From family barbeques to kicking back around the campfire, a comfortable camp chair can make your next adventure far more comfortable. Many outdoor travel lovers would consider their camping chair to be part of their go-to camping basics checklist.

With a wide variety of different sizes and styles of camping chairs on the market, you may find yourself wondering how you could narrow your options down to choose the best camping chair for your lifestyle. In this guide, we will look at the different features that you should consider when shopping for your next camping chair and how to select a suitable chair for those who may have mobility limitations.

We will also look at the five camping chairs that stood out to the Backyard Boss team as the best on the market. It will help you to select the perfect chair before your next trip.

The Backyard Boss Top Camping Chair for 2021

PRODUCT

FEATURES

KingCamp Oversize Camp Chair - $$title$$

KingCamp Oversize Camp Chair

  • Max Weight Capacity of 300 lbs
  • Steel Frame
  • Includes Embedded Cooler Bag, Armrest Cup Holder, and Goblet Holder

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Sunyear Compact Collapsible Backpack Chair - $$title$$

Sunyear Compact Collapsible Backpack Chair

  • Max Weight Capacity of 250 lbs
  • Aluminum Alloy Frame
  • Available With or Without Side Storage Pocket

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Coleman Quattro Lax Double Quad Chair - $$title$$

Coleman Quattro Lax Double Quad Chair

  • Max Weight Capacity of 225 lbs Per Seat
  • Steel Frame
  • Includes 2 Mesh Cup Holders and Seatback Pockets

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GCI Outdoor Freestyle Portable Rocking Chair - $$title$$

GCI Outdoor Freestyle Portable Rocking Chair

  • Max Weight Capacity of 250 lbs
  • Steel Frame
  • Includes Padded Armrests and a Beverage Holder

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Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Camping Chair - $$title$$

Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Camping Chair

  • Max Weight Capacity of 250 lbs
  • Steel Frame
  • Includes Mesh Cup Holder

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Why You Can Trust Us

My husband and I love trying new camping gear, including different camping chairs. We are avid campers, planning at least one trip every month throughout the standard camping season. It has allowed us to see first-hand which options are better suited for different situations and which chairs fell short of our expectations.

In this guide, I have combined that experience with the opinions of the Backyard Boss team and careful online research comparing the specific details and features of each product. It will help you better understand the different styles of camping chairs available and which would be the best fit for you, your comfort level, and your lifestyle.

Best Oversize Camping Chair

KingCamp Oversize Camp Chair

    This large, padded chair offers a comfortable and spacious place to relax at camp, supported by a rugged steel frame.

      Pros:

    • Steel frame can support up to 300 lbs
    • Embedded cooler bag, armrest cup holder, goblet holder and large back pocket
    • Reclining back design
      Cons:

    • Extra padding makes it harder to fold up
    • Larger when folded up makes it unsuitable for backpacking or hiking

Why We Like It: Whether you are searching for a comfortable chair for your next car camping trip or looking for an easy and comfortable seating option for your backyard, the KingCamp Oversize Camp Chair is a great solution. 

This padded and oversized lounge-style chair measures a roomy 37 inches across, offering plenty of space for you to kick back and relax. It also features a reclining back design, making it easier to kick back and lounge in style. The strong steel frame design can support up to 300 lbs.

In addition to offering a padded sofa-style seat, the chair features a built-in cooler bag in one arm to store your drinks while keeping them cool. In the other arm, a cup holder and a goblet holder ensure that it will always be close at hand. On the back of the chair, a large back pocket stores and organizes your smaller personal belongings. It all packs down in a carry bag that measures 38.1inches by 9.8 inches by 6.7 inches, which can easily be tossed in the trunk on the go.

Who Should Buy It: Outdoor lovers searching for the perfect comfortable camp chair for camping, fishing, or hanging out in the back yard should consider the KingCamp Oversize Camp Chair.

    Best for lounging while camping

    TK this is a great thing for so many reasons that I can't be bothered to explain why it's so good but trust me it is so stop arguing with me about why it's good okthnxbye. I told you stop arguing with me and just buy it!!!

    Best for lounging while camping

    TK this is a great thing for so many reasons that I can't be bothered to explain why it's so good but trust me it is so stop arguing with me about why it's good okthnxbye. I told you stop arguing with me and just buy it!!!

    Best for lounging while camping

    TK this is a great thing for so many reasons that I can't be bothered to explain why it's so good but trust me it is so stop arguing with me about why it's good okthnxbye. I told you stop arguing with me and just buy it!!!

Best Ultralight Camping Chair

Sunyear Compact Collapsible Backpack Chair

    Lightweight and durable with an aircraft aluminum alloy frame and a large nylon mesh seat, this chair is stable, quick-drying, and easy-to-clean.

