Beginner's Guide to Camping with an Air Mattress

Sleeping on the hard ground was once an unavoidable part of camping, but air mattresses have transformed outdoor sleeping into a comfortable experience. Whether you're car camping at a beachside park in Queensland, setting up in Tasmania's wilderness, or enjoying a festival camping weekend, a properly used air mattress can give you the restful sleep you need to enjoy your adventures. This comprehensive guide covers everything beginners need to know.

Choosing the Right Camping Air Mattress

Not all air mattresses are created equal, and home-use models often aren't ideal for camping. Here's what to look for in a camping-specific air mattress:

Material Durability

Camping exposes mattresses to harsher conditions than indoor use. Look for:

• Reinforced PVC or TPU: Thicker materials resist punctures better
• Ripstop or multi-layer construction: Prevents small punctures from becoming large tears
• Sealed seams: Welded seams are more durable than glued ones for outdoor use
• Rugged bottom surface: A tougher underside handles ground contact

Size Considerations

Tent space is limited, so think carefully about size:

• Measure your tent floor before shopping—leave room for gear
• Remember that standard mattress sizes assume you'll have walking space around the bed—in a tent, edge-to-edge fitting is common
• Consider two singles instead of one double for couples—easier to fit through tent doors and allows individual firmness preferences
• Lower profile mattresses (under 25 cm) work better in smaller tents with sloping walls

Inflation Method

Your inflation options depend on your camping style:

• Car camping with power: Built-in electric pumps or 12V car pumps work great
• Powered campsites: Standard electric pumps are convenient
• Remote camping: Battery-powered pumps, manual foot pumps, or hand pumps are essential
• Hiking/backpacking: Lightweight manual pumps or mouth-inflation valves only

Setting Up Your Campsite for Sleep Success

Choosing Your Tent Location

Where you pitch your tent directly affects sleep quality:

• Level ground: Even a slight slope will have you sliding all night. Use a phone level app to check if needed.
• Smooth surface: Clear rocks, sticks, pinecones, and debris before pitching
• Drainage considerations: Avoid low spots that collect water if rain is possible
• Wind protection: Natural windbreaks (trees, bushes, dunes) help maintain tent warmth
• Morning sun or shade: East-facing catches warming morning sun; shade prevents overheating in summer

Preparing the Ground

Before setting up your tent:

1. Walk the entire tent footprint area to feel for hidden hazards
2. Remove any sharp objects, even small ones
3. If on soft ground, check for buried roots or rocks
4. Consider laying down a footprint or groundsheet larger than your tent floor
5. For extra protection, add a tarp under the groundsheet

Inside the Tent

Once your tent is pitched:

• Sweep or shake out any debris that got inside during setup
• Lay down an additional ground covering if your tent floor is thin
• Position the mattress away from tent walls where condensation collects
• Leave space for gear storage, getting dressed, and emergency exit

Inflation in the Field

Inflating your air mattress while camping has unique considerations:

Timing Your Inflation

Wait to inflate until late afternoon or evening for best results:

• Temperature changes significantly affect air pressure
• A mattress inflated in hot afternoon sun will feel soft by cold night
• Inflating closer to bedtime means less adjustment needed
• Always do a final firmness check just before sleep

Conserving Battery Power

If using battery-powered pumps:

• Bring fully charged spare batteries or a backup pump
• Don't over-inflate and then release air—get it right the first time
• Use car power during the day to save portable batteries for nighttime adjustments
• A manual backup pump weighs little and provides peace of mind

Manual Pumping Tips

If you're using foot or hand pumps:

• Take breaks to avoid exhaustion, especially at altitude
• Let others take turns if camping with companions
• Pump early in your campsite setup process so you're not rushing before dark
• A steady rhythm is more efficient than fast, erratic pumping

Managing Temperature and Comfort

One of the biggest challenges with air mattresses while camping is temperature management. Air is a poor insulator, meaning cold from the ground transfers through the mattress to your body.

