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There’s no better way to end a day outside than being gathered around the campfire. While we’ve all spent many an evening sitting on the ground or balancing on a log, it’s hard to beat the pleasure and rejuvenation of sitting in a good camp chair.
In order to find the best camping chairs, we’ve spent countless hours testing chairs in a variety of locations and weather conditions. From the wilds of the Desolation Wilderness to the swamps of Apalachicola, from birthday parties at the park to relaxing somewhere with a view, our testers have spent countless hours setting up, taking down, and, well, sitting. All told, we’ve tested close to 25 different camping chairs over the last half-decade, and collected the top 16 on the market today in this guide.
While testing and ranking camping chairs, we focused primarily on comfort, value, and portability (such as size and weight). Secondary considerations included durability, ease of setup, and additional features (like cupholders and pockets).
And while there’s no single “best” chair that will suit everyone, we’ve broken the list into categories that should help you identify the best chair for your needs. For even more help finding the best camp chair, refer to our buyer’s guide, comparison chart, and FAQ at the end of this article.
Otherwise, pull up a chair while you scroll through to see all of our recommended buys.
Editor’s Note: We updated our Camping Chairs guide on May 22, 2024, to pivot the REI Co-op Skyward to its ever-so-slightly upgraded cousin, the Campwell Chair, as well as add the Kuma Lazy Bear Chair, a supremely comfortable and padded camp seat.
The REI Co-op Campwell Chair ($60) is an ever-so-slightly updated version of the Skyward Chair — a popular, but on the way out, classic. As a part of the Campwell series that includes tents and other camping accessories, this camping chair is a no-frills seat that is easy to transport and pop open from backyard barbeques and soccer games to campgrounds near and far.
Right off the bat, let’s clear the air here: The Campwell Chair is, by our best estimation, exactly the same as our beloved Skyward — with the only notable difference being the addition of a non-PFC DWR finish to give the chair some added water resistance. For the same price, we’ll take it. For ultimate all-around comfort, simplicity, and stability, we reach for the Campwell almost every time. The price is moderate, the features are just what you need, and the weight is light and easily manageable for a variety of arrangements and activities, making it a solid choice for a daily driver.
A predominantly mesh seat makes this chair easy to clean and dry if it gets wet. A spacious cup holder and a drawstring pocket keep your favorite beverage along with your phone and keys close by. The four flat, sturdy, square-shaped feet stayed well-planted on the ground during our testing, making the chair level and secure while standing up and sitting down.
While the mesh back and seat make for easy cleanup and great breathability, we found that in the colder weather, our bums got extra cold in this seat. While this could prove to be an advantage in warm summer months, it’s definitely a disadvantage in the wintertime or if there is a cool breeze. The REI Outward Low Padded Lawn Chair with its padded seat or the Kelty Discovery Low Loveseat with its quilted fabric would be better picks for keeping your bum toasty in cooler temps.
Also, being primarily made of mesh and polyester, there could be concerns about durability. But we were satisfied in our testing period by the durability of the chair, finding that it could take a beating as we threw it in the back of our truck and tossed it around from backyard to campsite. It doesn’t provide neck support, and the seat height reaches 10.5 inches, so it’s not the ultimate or largest lounge chair like the GCI Outdoor Freeform Zero Gravity Lounger.
But for those who want a simple, hardworking, all-around camp chair, the REI Co-op Campwell is our go-to choice.
Just $30 and it has a cooling mesh back? Yep, this Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair is a bargain hunter’s dream. And to top it off, we found it impressively comfortable during our initial testing foray.
At 21 inches wide, it provides a roomier seat than the smaller backpacking options we’ve reviewed. It also has a taller seat height and a more upright back, which makes getting in and out easier. The fabric of the seat itself is actually a sturdy mixture of breathable mesh and solid fabric, which truly raises the comfort level when sitting in this chair for long periods of time.
While the armrest does sport an integrated cup holder, your drinks will have to go koozie-less to be able to fit, which was a small price to pay considering the budget buy-in this chair commands. At $30, you very well could snag a cheap cooler to go along with the chair!
You’ll also need to consider that the Broadband Mesh Quad Chair won’t pack down quite as small as some of the other chairs in our review, like the ENO Lounger DL Chair, but for most campers, the walk from the car to the campfire is a short one.
You wouldn’t want to haul this chair for long distances, but the included carry bag eases transportation and helps prevent rust. For hanging in the backyard, sitting on the sidelines, or car camping, this portable chair is a solid option.