      Pros:

    • Folds up into a compact and lightweight size for easy transport
    • Deep seat design offers more room than other similar backpacking chairs
    • Nylon mesh fabric is quick-drying and easy to clean
      Cons:

    • Chair sits low to the ground making it not suitable for those who have trouble standing from a low position
    • Basic design features no cupholders or other features

Why We Like It: Designed with portability and ease of travel in mind, the Sunyear Compact Collapsible Backpack Chair combines a lightweight aircraft-grade 7075 aviation aluminum alloy with a nylon mesh seat to create a comfortable and reliable camp chair wherever your adventures take you. 

When not in use, the chair packs away in a carry case that measures 13.8 inches x 4.3 inches x 5.1 inches and weighs only 2.29 lbs. It makes it a great choice for backpackers, hikers, concertgoers, and anyone else that is on the go.

The aluminum alloy frame is lightweight; however, it is capable of supporting up to 250 lbs. Meanwhile, the nylon mesh chair uses a deep seat design to offer a larger seating space than most comparable backpacking chairs. This creates an ergonomic seat option to not only optimize the comfort level at the moment of use but also to avoid aches and pains moving forward. These chairs are supposed by the company’s 100% Lifetime Guarantee, providing 24-hour customer service.

Who Should Buy It: If you are looking for a lightweight and portable chair for your next backpacking adventure, the Sunyear Compact Collapsible Backpack Chair is a great option.

Best Two-Person Camping Chair

Coleman Quattro Lax Double Quad Chair

    The perfect option for couples that travel together, this double chair provides a comfortable seat, cup holders and plenty of storage space in the seatback pocket.

      Pros:

    • Includes 2 mesh cup holders and seatback pockets
    • Accommodates 2 people, making it perfect for couples
      Cons:

    • Larger when folded up makes it unsuitable for backpacking or hiking
    • Lowest maximum weight per person on the list

Why We Like It: The Coleman Quattro Lax Double Quad Chair offers a loveseat experience while traveling, making it a great choice for couples and families. 

The design is the equivalent of two of the company’s double quad chairs, each featuring a roomy 21.5-inch seat. Sitting 14.6 inches off the ground, it is easy for most people to get in and out. However, it may not be suitable for older consumers or those with injuries. The chair has been built with 600D polyester on a steel frame, supporting 225 lbs per seat.

Each of the two arms features a built-in mesh cup holder to keep your drink within your reach. On the back of each seat, a roomy pocket will hold all your personal belongings, including books, sunscreen, towels, cell phones, and any other essentials that you have on hand. The chair collapses down small enough for transporting in your vehicle or short distances, weighing approximately 10 lbs, but it is too large for backpacking and hiking adventures.

Who Should Buy It: Couples that are searching for a comfortable style seating option for their next camping trip will enjoy this double chair option.

Best Rocking Chair for Camping

GCI Outdoor Freestyle Portable Rocking Chair

    An outdoor rocking chair that offers smooth rocking motion on most outdoor surfaces while folding easily for storage or transportation.

      Pros:

    • Spring Action Rocking Technology
    • Includes a convenient carry handle when folded up
      Cons:

    • Straight, upright back may be uncomfortable for some people
    • Shorter seat may not be suitable for taller people
    • Larger when folded up makes it unsuitable for backpacking or hiking

Why We Like It: Adding a little luxury to your next outdoor travel experience, this outdoor rocking chair allows you to feel like you are relaxing at home with its Spring Action Rocking Technology. 

The rocking technology and shocks allow you to use this chair on nearly all outdoor surfaces, making it a great choice for camping, fishing, tailgating, and watching outdoor sports. Constructed with a powder-coated steel frame, it weighs only 12.1 lbs, supports up to 250 lbs, and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

The chair easily folds up using the company’s patented EAZY-FOLD technology, while a convenient carry handle on the side makes it easy to carry from location to location. For added comfort, it features padded armrests and a beverage holder attached to the front of the chair. The mesh seatback allows for improved airflow. However, some buyers have said that it sits straight up with no option to adjust it negatively impacts the comfort level. Others reported that the seat was shorter than other camp chair options, which may not work for those that are taller.

Who Should Buy It: The GCI Outdoor Freestyle Portable Rocking Chair is a great option for anyone looking to enjoy the comfort of a rocking chair while relaxing outdoors.

Best Budget Camping Chair

Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Camping Chair

    A traditional folding camping chair that combines the portability necessary for easy transport while also offering a comfortable and reliable place to relax.

      Pros:

    • Extra wide 21.3-inch seat
    • Low price point
    • Nylon mesh back for added ventilation
      Cons:

    • Some buyers report that the cup holder is too small for most cups
    • Larger when folded up makes it unsuitable for backpacking or hiking

Why We Like It: A simple upgrade on the traditional folding camping chair, this low-cost chair from Coleman features a nylon mesh back that allows for improved ventilation, helping to keep you comfortable even when the temperatures climb. 

The foldable steel frame is strong enough to support up to 250 lbs, while the extra-wide 21.3-inch seat offers plenty of space for people of all sizes to lounge comfortably. The chair sits 18.1 inches off the ground, which is higher than many other chairs on this list. It is more comfortable for those who may have a difficult time getting up from lower heights.

