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The Best Camping Chairs of 2023

Whether you're car camping, backyard grilling, enjoying festival music, or hiking to your favorite lakeside campsite, we've narrowed down the best camping chairs for every use and budget.

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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.

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, scroll through to see all of our recommended buys or jump to the category you’re looking for:

The Best Camp Chairs of 2023


Best Overall Camp Chair

REI Co-op Skyward Chair

Specs

  • Weight 7 lbs.
  • Dimensions 34.25" x 24.75" x 24.5"
  • Cupholders One pear-shaped cupholder for a variety of beverage containers
  • Pockets One smaller mesh drawstring pocket for small items
  • Weight capacity 300 lbs.
The Best Camping Chairs of 2023

Pros

  • Simple, lightweight design
  • Made primarily of mesh for easy cleanup and breathability
  • Comes with a shoulder bag for easy transport

Cons

  • Mesh could cause concerns for long-term durability
  • Not a tall seat height for ultimate lounging
Best Budget Camp Chair

Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair

Specs

  • Weight 6 lbs., 4 oz.
  • Dimensions 35.8" x 31.1" x 21.3"
  • Cupholders One mesh cupholder
  • Pockets None
  • Weight capacity 250 lbs.
The Best Camping Chairs of 2023

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Breathable mesh back panel
  • Tried and true design that's easy to deploy

Cons

  • Less portability
  • Long-term durability
Best Rocking Chair

GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker Chair

Specs

  • Weight 10 lbs., 9.6 oz.
  • Dimensions 32.5" x 31.7" x 27.2"
  • Cupholders One tall mesh pocket on right arm
  • Pockets One tall hanging pocket on left armrest with enough room for a phone
  • Weight capacity 250 lbs.
The Best Camping Chairs of 2023

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Rocker
  • Easy fold-up

Cons

  • Large size
  • Less portability
Most Stable Camping Chair

ALPS Mountaineering King Kong

Specs

  • Weight 13 lbs.
  • Dimensions 38" x 20" x 38"
  • Cupholders Two mesh cupholders
  • Pockets Two hanging side pockets
  • Weight capacity 800 lbs.
The Best Camping Chairs of 2023

Pros

  • Extremely sturdy at a rated 800 lb. capacity
  • Backpack-style carry case included
  • Not lacking in storage with two pockets and two cupholders

Cons

  • Heavier than most chairs at 13 lbs.
Best Campsite 'Couch'

Kelty Discovery Low Loveseat

Specs

  • Weight 15 lbs., 6 oz.
  • Dimensions 44" x 23.5" x 31.5"
  • Cupholders Two insulated cupholders
  • Pockets None
  • Weight capacity 400 lbs.
The Best Camping Chairs of 2023

Pros

  • Campfire snuggling
  • Adjustable cupholders

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Bulky
Best Heated Chair

GOBI Heat Terrain Heated Camping Chair

Specs

  • Weight 11 lbs.
  • Dimensions 25" x 39" x 17"
  • Cupholders One built-in cupholder
  • Pockets None
  • Weight capacity 325 lbs.
The Best Camping Chairs of 2023

Pros

  • Chair provides battery-powered warmth

Cons

  • Too rigid for some
  • An investment
Best Camping Chair for Kids

REI Co-op Kids’ Camp Chair

Specs

  • Weight 4 lbs.
  • Dimensions 24.5" x 26.5" x 16.25"
  • Cupholders Single pocket serves as a cupholder or as a pocket for small trinkets in the right armrest
  • Pockets No additional pockets
  • Weight capacity 125 lbs.
The Best Camping Chairs of 2023

Pros

  • Light, portable mini version of the adult chair

Cons

  • Best for kids 9 and under
Best of the Rest

Dometic Go Compact Chair

Specs

  • Weight 9 lbs., 6 oz.
  • Dimensions 32" x 28" x 24"
  • Cupholders None
  • Pockets Single back of chair
  • Weight capacity 280 lbs.
The Best Camping Chairs of 2023

Pros

  • High-quality materials and design
  • Comfortable sitting angle
  • Zip-up carrying bag

