few great options for the best mattresses for car camping. While I can’t personally vouch for their quality, they do come at a significant price drop compared to a few other mattresses on this list.
We don’t like to promote wasteful consumerism, but you could probably replace one of these mattresses a couple of times before reaching the total price of some of these other high-quality mattresses (but obviously I hope that doesn’t happen).
I do vouch for choosing one of the more high-quality best camping mattresses above, if budget is a concern, here are a few budget-friendly options for the best mattresses for car camping.
Heytrip Air Mattress
The Heytrip Air Mattress is the budget-friendly version of a Luno Car Camping Mattress. BUT, that is definitely not to say the quality is made the same as a Luno mattress. Plus there is no warranty compared to the Luno. Although they do have a satisfaction assured plan, so if you are unhappy with your purchase, you can talk with their customer service.
The mattress is 4 inches thick and can be set up for 1 person or 2 people with 2 separate air chambers. This version doesn’t come with base extenders to help keep the top level between the extra space behind the driver and passenger seats. Therefore, if you are tall, you might need to stuff some extra clothes or something to support the top end of the mattress.
Personally, I think this can be a great budget-friendly car camping mattress. The drawback is it’s made of air, so the R-value might not be that great. Plus because it is made of air, it does have the possibility of popping. Ultimately, I think it can be a great option to get started with car camping.
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Wey & Fly Air Mattress
The Wey & Fly Air Mattress is a unique air mattress that splits into 2 different air chambers. You can either have the mattress inflated for 2 people or for 1 person. But the 2 chambers are split into 60/40. Therefore if you need more space in the back of your vehicle, then you can just inflate 40% of the air mattress and vice versa.
There are two air flaps on the sides that help protect from the hard plastic exterior of the vehicle. This can be a great mattress for car camping, but I don’t know if it will last years and years like some of the other car camping mattresses on the list.
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Tescamp Camping Mattress
While the Tescamp Camping Mattress only claims to work in Tesla Model Y vehicles, I believe these memory foam blocks could also work in non-Teslas vehicles. It’s the closest version to the HEST mattress listed above. Although, I do feel it might be less comfortable because it’s only 2.6 inches thick. Therefore, if you are a side sleeper, the HEST will likely suit you better.
Comparing the price to the HEST car camping mattress, the Tescamp is half the price. Therefore, you could purchase this, and cut any memory foam to fit your vehicle type better. The best part about memory foam, is it won’t pop at night, so you can be confident in sleeping through the night.
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LOSTHORIZON Airsoft 4.5” Thick Self Inflating Sleeping Pad
This is another air mattress designed specifically for Tesla model vehicles. But with the shape of the mattress, I find it hard to believe that it wouldn’t fit in many other SUV’s. Unlike the Luno air mattress which has many different styles of their air mattress.
The mattress is 4.5″ thick making it very comfortable. The air mattress is self-inflating, making it easy to set up. You have the option between manual deflation or electric deflation. Plus 3 different sizes for air mattresses.
The Losthorizon mattress claims to have an R-value of 13, which is the highest of all the car camping mattresses on this list. If you are looking for a 4-season air mattress that can even keep you warm in the winter months for winter camping, you are in luck with this bed.
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GOTIDY Car Mattress Pad
If you are looking for an extra plump air mattress, the Gotidy Car Mattress Pad is the perfect fit. It is a 10″ mattress that can fit into most SUV trunks. The Gotidy comes with a built-in pump for easy inflation.
The Gotidy claims to fit around the wheel wells on more than 1,800 vehicles, including Subaru, Toyota, Jeep, Tesla & more.
One concern is with the height of the mattress being 10″ means you will have less headroom to sit up in the back on the SUV. But the comfort can be a great trade-off.
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D-Hive Unbeatable Durability SUV Air Mattress
The D-Hive Car Camping Mattress is essentially the off-brand of the Luno Mattress. It’s “built” for durability and made to fit many different makes and models. It even comes with extenders which essentially help the mattress stay upright.
