Whether you’re camping in a redwood grove or at the beach, having somewhere to park your tushy is a must. Photo: Rebecca Parsons/The Inertia

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Camping is the ultimate way to unplug, unwind, and spend time with friends. And while we love hiking, biking, and all of the adventures that go along with camping, one of our favorite parts is sitting around the campfire with friends and family. As kids, we’d spread out a blanket and call it good, but as an adult, a solid camping chair makes a huge difference.

Camping chairs make everything more comfortable and, therefore, more enjoyable, and who doesn’t want that? Sure, it’s something else to lug around, but having somewhere to park when your legs are tired is worth its weight in gold. And these days, there are an insane amount of options out there, from fully decked-out thrones to lightweight stools. Even full-on couches!

We got our hands on the best camping chairs of 2024 and gave them a run for their money in Hawaii, Colorado, and California. Read on for our top picks as well as our honorable mentions. And if you’re curious about how these chairs stack up against one another, take a look at our Comparison Table. Or, if you’re wondering what to look for in a solid camping chair, peep our Buyer’s Guide.

The Best Camping Chairs of 2024

Best Overall Camping Chair: ALPS Mountaineering Getaway
Best Lightweight Camping Chair: NEMO Moonlite
Best Luxury Camping Chair: YETI Trailhead
Best Budget Camping Chair: Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad
Most Comfortable Camping Chair: NEMO Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair
Best Camping “Couch”: Kelty Low Loveseat

Best Overall Camping Chair

ALPS Mountaineering Getaway Chair ($81)

Weight: 7 lbs 8 oz
Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
Seat Height: 12 inches
Pros: Built-in arm cooler pocket, breathable mesh fabric
Cons: Sits low to the ground

At first glance, we didn’t think we were going to love the ALPS Mountaineering Getaway Chair. But after testing, it turns out to have everything we could possibly want in a camping chair, and then some.

The Getaway Chair sports a powder-coated steel frame that is compact and foldable. The mesh fabric is breathable and quick drying, which is a big plus for us as we’re frequently in and out of the water. In addition to a cup holder, the Getaway Chair has a built-in arm cooler pocket that is the perfect size for stashing a few drinks. At the end of the day, the entire thing packs into a backpack-style carrying pack, which makes it easy to transport. This chair sits a little low to the ground, which could be a problem for some but was a non-issue for us.

Best Lightweight Camping Chair

NEMO Moonlite Reclining Camp Chair ($160)

Weight: 1 lb 14 oz
Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
Seat Height: 10.5 inches
Pros: Lightweight, durable, made from recycled materials
Cons: Challenging to set up at first

Ideal for lingering over campfires deep in the backcountry, the NEMO Moonlite Reclining Camp Chair combines packability and comfort into one lightweight chair. The quality of the chair is immediately evident: it features oversized tubes, forged aluminum hubs, a seamless seat design, and a simple reclining system.

100% post-consumer recycled materials are used in the mesh, edge binding, and webbing to make the chair as sustainable as possible. Setup was a little challenging at first, but once we got it down, it was easy enough.  After tear down, the chair packed into a zippered case.

In general, we’re not huge fans of the sacrifices in comfort that lightweight camping chairs make — unless we’re backpacking and need to save weight — but the NEMO Moonlight Reclining Camp chair was definitely more comfortable than most of its class and is a great option for backpacking as well as car camping.

Best Luxury Camping Chair

YETI Trailhead Chair ($300)

Weight: 13 lbs
Weight Capacity: 500 lbs
Seat Height: 16.75 inches
Pros: Incredibly durable
Cons: Expensive, doesn’t pack down small

The YETI Trailhead Chair delivers the quality and comfort of an at-home chair, but it’s portable. The lightweight crossover frame makes it easy to pack and transport the chair, while the FlexGrid fabric is UV-resistant and can support up to 500 pounds. This chair does not pack down small, but it does come with a two-strap carry bag to help you transport it. The Trailhead Chair also comes with a cupholder, so you can sit back and comfortably sip on a cold one.

