For some of us, not any old hiking chair will do. We want something comfortable and durable, easy to transport, and easy to set up.
Below we’ve compiled a list of what we consider to be the best camping chairs available. We factored in build quality, comfort, durability, special features, and price.
The best camping chair
Editor’s pick: Stoic Fireside Lounger
- Stable, supportive chair
- Two cup holders
- Mesh panel for breathability
- Seamless mesh seat panel
- 225lbs weight capacity
Our best overall camping chair isn’t the most packable or lightweight option on our list but is incredibly comfortable. The cozy design allows you to sink in and sit with your legs crossed or in odd positions. It is impressively stable and hasn’t seen me take a tumble yet.
The mesh seat panel provides excellent breathability and it features dual cup holders. This steel-framed chair has been easy to pack, easy to clean, easy to use, and easy to store. I probably wouldn’t want to hike very far with it but it’s perfect for camping. This one earned its spot in my van.
See Stoic Fireside Lounger on Backcountry
Best for sporting events: AmazonBasics Portable Camping Chair
- 100% polyester padded camping chair
- Fully cushioned seat and back
- Built-in beverage-cooler pouch
- Cup holder & storage pocket
- Heavy-duty steel frame
- Carry bag included
The Amazon Basics Portable Camping Chair is our favorite budget chair. It has a fully padded seat and backrest secured to a heavy-duty steel frame that is strong and durable. The chair is foldable so you can easily stash one or more in your car. It even comes with a carry bag.
It has a built-in cooler pouch on the armrest that is advertised to hold up to four cans but I’ve found two to three to be more reasonable without tipping the chair over when you get up. There is an integrated mesh cup holder and a storage pocket. As far as cheap camp chairs go, this is a winner: cheap for your wallet, but not cheaply made.
See AmazonBasics Portable Camping Chair on Amazon
Best budget camping chair: Big Agnes Mica Basin XL Camp Chair
- Aluminum frame
- 300lbs weight capacity
- Easy to assemble
- Self-equalizing poles on uneven ground
- Plenty of unique colorways and designs
I love inclusive products and I think very often we forget how many people we exclude when we don’t make products that accommodate larger or taller people. Weighing in at just over two pounds and with a 300lbs weight capacity, the Big Agnes Mica Basin XL Camp Chair provides a marvelously packable and backpacking-friendly chair for those of all sizes. This chair packs down much smaller than the other models I tested, which is great when you’re in a small camper van for the weekend. Every inch matters.
I found the first assembly to be tricky but it was fine in subsequent setups. My only complaint is that if you sit in odd positions or cross-legged, the chair tips forward.
See Big Agnes Mica Basin XL Camp Chair on Amazon
See Big Agnes Mica Basin XL Camp Chair on Moosejaw
Best rocking chair: GCI Pod Rocker Chair
- Powder-coated steel frame
- 250lbs weight capacity
- Structured sling-style seat
- Breathable mesh seat panels
- Phone pocket and beverage holder
- Rocks on any surface
Rocking chairs are relaxing and practical, and the GCI Outdoors Pod Rocker brings rockers to the outdoors. Convenient for those with children who like to be rocked to sleep and for those who like to fidget. My partner is rather restless and loves this chair.
The powder-coated steel frame is strong, durable, and capable of supporting up to 250lbs. Set up takes about as long as any other camping chair, and the sling-style seat is easy to sink into. Breathable mesh panels and pockets round out the features.
See GCI Pod Rocker Chair on GCI Outdoor
See GCI Pod Rocker Chair on Amazon
Best XL chair: Coleman Camping Chair With Cooler
- Adjustable design
- Easy to store and transport
- Made with polyester fabric
- Includes four-can cooler pouch and easy-access side pocket
The Oversized Quad Chair with Cooler features a heavy-duty steel frame that can accommodate up to 300lbs. It is comfortable, has a built-in cooler sleeve on the side, and comes at an attractive price. Store your cold drinks under the left armrest, and on your right, there’s a cup holder and a sleeve storage space.
