Best Camping Chairs 2023

Choosing the right camping chair can mean the difference between a relaxing, comfortable outdoor experience and a painful reminder that you’re not as young as you used to be. Like a trusty sidekick that's always there to support you, hold your drink and give you a place to rest your weary bones, the best camping chairs aren't just a luxury—they’re a virtual necessity. Some camping chairs are incredibly lightweight while others are comfier than your sofa, but they all serve the same purpose at the end of the day; they provide you a spot to take a load off out there in the field. So before you set out on your next adventure, don't forget to pack the one faithful companion that your bottom (and your back) will thank you for.

From lightweight to heavy-duty and utilitarian to luxury, these are the best camping chairs you can ... [+] buy today.

One of the coolest things about a camping chair isn't the cupholders or packability or other conveniences; it's all the ways you can use it. Sure, you might buy it primarily for camping, but there's a good chance you’ll break out your trusty seat for tailgates, family gatherings and backyard barbecues. For that reason, we’ve highlighted some of the best camping chairs in a number of categories, from low-slung, kid-appropriate chairs to those light enough for backpacking. Read on for our list of some of the best camping chairs you can buy today, all of which add comfort, durability, value and additional features to your next outing.

Eureka

Weight: 4.15 pounds | Seat height from ground: 15 inches | Weight capacity: 265 pounds

If you’re looking for a camp chair that harmoniously blends comfort, weight and features, this model from Eureka is about as good as it gets. With a deep bucket seat, high-back design, soft suede fabric and breathable mesh panels, it's tall enough that it's easy to get into and out of. It also includes non-sink feet that keep the chair stable and upright no matter how soft the ground is. This camp chair also has armrests (one featuring a cupholder) and a storage pocket for your book, e-reader or tablet. Best of all, it weighs about four pounds, so you can take it with you when the time comes to hike a little ways to your favorite swim spot or when you’re heading down the street to the annual neighborhood barbecue.

The only downside is that it doesn't fold up like a traditional camping chair, but the aluminum frame breaks down easily and packs into an easy-carry bag that's smaller than your average folding chair. It's not cheap, but it boasts quality to match.

What the reviews say: "It feels super sturdy for this style of chair and it's the only one I could find that actually has armrests and decent pockets (the pouch underneath is perfect for a phone or a book). Love that it packs down so much smaller than the traditional camp chairs."

REI

Weight: 1 pound | Seat height from ground: 8.5 inches | Weight capacity: 265 pounds

Weighing in at only one pound, this Helinox chair is easy to bring along no matter where your adventures take you—whether you’re hiking to a swimming hole for the afternoon or heading into the backcountry for an entire weekend. It breaks down and packs away into a compact bag that's about the size of a water bottle, and even though it's ultralight, it's still impressively sturdy thanks to anodized aluminum poles and tough ripstop polyester. All told, the chair can support up to 265 pounds.

And while many backpacking chairs shed weight by being ridiculously close to the ground, this one stands at 18.5 inches high, making it much easier to get into and out of than many other backpacking models. With practice, setting up the chair takes as little as a minute—yes, we own one and have done it many times—and breakdown is even faster. And if you want to turn it into a rocking chair, Helinox sells the accessory runners separately so you can rock back and forth to your heart's content.

What the reviews say: "Took this on a 4-day backpacking trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and this was a great addition to my gear. I'm 63 years old and it's not as easy to sit on the ground or on a stump at camp as it used to be. I was far more comfortable sitting in this chair. Sets up and breaks down easily, dries quickly and takes up minimal space in my pack."

Yeti

Weight: 13.3 pounds | Seat height from ground: N/A | Weight capacity: 500 pounds

The Yeti Trailhead Camp Chair is a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts who value comfort and durability over portability. Its traditional design features mesh back and seat panels that promote breathability, as well as a steel and aluminum frame that's incredibly tough and sturdy. This combination of materials not only makes the chair rugged and ready for adventures, but also ensures it can support up to 500 pounds—the highest weight capacity on this list. Additionally, Yeti includes a cup holder and a storage pouch, making it convenient for all-day use. As one reviewer noted, it's "sturdy as an ox, yet comfy as a fox." (That's a nice visual, but we’re not certain exactly how comfortable foxes are.)

The biggest drawback to a camp chair of this caliber is its weight, but Yeti includes a backpack-style carrying case that makes it easy to haul the chair from point A to point B. Priced at $300, it's by no means the cheapest chair on the market, but Yeti's established commitment to durability ensures this chair will serve you well for years to come.