You know what takes campfire gazing to the next level? A relaxing, comfortable rocking chair. The GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker ($60) delivers comfort and gentle rocking in a stable and easy-to-pack package. With a full lineup of camping chairs around the fire, this is among the first chairs to be sat in.
At nearly 11 pounds, it’s certainly not ultralight, but it’s not unmanageable either. We especially like how easy it is to set up. Simply fold it open, and you’re ready to relax.
And despite the rocker design, the chair isn’t difficult to get up and out of or to sit down in. The overall frame is a bit lower to the ground, so taller users might notice they need to lean back for the chair’s support.
Comfortable and sturdy, the steel frame is powder-coated for longevity in the elements, and the ripstop polyester material is fair for casual use. The cup holder and phone holder pockets keep essentials at hand, and the included carrying case makes it easy to haul when slung over your shoulder.
The rocking leg design makes the GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker best for more level, flat surfaces. While not a rocker, the ENO Lounger is lighter, more packable, and can be maneuvered more easily on uneven surfaces, making it a good alternative for some.
If you’re worried about your camp chair blowing away, this robust ALPS Mountaineering chair is your go-to choice. The King Kong ($100) has a heavy, rigid frame. And with super sturdy, tough feet, this chair is unlikely to topple over.
There are two hanging pockets off of each armrest, and the uppermost section on the backside of the chair back has a full-width hanging mesh pocket for miscellaneous stashes.
With an adjustable fit, the angles of the arms can be tinkered with via two buckles. A powder-coated steel frame and 600-denier polyester fabric make the chair stout against wear and tear.
When we sit in this chair, it’s one of the most supportive, stiff options out there, which is great if your back is achy or for folks who prefer an upright brace. The King Kong chair back is also relatively high, and we really appreciate that extra backing when we’re feeling tired — plus the seat is deep, reinforcing our hamstrings. Our budget pick, the Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair also has a supportive, upright back and could be a good alternative for those who want to shell out less cash.
If you don’t mind hauling a heavier-set chair in and out of your rig or on a short walk to the park, this is an excellent option, especially for breezy weather. If you do mind, the REI Co-op Campwell Chair is a similar design weighing 3 pounds less. A shoulder bag with two backpack-style shoulder straps on the King Kong makes the trek easier, though. While a bit pricey, it’s one of the best camping chairs you can buy.
Get cozy with this Kelty Discovery Low Loveseat camp chair ($130). The steel frame is plenty strong (even for two people) and can easily handle 400 pounds. And the quilted fabric is pliable, which is nice for multiple folks sharing the same seat.
We like that the seat is slightly reclined for comfort, and our testers found the shorter height of the Low Loveseat allowed for a more relaxed lounge. But tall couples may prefer the standard loveseat, which is a few inches taller off the ground.
Those with a few more members of the family or dogs might want to check out the even lengthier Lowdown Couch — our new favorite in 2024.
The armrest cupholders have a divider so you can fit both larger and smaller bottles. Although it certainly isn’t the lightest chair on the list, we were still impressed with how easily it packed up.
The carrying bag simply clips around the chair and has a comfortable carrying strap. You wouldn’t want to hike any distance with this, but for campfire nights or outdoor concerts, the Low Loveseat is a top pick. Looking for a comfortable low seat but don’t have a boo to share it with? The ENO Lounger DL Chair is a good choice with its comfy, low-slung seat.
This ain’t your grandpappy’s woven shore chair. Full inflatable, collapsible, and beach-able, the BOTE Aero Chair XL ($199) has turned our idea of the ideal beach camping chair on its head, and makes use of the same drop-stitch technology that inflatable stand-up paddleboards use in order to support entire days of kicking back in the sand.
The beach can be a pretty rough place for a traditional camp chair. Saltwater rusts hinges and legs, harsh UV degrades woven fabrics at an accelerated rate, and sand finds its way into any and all crevices — good luck getting it out again. The monolith design and PVC material of the Aero Chair shrugs all of this treatment off, and it quickly became our go-to for camping excursions to the Pacific coast.
Inflating is a cinch, and while the recommended max PSI of 10 was a bit too firm when we initially sat down, the lower end of 7 PSI provided the slight cushion that won us over. The seat is low-slung with a seating position that’s ideal for digging your toes in, and because the legs are really rails, there’s little-to-no awkward tipping when the ground isn’t perfectly level. We also dragged this chair from the beach to the forest and didn’t have any concerns with punctures. This seat is tough.
