Best Camping Chairs

Buying guide for

Ready to buy now? Shop the best: 

• Best of the Best: EVER ADVANCED Padded Hammock Camping Chair
• Best Bang for the Buck: MOON LENCE Portable Camping Chair
• Sturdy & Convenient: Coleman Portable Camping Chair
• Excellent Value: HaSteeL Camping Chair Set
• Feature-Packed: GCI OUTDOOR Freestyle Rocker Camping Chair

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.