Cons

  • No cupholders
  • A bit on the heavier side

ENO Lounger DL Chair

Specs

  • Weight 4 lbs., 10 oz.
  • Dimensions 37" x 32" x 23"
  • Cupholders Single hanging cupholder
  • Pockets Two elastic sleeve pockets
  • Weight capacity 250 lbs.
The Best Camping Chairs of 2023

Pros

  • Comfortable sitting position
  • Padded armrests and head pillow
  • Two elevated sitting heights

Cons

  • Complicated to set up
  • May be too low for some campers

YETI Trailhead Camping Chair

Specs

  • Weight 13 lbs.
  • Dimensions 29.9" x 36.3" x 25.1"
  • Cupholders One below the right armrest
  • Pockets None
  • Weight capacity 500 lbs.
The Best Camping Chairs of 2023

Pros

  • Durable
  • Comfortable
  • Super stable

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Expensive

NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair

Specs

  • Weight 8 lbs., 11 oz.
  • Dimensions 41" x 37" x 27"
  • Cupholders One on the left armrest
  • Pockets One zippered pocket on the right side
  • Weight capacity 300 lbs.
The Best Camping Chairs of 2023

Pros

  • Fun
  • Hammock-chair hybrid

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Takes longer to get in and out

REI Co-op Wonderland Chair

Specs

  • Weight 7 lbs., 13 oz.
  • Dimensions 21” x 24” x 35”
  • Cupholders One that swivels out under right armrest
  • Pockets None
  • Weight capacity 300 lbs.
The Best Camping Chairs of 2023

Pros

  • Design-forward
  • Versatile
  • Comfortable, high seat

Cons

  • Bulky
  • Heavy
  • Expensive

Helinox Chair Zero High-Back

Specs

  • Weight 1 lb., 8 oz.
  • Dimensions 32.5" x 20.5" x 21.5"
  • Cupholders None
  • Pockets None
  • Weight capacity 265 lbs.
The Best Camping Chairs of 2023

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Portable
  • Taller chair back compared to OG design

Cons

  • Not super stable
  • Narrower seat

GCI Outdoor Freeform Zero Gravity Lounger

Specs

  • Weight 20 lbs.
  • Dimensions 43.1" x 35" x 30.3"
  • Cupholders None
  • Pockets One hanging mesh pocket
  • Weight capacity 300 lbs.
The Best Camping Chairs of 2023

Pros

  • Recliner
  • Nap-worthy
  • Breathable

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Doesn't pack small

TRAVELCHAIR Kanpai Bamboo Chair

Specs

  • Weight 7 lbs., 5.6 oz.
  • Dimensions 25.5" x 21.5" x 19.5"
  • Cupholders None
  • Pockets None
  • Weight capacity 250 lbs.
The Best Camping Chairs of 2023

