Best Camping Chairs
 
 

Author: Heather Eldridge | Editor: Dave Collins
Last Updated: March 1, 2023

Whether you’re circling around a campfire in a campground or claiming your spot on the lawn for a concert, you need a reliable comfy seat to plop down in and relax.

We put the most popular camping chairs to the test and made this list to help you find the perfect one for your needs.

The NEMO Stargaze Chair is one of the most comfortable camping chairs on the market & it packs down small

Quick Recommendations

Check out this quick list of our favorite camping chairs, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

The Kelty Discovery Low-Love Seat has adjustable armrests and makes for a great spot for two people cozy up.

The Kelty Low Loveseat has adjustable armrests & makes for a great spot for two people cozy up

What’s Most Important To You In A Camping Chair?

PRICE - You don’t have to break the bank to get a great camping chair, but we find that spending a little more is often well worth the cost for the increase in comfort, durability, and convenience. We recommend chairs at a variety of price points below to make it easy to find a great option that fits your budget.

A woman sitting in the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Chair in a beautiful campsite near the river

The GCI Freestyle Rocker is on the bulky side to pack, but we love how comfortable & durable this chair is

WEIGHT/PACKED SIZE - While weight and packability aren’t as important for camping chairs as they are for backpacking chairs, it’s still good to consider these specs for storage and portability. If you’ve got the space in your car and won’t be carrying your camping chair very far, comfort is king. If you’re tight on space or need to be more mobile for festivals and trips to the beach, choose a portable chair that’s easy to shoulder without weighing you down.

The GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker and GCI Outdoors Zero Gravity Chair are two of the heaviest, but most comfy chairs

The GCI Freestyle Rocker & GCI Zero Gravity are two of the heaviest, but most comfy chairs

HEIGHT - Low chairs are great for music events, movies in the park, and trips to the beach because they’re more portable and they don’t block the view of those behind you. Chairs with higher seats are easier to get in and out of (especially for those with bad knees) and are usually more comfortable for extended use.

The Helinox Chair Zero is one of our faovrite lightweight backpacking chairs, but it’s great for car camping as well..

The Helinox Chair Zero is one of our faovrite lightweight backpacking chairs, but it’s great for car camping as well

COMFORT - The whole purpose of packing a camping chair is to get you up off the ground so you can sit comfortably. But not everyone’s idea of comfort is exactly the same. For some, firm support is critical. For others, having a headrest and being able to recline is key.

The Yeti Trailhead Chairs are expensive, but they’re well worth the cost for excellent comfort & durability

DURABILITY/WEIGHT CAPACITY - If you want a chair that will last for the long haul or you need a chair with a higher weight capacity, we recommend one of the stout options below. Sturdy chairs are often a bit heavier and bulkier, so they aren’t quite as easy to carry. But this tradeoff is well worth it in the way of comfort and value.

The GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker allows you to rock and move freely as you relax.

The GCI Freestyle Rocker allows you to rock & move freely as you relax

Best Camping Chairs 2023

BEST CHAIR OVERALL FOR VALUE & COMFORT

MSRP: $60 (often on sale for much less)

WEIGHT: 9 lbs. 8 oz.

WEIGHT LIMIT: 300 lbs.

PROS: Affordable, sturdy, durable, comfortable, high seat, breathable & quick-drying, multiple size cup holders

CONS: Long packed size

BOTTOM LINE: The Kijaro Dual Lock is an excellent value camp chair due to its quality build and supportive design. This chair locks into a taut position that’s firm and comfortable to sit in - far superior to cheap camp chairs that sag and bow. The seat also sits a full 20 inches off the ground, making it comfortable for both tall and average-sized adults. It’s a bit heavy and bulky when folded, but it has convenient shoulder straps on both the chair and the case for easy transport. If you want an upgrade over cheap chairs that are less durable, we highly recommend the Dual Lock, which is often on sale and will last for years of use.

BEST BUDGET CHAIR

MSRP: $50

WEIGHT: 7 lbs. 3 oz.

WEIGHT LIMIT: 300 lbs.