The adjustable armrests are a nice touch. The whole thing folds down neatly and stows away in the handy carrying sack. There’s a smaller mesh pocket too.
See Coleman Camping Chair With Cooler on Amazon
See Coleman Camping Chair With Cooler on Walmart
See Coleman Camping Chair With Cooler on Home Depot
Best for backpacking trips: Trekology YIZI GO Portable Camping Chair
- Compact ultralight folding backpacking chair
- Sturdy aluminum frame
- Seat made from grade 600d polyester
- Fits in backpacks and carry-on luggage
- Chair weighs 2lbs but can hold 300lbs
- Side pockets for personal items
- Set up in seconds
This Trekology YIZI GO Portable Camping Chair has been designed to give you the lower back support you need. It is super light and compact. It folds neatly into the carry bag and only weighs 2.1lbs.
The aluminum construction of the chair is solid, sturdy, and durable, allowing the lightest chair on this list to hold a person up to 300lbs. You can add a sand cover to the bottom of the chair to prevent yourself from sinking on softer terrain.
See Trekology YIZI GO Portable Camping Chair on Walmart
Best for mountaineering: ALPS Mountaineering Rendezvous Chair
- Powder-coated steel frame
- Low profile design
- Sits low to the ground so you can stretch out your legs
- Foldable for better storage and easy transport
- Weighs 6.8lbs and has a capacity of 300lbs
The ALPS Mountaineering Rendezvous Folding camping chair is for those who want to sit a bit closer to the ground. This is one of the best beach chairs we’ve ever seen. You can dig it down into the sand a bit and have the perfect low-riding platform for kicking back.
The powder-coated, corrosion-resistant, heavy-duty steel frame can easily accommodate up to 300lbs and the broad sturdy feet won’t let you tip over. The one-piece seat has a mesh that runs right up the back. Again, it’s great for keeping you cool at the beach. Another advantage is the weight, which is a very reasonable 6.8lbs.
The camping chair comes with a sturdy canvas carrying sack and a five-year warranty.
See ALPS Mountaineering Rendezvous Chair on Amazon
See ALPS Mountaineering Rendezvous Chair on Walmart
See ALPS Mountaineering Rendezvous Chair on Backcountry
Highest weight capacity: Coleman Big-N-Tall Quad Camping Chair
- Extra space for extra comfort
- Seat drain system for easy water drainage
- Cell-port water-resistant sleeve for storing devices
- Cup holder
- Steel frame supports up to 60lbs
Finding robust, durable camping chairs can be tricky. The Coleman Big-N-Tall Quad Camping Chair is made with extra provision for bigger and taller builds; extra space and a lengthier form ensure all-around comfort. It provides 600lbs weight capacity and a cup holder to boot.
Slightly larger individuals might struggle to get up from low chairs, so the chair’s height is another key feature. It’s also great for expecting mums who may not have the luxury of going that low because of their baby bump.
See Coleman Big-N-Tall Quad Camping Chair on Amazon
See Coleman Big-N-Tall Quad Camping Chair on Walmart
See Coleman Big-N-Tall Quad Camping Chair on Coleman
Best with a folding table: Coleman Camp Chair with Side Table
- Designed with a small side table
- Portable for easy storage and transport
- Foldable form with carrying handles
- Supports up to 225lbs
- Comfortable seat with padded arms
The Coleman Camp Chair with Side Table is a sturdy, comfortable product with an innovative design. It comes with a small table and is quite portable. The structure is held up with a strong, durable steel frame that will stand the test of time. Made with weather-resistant materials, it fares exceedingly well in practically any weather.
It balances well in uneven terrain and the back and armrests are well-padded. The side table is great for snacks.
See Coleman Camp Chair with Side Table on Amazon
See Coleman Camp Chair with Side Table on Walmart
Best lounger: Caravan Sports Infinity Zero Gravity Chair
- Powder-coated corrosion-resistant frame
- Adjustable headrest and lumbar support
- Included armrests
- Locks in any position
- 300lbs weight capacity
The Caravan Sports Infinity Zero Gravity chair looks a little like a classic webbed lawn chair. But the recliner-like profile is where the similarities end. This camping chair is made of high-quality, powder-coated, corrosion-resistant steel that can handle up to 300lbs.
