6 Best Water Hammocks For Limited RV Space That Maximize Every Inch
Limited RV space? These 6 compact water hammocks offer water relaxation without sacrificing storage. We review the top space-saving models for every RVer.
You’ve just pulled into a perfect lakeside spot after a long day on the road. The sun is warm, the water is calling, and all you want to do is float and forget the miles behind you. But in an RV, every cubic inch of storage is precious real estate, and that giant inflatable unicorn just isn’t going to cut it. This is where the right water hammock becomes more than a toy—it’s a critical piece of space-saving gear.
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Why Packable Water Hammocks Matter for RV Life
In an RV, storage is a zero-sum game. Every item you bring aboard takes the place of something else. A bulky, hard-sided cooler might mean leaving behind your favorite camp chair, and a massive pool float can easily occupy an entire storage bay that could have held leveling blocks, a tool kit, and your sewer hoses.
This isn’t just about tidiness; it’s about functionality. Choosing a water hammock that packs down to the size of a book or a small disc frees up critical space for the non-negotiable gear that keeps you safe and comfortable on the road. It’s a small decision that reflects a larger small-living mindset: maximize utility, minimize footprint. The best gear doesn’t just do its job well—it gets out of the way when you’re done with it.
Aqua Monterey 4-in-1: The Multi-Use Classic
The Aqua Monterey is a staple for a reason: it understands the need for multi-functionality. It’s not just a hammock. With a quick adjustment, it becomes a lounge chair, a drifter, or even an exercise saddle for water aerobics. For an RVer, one item that does four jobs is an undeniable win.
Its design consists of two inflatable vinyl pillows—one for your head and one for your feet—connected by a supportive mesh sling. This construction is key to its packability. When deflated, the pillows flatten completely and the whole unit rolls up into a compact bundle, easily tucked into a drawer or a small canvas bin. The tradeoff is that you still need a pump, but a small hand or electric pump is a multi-use tool you likely already have for your tires or air mattress.
Kelsyus Chaise Lounger: Ultimate Portability
If you’ve ever wrestled with folding a sunshade for your windshield, you’ll immediately understand the genius of the Kelsyus. This lounger uses an inner spring around its outer edge, allowing it to twist and fold down into a flat, 16-inch disc in seconds. It’s the definition of grab-and-go convenience.
This design makes it incredibly easy to store. It can slide into the narrow space beside your water heater, fit flat on the floor of a pass-through storage bay, or be tucked behind your camp chairs. The included carry bag keeps it contained and protected. While it offers less of a "submerged" feeling than a pure mesh hammock, its elevated comfort and ridiculously simple pack-down process make it a top contender for anyone who values speed and effortless storage.
SwimWays Spring Float: Fast-Folding Comfort
The SwimWays Spring Float operates on the same principle as the Kelsyus but often with a simpler, more hammock-like design. It features a patented inner spring for quick twisting and folding, making setup and takedown a 15-second affair. This is perfect for those impromptu stops where you only have an hour to enjoy the water before hitting the road again.
The entire float, including the inflatable sections, is covered in a soft fabric. This adds a layer of comfort and durability, preventing the sticky feeling of bare vinyl on a hot day. The only watch-out for RVers is drying time. The fabric holds moisture longer than exposed vinyl, so you must let it dry completely before storing it to prevent mildew—a constant battle in a closed environment like an RV. Hang it from your awning or ladder for an hour in the sun before packing it away.
FindUWill Mesh Hammock: Maximum Packability
For the true minimalist, this is your answer. The FindUWill-style hammock is the most deconstructed design you can find: two small inflatable pillows connected by a simple rectangle of mesh. There is no wasted material, which translates directly into almost zero storage footprint. When deflated and rolled, it can be smaller than a water bottle.
This is the float you can throw in a daypack for a hike to a swimming hole or keep in the glove box. You can easily pack four of them in the space a single traditional float would occupy. The experience is much more "in the water," as the mesh provides just enough buoyancy to keep you afloat. It’s not a luxurious lounge, but for pure, unadulterated packability, nothing else comes close.
Intex Sit ‘N Float: A Simple, Storable Choice
Sometimes, the best solution is the simplest one. The Intex Sit ‘N Float isn’t a "hammock" in the classic sense, but it serves the same purpose of relaxing on the water in a compact form. It’s a basic, durable vinyl inflatable chair that, when deflated, folds down flat and takes up very little room.
Its main advantages are cost and availability—you can find these everywhere for next to nothing. This makes it a great low-risk option or a good choice for outfitting guests. The downside is the all-vinyl construction, which can get hot and sticky. It also requires full inflation and deflation with each use, but its small air chambers make this manageable even with lung power. It’s the no-frills, budget-friendly workhorse of the water float world.
Woowave Air Sofa: The No-Pump Hammock Option
This Intex inflatable sofa quickly converts to a queen-size air mattress for guests or relaxing. Enjoy comfortable seating with a velvety surface and convenient built-in cupholders.
This design takes a completely different approach to inflation. Instead of a pump, you use the wind. You simply hold the large opening and scoop it through the air, trapping enough to create a buoyant, sofa-like lounger. This eliminates the need to pack a pump, saving both space and a potential point of failure.
These air sofas are versatile, working just as well on the beach or at the campsite as they do in the water. When it’s time to pack up, you unclip the opening, and the air rushes out instantly. It then rolls up into a small stuff sack. The main tradeoff is the learning curve; it can take a few tries to master the air-scooping technique, especially on a calm day. Its packed size is a bit larger and more awkward than a spring float, but the no-pump convenience is a powerful feature for off-grid RVing.
Storing Your Hammock: Tips for RV Longevity
Your hammock’s lifespan depends entirely on how you treat it after you leave the water. The number one rule is to ensure it is 100% dry before storing it. Trapped moisture in a dark, unventilated RV storage bay is a recipe for a disgusting mildew situation. Hang it over your RV ladder, awning arm, or a side mirror until it’s bone dry to the touch.
Once dry, fold or roll it neatly along its original creases. Stuffing it into a bag creates sharp folds that can weaken the material and seams over time, leading to premature leaks. A gentle roll is always better. Designate a specific home for it—a small plastic tote, a dedicated corner of a storage bay, or a dry bag—to protect it from snags and punctures from other gear.
Finally, find the patch kit that came with your float and keep it somewhere you can find it. If it didn’t come with one, a simple vinyl patch kit is a cheap and invaluable addition to your RV tool kit. Being able to fix a small pinhole leak at the campsite can be the difference between a relaxing afternoon and a frustrating one.
Choosing the right water hammock is a perfect example of the RV mindset in action. It’s not just about buying a float; it’s about making a conscious choice that enhances your adventures while respecting the finite space you call home. By prioritizing packability and multi-use design, you free up room for more experiences, more memories, and more freedom on the open road.