What the reviews say: "All other high capacity chairs hold the weight but are never comfortable. This chair hugs you and it's very stout. The wife won't let me bring it into the house to pull up to the kitchen table. So I'm eating outside a lot, just to sit in the chair. Never thought I'd spring this type of money on a folding chair, bit I'm so glad I did."

Kelty

Weight: 15 pounds | Seat height from ground: 19 inches | Weight capacity: 400 pounds

The Kelty Loveseat is an excellent option for two people due to its spacious design and comfortable seating. With a weight capacity of 400 pounds, this two-seater can easily accommodate a pair adults, making it perfect for couples or friends who want to enjoy the outdoors in close proximity. The chair features adjustable armrests and a padded seat and backrest, all of which dial in the support and comfort whether you’re relaxing for a few minutes or a few hours. The chair's sturdy steel frame pairs with durable polyester fabric to ensure it can withstand the wear and tear of outdoor use. Additionally, the chair's compact design and convenient carrying case make it easy to transport and store in spite of its 15-pound curb weight. It deploys in seconds flat and folds back up fast, too. We know because we have brought our Kelty Loveseat to more campgrounds than we can count.

Prefer a two-seater that's closer to the ground? Check out the Low Loveseat instead.

What our editor says: "I really appreciate Kelty's commitment to long-term comfort," says Cam Vigliotta, Forbes Vetted gear editor. "The Loveseat's spacious dimensions make it easy to kick back and relax, and you can even fit a third person in the middle if seating options are sparse."

Backcountry

Weight: 10.75 pounds | Seat height from ground: 15 inches | Weight capacity: 250 pounds per seat

You may be spending more time in wide open spaces, but that doesn't mean you can't get a little closer to those you know and love. In fact, outdoor time makes for the perfect occasion to share a seat with others, and this two-seater from Stoic lets two people create a more intimate setting for less cash. It features a sturdy, reinforced steel frame that's capable of supporting up to 500 pounds. That's a critical detail if you're sharing real estate with another adult. Even so, it's not too bulky or heavy (when packed away, it weighs just over 10 pounds). It can be folded down and comes with a portable carrying bag, which makes it ideal for concerts or cookouts. One complaint, though a minor one: The 840D ballistic nylon fabric isn't very breathable.

What the reviews say: "I make sure to take this on every trip. It's quickly become a staple in our go-to camping setup. It's a bit bulky, but I'd say smaller than two separate fold-up seats, so that's still a win in my book."

REI

Weight: 6.3 pounds | Seat height from ground: N/A | Weight capacity: 300 pounds

Suitable for sitting by the fire as you roast marshmallows or gazing up at the stars in a nearby field, this chair from Nemo can either sit upright like a traditional chair or recline backward and swing gently like your favorite rocking chair. In equal measures, it's essentially a recliner, a hammock, and a rocking chair in one, and you can take it just about anywhere thanks to its collapsible design. Other noteworthy features include padded armrests, a headrest, an integrated cup holder, a stash pocket (to hold your keys, a book or back-up s'mores accouterments), and an included carrying case.

The frame is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, and the seat is made from a breathable, water-resistant mesh. And despite being three chairs in one, it only weighs about 6 pounds, which means it's still incredibly easy to carry to and from the campsite. With over 500 online reviews, it earns a very respectable 4.3/5 stars.

What our editor says: "Nemo's refreshing take on the classic camp chair leaves little to the imagination," says Cam Vigliotta, Forbes Vetted gear editor. "Sit up, sit back, rock yourself like a baby until you fall asleep by the fire—this chair does it all."

REI

Weight: 7.8 pounds | Seat height from ground: 16 inches | Weight capacity: 300 pounds

This humble chair from REI offers many of the same features as you’ll find on the aforementioned Yeti Trailhead Chair, but it comes in at a much more affordable price point. No, it's not quite as breathable because REI outfits the seat and back with a soft recycled polyester fabric that lacks mesh. But even so it has a sturdy steel frame, classic styling, and even a cupholder that makes it easy to relax away from home. Whether you’re tailgating, watching a sports game or fishing on the shore of your favorite lake, this chair is up to the task thanks to its slightly reclined angle that's comfortable for hours at a time.

It does not come with a designated carrying bag, and although it's nearly half the weight of the Yeti, it's still bulky and inconvenient to carry long distances, so we recommend using it in close proximity to your car.

