Our guide to the best camping chairs features a selection of portable, folding chairs that you can use for outdoor seating, whether that’s chilling on your lawn, or smaller, more lightweight options to take on camping, road-tripping or backpacking trips, tailgating or to the beach, concerts and festivals.
To help choose the right one for you, we’ve written plenty of portable camping chair reviews for different types of uses, budgets, and preferences.
This camp chair buyer’s guide includes everything from great all-rounders to luxury, high-comfort heated and reclining camping chairs and ultralight camping chairs that fold down small and fit in a backpacking backpack or even a hiking daypack.
The Best Camping Chairs
NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair | All-Round Best Camping Chair
Nemoequipment.com
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$219.95 | See Deal |
Amazon.com
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$257.98
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new
from $256.47
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used from
$190.00
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Backcountry.com
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$164.96
out of stock
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See Deal |
- Great for: Rocking, snoozing, sitting in comfort and watching the sky
- Weight: 6lb 5oz
- Cost: $250
- Weight capacity: 300lb
- Folded dimensions: 7 x 24
- Choose if: You want a comfortable reclining (and rocking) chair that’s perfect for relaxing in on your next camping trip.
This NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury chair has every feature we would want in a comfortable, durable camping recliner.
From the smooth rocking chair movement, adjustable headrest and padded arm rests to the smaller features such as the cup holder, pockets, and water-resistant mesh, we can definitely spend long periods of time snoozing, reading, chilling, or stargazing in this luxury aluminum option.
At $220 it may not be for everyone, but if you don’t mind the cost this is the best camping chair to go for, whether you’re actually taking it camping or want a luxe lawn chair to chillax in at home.
CLIQ Camping Chair | Runner Up
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Amazon.com
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$109.99
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new
from $99.99
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$101.19
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Cliqproducts.com
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See Deal |
To learn more, read our CLIQ Chair review next.
- Best for: Camping, the beach, travel, festivals
- Weight: 3.5lb
- Cost: $110
- Weight capacity: 300lb
- Folded dimensions: 3.4 x 3.4 x 13
- Choose if: You want a highly portable, lightweight camping chair you can take pretty much anywhere.
Referred to as the ‘most funded portable chair in crowdfunding history’, the CLIQ compact outdoor chair is designed to use anywhere, by virtue of its lightweight, small packed size and ease of setup.
It takes 5 seconds to put up and can hold 300lb, and yet this chair weighs only 3.5lb and its packed dimensions are just the size of a large bottle.
At less than half the price of the NEMO Stargazer, these aluminum Cliq chairs are in our opinion the best overall camping chair if a smaller size, and lighter camp chair is a priority for excellent portability – and at a more affordable price.
These features mean that these ultralight chairs very versatile and well suited for using as backpacking chairs and for taking to music festivals, for example.
DoD Outdoors Sugoi Chair | Most Versatile Adjustable Camp Chair
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Amazon.com
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$149.00
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from $149.00
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Dodoutdoors.com
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$149.00 | See Deal |
To learn more about this brand, read our DoD Outdoors review next.
- Best for: Camping, the beach, travel, festivals
- Weight: 5 lb
- Cost: $149
- Weight capacity: 220lb
- Folded dimensions: 4 x 15 x 18
- Choose if: You want a portable, do-everything chair that’s easy to set up and pack away.
The DoD Sugoi chair isn’t your average camp chair – it is highly adjustable, with 4 different heights, plus you can raise or lower the front and rear legs to sit forward or lean back, depending on how chilled you want to be.
Watch the short video clip on the Sugoi Chair’s product page to see how the different seating positions look!
The whole chair weighs only 5lb, and folds down into a small carrying case that is only 4 inches deep and easy to slide into a backpack or duffel.
REI Camp X Chair | Classic Camp Chair Top Pick
- Best for: Camping, the beach, tailgating and parties
- Weight: 7lb 3oz
- Cost: $50
- Weight capacity: 300lb
- Folded dimensions: 7 x 33
- Choose if: The REI Camp X is a great option if you want a robust, durable camping chair at an affordable price point.
If you’re looking for a comfortable classic folding camping chair that won’t break the bank but should last you many years, then this REI chair is our top pick.
It features a durable steel frame, drink cup holder, pocket for your phone and small accessories, and a quick-draining mesh, which is tensioned just right to distribute your weight and not sag. This folding chair is a great value addition to your camping gear setup.