And for the curious: While the Aero Chair is inflatable, it isn’t balanced enough to float on in an upright position. Trust us, we tried. Best to plop this seat down in the whitewash where it’ll stay put. The need for a special pump is certainly a ding, but for those who already own an iSUP or something similar, it’s an easy pivot. The only other thing we could complain about is the need to purchase the cupholder separately, which when the chair is already a few bills, was a bit of a bummer.
But still, when compared to our faded and ratty folding beach chairs, we’re never going back. The BOTE Aero Chair XL is just about the best thing going when it comes to kicking back in the sand, in our opinion. But if you don’t want to break the bank and still want a chair that fares well in the sand, look for chairs like the REI Co-op Outward Low Padded Lawn Chair that have aluminum frames instead of individual legs and do a good job of evenly dispersing your weight.
Make s’more time even more fun for your kids with this pint-sized REI Co-op Camp Chair ($40). Our little testers love that they can carry their own chair and easily climb in and out of it without help. This design remains a top-seller for kiddos.
At 4 pounds, it’s light enough for even young children to drag into place. And with a seat height of 11 inches off the ground, it works well for a range of children. The kid testers in our group especially seemed to like having a miniature version of the adult chairs around the fire.
Thankfully, this chair features a locking mechanism that keeps the chair from shifting about as young ones wiggle around in it, and it’s easy enough for small fingers to operate once it’s time to pack up camp.
It proved impressively sturdy and stable as well, even as a 3-year-old repeatedly climbed in and out. We found that it was best for kids under 9 years old, but that will depend on the height and weight of each kid. The taller and heavier they are, the more comfortable a bigger seat like the REI Co-op Campwell Chair will be. But overall, we’re confident it’s the best camping chair for kids.
Built like a bear hug, the Kuma Lazy Bear Chair ($120) is a full-wraparound camp chair for snuggling in around the campfire. A fully insulated back and seat make this a cozy chair on nippier nights, and a wide sitting platform had us leaning at all sorts of comfortable angles during our testing. If other camp chairs feel a bit too rigid to you, this could be the perfect solution.
It’s really that padded backside that won over our testers on the Lazy Bear. We spent night after night kicking back in this seat, which lands as a sort of in-between of the fully free-swinging NEMO Stargaze Recliner and the low-slung but unpadded ENO Lounger DL. There’s good support, too, as there are two pieces of webbing that cross beneath the underside of the seat and help to distribute the load.
The design of the Lazy Bear is a bit unique, as the arms and back are all one unit, and as such, it takes a minute to figure out how to deploy it. The 3/4″ tube frame is very stable once set up, however, and the 350-pound capacity is one of the highest in our review. The organization of essentials isn’t fancy, but the chair does have a single textile cupholder (which is insulated) and a phone holder for stashing the essentials.
While the Lazy Bear’s packed size isn’t compact, Kuma isn’t about to sandbag you with an impossible storage bag, and we were able to nestle this chair into its sack single-handed. The bag itself has a section of Velcro along the side, which opens the aperture wider to better wrangle the chair in there and then closes with a rolltop closure. A compression strap on the chair itself ensures you aren’t fighting it on the way down,
With enough space to sit cross-legged, the Kuma Lazy Bear Chair is a super cozy option for long nights at camp where comfort is king. It does command a bit more out of your pocket, but for the comfortable lounging we’ve done in it, we’d happily fork over the dough.
Most camping chairs don’t come with many bells and whistles. Not so with the PARKIT Voyager Camp Chair ($200), an innovative seat that incorporates backpack carry straps and a detachable soft cooler for carrying your cold drinks along with you to your destination.
At first glance, this seems like a simple folding chair, albeit with a fun design. The chair functions just as any other folding chair, and simply opens and closes without the need to attach any legs or unfold any specific parts.
Its originality lies in its high-quality materials and its accessories. Made with an aircraft-grade aluminum frame, woven polyester webbing, and faux teak armrests, the build of the PARKIT feels sturdy while remaining relatively light at 12 pounds.
Included with the chair is a soft cooler that attaches to the bottom of the seat for easy access to cold beverages, whether you’re at camp or at the beach, and in which we were able to fit over 20 standard-sized cans to pass out around a fire.
A cupholder can be mounted on either side and is both wide enough for a liter water bottle and narrow enough for a beer can, while also having a cutout for your favorite mug’s handle. Backpack straps are simple to attach to the back for easy transport.