What the reviews say: "This chair is probably the sturdiest camp chair I’ve owned. I like that it doesn't have a carry bag but instead has a strap and clip system so you can sling it over your shoulder. That being said, it's a pretty heavy and kind of awkward chair to carry. It’ll be great at home around the fire or even for car camping. But I wouldn't want to have to lug this along the beach or very far from the car."

Amazon

Weight: 9.4 pounds | Seat height from ground: Unavailable | Weight capacity: 300 pounds

The perfect camp chair needs to be portable, comfortable, easy to get in and out of, quick-drying and simple to set up. And, to appeal to the broadest range of users (from the most avid of outdoors people to the once-in-a-blue-moon campers), we believe it is requisite that it has armrests and cupholders. This simple chair from Kijaro checks every one of those boxes, and it does so without emptying your wallet. It's made from a durable diamond ripstop polyester and features breathable mesh on the back panel, so you’ll never get too hot (even as you cozy up around the campfire). Moreover, this affordable seat comes in a dozen colors, from a traditional campsite blue to bright yellow, purple and red. And with a 4.8/5-star rating from nearly 16,000 customers, it's an obvious crowd-pleaser.

What the reviews say: "My husband and I bought one for each of us. Used them regularly for the whole summer last year and so far so good. They've maintained their shape and stayed nice and firm with no sagging. Nice to have a large enough holder for larger mugs. And we like the extra pockets for cell phone and other items."

Kelty

Weight: 7.8 pounds | Seat height from ground: 12 inches | Weight capacity: 350 pounds

This Kelty single-seater is one of the best camping chair for kids fore the very reason that it's not explicitly a chair for children. It's large and durable enough to support a full-grown adult (the weight limit is 350 pounds), but because the seat is just 12 inches off the ground, it's easy for smaller children to climb in unassisted. And its broad footprint means it's unlikely a kid will tip the thing over. That casual, low-to-the-ground design is also ideal for beach days when it's nice to be closer to the sand, or at concert venues that enforce a height limit on chairs. Kelty includes a wrap-style carrying case which can double as a padded ground cover for people or pets to sit on.

What the reviews say: "It is very comfortable. The cupholder mechanism has a divider that will handle both a can and my 32 ounce Nalgene mug, and Kelty has the best carrying case design of any chair out there. Seriously, I own the Kelty Loveseat and this is my second Kelty individual low down chair, and the reason I won't even consider another centerfold camp chair is the bag. An absolute gamechanger."

Amazon

Weight: 12 pounds | Seat height from ground: 14.2 inches | Weight capacity: 250 pounds

This chair gives new meaning to the words "kick back and relax." It's one of the comfiest camping chairs we have ever used, and ours is still in great shape even after many years of use—which is not a fluke, as you’ll see from a comment we found from another owner. The Freestyle Rocker rocks back and forth thanks to a pair of spring-loaded pistons, while the mesh seat and backrest and padded armrests keep you comfy even when you’re sitting still.

A built-in beverage holder keeps your drink, snack, or phone close at hand, and the rapid unfolding and folding flat of the frame saves you time. That said, this chair is still pretty bulky even when folded flat, so factor that in when you plan your gear list or consider where you’ll store the chair.

What the reviews say: "Canvas is worn on our otherwise perfect chair. I believe the chair is 3 years old , still smooth as ever. Gets lots of use. We don't want to throw it out we just need replacement canvas. Hopefully the company reads this and has replacement canvas!"

Campman

Weight: 4.2 pounds | Seat height from ground: 20 inches | Weight capacity: 300 pounds

Packed down, the Big Six Armchair from Big Agnes is only a little larger than tightly rolled sleeping bag. But set up, it's a capacious, high-backed armchair that can support an adult weighing up to 300 pounds. Its trail weight (meaning without the sack) is just shy of four pounds, so the backpacker who insists on comfort would not be entirely out of his or her wits to consider bringing the chair along.

The shock cord-linked aircraft-grade aluminum frame allows for quick setup of this seat, and we are saying that from firsthand knowledge—we have a Big Agnes camp chair on our gear shelf right now. Dual cupholders are a nice touch here, but it's really the weight and packability of this camping armchair that stand out.

What the reviews say: "My favorite compact camping chair—had to get smaller stuff for smaller camper. Absolutely love love love this chair. Easy to set up and take down (once you've done it once or twice). Worth every penny."

