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Best Camping Chairs

Updated July 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Oniva Portable Reclining Camp Chair
Oniva
Portable Reclining Camp Chair
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Most Comfortable
Bottom Line

Surpasses competitors in comfort and versatility, while including some clever features.

Pros

Very portable and versatile. Built around a strong steel frame. Has several pads, making it extremely comfortable for a camping chair. Includes insulated drink holder, zippered pocket, and carry bag with strap.

Cons

Chair is difficult to adjust while sitting in it.

Best Bang for the Buck
Moon Lence Lightweight Camping Chair
Moon Lence
Lightweight Camping Chair
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Tested Choice
Bottom Line

This choice really impressed thanks to its quick and easy setup combined with a surprisingly comfortable feel.

Pros

Has a very lightweight feel which makes it easy to transport in tandem with other camping gear. Can be set up in less than a minute. Includes side pockets to keep valuables safe. We found them to be very comfortable compared to other options.

Cons

The bag is a bit small which made it slightly difficult for our team to pack the chair easily.

Coleman Quad Portable Camp Chair With 4-Can Cooler
Coleman
Quad Portable Camp Chair With 4-Can Cooler
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Sturdy & Convenient
Bottom Line

With its strong and comfortable design at an excellent price point, this option stands out.

Pros

Owners give it high praise for being sturdy, durable, and comfortable. Stands up to a range of weights and sizes. Attached cooler and storage area are convenient and easy to use.

Cons

Quality control could be improved; some report the chairs don't last and break easily.

Kelsyus Original Foldable Canopy Chair for Camping
Kelsyus
Original Foldable Canopy Chair for Camping
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Best Sun Protection
Bottom Line

A sturdy camp chair that has convenience features like an adjustable canopy.

Pros

This model stands out for being well-constructed, durable, and comfortable. Added benefits of features like the shade canopy and cup holders. Canopy transforms into carrying bag.

Cons

Drink holder is on the small side.

GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Chair
GCI Outdoor
Freestyle Rocker Chair
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Feature-packed
Bottom Line

This rocking camping chair is a popular pick and can be easily folded up and transported.

Pros

Constructed with a steel frame with a 250-pound capacity. The back has a mesh design and the armrests are padded for additional comfort. Has a built-in cupholder. Available in 2 different colors.

Cons

Back was too straight for some customers’ preferences. Cupholder is pretty small.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Consulted
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Buying guide for Best camping chairs

Camping can be great fun, but not everyone wants to “rough it” completely. If you prefer to have a few creature comforts at your side when you camp, you may be interested in owning one or more camping chairs.

In order to find the right camping chairs for your next outdoor adventure, consider which features, materials, and price points matter most to you.

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A camping chair with cup holders in the arms is extremely useful. You can sit and relax with your beverage at arm’s length while lounging in your chair.

Benefits of a camping chair

Why buy a camping chair? Here are a few of the benefits.

  • Comfort: You'll be much more comfortable sitting in a camping chair around the campfire or while eating meals than you would be sitting on the ground.

  • Warmth: Since camping chairs raise you up off the ground, you'll stay warmer on chilly nights when you sit in one.

  • Versatility: Camping chairs are also useful for tailgating, music festivals, certain sporting events, and anywhere else seating isn't provided.

Considerations for selecting a camping chair

Chair weight

Some camping chairs are heavier than others. This may or may not be a concern, depending on where you tend to use your chair and how you get there.

You’ll probably want a lightweight camping chair (around two pounds or so) if:

  • You plan to take your chair to a music festival or other event at which you’ll be moving from place to place

  • You plan to hike a long distance to your camping spot

  • You suffer from limited mobility, poor balance, or weak arm muscles

You probably won’t mind a heavier camping chair (two pounds or more) if:

  • You usually camp at places where you can drive right up to your camping spot

  • You plan to use your camping chair for tailgating or simply sitting around your backyard

Chair material

Most camping chairs have either a steel or aluminum frame with a nylon seat. The thicker and stronger the nylon, the more durable and long-lasting the chair will be. Cheap camping chairs tend to be made from thin nylon that tears easily, especially where it attaches to the frame.

