The Best Camping Chairs
When you want to get away from a hectic home for an exciting excursion, nothing beats a night camping in the Great Outdoors. Once you've finally reached your campgrounds after a long, rewarding hike, every adventurer needs a trusty camping chair to unwind by the fire. Camping chair options can run the gamut from large and lavish to compact and collapsible. Which one is right for you depends on your budget, where you'll be using it, and how much weight you're willing to carry. Wherever you ultimately decide to set up shop, we're confident that with one of the chairs on our list, you'll be sitting pretty. Without further ado, here are our favorite camping chairs.
GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker
Lean back in luxury
The Freestyle Rocker by GCI Outdoor is a truly unique chair that offers remarkable comfort for its size. While it doesn’t fold nicely into a drawstring carrying case like similar camping chairs, it’s lightweight enough to make it to a nearby campsite without having to strain yourself. As the name implies, this one offers a rocking chair experience thanks to its pneumatic joints, yet it achieves this without the bulkiness or splinters that come from an authentic wooden rocker. If you’re looking to have a lazy day in the sun or really kick back and enjoy the campfire, GCI Outdoor is a top choice for porches and wilderness alike.
Pros:
- Powder-coated steel is weatherproof
- Includes a convenient drink holster
- Carry handle for easy transport
Cons:
- Dust can enter the hydraulics, leading to a less smooth rock
Coleman Camping Chair
The seat you can't beat in the heat
Coleman’s camping chair is an outstanding piece of outdoor furniture perfect for sports matches or relaxing by the riverside. At just under nine pounds, this camping chair can be easily slung over your shoulder thanks to the fully retractable frame and carrying case. Each arm pad is wide enough to allow you truly utilize it, while the accessories will keep you cool even in direct sunlight. With a can holster on one end and a fully insulated cooler on the other, you can keep four beverages chilled with nothing but a little ice and patience.
Pros:
- Mesh side pocket for miscellaneous storage
- Available in black, grey, blue, and red
- Superior quality for the price
Cons:
- The armrests are not locked to the frame and can slide down
Alpha Camp Oversized Folding Chair
Filling that keeps on giving
If you’re less concerned with your chair’s weight and you’re more focused on maximizing your comfort, check out Alpha Camp’s oversized folding chair. Thanks to its heavy-duty steel frame, this unit can carry a surprising amount of weight — nearly double the standard of most competitors, in fact. On top of this, it has all the creature comforts you could ask for, including a side stash pocket, mesh cup holder, and generous side storage pocket. As far as comfort goes, this chair provides impressive upper and lower back support, and thanks to its padded Oxford fabric, it won’t tear easily, either.
Pros:
- 450-pound maximum weight limit
- An ideal match for big and tall individuals
Cons:
- Quite heavy for long hikes
Picnic Time Oniva Folding Chair
Organize in comfort
When versatile storage for the whole family is a must, Picnic Time’s Oniva folding chair is the way to go. The armrest-adjacent side table is fantastic for preparing meals or keeping foodstuffs away from bugs, while the left side’s wall of pockets keeps valuables always within arm’s reach. We love this version so much more than standard side pockets because of the zip-up and Velcro pouches. These can keep electronics out of the sun or wallets out of sight when you feel that urge to do some exploring.
Pros:
- The seat is firm and sag-free
- Eight style options to choose from
- Very sturdy on uneven surfaces
Cons:
- Expensive but well worth it for the quality
Trekology Yizi Go Portable Camping Chair
A seat for the long haul
Trekology’s Yizi Go is the ultimate answer for achieving comfort far from the trailhead. If you’re familiar with backpacking, you know the importance of making every pound in your pack count. Though Trekology’s chair is small in stature and lacks armrests, the mind-blowing two-pound total weight more than makes up for any deficiencies. The storage bag hangs conveniently under the aluminum support beam away from damp and dirty ground, while the side pocket is big enough to accommodate most water bottles with ease. No matter if you’re heading to a bonfire or setting up a basecamp before an ambitious climb up a mountain, Trekology won’t be the final straw that breaks your back.
Pros:
- Setup is simple
- Deep bucket seat for serious comfort
- Tear-resistant cover and seat for hiking through thick brush
Cons:
- May sink into softer surfaces without sand mat add-on
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors should I consider before purchasing a camping chair?
Because camping chairs have become a catchall term for collapsable outdoor chairs of all stripes, not every camping chair will suit your specific needs. If your primary need is having a forgiving surface to rest your tush after countless miles on the trail, consider a camping stool for its unbeatable overall weight. When you can see the campsite from the parking lot, you can consider more elaborate designs. We highly recommend lawn chair-style recliners for lakes, beaches, and other open-air gatherings, while suspended chairs that look similar to hammocks are a top pick when you don’t want your bare feet to touch the forest floor.
What other camping accessories would pair great with a camping chair?
When you’re out in the wonders of the woods, a camping chair is just the first step towards rural relaxation. If cots are too bulky and tedious to set up, consider an inflatable sleeping pad, which will let you choose the exact level of firmness you’d like while keeping you up and lifted off the damp, cold floor.
As you make your move from fireside to tent, headlamps provide hands-free peace of mind, while camping sandals allow you to air out your feet without getting them filthy. Most importantly, if you’re planning on cooking anywhere where wild animals may be about, be sure to have a wildlife-proof container and some rope to hang it so you can prevent unexpected encounters.