Amazon

Weight: 11 pounds | Seat height from ground: 17 inches | Weight capacity: 300 pounds

Take your car camping setup to the next level with this chair from trusted outdoor brand Coleman. Not only does the Outpost Breeze chair have a clever cupholder that can accommodate a mug complete with a handle, but this chair feature a side table large enough for a book, a dinner plate, some fishing gear or anything else you want resting close at hand.

As far as the chair itself goes, this seat is large and comfy with an easily accessed 17-inch seat height. It's pretty bulky when folded flat, but you won't be thinking about putting it away, packing it in the car, and storing it at home when you’re enjoying a comfortable sit out there in the fresh air. And at less than $60, the price is pretty refreshing, too.

What the reviews say: "This is a genuinely sturdy chair. I enjoy the fact that it has a built-in table, that's also sturdy, with a cup holder that's suitable for a tumbler or a coffee mug/cup that has a slot for the coffee cup handle. Well done!"

As camping chair users ourselves, the Forbes Vetted staffers and contributors who assembled this list understand the importance of a comfortable, capable camping chair. Steven John, co-author of this article, is not quite sure how he feels admitting that he owns seven cam chairs despite his being a family of four. Beyond our camp chair testing experience, having written dozens of camping and hiking stories on tents, stoves, and other outdoor essentials, we also tapped into our more general subject knowledge to highlight outfitters that offer the best products and the best long-term warranties.

We also enlisted the help of other outdoor experts who can speak to the fundamental appeal of camping chairs. Hannah Singleton, the other co-author of this article, is a contributing writer for Forbes Vetted, has shared her experiences after trying out some of these models.

This story is regularly updated and was last refreshed in June 2023.

We spent hours conducting thorough research on the brands included in this list, poring over customer reviews, and consulting with industry experts on what to look for in a camping chair. We also included firsthand recommendations from Forbes Vetted contributors on many of these camping chairs, like those from Kelty, Helinox, Nemo, and others.

To help you identify the best camping chair for your needs, we included the chair's weight, distance from the ground (when available), and weight capacity. We also included information on what to consider when buying a camping chair, from portability to price, and we also made sure to pick a selection of chairs that cater to different types of campers.

Choosing a camping chair ultimately comes down to personal preference, but here are a few key factors to keep in mind as you find the one that's right for you.

The size and weight of your camping chair will directly impact your overall experience, especially if you're backpacking or hiking. A lightweight and compact chair is easy to carry, but it may not be as sturdy or comfortable as a heavier chair. Consider the weight capacity of the chair, as well as the dimensions, to ensure it can support you and other potential users.

Along with size and weight, you’ll also need consider how portable your camping chair is. In general, you should look for a chair that folds down easily and comes with a carrying case or backpack. Consider the chair's dimensions when folded and whether it fits into your car or backpack and how you will store it at home. Generally speaking, most camping chairs aren't designed with long-winded adventures in mind, but some models weigh mere ounces and can indeed work for hikers or mountaineers that require a seat while adventuring.

Comfort is an essential factor to consider when buying a camping chair. Of course, there's no one-size-fits-all design, and everyone's desired comfort level will be different, but you’ll want to look for a chair that provides plenty of support and long-term comfort should you find yourself sitting around for hours. Look for chairs with padding or cushioning, breathable mesh fabrics, headrests, and armrests. Some camping chairs also come with a footrest or recline feature.

The material of the camping chair will determine whether or not it's ready for adventures big and small. Look for chairs made from sturdy materials that can withstand the elements and repetitive wear and tear. Common durable materials include aluminum, steel, polyester, nylon, and mesh.

Camping chairs are constantly exposed to the elements, so it's important to look for chairs that are weather-resistant. Keep an eye out for rust-resistant frames, UV-resistant fabric, and waterproof or water-resistant materials. Chairs with breathable fabric or mesh can also help prevent sweating during hot weather.

Extra features, like cupholders and pockets, are worth considering if you’ll be spending a lot of time in your camp chair. Cupholders are incredibly useful for the average camper as they free up your hands, while pockets for a book, camera, or tablet can be beneficial, too, especially if you’re prone to misplacing your essentials.

There's no sense in buying a top-of-the-line camping chair if you’re not going to use it that often. For that reason, we recommend that you reflect on your budget and choose a chair that offers good value for money. Don't go all-in if you don't need all the bells and whistles, but don't feel pressured to invest in a no-frills chair if you intend to sit in it for extended periods of time and you camp out frequently.