At $200 a pop, the PARKIT isn’t the most expensive in our review, behind the YETI Trailhead Camping Chair ($300) and the NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair ($250), but it’s up there. Although the soft cooler is detachable, it can be used on its own without the chair, which justifies the cost more than the YETI or the NEMO. If you’re the type of person who loves accessories and wants a chair that is more than just a simple seat, consider parking it in the PARKIT.
Something noticeably lacking in camping chairs is padding. Not so with the REI Co-op Outward Low Padded Lawn Chair ($90), a seat that forgoes the standard mesh in favor of a padded back and seat. The only other chairs in our review that have some padding are the Kelty Discovery Low Loveseat and Kuma Lazy Bear, and while both of those chairs take up quite a bit of space folded down, the Outward Low collapses to a svelte 5″ thick.
The bifold design allows you to pop it open anywhere you’d like, and the light color and wooden arms make this an attractive chair for backyard barbecues and concert-going in addition to car camping ventures. Integrated backpacking straps and a carry handle make toting it along with you an easy task, and it is only 7 ounces heavier than our top pick, the REI Co-op Campwell Chair.
Though crafted with ripstop polyester, this isn’t a chair we would choose to store as mindlessly as other chairs comprised of nylon and mesh. Those chairs like the Campwell or Coleman Broadband are more able to withstand the elements, can be sprayed down with a hose, sit in the sun, or be stored in an outside shed without much issue. But in our experience, the Outward Low requires more care and would be best stored indoors if you want its quality to remain high.
But if you’re the type of person who seeks comfort and wants something a little easier on the eyes than your average mesh camping chair, the REI Co-op Outward Low is a great choice.
While better known for its excellent coolers, Dometic has expanded its range to include smart car camping accessories, and the Go Compact Chair ($150) is no exception. This elegant camp chair leverages a stout aluminum frame, beechwood armrests, and a stylish design to become one of the best-looking camping chairs we’ve seen.
Springing from a sleek clamshell-open carrying sack (much nicer than drawstring bags), the Go Compact Chair was a breeze to set up in our testing — unfolding quickly with a single motion. The aluminum frame utilizes strong hinges, and presents no pinch-points that you could easily snag yourself on.
The angle of the seat is a laidback bucket that’s certainly made for lounging, though it isn’t so deep as to limit your hotdog-roasting abilities. Rounding out the chair is a 600-denier fabric that is a tough weave, and liable to stand up to abuse for many campouts.
All that style will come with a bit of a functionality ding, and while the Go Compact does sport a large pocket on the back of the chair, it doesn’t have any cupholders to speak of, so you’ll have to find a coozie for that frosty beverage.
For a chair that’s very similar in design, consider the REI Co-op Wonderland, which slides in at a bit less weight and $50 less out the door. But if you’re a sucker for the OG, the Dometic Go Compact has all the style you’ll need.
Hammock hangers rejoice, this is the camp chair for you. The ENO Lounger DL ($140) slings low and cradles you when you sit down, making for one very comfortable seat. And it’s no one-trick pony either, as the impressive storage pockets will attest to.
With a design that sits somewhere in between a camping and a backpacking chair, the Lounger DL is a packable seat that makes no concessions in the comfort department. A lightweight aluminum frame assembles easily with shock cord construction and stretches a hammock-inspired swaddle that boasts a padded head and armrests.
The chair itself is height adjustable with a high and low option, allowing you to adjust for terrain differences (or to gain the optimal marshmallow roasting angle). We will note that the Lounger DL is a bit more complex of a design than many camp chairs, and will require some more setup time than most other options. But once it’s assembled, it’s easy living.
And rounding out this chair is an impressive amount of storage space, which comes in the form of two stretch elastic cargo pockets big enough to fit a tablet and a single hanging cup holder. This storage ability trumps many of the other camping chairs we’ve tested to date.
This is also the lightest chairs we tested (besides the kid’s chair of course). If you want a light chair that is more standard, the Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair is a good choice weighing in at 6 pounds, 4 ounces, but the ENO wins the comfort award in comparison.
Perfect for kicking back after a long day on the trail, or even setting up for an afternoon concert, the Lounger DL chair was easily one of the most comfortable camping chairs we’ve tested to date.
Let’s get this out of the way first, if you’re looking for the cheapest chair, this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for an incredibly comfortable, durable, and stable chair, you’re in the right spot.