PROS: Affordable, comfortable, breathable mesh, quick-drying, large cup holder

CONS: Cup holder isn’t as secure for 12 oz cans/bottles

BOTTOM LINE: The REI Camp X is a simple, affordable chair that’s great for sitting around a campfire, at the beach, or just about anywhere. It’s made of a highly-breathable mesh with supportive webbing straps, which means it’ll help keep you cooler and more comfortable on hot days, and it dries quickly if it gets wet in the rain. We also appreciate that the cup holder can accommodate large bottles, but small cans are less secure and could potentially tip over in the pocket. The Camp X isn’t a fancy chair, but it serves its purpose and is a step up in quality from very basic camping chairs.

BEST DOUBLE CHAIR

MSRP: $140 (often on sale for less)

WEIGHT: 15 lbs. 6 oz.

WEIGHT LIMIT: 400 lbs.

PROS: Comfortable, sturdy, durable, affordable for a 2-seater, insulated, multi-use carrying case, large adjustable cup holders

CONS: Heavy/bulky, no center armrest, not breathable or quick-drying

BOTTOM LINE: If you’re looking for a chair you can share, the Kelty Low Loveseat is a practical and cozy perch for two. Its best asset is its durability, with a strong steel frame, thick quilted fabric, and quality construction. The heavy-duty materials do, however, make it a bit cumbersome to lug around. The good news is that the smartly-designed carrying case wraps around the chair and buckles so it’s easy to pack up. The case also serves as a load hauler for firewood/gear, or a small ground cloth to keep your feet clean and dry. The Low-Love Seat is comfortable, well-made, and provides a simple solution when seating is needed in a variety of situations. There’s also a single Lowdown Chair and a 3-person Couch as well as a standard height Loveseat, so there are plenty of options to suit your needs.

MOST COMFORTABLE & DURABLE CHAIR

MSRP: $300

WEIGHT: 13 lbs. 4.8 oz.

WEIGHT LIMIT: 500 lbs.

PROS: Very comfortable, durable, high weight limit, breathable & quick-drying, comfy armrests, backpack-style case, solid cupholder

CONS: Expensive, heavier/bulkier than some

BOTTOM LINE: The YETI Trailhead is hands-down the most comfortable and highest quality camp chair we’ve tested. It’s supportive, yet soft and springy so it holds you in a relaxed upright position and cradles your curves without pressure. The material is also super airy and breathable, which feels great on warm days. We’re not gonna lie, we had a moment of sticker shock when we first saw the price of the Trailhead Chair. But after getting our hands on it, we’ve found that it’s built to last and worth every penny if you’ll use it often. It’s also quick and easy to fold, and though it’s a bit heavier than some, the well-padded backpack case makes it a breeze to carry. If you’re looking for a strong and comfortable chair and you’re willing to pay for the best of the best, we highly recommend the Trailhead Camp Chair.

BEST RECLINING CHAIR

MSRP: $300

WEIGHT: 8 lbs. 11 oz.

WEIGHT LIMIT: 300 lbs.

PROS: High back/headrest with pillow, comfortable, reclines & rocks, breathable & quick-drying, compact

CONS: Expensive, takes a minute or two to set up & break down

BOTTOM LINE: The swing-like NEMO Stargaze Chair provides unrivaled comfort and allows you to float, rock, and recline wherever you venture. On top of that, it's one of the few luxury loungers out there that doesn’t take up a ton of space in your car thanks to the collapsible pole structure.

The newest version of the Stargaze Recliner has some really great updates. Improvements include a wider, curved frame for more elbow room, a larger pillow that adds height and neck support, and padding over the webbing and buckles for various arm position options without the risk of a pinch.

We also love that the new chair is simpler to break down and more convenient to fit into the bag. The bag itself is also made of mesh so that the material can breathe if the chair is damp when put away. 

All in all, the Stargaze has an excellent design. The top-notch comfort, high-quality build, and exceptional portability make it well worth the price and we expect it to remain one of our go-to chairs for a very long time.

BEST ULTRALIGHT PORTABLE CHAIR

MSRP: $150

WEIGHT: 1 lb.

WEIGHT LIMIT: 265 lbs.

PROS: Lightweight, compact, comfortable

CONS: Expensive, takes a minute or two to set up & break down, no armrests, no cup holder

BOTTOM LINE: If portability is important to you, the Helinox Chair Zero is one of the best options on the market. It only weighs a pound, and it folds up into a stuff sack about the size of a water bottle. We even take ours on backpacking trips when comfort is a priority. The nylon scoop seat supports your back in a slightly reclined position, and it’s just the right height for your legs to extend comfortably. If you’re looking for maximum portability without compromising comfort, we highly recommend the Helinox Chair Zero. There’s also a Highback version — it’ll cost you a bit more, but it’s even more comfortable and supportive.

