If you’re a former summer camper turned counselor, you likely remember the kind of rough-and-tumble adventures you got into, only to tumble into bed to get enough rest for the next day’s experiences. The thing is, your summer camp bed was likely situated in a bare-bones cabin with little in the way of insulation but plenty of gaps for bugs to crawl through.
These days, summer camp mattresses and bed frames need to be able to withstand the rigors of heavy use and the environments they’re set up in. On that note, below are some tips you can use to ensure that you’re getting summer camp beds and mattresses that will serve campers for many years.
What to Look For in Summer Camp Beds
There are two main components for camp beds that you need to consider: their mattresses and bed frames. One thing they have in common, though, is that they need to be able to support 500 pounds.
Summer Camp Mattresses
Pictured: Waterpoof Foam Mattress, Waterproof Foam Pillow, & Under Bed Storage Lockers
When a sweaty camper leaps into bed after a long hike, the mattress needs to be able to provide them with genuine comfort, not fold under pressure. As such, you need to keep the following qualities in mind when shopping for new summer camp mattresses:
Durability
The bed’s foam needs to provide good support without warping or cracking over time.
Low Weight
Summer camp beds are moved around from one location to another quite frequently. You don’t want to have to lug around huge mattresses that require multiple people to carry.
Pest and Moisture Resistance
The mattress should be able to resist bugs and water, typically by encasing the mattress in an impermeable barrier made of something like polyurethane.
Comfort
Ruggedness and softness do not have to be mutually exclusive. Look for a mattress with quality high-density foam.
Simple Cleaning & Maintenance
Even with a waterproof polyurethane outer layer, mattresses will still need cleaning. Thankfully, that outer layer can be cleaned quickly by just wiping it down. You can also look for mattresses with machine-washable covers.
Hypoallergenic
Since the beds are to be used by dozens or even hundreds of people over time, understand that there’s a decent chance that some of your campers may have allergies to substances such as latex. As such, you’ll want to look for mattresses made with hypoallergenic materials.
Fire Resistant
Mattresses manufactured in the U.S. have to adhere to fire resistance standards, which is why it’s important to purchase an actual mattress instead of turning to a makeshift solution at a campsite.
Summer Camp Bed Frames
Pictured: Dallas Single Over Single Bunk Bed
As for the frame, always consider function over form. In particular, you’ll want to spring for metal bed frames over those made of wood for the following reasons:
Strength
A wood frame might look more rustic and cost less, but it won’t last nearly as long or handle as much use as a metal frame. From impacts to total weight support, metal frames are superior.
Fire Resistance
Mattresses have to be fire-resistant, so it’s best to follow suit and ensure you get frames that are flame-resistant, too.
Mold and Pest Resistance
Wood can rot, but metal never will. Similarly, insects and other pests may burrow into a wood frame, but they’ll have no such luck with a metal one.
Choose Reputable Camp Bed Manufacturers
No matter how durable or high-quality a summer camp bed may be, it can still have a structural flaw. Therefore, you don’t just want to look at the quality of the bed but at the quality of the manufacturer, too. It should have solid reviews, offer a warranty, and be able to provide you with excellent customer service should the need arise. After a long day of camping out in the wilderness, your campers should have a soft, comfortable, and safe bed to greet them. Learn more about the father-son team at ESS Universal.
ESS Universal manufactures and supplies high-quality, cost-effective commercial grade beds, mattresses, and furniture to camps, hostels, shelters, dorms and more. View our entire line of furniture products including our popular waterproof foam mattress for institutional use, single metal bed frames, single over single bunk beds, single over double bunk beds, and triple bunk beds. Download our catalog for detailed information on our complete product line.