At 13 pounds, the top-rated YETI Trailhead ($300) falls in the middle ground of acceptable camp chair weight. The FlexGrid fabric is uniformly supportive and UV-resistant. It’s also pleasantly breathable on hot days.
It folds up easily and packs into a carry bag complete with backpack straps. The Lockdown feature on the back of the chair ensures it won’t accidentally fold up on you. And we like the wide, grippy feet.
In addition to camping, we’ve used this chair for many months as a daily office spot. It shows no signs of wear, and we’ve been comfortable throughout.
It may be overkill for a quick, casual campout, but if you want a super-comfortable, super-stable chair, this is it. While it doesn’t look as sleek, the REI Co-op Campwell Chair is another fantastic, breathable, packable option, although its weight capacity is a whole 200 pounds lighter than the YETI. When grilling out with Grandpa or offering Mom a spot to relax by the fire, this is the chair we reach for. It’s one of the best camping chairs money can buy.
Read Review: Car Camping Comfort, Pain in the Bank: YETI Trailhead Camp Chair Review
If a hammock and a camp chair had a baby, it would be the NEMO Stargaze Recliner ($250). This suspended chair allows for rocking on any type of terrain, and the tall back provides full neck support.
Updated back in 2023, the Stargaze has a brand new groove — adding a more intuitive pole design with fewer steps to set up, as well as a fit more accommodating of broad shoulders, and a larger padded headrest. It’s also $50 cheaper today than it has been previously, making it even more obtainable.
Our Hunt + Fish Editor downright loves this chair. She raved in a review, “The aircraft-grade aluminum base is heavy-duty, built with a low center of gravity that provides stability on all types of ground. The chair is a monofilament mesh with fabric reinforcements. Built into the chair are a drink holder and a pocket for phones and other knickknacks.”
Some of our testers noticed it takes longer to sit down and stand up out of this design. You need to put your hands on the arms (there’s even a sign on the chair instructing you to do so).
And if you go too quick, you can pinch your fingers — like if you’re trying to quickly hop out of your chair if flighty embers kick up out of the campfire, which happened to us. But in a calm setting where being nimble isn’t a priority, our crew all loved being able to lean back, look up at the sky, and simply rock.
And while this design is tailored to rocking, it’s not a good choice if you prefer to sit up straight. The ENO Lounger DL Chair is a better choice for those who like to lounge but don’t want to rock. And if you’re looking for a less finicky rocker, the GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker Chair is another great choice. But if you’re looking for a unique chair and don’t mind making the investment, the Stargaze will serve you well.
Read Review: My All-Time Favorite Camp Chair: The NEMO x First Lite Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair
The new REI Co-op Wonderland Chair ($100) elevates the average camping chair to the next level. Absent are the mesh and metal construction of your run-of-the-mill camping chair, and in their place is a design-forward, comfortable camping chair with sturdy construction, pleasing colorways, swivel-out cupholder, and glazed wooden armrests.
It’s clear that this chair is made with high-quality materials. Its recycled polyester seat fabric is also treated with a durable water-repellent finish allowing it to stand up to the elements. Its frame is constructed of coated aluminum to keep the total weight of the chair down, and the chair feels overall sturdy and well-constructed, with REI boasting a 300-pound weight capacity to boot.
Weighing in at 7 pounds, 13 ounces, this isn’t the lightest camp chair on the market. It is large and arguably cumbersome, and figuring out how to collapse it with its strap takes some time to get used to. The Dometic Go Compact Chair is a slightly smaller chair with a similar design, but admittedly lacks the features that come with the Wonderland. It does come with a sleek carrying sack, however, which could be preferable to messing with the strap system of this chair.
Although the Wonderland has a high price tag and is a bit on the bulky side, we loved this chair for its versatility as it can complement your patio, be taken to the beach, or be deployed by the campfire on your next overnight.
Does your idea of a good camp chair include catching a few Zs? Then you’re going to love the Zero Gravity Lounger ($110). It’s the ultimate camp recliner and our favorite nap-inducing chair. We liked that you can simply lounge back and then lock your desired spot into place.
The mesh back is breathable, and it folds up easily. It doesn’t pack down particularly small or include a carrying case, but it’s easy enough to carry around the campsite or backyard.
The armrests are comfortable, and our testers like the adjustable head pillow. You can also completely remove the pillow if you don’t want to use it.
