Finding a comfortable night’s sleep while camping can be a tall order—literally. For campers over six feet, a standard cot often means cramped quarters, dangling feet, and restless nights. The right camping cot provides not just length, but also the stability and support needed for a truly restorative sleep in the great outdoors.
This roundup focuses on cots specifically designed to accommodate taller frames. We’ve evaluated options based on length, weight capacity, portability, and overall comfort to help you find the perfect elevated bed. From ultralight backpacking models to heavy-duty base camp fortresses, there’s a solution here for every tall adventurer.
Our Top Picks for Tall Camper Cots
- MARCHWAY Ultralight Folding Tent Camping Cot Bed
- ARAER Camping Cot, 450LBS(Max Load), Portable Folding Outdoor Bed
- Coleman ComfortSmart Big & Tall Cot with Mattress Pad
- KingCamp Camping Cot Heavy Duty Camping Cots for Adults
- BYER OF MAINE Easy Cot – Extra Large Folding Cot
- ALPS Mountaineering Lightweight Cot – Clay/Apricot
- Disc-O-Bed Roller Bag, Convenient Transport & Storage, XL
- Slumberjack SJK Emergency Folding Outdoor Lightweight Durable Cot
- Tough Outdoors Evergreen Camping Cot XL – Cots for Sleeping
- REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3
MARCHWAY Ultralight Folding Tent Camping Cot Bed
For the tall backpacker or mountaineer who counts every ounce, the MARCHWAY Ultralight Cot is a standout. Weighing under five pounds and packing down incredibly small, it proves you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for portability. Its shock-corded aluminum pole structure assembles quickly, similar to a tent, making setup straightforward after a long day on the trail.
The cot uses durable ripstop nylon fabric and aircraft-grade aluminum legs to support up to 275 pounds. The wide feet help distribute weight and prevent damage to tent floors. This is the ideal choice for tall campers who need a reliable, elevated sleep system without the bulk of a traditional cot.
ARAER Camping Cot, 450LBS Portable Folding Outdoor Bed
If your primary need is exceptional strength and instant setup, the ARAER Cot is a formidable option. It features a unique square steel tube frame with a triangular structure, providing remarkable stability and a massive 450-pound weight capacity. The best part is its simplicity: it unfolds and folds in seconds with no assembly required.
This cot is built for convenience and durability. Its robust construction makes it suitable not just for camping, but also for home guests, office naps, or beach trips. While not the lightest, its quick-deploy design and high weight limit make it a very practical choice for tall users seeking a hassle-free, heavy-duty bed.
Coleman ComfortSmart Big & Tall Cot with Mattress Pad
Coleman addresses comfort directly with this Big & Tall model, which includes a built-in plush mattress pad. The ComfortSmart coil suspension system is designed to offer more even support than a simple fabric sling, reducing pressure points. It is explicitly sized for campers up to 6 feet 6 inches tall.
The steel frame supports up to 300 pounds, providing a reliable foundation. This cot is an excellent solution for car campers or for use at home who prioritize sleeping comfort and are willing to trade some portability for the integrated cushioning. It simplifies packing by combining the cot and pad into one unit.
KingCamp Camping Cot Heavy Duty Camping Cots for Adults
The KingCamp Cot uses a smart ten-point ground support design and a symmetrical triangular structure for excellent stability. The heavy-duty carbon steel frame and double-layer 1000D Oxford fabric are built to last, offering a balance of breathability and water resistance.
This model includes thoughtful comfort features like a tilt angle design for the head section and a built-in cotton pad to ease back and neck strain. It accommodates individuals under 6’2″ and supports 264 pounds. It’s a solid, well-constructed option for tall campers looking for a stable and comfortable sleeping surface.
BYER OF MAINE Easy Cot – Extra Large Folding Cot
The BYER OF MAINE Easy Cot lives up to its name with a simple, no-fuss design tailored for taller individuals. Its extra-large dimensions (78 inches long) and the absence of end rails allow taller campers to stretch out fully without constraint. The fully covered side rails provide a clean, snag-free edge.
Built with a welded steel frame and reinforced nylon feet, this cot is both stable and sturdy, supporting up to 330 pounds. Its simplicity is its strength, offering a spacious and reliable sleeping platform that is easy to set up and take down, making it perfect for long-term camping or guest use.
ALPS Mountaineering Lightweight Cot
ALPS Mountaineering brings its outdoor expertise to this lightweight cot, which strikes a good balance between durability and portability. The 600D polyester fabric provides a sturdy sleeping surface, while the steel frame ensures stability with a 250-pound capacity.
Weighing just over nine pounds, it is relatively easy to transport for a steel-frame cot. This model is a great middle-ground option for tall campers who need a dependable cot for car camping or cabin trips but still appreciate a design that isn’t overly bulky or heavy to move.
Disc-O-Bed Roller Bag
This entry is specifically the transport solution for the renowned Disc-O-Bed bunkable cot system. The XL Roller Bag is designed to conveniently carry the large Disc-O-Bed frame and components, which are famous for their exceptional durability, bunking capability, and length suitable for tall adults.
The bag itself is built for the task, with a reinforced anti-skid shell, heavy-duty wheels for easy rolling, and internal straps to secure the load. If you own or are considering the Disc-O-Bed system, this bag is an essential accessory for simplifying transport and storage of your large, heavy-duty camping beds.