Pros

  • Stylish
  • Comfortable
  • Durable

Cons

  • Short ground height can be hard to get out of

Camping Chair Comparison Chart

Camping ChairWeightDimensionsCupholdersPocketsWeight Capacity
REI Co-Op
Skyward Chair
7 lbs.34.25″ x 24.75″ x 24.5″One pear-shaped cupholderOne drawstring pocket300 lbs.
Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair6 lbs., 4 oz.35.8″ x 31.1″ x 21.3″One mesh cupholderNone250 lbs.
GCI Outdoor Kickback
Rocker Chair
10 lbs., 9.6 oz.32.5″ x 31.7″ x 27.2″One tall mesh pocket on right armOne tall hanging pocket on armrest250 lbs.
ALPS Mountaineering
King Kong
13 lbs.38″ x 20″ x 38″Two mesh cupholdersTwo hanging side pockets800 lbs.
Kelty Discovery
Low Loveseat
15 lbs., 6 oz.44″ x 23.5″ x 31.5″Two insulated cupholdersNone400 lbs.
GOBI Heat Terrain
Heated Camping Chair
11 lbs.25″ x 39″ x 17″One built-in cupholderNone325 lbs.
REI Co-op Kids’
Camp Chair
4 lbs.24.5″ x 26.5″ x 16.25″Single pocket in the right armrestNo additional pockets125 lbs.
Dometic Go Compact Chair
9 lbs., 6 oz.32″ x 28″ x 24″NoneSingle back of chair280 lbs.
ENO Lounger
DL Chair
4 lbs., 10 oz.37″ x 32″ x 23″Single hanging cupholderTwo elastic sleeve pockets250 lbs.
YETI Trailhead
Camping Chair
13 lbs.29.9″ x 36.3″ x 25.1″One below the right armrestNone500 lbs.
NEMO Stargaze Recliner
Luxury Chair
8 lbs., 11 oz.41″ x 37″ x 27″One on the left armrestOne zippered pocket on the right side300 lbs.
REI Co-op
Wonderland Chair
7 lbs., 13 oz.21” x 24” x 35”One that swivels out None300 lbs.
Helinox Chair Zero
High-Back
1 lb., 8 oz.32.5″ x 20.5″ x 21.5″NoneNone265 lbs.
GCI Outdoor Freeform
Zero Gravity Lounger
20 lbs.43.1″ x 35″ x 30.3″NoneOne hanging mesh pocket300 lbs.
TRAVELCHAIR Kanpai
Bamboo Chair
7 lbs., 5.6 oz.25.5″ x 21.5″ x 19.5″NoneNone250 lbs.
GearJunkie Testers on Camp Chairs
GearJunkie editors enjoying the sunshine in camp chairs by the tent; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Why You Should Trust Us

The GearJunkie team has tested a huge variety of camping chairs for countless hours at campsites, while road-tripping with camper trailers, during long hunts, and at the base of peaks or trailheads after a backcountry ski day.

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.

GearJunkie Testers Sitting Around the Campfire
GearJunkie editors sitting around the campfire; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Camping Chair

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.

Type of Use

How will you use the chair? Whether you enjoy car camping, backpacking, soccer game viewing, backyard barbecuing, or some mix of it all, 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.

Value

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 Helinox Zero High-Back). 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 Skyward chair which pairs an affordable price with comfort and quality.

Man Sitting in REI Co-op Skyward Chair Around the Campfire
The REI Co-op Skyward is comfortable and versatile in a variety of outdoor settings; (photo/Miya Tsudome)

Comfort

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.

Man Sitting In ENO Lounger DL Chair in Joshua Tree National Park
The low-slung style of the ENO Lounger DL makes it perfect for kicking back after a long day; (photo/Nick Belcaster)

Weight and Packed Dimensions

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 collapsable chairs like the REI Co-Op Skyward 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 Helinox Chair Zero High-Back where some assembly is required, though at a great benefit to overall packability.

Carrying Style

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 collapsable 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. Collapsable chairs, like the ENO Lounger DL Chair or the Helinox Chair Zero High-Back 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.

Carrying the REI Co-op Wonderland Chair
It’s nice to have a strap or bag that accompanies your chair, like on the REI Co-op Wonderland, for easier transport; (photo/Miya Tsudome)

Ease of Setup

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.

Testing the Best Camping Chairs of 2023
Camping chairs range from small and packable to large, yet comfortable; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Height

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.

Stability

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.

Cupholders and Stash Pockets on the REI Co-op Skyward Camp Chair
Cupholders are great, and pockets are even better. We love the stash pouch on the REI Co-op Skyward, which is the perfect size for our phone and keys; (photo/Miya Tsudome)

Features

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.

Camp Chairs at Sunset
Various camp chairs gathered at camp during sunset; (photo/Eric Phillips)

FAQ

What is the most comfortable camping chair?

The most comfortable camping chair varies from person to person and depends largely on your body type and height.

The REI Skyward 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.

How do I choose a camp chair?

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.

Birds eye drone view of campers, camp chairs, and tables
Choices, choices, choices; (photo/Eric Phillips)
Can camping chairs get wet?

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.

Do the weight and packed size matter for a camp chair?

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.

What should I look for when buying a camping chair?

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.

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