We love how well-made, durable, and comfortable this chair is, and while it’s great for car camping, we wouldn’t use it for any trips that require much walking. The YETI Trailhead Chair finished just behind the ALPS Mountaineering Getaway Chair because it’s less packable and due to the very high price point.

Best Budget Camping Chair

Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair ($30)

Weight: 6 lbs 4 oz
Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
Seat Height: 18.1 inches
Pros: Mesh back, built-in cupholder
Cons: Not the most durable option

Coleman’s Broadband Mesh Quad Chair is your classic soccer mom chair. It doesn’t have any frills, but it gets the job done. The steel frame can support up to 250 pounds, has a cup holder, and the mesh back allows the breeze to pass through, a key feature in hotter weather. At the end of the day, the chair packs into an included carrying bag for easy transport.

Where the Broadband Mesh Quad Chair (and any budget-oriented camping chair, really) suffers is in the durability department. However, with the proper care (a.k.a. not leaving it out in the elements for months on end), these chairs can stand the test of time, and if anything happens prematurely, they’re backed by a one-year warranty.

Most Comfortable Camping Chair

NEMO Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair ($300)

Weight: 7 lbs 15 oz
Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
Seat Height: 12 inches
Pros: Reclines, padded headrest
Cons: Expensive, hard to get out of

The NEMO Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair combines the comfy feel of a hammock with the easy setup of a chair. The chair sports a unique design with tensioned straps supporting the seating area, allowing it to recline and swing. The Reclining Camp Chair is super comfortable — it has a padded headrest, and you can recline it to your preferred angle.

While the swing-like design is fun and comfortable, you can definitely tip over if you’re not careful. And it is a little harder to get out of, so it may not be the best chair for older folks. The chair is easy to set up, and it packs down into a carrying case with an adjustable strap.

The aluminum frame helps keep the chair light despite its generous size when set up. The price is definitely steep, but this is one of the more unique chairs we tested, and it’s ultra comfortable and well made.

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Best Camping “Couch”

Kelty Low Loveseat ($130)

Weight: 15 lbs 6 oz
Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
Seat Height: 13.5 inches
Pros: Seats two, carry bag transforms into a foot mat/dog bed
Cons: Doesn’t pack down super small

Kelty’s Low Loveseat is a comfortable, double-wide chair that’s perfect for couples and families. To make the chair as comfortable as possible, Kelty designed the Low Loveseat with a lower-to-the-ground and slightly reclined design, which we can attest is extremely comfortable.

The chair is made from a powder-coated steel frame for durability and padded, quilted seats for enhanced comfort, especially on chillier nights. The armrests are slightly adjustable, a nice touch but not groundbreaking, and have wide insulated cup holders, great for any kind and size of beverage.

The way the Kelty Low Loveseat stores is unique: the chair rolls up very easily into a padded carry bag. The chair isn’t small when it’s packed up, but it does seat two, and the carry bag completely unfolds and can double as a dog bed, foot mat, or bonus ground seat when not in use. If you prefer to sit solo, the Kelty Lowdown Chair is equally as awesome for maximum lounging.

Kelty also makes the loveseat in a higher-off-the-ground version (simply titled the Kelty Loveseat), the height of a normal camp chair for a more upright seating position, and better compatibility with tables and other camp furniture. And for larger groups, Kelty also makes the Lowdown Couch, which has seating room for three people. Want to know more about this chair? Don’t miss our full-length review.

Best of the Rest

Best Kid’s Chair

REI Co-op Camp Chair Kids ($40)

Weight: 4 lbs
Weight Capacity: 125 lbs 
Seat Height: 11 inches
Pros: Packs down small, lightweight
Cons: Doesn’t come with a bag

Sure, kids can use an adult camping chair, but they’ll be even more stoked on a chair that’s their size. The REI Co-op Camp Chair Kids’ is the perfect chair for young campers. It’s lightweight, packable, durable, and comfortable. The Kid’s Camp Chair weighs just four pounds, packs down to 5 x 25 inches, and includes a shoulder strap, so it’s easily manageable for kids.