GCI Outdoor Wilderness Backpack Chair | Budget-Friendly Reclining Camp Chair
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Amazon.com
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$70.00
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from $70.00
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Gcioutdoor.com
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$75.00 | See Deal |
- Best for: Camping in style, kicking back at home
- Weight: 8.6lb
- Cost: $75
- Weight capacity: 250lb
- Folded dimensions: 28 x 24.4 x 3.5
- Choose if: you want a budget-friendly camp chair with the ability to recline the back – this chair will be equally at home on your lawn or at the campsite.
For a selection of more budget-friendly outdoor reclining and rocking chair options, look at GCI Outdoor chairs’ range, most of which cost in the region of $55 to $80.
We’ve named their Wilderness Reclining Backpack Chair as our top pick as it’s sturdy, comfortable, and portable (aided by the backpack-style straps), but it’s worth exploring the full range in case particular extra features stand out for you, such as side tables, foot rests and sun-shades.
Helinox Chair Zero | Best Lightweight Camping Chair
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Amazon.com
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$149.95
2
new
from $149.95
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Helinox.com
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$149.95
out of stock
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See Deal |
- Best for: Backpacking, festivals, anywhere you need a portable, ultralight camping chair
- Weight: 1lb
- Cost: $130
- Weight capacity: 265lb
- Folded dimensions: 13.8 x 3.9 x 3.9
- Choose if: opt for this Helinox chair if you want the lightest, most compact folding camping chair there is and you don’t need frills such as cup holders. Ideal for backpacking or traveling light.
At a crazy-light weight of 1lb and no-frills to add to the weight, this Helinox chair is crazy-popular as a backpacking chair or beach chair, as well as for when you need a lightweight chair with a relatively low seat height to take to outdoor concerts and festivals.
The Helinox Chair Zero also folds down small into its own stuff sack, and will fit in any backpack or duffel bag – at this small size and 1lb weight, it’s the ultimate portable chair.
We keep two of these in our camper van full-time, where they take up a minimal amount of precious space when not in use. If you want to take a chair backpacking, this Helinox chair is the one to get.
REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair | Affordable Lightweight Camp Chair
- Best for: Backpacking, festivals, anywhere you need a portable, ultralight camping chair
- Weight: 1lb
- Cost: $70
- Weight capacity: 250lb
- Folded dimensions: 5 x 16
- Choose if: you’re on a budget but saving weight and portability are high priorities over having padding or a cup holder.
These REI backpacking chairs are another great option if you’re looking for an ultralight chair.
While this lightweight REI camp chair doesn’t fold down quite as small as Helinox’s Chair Zero, it’s a similar weight, at a significantly lower price point (only a step up from the more classic REI Camp X chair mentioned above), so definitely worth checking out.
Because of the layout of the chair’s aluminum legs, this chair has more front-to-back stability than side-to-side stability like the Helinox.
YETI Trailhead | Most Comfortable Camp Chair
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Amazon.com
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$300.00
2
new
from $300.00
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Yeti.com
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$299.99
out of stock
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See Deal |
To learn more, read our YETI Trailhead Camp Chair review next.
- Best for: When sitting upright, comfortable, is your top priority
- Weight: 13lb
- Cost: $300
- Weight capacity: 500lb
- Folded dimensions: 10 x 8 x 43
- Choose if: a comfortable camp chair is your top priority.
If a comfortable seat is important to you and you don’t need a particularly compact or light chair, then invest in this premium YETI camp chair that should last a lifetime.
While we have other comfortable folding camp chairs here that are great for chilling and even sleeping in, the Trailhead camp chair is ideal for sitting up, whether eating, drinking, reading a book or hanging out around a campfire when you’re car camping, or in the backyard.
As you would expect from YETI it’s great quality, and overbuilt so it’s super sturdy, easy to set up as well as when you need to fold and put it away in its carry bag, which has backpack straps for ease of portability.
GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker | Best Budget Rocking Chair
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Amazon.com
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$70.00
6
new
from $69.99
8
used from
$66.25
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Rei.com
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$70.00 | See Deal |
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Gcioutdoor.com
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$75.00 | See Deal |
For more photos and our video review of this GCI chair, head over to our GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker review.
- Best for: Relaxed chilling around a campfire, with a controlled rocking action
- Weight: 13lb
- Cost: $75
- Weight capacity: 250lb
- Folded dimensions: 25 x 4.9 x 34.8
- Choose if: you fancy a rocking chair for chillaxing.
The GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker is an ergonomic camp chair that has padded arm rests, a mesh backrest for breathability and a handy cup holder and of course, that calming rocking motion.
Never fear, this lightweight folding rocker doesn’t go swinging back wildly, it has controlled motion using GCI’s patented spring-action rocking technology. A great option for your next car camping trip.
Gobi Heat Terrain | Best Heated Camping Chairs
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Amazon.com
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$179.00
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from $179.00
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To learn more about this heated camping chair, read our full Gobi Heat review.
- Best for: Cool evenings and soothing aches from a busy day
- Weight: 11lb
- Cost: $199
- Weight capacity: 325lb
- Choose if: you want a comfortable chair that heats your seat and back
With up to 9 hours of heat per charge, this heated camping chair from Gobi Heat is a luxe seating option for your campsite or backyard, with a heated pad in the seat and back of the chair to warm your butt, back and soul.
With the heated seat pads, this is undoubtedly one of the best camp chairs, especially for colder Fall and Winter camping trips, or sitting in after the sun has gone down to fend off the evening chill.
Even without the heat, this is a comfortable, stable, and padded camping chair with a high back and good-size integrated cup holder, great for sitting for long periods. Our soccer and baseball-watching friends also swear by the Gobi heated chair as being a great companion for watching a game, especially in cold weather!
Kelty Loveseat | Best Double Camping Chair
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Amazon.com
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$129.95
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from $129.95
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$123.21
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- Best for: When you need a camping chair for two people!
- Weight: 15lb
- Cost: $140
- Weight capacity: 400lb
- Choose if: you want a double chair so you can share your seat with another person (or pet).
This high-quality double camp chair is our favorite camping chair for two people – it looks great and is durable and sturdy with one or two people in it.
The fabric is tough and easy to clean, and the entire chair folds down neatly into its own roll tote carrying bag for ease of portability. We also like the insulated drink holders on each of the adjustable arms.
ALPS Mountaineering King Kong | Heavy Duty Camping Chairs
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Amazon.com
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See Deal |
- Best for: Stability, extra weight capacity, durability
- Weight: 13lb
- Cost: $70
- Weight capacity: 800lb
- Folded dimensions: 41 x 7
- Choose if: you want a sturdy, heavy duty upright chair that has a higher weight capacity than most.
For a very stable and chair option with a seat height that is relatively high off the ground, this ALPS Mountaineering chair is one of the best out there for larger and taller people.
It also has a higher weight capacity than other chairs on this list, which contributes to the sturdiness.
We also like that it’s available in a range of colors in addition to the blue version, pictured.
ENO Lounger DL Chair | Camping Chairs With High Back Support
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Amazon.com
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$139.95
3
new
from $139.95
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Rei.com
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$139.95 | See Deal |
Zappos.com
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See Deal |
- Best for: Using as a beach chair, chilling at a campsite, napping anywhere
- Weight: 4lb 10
- Cost: $125
- Weight capacity: 250lb
- Folded dimensions: 23 x 7
- Choose if: you want a camping chair you can relax and even nap in, that’s just at home at the beach as at the campsite or in your backyard.
ENO knows all about relaxation – they also make a great range of camping hammocks!
With a high back and integrated pillow, this lightweight aluminum ENO chair is designed for relaxing and snoozing in.
The adjustable legs can be switched between 3 and 10 inches, meaning you have the option of sitting low to the ground, which you may prefer to do when using it as a beach chair, for example.
BOTE Aero Lounger | Best Inflatable Camp Chair
Boteboard.com
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$169.00
out of stock
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See Deal |
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Amazon.com
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See Deal |
- Best for: A highly portable and storable comfy outdoor lounge chair. The ultimate beach chair!
- Weight: 7lb
- Cost: $199
- Weight capacity: 225lb
- Folded dimensions: 25 x 10 x 8
- Choose if: you want a large, relaxing lounge chair that’s just as portable as any other camp chair on this list – and twice the size once inflated!
You may already be familiar with BOTE – BOTE is one of the most popular brands of inflatable recreation and watersports gear such as SUPs and inflatable kayaks: we’ve reviewed BOTE paddleboards in the past and some are featured on our best stand up paddleboards buyer’s guide.
