Best Camping Mattresses and Sleep Mats for Families

A good night’s sleep on a camping trip depends on three things: the right sleeping bag, the right tent, and the right sleeping mat. Finding the best camping mattress family groups can use isn’t easy, but we’ve got some pointers to get you going in the right direction.

The sleeping mat is the one piece of equipment that is most often underestimated and the one that most often causes problems.

Cold from the ground is the most significant source of discomfort on a camping trip.

Without adequate insulation from the ground, even the warmest sleeping bag will leave you cold and stiff by morning.

Here is everything you need to know about choosing the right camping mattress or sleep mat for every member of your family.

Why Sleeping Mats Matter More Than Most People Think

When you lie on the ground, your body weight compresses any insulation beneath you.

The insulation on the underside of a sleeping bag is compressed to almost nothing by your body weight and provides very little warmth.

The sleeping mat is what actually insulates you from the cold ground. This matters on UK campsites even in summer as ground temperatures can drop significantly overnight.

Types of Sleeping Mat

When you’re looking to make a purchase of a family camping mattress UK people have three different types to choose from.

Foam Roll Mats

These are the simplest and cheapest option.

A basic closed-cell foam mat provides a reasonable level of insulation, is virtually indestructible, and costs very little.

For children who are light sleepers, a foam mat is often perfectly adequate and there is nothing to go wrong with it.

Self-Inflating Mats

This option combines an open-cell foam core with an air chamber.

When the valve is opened, the mat draws in air and partially inflates itself. Self-inflating mats offer significantly better insulation and comfort than basic foam mats and are widely regarded as the best all-round option for family camping.

A 3-5cm thickness provides comfortable, well-insulated sleep for adults and older children.

Air Mattresses

These use air alone for both cushioning and structure.

They compress very small and can be inflated to a very comfortable thickness, but provide less insulation than self-inflating mats because air moves around and does not trap heat.

For summer camping they are very comfortable, for cooler conditions, a foam mat underneath an air mattress provides the insulation it lacks.

What to Look for in a Family Camping Mattress

What separates the best camping sleeping mat kids can use from the worst? Here’s three aspects to look out for when you’re deciding to buy.

R-Value

This is the measure of a sleeping mat’s thermal resistance. A higher R-value means better insulation.

For UK camping in spring and summer, an R-value of 2-3 is adequate.

For autumn camping or camping on cold ground, look for R-values of 4 or above.

Thickness

For comfort, 3-5cm is the minimum worth considering for adults.

Children are lighter and often sleep well on thinner mats, a basic 2.5cm foam or thin self-inflating mat is often enough for children under eight.

Durability

Self-inflating mats can puncture. Always pack a repair kit and check your mats for slow leaks before each trip.

A mat that is partly deflated by 3am is the cause of many a sleepless camping night.

Recommended Setup for Different Ages

Setups do depend on the age of the person using it, unfortunately for those with kids, that’ll mean upgrading as they grow and need something more suitable to their size.

• Young children under five: A basic foam roll mat is often perfectly adequate. Children this age are light, sleep deeply, and do not need the same level of insulation as adults. A foam mat is also impossible to puncture.
• Children aged five to twelve: A thin self-inflating mat in the 2.5-3.5cm range provides good comfort and insulation. Children’s specific mats are available and worth considering as they are lighter and shorter.
• Adults and teenagers: A self-inflating mat of at least 3.8cm is the recommendation for consistent comfort. Brands like Vango, Outwell, and Therm-a-Rest all make well-regarded options in the £30-100 range depending on thickness and quality.

Practical Tips

Label your mats so everyone knows which is theirs. Store mats with the valve open when not in use, this prevents the foam core from taking a permanent compression set over time.

Air self-inflating mats out after use before packing away, as moisture from breathing accumulates inside and needs to dry out to prevent mildew.

For more kit recommendations for the whole family, visit our family camping equipment section, and for tips on getting a good night’s sleep in a tent, head to our family camping tips or the Camping With Kids homepage.