Some camping chairs also have foam padding in them. Ideally, this should be closed-cell foam, as it doesn't absorb water and therefore won't get soaked through should you get caught in the rain.

Comfort

Some camping chairs are far more comfortable than others. A well-padded camping chair might inspire you to lounge for hours on end, whereas a spartan chair with zero padding isn’t so inviting – at least not for extended periods of time.

As a rule, the more comfortable the chair, the heavier it is. So you’ll need to decide which matters more to you: a lighter chair with enhanced portability, or a padded chair that’s extremely comfortable but also quite heavy.

Chair height

Some camping chairs are lower to the ground than others. Which chair height is best for you? Consider these points.

  • Lower chairs are great for use around a campfire, but they’re not so good for sitting at a table.

  • Consider how you’ll be using your camping chair most of the time. This can help you determine which chair height is best.

  • If you’re buying camping chairs for your whole family, we recommend getting everyone a chair of the same height.

Chair color

You can find camping chairs in a wide range of colors and patterns to suit all tastes. Of course, there’s no point buying a cool-looking camping chair that’s poorly made; form should not come before function when it comes to camping chairs.

That said, if you can find a high-quality camping chair with a color or pattern you love, we encourage you to go for it. Furthermore, if you have a distinctive-looking camping chair, it will be easy to remember which is yours ... and less likely that a fellow camper will pick it up by mistake.  

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Did you know?
Some camping chairs have specially designed feet that won't sink into sand or soft turf.
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Camping chair prices

Just how much should you spend on a camping chair, and what can you expect to get at different price points? The following guidelines will give you some general ideas.

  • $10 to $20: Basic camping chairs can be found in this low price tier. While you can find some gems in this range, they're not always very durable. Furthermore, these inexpensive chairs may be heavy or bulky, making transport a challenge.

  • $20 to $60: Camping chairs in this mid-range should suffice for most users. These products tend to be of excellent quality, particularly those that are closer to the $60 mark.

  • $60 to $150: High-end camping chairs are found in this upper price bracket. These chairs tend to be well-padded and highly durable. If you suffer back issues and need a camping chair with lumbar support, you’ll likely find it here.

Some camping chairs have armrests, which provide extra comfort and support.

Tips

  • Decide whether you want an upright or reclined chair. Some camping chairs are upright, much like a dining chair. Others are reclined. If you want to sit at a table or watch a concert, an upright model is preferable. If you’re planning to lounge or sunbathe, however, you might prefer a reclined chair.

  • Consider a chair with a sun shade. Some camping chairs come with a sun shade, which is perfect if you'll be sitting in the sun for long periods of time. If you plan to spend time on a beach or in an open field, for example, you might appreciate a chair with a sun shade.

  • Mind the material your chair is made of. Camping chairs made of UV-resistant material are more durable and less prone to fading if kept out in the sun.

  • Consider a chair with a cooler. Some camping chairs have attached coolers to keep food and drinks cool in hot weather.
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Camping chairs aren’t just for camping. You can take your camping chair to the beach, a tailgate party, an outdoor music concert, or a friend’s barbecue. Some people use them as porch chairs or as extra seating at large get-togethers, too.

FAQ

Q. How should I care for my camping chair to make sure it lasts a long time?
A.
Camping chairs don't need much care or maintenance, but you should always make sure that they're clean and dry before you pack them away. Otherwise, a chair could develop issues with mold or mildew.

Q. Do camping chairs have a maximum weight limit?
A.
Yes, all camping chairs have a maximum weight limit. It varies from chair to chair but is usually between 200 and 300 pounds. Notably, there are some chairs with higher weight limits, though it may take a bit of searching to find one.

Q. Can you get child-sized camping chairs?
A.
Yes, there are a range of smaller camping chairs designed for children. Not only are these chairs of a more suitable size, but children can get in and out of them safely without assistance. Many child-sized camping chairs have fun designs that appeal to little ones. What’s more, a child-sized camping chair takes up less room in the car and is easier to transport during a hike.

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