The Cold Ground Problem

Even when air temperatures are comfortable, ground temperatures can sap your body heat through an air mattress. This is especially problematic in:

• Cooler seasons (autumn and winter camping)
• High altitude locations
• Nights with clear skies (rapid ground cooling)
• Sleeping directly on rock or bare earth

Insulation Solutions

Combat heat loss with these strategies:

Under the Mattress:

• Place a foam sleeping pad or yoga mat beneath the air mattress
• Use an emergency blanket (reflective side up) between ground and mattress
• Cardboard works surprisingly well in a pinch
• A thick rug or blanket adds both insulation and puncture protection

On Top of the Mattress:

• Use a fleece or wool blanket as a mattress topper
• A properly rated sleeping bag is essential for cold conditions
• Sleeping bag liners add warmth and keep bags cleaner
• Flannel or fleece sheets feel warmer than cotton in cool weather

Hot Weather Camping

In warm conditions, air mattresses can feel sticky and uncomfortable:

• Use a breathable cotton sheet between you and the mattress
• Slightly under-inflate for better airflow around your body
• Position tent with door/vents catching any breeze
• Consider sleeping on top of your sleeping bag rather than in it

Protecting Your Mattress While Camping

Outdoor environments present more hazards than indoor use:

Puncture Prevention

• Always use a ground cloth or footprint under your tent
• Keep shoes outside the tent or in a designated area
• Never bring sharp tools or cooking equipment into the sleeping area
• Trim pet nails before camping if bringing animals
• Check and clear debris from the tent floor before inflating each night

Moisture Management

Condensation and morning dew can damage air mattresses:

• Ventilate your tent to reduce interior condensation
• Don't store wet items in the tent
• Wipe down the mattress if moisture collects
• Allow the mattress to air out before packing up if mornings are dewy

Packing Up

Proper pack-up extends your mattress's life and makes the next trip easier:

Deflation and Folding

1. Eat breakfast and break down other gear while the tent and mattress air out
2. If the mattress is damp with condensation, wipe it down and let it dry in the sun
3. Open all valves and let air escape naturally while you finish other tasks
4. Fold from the opposite end toward the valve, pressing out air as you go
5. Follow original fold lines when possible
6. Don't rush—forcing air out stresses seams
7. Store in its bag with the valve slightly open to allow any trapped moisture to escape during storage

After the Trip

When you get home:

• Inflate the mattress indoors and inspect for new damage
• Clean with mild soap if it got dirty
• Let it dry completely (fully inflated) before long-term storage
• Note any issues so you can repair them before the next trip

Common Camping Air Mattress Problems and Solutions

"My mattress deflates overnight"

Often this is temperature change, not a leak. As nighttime temperatures drop, air contracts and the mattress feels softer. Try inflating slightly firmer at sunset, or keeping a pump handy for a quick top-up if needed.

"I slide around on the mattress"

Smooth tent floors create slippery conditions. Place a grippy mat or rug under the mattress, or look for mattresses with non-slip bottom surfaces.

"I'm cold despite warm sleeping bags"

You're likely losing heat through the mattress to the cold ground. Add insulation under the mattress as described above—this makes more difference than adding blankets on top.

"My mattress is too loud"

The squeaky, crinkly sounds of some air mattresses can disturb light sleepers. A mattress protector or thick sheet muffles the noise. Higher-quality mattresses with flocked tops also tend to be quieter.

Essential Camping Checklist

Final Thoughts

Camping with an air mattress can provide near-home comfort in the great outdoors, but it requires more planning than simply throwing a mattress in the tent. By choosing the right mattress, setting up properly, managing temperature, and protecting your investment, you'll enjoy restful nights under the stars.

Ready to find the perfect camping air mattress? Check out our product comparisons filtered for camping use, or take our quiz to get personalised recommendations for your camping style.