HIGHLY PORTABLE HIGH-BACK CHAIR

MSRP: $200

WEIGHT: 3 lbs. 3 oz.

WEIGHT LIMIT: 300 lbs.

PROS: Lightweight, compact, high back, comfortable, supportive, sturdy

CONS: Expensive, no cupholder, no armrests (unless you upgrade to the Big Six Armchair), takes a minute or two to set up & break down

BOTTOM LINE: If you need something portable, but can’t quite relax in a chair without a headrest, you’ll like the Big Agnes Big Six. It’s lightweight and compact, but unlike some others, the Big Six has a nice high back to support your head and neck. While there are similar chairs out there, we ultimately prefer the Big Six for the upgrades in comfort, stability, and durability, even though it costs a bit more. If you want a full-size, supportive chair, but still need maximum portability, you’ll love the Big Six.

AFFORDABLE CHAIR WITH A COOLER POCKET

MSRP: Around $30

WEIGHT: 8 lbs.

WEIGHT LIMIT: 225 lbs.

PROS: Affordable, comfortable, padded seat & back, insulated cooler pocket, storage pocket

CONS: Bulky, not breathable or quick-drying, less durable than other chairs, lower-quality materials

BOTTOM LINE: If you’re looking for an affordable option, the AmazonBasics Camping Chair is a sound choice. The AmazonBasics Chair is simple but unique due to its insulated cooler pocket that keeps up to 3 beverages conveniently close at hand. It also has a single cup holder and a large pocket to hold a book, phone, or other small items. This chair comes in three style options, including a “Padded XL” version that’s lightly cushioned. While the two padded models are generally a bit more comfortable, the mesh version is a bit more breathable/quick-drying. The Coleman Cooler Quad is similar to the AmazonBasics Chair, so you might consider buying whichever chair is on sale. That said, we prefer the armrests on the AmazonBasics because they’re more secure.

LIGHT & COMPACT CHAIR FOR A VALUE PRICE

MSRP: $70

WEIGHT: 1 lb. 11 oz.

WEIGHT LIMIT: 250 lbs.

PROS: Lightweight, compact, good value

CONS: A little heavier than some similar small chairs, takes a minute or two to set up/pack away, no armrests, no cup holder

BOTTOM LINE: The REI Flexlite is very similar to Helinox’s Chair Zero, which we prefer for its slight increase in durability/toughness, comfort, and a more secure pole structure. But if you're on a tight budget, the Flexlite will save you some cash. Both the Flexlite and the Flexlite Air (lighter, but more expensive) are excellent options for those looking for a comfortable chair that’s light enough for backpacking, but can also be used for day trips when portability is key.

BEST COMPACT CAMP CHAIR

MSRP: $150

WEIGHT: 1 lb. 11 oz.

WEIGHT LIMIT: 275 lbs.

PROS: Supportive, easier to get out of than other compact chairs, packable, stable, lightweight

CONS: No pockets or cupholders, no armrests, expensive, takes a minute or two to set up & break down

BOTTOM LINE: Big Agnes is known as "the mother of comfort" and the Skyline UL certainly lives up to that reputation. This chair is the most supportive of all the compact chairs we tested, and it sits at a more comfortable height. It could even be used on short backpacking trips, making it a great value for the money. If lugging around a large camp chair doesn't appeal to you, the Skyline UL is a great alternative.

DURABLE CHAIR WITH A HIGH WEIGHT LIMIT

MSRP: $80

WEIGHT: 13 lbs.

WEIGHT LIMIT: 800 lbs.

PROS: Affordable, durable, sturdy, insulated, high seat, adjustable armrests, convenient storage pockets

CONS: Heavy/bulky, not breathable or quick-drying (unless you choose the mesh version)

BOTTOM LINE: The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong is tough, durable, and made to last. With rugged construction and reinforcements in all the right places, this chair is one of the few strong enough to comfortably support up to 800 lbs. In cooler temperatures, the King Kong’s quilted fabric insulates far better than a mesh chair, which means your back won’t get as cold when you’re sitting around a campfire at night. That said, it might be a bit too warm on hot summer days and won’t dry very quickly if it gets wet. It’s hefty and not the most portable option, but few chairs are built tougher than the King Kong.

