All campers have been there: rolling around on a cold, hard tent floor, counting down the hours until daylight. But sleep doesn’t have to be the hardest part of your camping trip. With the right camping beds, sleeping bags, and smart gear choices, you can turn your tent into a proper outdoor bedroom.
Let’s break down what makes or breaks a night at camp and how to nail your setup.
1. Choose the Right Bed Base
Your choice of camping bed sets the tone for your comfort. A proper sleeping solution keeps you off the cold, uneven ground and gives you solid support through the night.
Stretchers like the Aluminium Stretcher Large are a classic choice for solo campers: lightweight, easy to pack, and sturdy. These camp stretchers are a great alternative to basic mats when you need elevation from the cold earth. For extra room or couples, the Easy Fold Stretcher Queen delivers space to stretch out without compromising on stability. Folding camp beds like this provide maximum comfort without eating into your storage space.
Tackling rougher conditions? The Rhino Bed is built for serious strength and comfort, ready for heavy use on longer trips.
If you want a real bed feel at camp, go for the Anywhere Queen Deluxe Bed. It combines a frame with mattress support, perfect for glamping setups and those who prioritise comfort over anything.
Tip: Test your bed height at home. Lower beds like the Easy Fold Stretcher Low Rise Single suit smaller tents or swags, while taller stretchers offer easier access for older campers or those with sore knees.
2. Boost Comfort with the Right Mattress or Mat
No bed base is complete without something soft between you and the cold air. Even with a stretcher, a camping mattress or foam mattress adds insulation and helps regulate temperature overnight.
OZtrail picks:
- The 3D Fatmat 750 self-inflates, giving a cushy, supportive layer that makes hard ground a non-issue.
- The Napmat King Single is perfect for quick trips or when you want something simple but comfy.
- The DuoComfort Queen Double High Air Bed is an air mattress that provides that plush, home-bed feeling, ideal for longer base camps.
Pack a repair kit for inflatable mattresses. A small patch kit can save your camping experience if a stray stick or stone causes a puncture.
3. Get a Sleeping Bag That Matches the Temperature
Your sleeping bag is your first defence against cold nights. A good bag complements your camping gear and ensures a good night's sleep on every trip.
OZtrail picks:
- The Jindabyne 0°C Sleeping Bag is a versatile choice that covers most Aussie conditions.
- Expecting frost? The Drover -7°C Sleeping Bag has you sorted.
- For couples or those who want more space, the Outback Comforter Queen 0°C Sleeping Bag combines roominess with reliable warmth.
Don’t forget: Air out your sleeping bag daily to reduce condensation build-up and extend its life.
4. Don’t Skip the Pillow
A pillow sounds small, but it’s key to waking up refreshed. The Contour Comfort Self Inflating Pillow packs down small but delivers support when you need it. Or consider compact inflatable pillows to save space on your next car camping adventure.
Keep your pillow in a dry bag if rain is forecast. Wet pillows are no fun.
5. Layer for Adaptable Warmth
Add a fleece liner or blanket to create the best sleeping solution you can adjust as needed. It lets you strip back on warm nights or build up when temps drop.
OZtrail pick: The Fleece Sleeping Bag Liner adds a surprising boost in warmth without taking up much room in your pack.
6. Keep Your Sleep Space Clean
Your tent’s sleeping area should feel like a refuge, not a dumping ground for wet boots, muddy jackets, or sweaty clothes. Keeping your sleep zone clean protects your bedding, helps you sleep better, and makes your gear last longer.
Set up a small tub, storage crate, or dry bag just inside your tent door. That’s where boots, wet socks, or dirty gear should live overnight. This keeps moisture and grime away from your bedding.
If you’re using something like the Napmat Single, keeping the area clean also helps prevent dirt from getting ground into the fabric or mattress surface. It’s a simple habit that makes camp life tidier and gear maintenance easier.
7. Pack Smart for Easy Setup
A long day on the track or behind the wheel shouldn’t end with a stressful setup. The right camping beds and mats can go from packed to ready in minutes.
Get a bed that is designed to set up fast: unfold, lock in, and you’re done. If you’re camping often or with kids, this saves heaps of time and hassle.
Pair your stretcher with a self-inflating mat like the 3D Fatmat 1500 or other thicker camping mats to add comfort without the need for a pump.
Practice your full sleep setup at home before your trip. It helps you pack more efficiently and spot any gear you’re missing.
8. Measure Your Tent First
It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how often campers discover too late that their new bed won’t fit the tent. A double bed might seem perfect at first, until you’re trying to squeeze it through a narrow tent door or find there’s no room left for bags and boots.
Before you buy, measure the usable floor space in your tent (account for sloped walls!) and check your bed’s packed and open dimensions. Remember to leave room to move around.
Pro tip: Bring a compact tape measure on your shopping trip or when packing. A quick check saves major frustration at camp.
9. Maintain Your Bedding
Good gear lasts longer with a bit of care. After every night, give your bedding a shake to remove crumbs, dirt, and debris. Hang sleeping bags over a chair or tree branch to air out while you make breakfast. This helps release moisture from breath or sweat and prevents mildew in damp conditions.
Wipe down stretchers like the Aluminium Stretcher Jumbo Padded before packing — it stops dirt from grinding into the fabric during storage.
At home, store mats and bags unrolled where possible, and always dry gear fully before packing it away long-term. Small habits make a big difference in gear lifespan.
10. Prepare for the Weather
A smart camper checks the forecast and plans bedding accordingly. But even then, conditions can change. That’s where flexible sleep systems prove to be effective.
If you’re heading somewhere with changeable weather, pack a lightweight mat or underlay for extra insulation; you’ll appreciate it when the temperature drops unexpectedly.
And don’t forget: even the best bedding won’t save you from a poorly chosen campsite. Pitch where you’ll stay dry, sheltered, and warm.
Camp Like a Legend, Sleep Like One Too
Good sleep makes great camping. The right camping beds, mattresses, and smart add-ons let you rest well, wake up fresh, and enjoy every moment outdoors. Invest in gear that works, and you’ll feel all the difference from night one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Camping Beds
What’s better: stretcher or air bed?
Stretchers lift you off cold or uneven ground and are faster to set up. Air beds offer more cushion but take longer to inflate and pack down.
Do I need a mat with a stretcher?
Yes, a mat adds insulation, softens the feel of the stretcher fabric, and provides another layer between you and the cold earth, especially in cold conditions.
How do I pack bedding for a small car?
Compact mats and foldable beds like the Easy Fold Stretcher Single save space without skimping on comfort.
What’s the difference between a foam mattress and an air mattress for camping?
A foam mattress offers firm support, is quick to set up, and doesn’t risk punctures, great for rough ground or minimalist trips. An air mattress provides more cushion and is ideal for those chasing maximum comfort on longer stays, though it takes a bit longer to inflate and pack down.
What’s the best sleeping solution for car camping?
For car camping, choose a folding camp bed or camp stretcher paired with a quality camping mattress or mat. This combo lifts you off the ground, maximises storage space, and gives you a good night’s sleep without the hassle of a complicated setup.