Our testers under 5’5″ found it more difficult to recline in this chair and not as comfortable in an upright position. Our 6-foot-tall tester found it immensely comfortable and worthy of a fireside snooze. The GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker Chair is a smaller, lighter, packable alternative for those who like to recline in comfort but want something to take on the go.
For half a decade now, we’ve been parking our behinds in camp chairs of every stripe, looking for the best seat in the house for kicking back in the great outdoors. Since 2019, we’ve personally researched, toted, and tested close to 25 different camping chairs in the wilds, comparing each and weighing their specifications against our idea of the perfect seat.
Our travels have taken us from the dark understories of the temperate rainforests of Olympic National Park to the granite crags of Southern California, and after a hard day of playing in the dirt, a good seat makes all the difference.
Primary testers for this guide are Miya Tsudome and Nick Belcaster, both consummate outdoors folk from opposite ends of the West. Tsudome has over 10 years of experience with testing outdoor equipment, and covers the California side of the equation, camping and adventuring around the Sierra Range for much of the year. Her search for the best camping chair out there has her testing new additions on a rolling basis.
Senior Editor Nick Belcaster, on the other hand, hails from Washington State, and after a long walk on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2018, is pretty ready to kick back in a comfy seat. He often deploys a camp chair during basecamp for climbing trips, as well as the elusive (if not controversial) “seated top-rope belay.” Both testers have a keen eye for the balance a good camp chair needs to bring across the comfort, packability, and ease of use fronts.
But it’s not just our opinions, either. We polled our crew to determine their absolute favorite camp chairs and why. We gather every year for a group campout to test a new collection of camping chairs side by side, and we use these camp chairs throughout the year, from season to season and sport to sport.
We’ve used these camp chairs while crewing ultramarathons and enjoying slam poetry and concerts at the park. We’ve also used these camp chairs at home for outdoor birthday parties and sitting around portable fire pits.
Some of our editors have used their choice camp chair across every season for many years with no sign of deterioration or a desire to switch. Beyond our team’s experience, we also considered the most popular, most durable, and bestselling camp chairs on the market as well as a broad range of price points and features for a range of users.
Here are the primary factors we use when testing camp chairs. Scroll through to help ensure that you pick the best camping chair for your individual needs. We will note that these choices are specifically for kicking back during car camping and the like. If you’re looking for a more packable and lightweight option, take a look at our in-depth review of backpacking chairs.
How will you use the chair? Whether you enjoy car camping, backpacking, soccer game viewing, backyard barbecuing, or a mix of everything, it helps to have a clear idea of how you’ll use your camping chair. It will help you narrow down which of the other factors are most important.
Car Campers: For those weekend warriors who pack the car and head for the outdoors as soon as 5 p.m. on Friday hits, a good chair is essential for hanging at the nearest campground. While just about any chair can be thrown in the back of the car and used campside, car campers will want to look for chairs that can withstand some abuse, aren’t too large or heavy, and fold up nicely for easy packing.
The REI Co-op Campwell Chair, Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair, and ALPS Mountaineering King Kong are great choices to grab and go. The ENO Lounger DL slings low for easing back, and has a cupholder to keep your beverage close.
Backyard Chillers: For kicking it at backyard barbecues and hanging out around fire pits, there are those chairs that you can pack up and bring along, or those chairs that stay at your house for when you’re hosting the party. If you want an easily portable option, look for a foldable chair with a nice design so your friends will be asking where you got it. If you want a mainstay for your own backyard, look for a bigger lounge chair that your guests will be fighting over.
The REI Co-op Outward Low Padded Lawn Chair and Dometic Go Compact Chair are great, stylish choices for packing up to take to your friend’s outdoor birthday party, bonfire, or concert with their good looks and easy-carrying design. The YETI Trailhead Camping Chair and GCI Outdoor Freeform Zero Gravity Lounger are good choices for keeping out on the deck for your friends to relax while you tend to the grill. And the NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair is a novelty pick for rocking next to a fire and looking up at the stars.
Beach-Goers: When packing for the beach, you usually want to keep the load light to avoid lugging too much from the car to your spot. You’ll want to find a chair that isn’t too heavy, comes with a good carrying system, and is low enough so you can lean back and relax under the sun.
The BOTE Aero Chair XL was made specifically for beach-goers with its inflatable build, low-to-the-ground seat, and integrated cup holder. The wide surface area of this chair makes it sit easily and comfortably on the sand. The REI Co-op Outward Low Padded Lawn Chair and PARKIT Voyager Camp Chair are also good choices as well with their backpack straps and u-shaped frames that distribute weight well over sand.