The chair locks in any position, so you can sit up to drink and recline to nap. There’s a built-in headrest that is fully adjustable and provides excellent support, as well as contoured armrests.
It’s so comfortable you may be tempted to use it at home. At 18lbs, it may be a bit heavy for some people to lug to and from the beach or camp.
See Caravan Sports Infinity Zero Gravity Chair on Amazon
See Caravan Sports Infinity Zero Gravity Chair on Walmart
Best director’s chair: Stylish Camping Folding Director’s Chair
- Durable aluminum frame
- 10lbs, with 300lbs capacity
- Polyester blend seat
- Large side pockets
- Fold-out table with cup holder
The Stylish Camping Full Back Folding Director’s Chair features a slew of pockets and a fold-out tabletop.
The frame on this camping chair is flat-sided, high-performance aluminum. It’s built to last. The fabric seat and seatback are one piece of durable but comfortable polyester blend fabric that’s water-resistant and cleans up easily. The chair folds up in a snap, and while it may not be backpack material, it’s not going to waste space in the trunk of your car either. At 10lbs, it won’t wear you out toting it from car to camp.
See Stylish Camping Folding Director’s Chair on Amazon
See Stylish Camping Folding Director’s Chair on Home Depot
Best for sun protection: Kelsyus Original Canopy Chair
- Powder-coated steel frame
- Adjustable canopy, 50+ UPF
- Cup holder
- 250lbs weight capacity
- When folded, becomes a carrying case
The Kelsyus Original Canopy chair isn’t going to win any style awards but will keep the sun off you. The built-in canopy is made of heavy-duty synthetics that clean up easily and provide up to 50+ UPF protection. While you won’t get full-body sun protection from the Kelsyus (that’s what sunblock is for), it will provide much-needed protection for your head, neck, shoulders, and upper arms.
The sturdy powder-coated steel frame will hold up to 250lbs and the seat features a mesh strip that runs from your seat to your upper back so that you stay cool.
It’s light, comfortable, affordable, and stain-resistant. It’s well-balanced, the canopy is easy to set up or take down, there’s a cup holder in the right arm and the whole thing breaks down into a tidy bundle that is tucked into a carrying case for easy transport. If you’re tired of lugging big umbrellas or to camp, then you’ll want to have this one in your trunk.
See Kelsyus Original Canopy Chair on Amazon
See Kelsyus Original Canopy Chair on Home Depot
Best travel chair: TravelChair Slacker Chair Folding Tripod
- Compact three-legged design
- Reinforced ripstop polyester
- Weighs 1.9lbs., has 275lbs capacity
- Stool style seating
- Easy to set up
With the TravelChair Slacker we’re getting into the realm of temporary outdoor seating. This easy-to-unfold three-legged stool is handy if you’ve been huffing it down the trail all day and need to take five to recover. It weighs less than two pounds so carrying it won’t be a problem.
This isn’t great for pure relaxation, it’s better for mobility as there is no backrest. This is a camping stool that’s intended to meet temporary needs as they arise.
The Slacker camping chair will hold up to 275lbs and the PU-backed polyester fabric seat is long-lasting.
See TravelChair Slacker Chair Folding Tripod on Amazon
Premium pick: Quik Shade MAX Shade Chair
- Adjustable canopy
- Quick set up
- Dual cup holders
- Stainless steel frame
- Weight capacity of 225lbs
The final entry on our list of best camping chairs is the Quik Shade Max: a camping chair with a canopy. The fully adjustable canopy will protect most of your body from the sun and it features a heavy-duty steel frame that has a weight capacity of 225lbs. It has a large zippered storage pocket below the right armrest, has a cup holder in both armrests, and folds up in a jiffy. Quick setup, quick takedown, and loads of features to boot.
It tips the scales at a trim nine pounds. Do note that the canopy doesn’t have a UPF rating, so don’t forget to slather that sunblock. The canopy sets up in seconds and can be raised, lowered, and tilted until you find just the right level of shade, while the 600D polyester fabric is highly breathable. Quik has redesigned the canopy from earlier models and it now provides up to 40% more coverage.