Made from heavy-duty, thick-walled steel with a powder coating, this chair is durable enough to withstand adventures and your kiddo’s rambunctious play. To top it off, the chair includes a mesh pocket on the armrest for drinks and other small items.

Runner-Up Best Lightweight Chair

Helinox Chair Zero ($150)

Weight: 1 lb
Weight Capacity: 265 lbs
Seat Height: 8.5 inches
Pros: Lightweight, packable
Cons: Not the most comfortable

The Helinox Chair Zero is lightweight, compact, and portable. Weighing in at 1 lb 2 oz and measuring 13.5 inches long when packed, the Chair Zero can nevertheless support up to 265 pounds. The Chair Zero frame is made from advanced high-tech aluminum alloy that is lightweight yet strong. The chair has a space-saving hub-and-pole design similar to a tent, so it can be a little tricky to figure out set up and tear down at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s fairly straightforward.

The Chair Zero gets the job done, especially if you are tight on space or trying to cut weight. But the Chair Zero finished runner-up in the lightweight category because NEMO’s Moonlight Reclining Camp Chair allows you to sit deeper, has a slightly higher back, and is more stable (but it did weigh 12 oz more, so pick your poison). Check out our full review of the Helinox Chair Zero for more information on this lightweight backpacking chair.

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GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker ($77)

Weight: 11 lbs 12.8 oz
Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
Seat Height: 19.7 inches
Pros: Rocking-style chair, built-in cupholder
Cons: Rocking function doesn’t work on all surfaces

If you’re a fan of rocking chairs, the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker is the chair for you. The camping-style rocking chair features patented spring-loaded shocks that allow you to enjoy a smooth rocking motion. We really enjoyed the rocking feature, but it’s best suited for campgrounds with flat surfaces — the chair didn’t perform as well in sandy or rocky areas. Weighing in at 12 pounds, this isn’t the lightest chair, but it folds down easily and has a convenient carrying handle. The mesh backrest is comfy and allows for air to filter through. GCI also makes the same chair with a side table if you’re looking for a place to set things down while you chill.

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REI Co-Op Wonderland Chair ($100)

Weight: 13 lbs 7 oz
Weight Capacity: 300 lbs 
Seat Height: 16 inches
Pros: Wide seat, treated with a durable water-repellant finish
Cons: Doesn’t come with a bag, large/heavy to transport

REI Co-Op’s Wonderland Chair has a similar feel to an Adirondack chair, but it’s much more portable (barely). The Wonderland Chair features wooden armrests, which give the chair a cool aesthetic, coupled with a tensioned seat material that makes it super comfortable.

The polyester seat is treated with a durable water-repellent finish, so light rain is a non-issue. Unlike some chairs, the seat is nice and wide, so you don’t feel squished. The chair folds, making it easy to set up and tear down, and it includes a carrying strap. The Wonderland chair doesn’t come with a bag and is on the large and heavy side, so it loses major points in that area. But it’s definitely a comfortable chair!

Cascade Mountain Tech Hammock Chair ($64)

Weight: 5 lbs
Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
Seat Height: 16 inches (camp mode), 10 inches (beach mode)
Pros: Lightweight, adjustable
Cons: Set up challenging at first, can be wobbly in the sand

The Cascade Mountain Tech Hammock Chair is a lightweight, portable, adjustable camping chair that draws inspiration from the hammock world. The Hammock Chair features a sling design with a high back that can be adjusted to have a low or high back. We really like the adjustable features of this chair and the fact that it has a camp mode (legs folded out for a higher vantage point) and a beach mode (legs folded down for a lower, more relaxed sitting position), so it transitions well between the campground and the beach.

The chair is made from an aluminum frame that is lightweight and durable and easily packs down into a carrying case. Assembly can be a little tricky at first; we highly recommend reading the instructions and referring to the images online. But once you get the hang of it, it’s not bad. For a lightweight chair, this is one of the more comfortable options we’ve come across.