It’s made with durable extra thick 300D Oxford Fabric, quick and easy to set-up with the electric pump.
For the price, it’s a fraction of the cost of the Luno. So if budget is a concern, you might consider giving the D-Hive a solid chance.
Shop The D-Hive Mattress For Car Camping
Onirii Car Inflatable Air Mattress
And if you are short and traveling in a sedan, then the Onirii air mattress might be the best fit. This air mattress blows up sideways in the back seat, with a support air chamber to extend the flat space.
This might not be quite as comfy as the other models where you can lay flat in the back of an SUV, but if a sedan is all you have, this allows for a decently comfy sleep. The only limitation is that it only allows for the width of your vehicle, which is too short for most people to sleep comfortably.
If you are short or a dedicated side sleeper then it may work for you.
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Tips For Car Camping:
What Kind Of Mattress Do I Need For Car Camping:
When looking for a car camping mattress, there are a few things to consider. Air does not hold a very high R-value, because it typically matches the temperature of the air. So if it’s cold outside, the air will hold the same temperature inside the mattress.
But if there is a type of insulation that can hold heat, the air can expand a higher R-value.
If you are traveling with pets, it’s likely a good idea to stick to a foam mattress pad. Although there are a few durable air mattresses on this list of great car camping mattress options.
Plus foam typically holds a higher R-value. But it also takes up more space because it doesn’t pack down as small.
Personally, if I was car camping often, I’d opt for the HEST Dually. But if I wanted to be able to pack my air mattress away for easy stowing, then a good choice would be the Luno Air Mattress.
If budget was a concern, I’d choose one of the Amazon air mattresses listed above. Just be sure to always have the patch kit with you, so you can patch any holes to continue to enjoy the great outdoors on your camping adventure!
Follow These Car Camping Expert Tips:
There are a few key elements to mastering car camping. Such as making sure a window is cracked for proper ventilation. As well as making sure you can charge up your electronics or protect yourself from the sun/heat with Reflectix. This post on 10 expert tips for sleeping in your car dives deeper into all the expert tips to successfully go car camping.
External Storage:
When sleeping in your vehicle, you will want to have somewhere to put all your belongings. While you might be able to place your bags outside, what if it rains? Or if it’s bear country, it’s extremely unsafe or maybe even illegal. So having external storage to put your stuff can be super helpful to save space and stay organized.
Car Camping Kitchen Essentials:
Don’t forget the kitchen! When car camping, you can create an awesome car camping kitchen setup to save money and cook your own food. There are many different camp stoves to choose from and coolers to keep foods fresh. We personally love our Camp Chef Stovetop and RTIC cooler products.
Sun Shade/ Rain Protection:
Also, it’s nice to have a living area outside your car for when you don’t want to sit in a hot box. Therefore, we suggest having a sun shade or protection for if it rains. Jake and I love our Moonshade and CGear Sand Free mat. We set it up right outside our vehicle and it extends our outdoor living space!
Takeaway | Best Mattresses For Car Camping
These are some of the best mattresses for car camping, no doubt. But they definitely differ in price and quality. Therefore, I suggest looking deeper into what is important to you when choosing the best car camping mattresses. Obviously, I personally feel comfort should be pretty high on the list, but the price might help you decide as well!
If you have space for a memory foam mattress in your car camping set-up, I think it’s the best option. You don’t have to worry about inflating and deflating the mattress or fear of it popping. And it will last for many years with no issues.
Our top choices are either the HEST Dually or the Luno Air Mattress. Both mattresses have great warranties or satisfaction policies. And both should provide you with a good night’s sleep.
Both companies are exclusively in the car camping mattress game. Therefore, you know you are getting a quality product. We hope this post helps you choose one of the best mattresses for car camping and you can catch some zzz’s on all your camping adventures!
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