See Quik Shade MAX Shade Chair on Amazon
See Quik Shade MAX Shade Chair on Walmart
Why trust us
I’ve spent many years camping and exploring the outdoors. I always keep a few camp chairs in my van including the Amazon Basics Camp Chair, The Big Agnes Basin XL, and the Stoic Gear Camp Chair.
Who this is for
This guide is for anyone looking for quality camping chairs. These are mostly for car camping because of their weight, size, and features. We have a few backpacking chairs and travel-friendly options on the list too.
How we picked
Selecting the best camp chairs started with my personal favorites and then recommendations from our team and well-known best sellers. Then, we evaluated our picks and rounded them out with selections to fit a variety of needs and uses.
How we tested
I took some of these camp chairs bouldering with me and on multiple camping trips.
Features to look for in camping chairs
Until recently there wasn’t a lot of variety when it came to camping chairs. You had the 60s-era lightweight aluminum jobs that would break when the dog jumped in your lap or the vinyl strap folding outdoor chairs that began to lose their integrity after being sat in for about 10 minutes. Thankfully, camping chair design has improved.
Size
Camping chairs come in a variety of sizes, ranging from the three-legged minimalist kind to portable double chairs, and even rocking chairs. To determine the right one for you you’ll need to ask yourself a few questions:
- Am I too tall for this camping chair?
- Is the seat wide enough for me?
- Is the camping chair strong enough to support my weight?
- Am I willing to carry this chair around camp?
- Is this chair stable?
Weight and packed size matter when you are moving these camp chairs around. A 7lbs chair is a hard no for backpacking trips, but might be fine for a camp setup. A portable chair should have an easy way to carry it, be light enough to lift easily, and pack down compactly enough to be stored.
Use
If you want an afternoon of relaxation, then you’ll probably want a chair with some bells and whistles like pockets, cupholders, and maybe a padded headrest. Do you want a full-on recliner or rocking chair? Features often mean added weight. If you’re car camping, weight is less of an issue, but for backpacking trips or hike-in campsites, you may want backpacking chairs with fewer features but less weight. If you think you’ll be exposed to the sun for prolonged periods of time, you’ll want to give serious consideration to a canopy chair.
Comfort
As comfort and convenience often go hand in hand, having a camping chair with plenty of pockets and a mini cooler attached can go a long way toward making you feel more comfortable.
Stability
Stability is key. If you always have your feet planted on the ground this may be less of a concern. Folks like me who love to cross their legs and sit in odd positions may struggle with unbalanced chairs. Most portable chair options should be stable enough for this but many tripod-style seats are not.
Features
We’ve discussed the weight vs features trade-off between fancy camping chairs and backpacking chairs. A modern camp chair may have an extra-wide seat, a carrying case or stuff sack, one or two cup holders, a supportive seat, adjustable armrests, and occasionally you may even have a folding table or canopy. While it’s quite uncommon to find all these features in one chair, you can select the ones with the features that really matter to you.
Ease of setup
After a long day of adventuring, traveling, or hiking, no one wants to struggle to put together an item they are supposed to relax in. Finding a chair that is quick and easy to set up will save you frustration later.
Style
We understand that camping chairs are first and foremost functional items, but there’s no reason you can’t get an attractive one.
Price
Last but not least, we come to cost. While all of the camping chairs listed above are outstanding value, some can be had for significantly less than the competition.
Camping chair FAQ
Q: What is the difference between a beach chair and a camping chair?
Beach chairs are usually made for stability on rocks, sand, and uneven ground. They’re also generally made of a water-resistant material or are porous to prevent mildew and mold. Camp chairs may be more comfortable and supportive but may not be stable on rocks or sand and most take longer to dry. That said, some of the camping chairs reviewed here can serve well as beach chairs.
Q: Can camping chairs get wet?
Camp chairs generally can get wet but will need to be dried before storage to prevent mold and mildew. It’s best to check what materials your chair of choice is made from before you make a purchase.