This ties into the above consideration. Are you looking for a chair that works for backpacking? Do you plan to use it once a month, once a week, or every day?
These factors will affect the price and can help you determine if it’s worth spending more for a chair that pairs comfort with packability (like the ENO Lounger DL Chair). Or perhaps a budget pick like Coleman will suit your needs better without emptying the wallet. For the best of both worlds, we are partial to our top pick, the REI Co-op Campwell chair, which pairs an affordable price with comfort and quality.
For $50 to $100, you can get a chair like the Campwell Camping Chair, Coleman Broadband, ALPS Mountaineering King Kong, GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker Chair, REI Co-op Wonderland Chair, and REI Co-op Outward Low Padded Lawn Chair. This price category holds the largest amount of chairs, making it the reasonable range you could expect to spend on a good camp chair that covers the basics.
For $100-150, you can get the Kelty Discovery Low Loveseat, Dometic Go Compact Chair, ENO Lounger DL, and Zero Gravity Lounger. This price range crosses over into more specialty chairs, like double seats, premium materials, or special qualities like extendable reclining systems or adjustable height features.
And for $200+, you can get the BOTE Inflatable Aero Chair XL, YETI Trailhead Camping Chair, NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair, or PARKIT Voyager Camp Chair. This expensive category enters even more into the specialty category, with inflatable chairs and rocking recliners, or will get you high-quality materials and accessories such as UV-rated breathable fabric or included soft coolers and cupholders.
Nobody wants an uncomfortable camping chair. When considering comfort, we looked at seatback height, width, height off the ground, materials, amount of cushion, rigidity versus flexibility, overall shape, and ergonomics. Comfort varies from person to person and depends a lot on your size, build, and mobility.
If you’re looking for a traditional chair, the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong sports a pleated seat that was high on our list of the most comfortable. And for a slung-back style of chair, look no further than the hammock-inspired builds of the NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair and ENO Lounger DL Chair.
This is paramount if you’re backpacking, semi-important when packing the rig for car camping, and not very important when setting up in the backyard. Camping-style chairs won’t pack up as small as backpacking chairs, but will typically collapse to a more travel-friendly form for moving around.
Traditional collapsible chairs like the REI Co-Op Campwell or Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair have a classic stow technique that most everyone has seen before and only require a simple pulling together of the legs to collapse down into a more compact package.
Then, there are folding-style chairs like the GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker Chair, which fold along a central axis and create a flat package for moving about. And finally, there are the DIY-style chairs, such as the ENO Lounger DL where some assembly is required, though at a great benefit to overall packability.
When considering the packed dimensions, also consider how exactly you’re going to be toting your favorite camp chair around. Many are familiar with the fabric sleeves that encase collapsible chairs for travel, but there are few other options available.
Folding-style chairs typically don’t come with a carrying bag at all, and you’ll have to wrestle them around yourself. Collapsible chairs, like the ENO Lounger DL Chair, will come with a bag that will pack away everything needed to set them up once you hit camp. And finally, a few chairs will sport integrated straps directly on the chair for shouldering them, such as the REI Co-op Wonderland.
No one wants to spend 20 minutes fighting to set up their camp chair — or worse, trying to wrangle it back into its carrying bag. We want to be able to set up and take down the chair without instructions or excessive time dedicated to the task.
All of the chairs included here are easy to set up. Some simply fold open, whereas others take a couple of minutes to assemble. The NEMO Stargaze is one that takes a bit more time to set up. But we were able to do it without reading the directions, and the tradeoff for the fun, rocking chair feature is worth it.
We wish the REI Co-op Wonderland was a bit more intuitive to fold out, but once you figure out its strap system, it won’t take much time at all. And it’s hard to deny the ease of inflating the BOTE Inflatable Aero Chair XL, which pumps up in minutes.
The height from the ground to the bottom of the seat is an often overlooked yet extremely important consideration. This dictates not only how bent your legs will be but also makes a chair easier or more difficult to get out of. While most chairs don’t offer multiple heights, we will note that the ENO Lounger DL Chair does — with the choice of deploying either 3- or 10-inch legs.
In general, those with knee issues or mobility concerns will have an easier time getting out of taller chairs. If you fall into that category, consider something like the Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair or the YETI Trailhead.