BEST BEACH CHAIR

MSRP: $84

WEIGHT: 7.5 lbs.

WEIGHT LIMIT: 300 lbs.

PROS: High back with built-in pillow, comfortable, 5 reclining positions, backpack straps, convenient pockets

CONS: Heavy, very low, slight learning curve to fold

BOTTOM LINE: The Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair is extremely popular for the beach and concerts since it’s portable, comfortable, and has convenient pockets. We love that the Backpack Beach Chair can recline all the way and has a built-in pillow for comfy napping or sun tanning. It also has a few extras like a towel bar, cup holder with phone pocket, and an insulated “cooler pocket” to keep snacks/drinks cold. It’s not the lightest chair, but the straps make it easy to tote while keeping your hands free. Overall, the Backpack Beach Chair is one of our favorites specifically for concerts or the beach and is released in a new Hawaiian or nautical-theme pattern every year.

BEST LOUNGE CHAIR

MSRP: $93

WEIGHT: 17 lbs. 9 oz.

WEIGHT LIMIT: 300 lbs.

PROS: Leg support, high back with built-in pillow, comfortable, reclines, durable, breathable, quick-drying

CONS: Heavy/bulky, flimsy cup holder

BOTTOM LINE: The GCI Outdoor Zero Gravity is an excellent value when compared to other luxury chairs, and features a high back with headrest, neck pillow, reclining options, and full leg support that make it really comfortable. This chair is the least compact of any we tested, and it’s too heavy to carry for long distances. But if comfort is your top priority, this lounge chair is sure to please. Since it’s not the most portable, The Zero Gravity chair is one of our favorites for glamping or relaxing in the yard.

BEST ROCKING CHAIR

MSRP: $77

WEIGHT: 11 lbs. 12.8 oz.

WEIGHT LIMIT: 250 lbs.

PROS: Rocking motion, sturdy, supportive

CONS: Heavy/bulky, can be squeaky, flimsy cup holder, slightly shallow seat

BOTTOM LINE: The GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker stands out for its comfort and durability. The rocking motion is a nice feature for those who like to move and sway, though the struts can get a bit squeaky over time. Some camping chairs are a little saggy, causing the body to slump, but the taut seat and back of the Freestyle Rocker provide firm support. This chair is fairly heavy and bulky, even when packed down, which could make it a challenge to carry or pack into smaller cars. But for those who aren’t too concerned with portability, the Freestyle Rocker is a very good choice for around the campfire or in the yard and is sure to last for years of use if treated with care. 

Alps Mountaineering King Kong, Yeti Trailhead, and REI Camp X camping chairs

packing along some chairs & a camping table can make camp feel a lot more homey

Honorable Mentions

The following camping chairs didn’t make our final list, but they’ve still got a lot of good things going for them. You never know, one of these camp chairs might be perfect for you:

The Big Agnes Big Six Chair is comfortable, yet compact, lightweight, and easy to carry.

The Big Agnes Big Six & Big Six Armchair are comfortable, compact & easy to carry

need more Gear advice?

If you liked this list, you’ll love the CleverHiker Gear Guide where we test and recommend tons of outdoor adventure gear from a variety of categories. here are some links to popular articles:

A person sitting at the beach in the Helinox Chair Zero Highback with a dog next to them

The Helinox Highback chair is lightweight, compact & comfy

Why Trust Us?

We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. Here are some of the reasons you can trust us:

  • Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience.

  • We’ve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living.

  • We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.

  • We travel to industry trade shows to learn about upcoming product innovations.

  • We constantly update our guides when new products launch.

  • We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends.

  • We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to constructive criticism. If you think we’ve missed a product or got something wrong, we’d love to hear your feedback.

Four people sitting in camp chairs around a campfire

We own & use all of the camping chairs we recommend

MORE INFORMATION

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Thanks for reading and happy trails!

The Kijaro Dual Lock is a great budget pick while the NEMO Stargaze Recliner offers top-notch comfort & portability.

The Kijaro Dual Lock is a great budget pick while the NEMO Stargaze offers top-notch comfort & portability

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About the Author
About the Author

Heather Eldridge is an accomplished backpacker and camping aficionado. She cut her teeth on winter camping and rock climbing trips as a youngster then went on to thru-hike over 6,000 miles of America’s longest trails. She now lives on a farm in Oregon where she works as a full-time gear tester, writer, and photographer.

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