BOTE recently launched their awesome outdoor lounge range, the Aero Lounge, which features this inflatable lounge chair, an inflatable sofa and inflatable corn hole set, that are as rigid as a paddleboard once inflated.
This chair is great for beach hangouts, your backyard, camping, parties or tailgating! Just don’t put it too close to an open fire or your outdoor pizza oven.
Best camp chair buyer’s guide
Choosing between the various camping chairs on offer is not as simple as it may first seem.
With so many different types, materials, and features on offer, it can be tricky to know which is the right camping chair for you.
To help make the decision easier, we have put together this buyer’s guide with everything you need to consider when choosing a camp chair.
Types of camping chairs
Ultimately the right choice will come down to your personal preference, but there are a few different types of chair to choose from. The most popular type is the classic camp chair, which is a folding chair that’s easy to transport and set up.
Related Reading:
If you are looking for something more comfortable, you can opt for an inflatable camp chair or hammock, or one with added features such as chairs that recline, or rock.
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, you could just get very a basic budget camping chair which is basically just something you sit on that is better than the ground.
These are going to be the type of cheap camp chairs you’ll easily find at a big box store for less than $50. But, you can do better than that!
A good quality, comfortable camping chair should at least have a durable fabric seat, some good supportive, breathable mesh, and for a plusher option, have a nicely padded seat.
Higher-end camp chairs also have headrests and padded arms, as well as features such as cup holders and aluminum construction, which reduces the chair’s overall weight – making them easier to carry.
It’s worth also thinking about how the seat height, meaning how close to the ground you want to sit, as well as how important having a high backrest is to you.
Some camp chairs sit you a few inches off the ground. These could be good options for more casual social gatherings, outdoor concerts, festivals and the beach, where you don’t need or want to sit high off the ground. They’re also good for relaxing around the campfire.
If, however, you are looking for a more upright seat that’s going to be better suited to sitting at a table for meals, or simply easier to sit down on and get up off, then go for one with that more upright seating position and a higher back, which will make it more comfortable.
Price
In this buyer’s guide we’re focusing on quality folding camp chairs, because as with most things, you get what you pay for.
For purchases to be sustainable, we place emphasis on investing in quality outdoor gear that you won’t need to replace, at least not often.
For a good portable camp chair you can expect to spend upwards of around $50, with the more feature-packed chairs (such as rocking chairs) costing up to the region of $200.
Weight and portability
The first thing to consider when looking at foldable camping chairs is how much the weight of the chair matters to you, as this will narrow down your options.
While most chairs will come with their own carry bag or stuff sack, some are significantly lighter and easier to carry than other camp chair options, especially if they have backpack straps rather than a one-shoulder carry strap.
If you want a heavy duty, sturdy camp chair and are on a budget, look for a chair that has a steel frame.
While there are benefits to having a chair with a sturdy steel frame and chair legs, if you’re looking for the lightest chair that folds down small, then opt for a backpacking chair.
Backpacking chairs usually have aluminum legs and also feature thin (yet strong) woven mesh material to minimize the overall weight and packed size, meaning they can weigh less than 2lb.
They’re usually made up of two parts – the fabric seat and a set of aluminum folding legs that pack down small for portage.
While more serious backpackers probably won’t take a chair at all (to save on overall pack weight when hiking), you may want one not necessarily for backpacking trips but to have a compact camp chair that folds up small into its carry bag and has a comfortable carry strap or backpacking straps for you to comfortably take it to places like festivals, camping and the beach.
The main downside to these lightweight camp chair options is that they tend to have minimal or no padded seats, and lack basic features many people expect of normal camp chairs, such as cup holders.
If you don’t really have a need to carry your camp chair very far – perhaps because you prefer to go car camping or only expect to have a short walk to your beach or campsite, then you could consider either a less-expensive, classic camp chair.
Alternatively, why not treat yourself to one of the more premium camping chairs that have rocking or reclining actions, adjustable armrests, a more supportive mesh seat and other extra features such as headrests and added side pocket storage.
Other features that may be important to you
As well as the features mentioned above, depending on the style of camp chair and your needs, you may also place value on other features such as whether the chair has:
- A cup holder – which may nor may not be insulated
- A headrest and/or footrest
- Adjustable armrests or reclining features
- A side table
- A side pocket
- A high seat height (good for taller people and sitting at a table) vs. a low chair height (good for festivals and at the beach)
- Breathable mesh for airflow
- A padded seat, armrests and backrest
- A quick assembly and packing time.
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