Slumberjack SJK Emergency Folding Outdoor Lightweight Durable Cot
As the name suggests, this Slumberjack cot is built for versatility and preparedness. It features a hybrid aluminum frame with steel end bars, creating a robust structure that can handle up to 325 pounds while remaining relatively lightweight and packable.
Its quick assembly makes it suitable for sudden guest needs, emergency situations, or spontaneous camping trips. For the tall camper who wants a reliable, no-nonsense cot that can serve multiple purposes from the campground to the guest room, this is a strong and capable choice.
Tough Outdoors Evergreen Camping Cot XL
This XL cot offers an exceptionally spacious sleeping area, measuring 83 inches long and 32 inches wide. The generous dimensions make it a great option for very tall individuals or those who simply want extra room to move. Its 16-inch ground clearance keeps you well above cold and damp surfaces.
Constructed from 600D Oxford canvas and a strong aluminum frame with a 300-pound capacity, it is built for rugged use. The setup is straightforward, making it ideal for car campers and festival-goers who need a large, comfortable, and durable bed that’s quick to deploy.
REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3
The REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3 is renowned for its comfort and quality. While specific dimensions and features should be verified on the product page, REI’s Kingdom line is typically designed with spacious camping in mind, often accommodating taller sleepers comfortably. REI products are generally well-engineered for durability and user satisfaction.
As a product from a trusted outdoor retailer, it likely includes thoughtful details like easy setup, sturdy construction, and a supportive sleep surface. For tall campers who value brand reputation and proven performance, the Kingdom Cot 3 is certainly worth serious consideration for base camp comfort.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Camping Cots for Tall Campers
As a tall person who loves to camp, I’ve learned the hard way that a standard cot just doesn’t cut it. Waking up with my feet dangling off the end or my shoulders crammed against the frame is a surefire way to ruin a trip. Finding the right gear is crucial, and for us, that means focusing on a few key specs when shopping for the best camping cots for tall campers.
First and foremost, look at the length. This is the most critical number. You’ll want a cot that is at least 6.5 feet (78 inches) long, but ideally 7 feet (84 inches) or more. Don’t just trust the product title; dig into the specifications sheet. Remember to account for the fact that your sleeping bag and pillow will take up some of that length. A good rule of thumb is to choose a cot that’s at least 4-6 inches longer than your height.
Next, consider the weight capacity. Taller frames often, but not always, mean a higher weight limit. Ensure the cot can comfortably support your weight plus your gear. A sturdy, reinforced frame, often made of steel or aluminum, is a good sign. Aluminum is lighter for backpacking, while steel offers robust support for car camping.
Then, think about portability and setup. A longer cot will naturally pack down into a larger size. Check the folded dimensions and weight. Are you car camping, where bulk is less of an issue, or do you need something you can carry a distance? For easy setup, I look for simple, intuitive mechanisms like shock-corded poles or one-piece scissor frames that snap into place quickly.
Finally, don’t forget about comfort features. The fabric material matters—a thicker, polyester canvas is durable and provides good support, while some newer cots use a flexible, breathable mesh for a cooler sleep. The cot’s height off the ground is also a comfort and convenience factor. A higher cot is easier to get in and out of and provides extra storage space underneath, but a lower profile can feel more stable.
By prioritizing length, strength, and packability, you can move past the guesswork and find a cot that actually fits. Your back (and your feet) will thank you after a full night’s sleep in the woods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal length for a camping cot for a tall person?
For most tall campers, a cot length of 80 inches is the absolute minimum. I recommend aiming for 84 to 90 inches for true comfort. This extra space ensures your head and feet aren’t pressed against the frame ends, especially when using a pillow. Always check the exact dimensions in the product details, as the advertised “large” size can be misleading.
Are there any lightweight cots suitable for tall backpackers?
Yes, but options are more limited. Traditional long cots are heavy. Your best bet is to look at backpacking-specific models that use high-strength aluminum poles and lightweight fabrics like nylon or mesh. These often require assembly like a tent pole system and can support taller heights while keeping the pack weight under 5-6 pounds. They are an investment, but for a tall backpacker, the sleep quality is worth it.
Can I use a regular sleeping pad on a tall person’s camping cot?
You can, but fit might be tricky. A standard 72-inch pad will leave a gap at your head or feet on an 84-inch cot. Some companies make extra-long sleeping pads, which are the perfect pairing. Alternatively, you can use a regular pad centered on the cot, though your extremities will be on the cot fabric directly. The cot itself provides insulation and comfort, so a pad is often for extra cushioning, not just insulation from the ground.
How do I ensure the cot is stable and won’t wobble with my height and weight?
Stability comes from design and leg construction. Look for cots with multiple crossbar supports and legs that splay out at an angle for a wider footprint. Cots with thicker tubing and reinforced joints at the corners also tend to be more robust. Always set up your cot on level ground and test it at home first. A wobbly cot is often a sign of a design not meant for taller, heavier users.
What’s the main trade-off with larger camping cots?
The primary trade-off is between comfort and portability. The best camping cots for tall campers provide glorious stretch-out space, but they will always pack down larger and weigh more than a standard cot. You’re carrying more material. The decision hinges on your camping style: for car camping, the bulk is usually acceptable; for backpacking, you’ll need to seek out specialized, lightweight models that compromise a bit on width or luxury features.