This chair folds up easily and can be transported or stored in the included carrying bag. Weighing only 4 lbs, it’s a great solution for car camping, fishing, barbeques, and picnics. However, the folded size is too large for backpacking and hiking trips. The chair features a built-in mesh cup holder to keep your drink close at hand. According to the reviews, the cup holder is smaller in size, which means that it can’t accommodate many cups.

Who Should Buy It: If you are looking for a comfortable and low-cost chair for your next camping trip, the Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Camping Chair is a great option.

How to Choose the Best Camping Chair for Your Next Trip

A woman sitting in a camping chair on her campsite, drinking coffee

Image Credit: akspiel on Pixabay

Durability

If you are investing money in a new camp chair, you want to look at the quality of the chairs and whether they are going to stand up to ongoing use. It is especially important if it will be used by someone that tends to sit down roughly. Such as children climbing in and out or the dog jumping in to curl up while camping.

You will need to decide on how much priority durability is to you compared to other features on this list. A steel frame is generally stronger and more durable than an aluminum frame. However, the steel will result in a heavier weight. Thicker nylon fabric can take more abuse than breathable mesh but with less ventilation.

Maximum Weight Limit and Seat Sizing

The maximum weight limit of your chair is determined based on the strength of the chair’s frame and its material. While some consumers will push these limits, as they are more of a guideline, it is important to recognize that doing so means taking the risk that your chair may fail. It can lead to injuries, especially if your chair were to break while sitting on a hard surface, like rocks, or around a campfire. It is always safest to take note of the recommended maximum weight limit and choose a chair that can accommodate your needs.

Seat size will vary from chair to chair. To find the most comfortable camping chair for your personal preferences, you will need to consider both the width and the depth of the seat. If you prefer more room to get comfortable, consider an extra-wide or oversized camp chair. The seat depth can have a significant impact for those that are shorter or taller, as it impacts the place where the edge of the seat will sit on the back of your legs.

Seat Height

The seat height refers to how high you will be off the ground when sitting in your chair. It is crucial for older users or those that may have restricted mobility or problems with back pain. If you are aware that this may be an issue for a member of your family, you should choose a chair designed to sit higher while prioritizing the strength and stability of the frame.

Padding vs No Padding

A padded chair will offer additional support and comfort, including a padded headrest, lumbar support, a padded seat, and padded armrests. At the same time, however, they also add bulk to your chair. It isn’t ideal for those searching for a small and compact size for hiking and backpacking trips. Many outdoor travel lovers will purchase a compact backpacking option and a more comfortable chair for car camping, beach days, and barbeques.

Portability

There are two key factors to consider when determining whether a camping chair is portable enough for your outdoor adventures. The level of portability required will depend on the type of trip that you are planning. For example, if you are planning on hiking to a backcountry campsite, you will want to find the lightest chair with the smallest packing size possible while still offering the comfort and stability you desire. It means sacrificing some of the extra features, including a built-in cooler or stash pocket.

These backcountry-type adventures often come with the need to make yourself comfortable on uneven ground. It is because these campsites are kept as natural as possible. For this reason, it’s important to find a stable chair that will support you securely in these situations.

If you are going on a car camping trip or heading to a family barbeque, you can bring a larger or heavier chair. For trips like these, you will want a chair that can fit into the trunk of your car and that can be carried relatively easily over short distances.

Ease of Set-Up/Tear-Down

While most camping chairs are easy to set up, simply unfolding into a usable and supportive seat, this isn’t always the case. Look at the work necessary for set-up. Keep in mind that something as simple as extra padding can impact the ease of set-up and tear-down by making it harder to fold a chair up and fit it into its carry bag.

a couple sitting in a two-person camping chair while tailgating

Image Credit: Coleman on Amazon

How We Picked

To select the chairs in this guide, we started by exploring the different camping chair styles. It included options for all travel styles and preferences, ranging from a comfortable rocking chair for those who prefer the comforts of home to a simple budget camping chair to bring along for your next family barbeque.

With these styles in mind, we organized our list of available options and narrowed down the possibilities. We did it by looking at several different features, including durability, portability, ease of pack-up/set-up, and the level of comfort that they provide.

We also read through the reviews of those who have already purchased and used these chairs, allowing us to see if the company’s claims for each camping chair stood up in real-life use. With all of this in mind, we found that five camping chairs stood out above the rest.

Our Pick for the Best Camping Chair Is...

We highly recommend each of the featured chairs for different settings and environments. However, one chair stood out for both its comfort level and versatility. The KingCamp Oversize Camp Chair is a great option for many different situations. 

The large, padded seat with a reclining back will ensure that you can relax, while the strong, durable steel frame offers support for up to 300 lbs, which is larger than most camping chair options. Except for hiking or backpacking trips, this is an option that is sure to meet and even exceed your needs in most situations. So, pack up the cooler, grab your camping chair, and have an enjoyable time in the great outdoors!