Sitting around the campfire should be a relaxing time. And that means not having to worry about falling out of your chair (especially if you’re enjoying a few campfire cocktails) or the chair toppling over when you move to get out of it. A wider leg base provides extra stability but often comes at the cost of weight and pack size.
Besides a wide base, also look for broader feet at the end of those legs. These will better distribute the load across the surface you’re sitting on and will avoid sinking into soft soils.
Drink holders, pockets, carrying bags, armrest coolers, user-adjusted heat settings, and more — these extra features may seem inconsequential, but they can help take a camp chair from OK to awesome.
When we’re looking for a good camping chair, we like to balance the features it has with the overall complexity. It’s easy to pile on extra features, but annoying to have to extract yourself from a cocoon of cupholders, pockets, and straps. In general, one cupholder will do you, as well as a single accessory pocket to securely stash your keys.
Whether you choose the tiniest camp chair, the biggest camp chair, the cheapest camping chair, or something in between, don’t forget what it’s really all about: getting outside. Throw a fresh log on the fire, pull up a chair, and enjoy an evening under the stars.
The most comfortable camping chair varies from person to person and depends largely on your body type and height.
The REI Co-op Campwell is among the most comfortable — it’s malleable yet supportive but not too rigid. Our testers also gave the YETI Trailhead extremely high marks for comfort and stability, although that does come with a price tradeoff. And if you want to lay back and take a nap, the GCI Zero Gravity chair is a winner.
First, think about how you’re going to use the chair. If you plan on backpacking or hiking into camp, then a small, lightweight chair will serve you best. If you’re car camping or hanging in the backyard, go for maximum comfort and features.
You may also want to consider your mobility and height. Lower chairs can be more challenging to get in and out of if you have knee issues or any other mobility concerns. Taller people also tend to prefer a chair with a bit more height to it.
Last, think about the features you would enjoy. Is a cupholder important? Or maybe you really want a rocking camp chair? Whatever it is, chances are you can find a camp chair that perfectly suits your outdoor-loving needs.
Yes. All the camping chairs on this list can get wet. Some will dry more quickly than others, but none of them will be damaged by a little rain.
The weight and packed size relate to how portable a chair is. For car camping, this mainly matters for fitting everything in your vehicle and carrying it short distances. The packed-down size can also be important for those with limited storage space.
If you’re spending a lot of time at the ball field, you may want a camp chair you can carry hands-free. Many of our top choices for camp chairs come with an included carry case for convenience. Most of those bags have a single strap to sling over your shoulder, but the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong carry-case has two backpack straps for even more aid.
If you plan to backpack or hike a longer distance with your chair, the weight and packed size are very important.
First, consider the type of trips you’re looking to take your camp chair on. If you’re more of the light and fast type, you may be better suited to a backpacking chair. But if settling down in front of a campfire sounds like your type of evening, a camping chair is likely right up your alley. We will note that there are a few chairs on the market that will do both, and these can be considered if you want one chair to do it all.
Then, think about the type of relaxing you’re looking to do. Some chairs are more suited to reclining, which while the ideal angle for star gazing, likely isn’t going to work great for roasting marshmallows. A chair like the ENO Lounger DL Chair is certainly among this camp, while the ALPS King Kong offers a more upright position.
Finally, take into account the features you’re looking to use while camping. Some chairs offer a good bit of storage, while others are particularly spartan. Some come decked out in multiple cup holders, while others leave it up to you to cradle your beverage.
From packable sleeping pads to ultracomfortable air beds, we tested and found the best camping mattresses and sleeping pads to fit every adventure and budget.
Planning to hit the trails but don’t want to sacrifice comfort at camp? Invest in a backpacking chair.
Hailing from the hemlocks and hanging mosses of Washington State, Senior Editor Nick Belcaster is an adventure journalist following threads of stories across the West. Cruelly stolen from the alpine swales of rural Wisconsin at a young age, Nick made do ascending the snows and granite of the North Cascades while completing a journalism degree. A long stint on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2018 codified a life bent on sleeping on minor slopes and picking devil’s club out of his shoes.
Originally from New York, Miya graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English from Skidmore College and quickly fled west to see what the great outdoors had to offer. What was supposed to be a summer job in Yosemite National Park turned into five years, with her ultimately becoming a rock climbing guide with the Yosemite Mountaineering School. She now works as a photographer and freelance writer and is always looking for ways to share her passion and expertise for outdoor gear through her writing.
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