ALPS King Kong Chair ($80)

Weight: 13 lbs
Weight Capacity: 800 lbs
Seat Height: 19 inches
Pros: Capable of supporting up to 800 lbs, average holders and a mesh storage pocket
Cons: Heavy and bulky

ALPS Mountaineering got the name spot on with its “King Kong Chair.” Capable of supporting up to 800 pounds, the King Kong is a big chair capable of supporting a heavy load. Featuring a powder-coated steel frame and quilted 600 D polyester, the chair is supportive yet comfortable.

While the chair does pack down into a carrying bag with adjustable backpack straps, it’s pretty large and isn’t the most portable option. The foldable design is simple to set up and tear down, and we appreciated the beverage holders on the arms and the mesh pocket on the back. The King Kong is a great option for folks on the larger side, but might be a bit excessive for other users.

Dometic GO Compact Camp Chair ($150)

Weight: 9 lbs 6.2 oz
Weight Capacity: 280 lbs
Seat Height: 16 inches
Pros: Sturdy, comfortable, rear seat pocket
Cons: Back is very reclined, color varies from online depiction

The GO Compact Camp Chair is plenty wide and super stable but packs down small into a convenient carrying case for easy storage and transport.

Made from heavy-duty 600-denier fabric and aluminum with beechwood armrests, this chair is durable while still remaining lightweight. The back of the seat reclines a fair bit, which some of our testers weren’t huge fans of, but others found comfortable for chilling at the campground. All testers agreed it would be nice if the seat was adjustable so you could choose between a reclined and a more upright position.

GCI Outdoor ComPack Rocker ($115)

Weight: 7.5 lbs
Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
Seat Height: 16 inches
Pros: Rocking technology, padded headrest and seat
Heavy for a lightweight chair, not as comfortable as a traditional chair

As the name suggests, the GCI Outdoor ComPack Rocker is a compact chair that allows you to have a comfortable rocking-chair-style experience anytime, anywhere. The ComPack Rocker features shock-cord retention that allows the chair to easily break apart and pack down small. The chair features a padded headrest and seat for added comfort.

And while the rocking isn’t extreme, it’s enough for a gentle sway, which adds to the overall experience. At the end of the day, the ComPack Rocker packs into a convenient carrying case with a shoulder strap for easy transport. At 7.5 pounds, the ComPack rocker is right in the middle between a comfortable and ultra-lightweight chair.

Comparison Table

How We Tested

As surfers and outdoorsy people, we’ve spent a lot of time planting our butts in various camp furniture, with varying levels of comfort. In other words, we know what to look for in camp chairs! We put that knowledge to the test by selecting a variety of camping chairs to try out for this review.

To test, you guessed it, we sat in them — spending quality time around campfires and back porches and setting up side-by-side comparisons on comfort, portability, and ease of use. We made sure to run our tests in various climates and locations, such as the island of Oahu in Hawaii, the mountains of Colorado, and all over California, from the Sierra to the beach.

The Alps Mountaineering Getaway Chair was our overall top pick for camping chairs. Photo: Rebecca Parsons/The Inertia

Camping Chairs Ratings Table

Best Camping Chairs Buyer’s Guide 

Types of Camping Chairs

Classic Camping Chairs

Classic camping chairs tend to weigh a bit more (five pounds or more). They are usually best suited to use on the back porch at home, for car camping trips, or at the kid’s soccer and baseball games. They often come with some extras like cup holders, padded carrying bags, or built-in coolers and storage. If space and weight aren’t an issue, a classic camping chair is a good bet because they’re more comfortable than options designed for minimizing weight and come with all the bells and whistles that can add to the experience.

Level up your camping experience with a comfy spot to put your booty. Photo: Rebecca Parsons/The Inertia

Lightweight Camping Chairs

There’s no hard and fast rule on what constitutes a lightweight camping chair over a comfort-oriented classic camping chair. But typically, a lightweight chair is going to be five pounds or less (usually in the one to two-pound range). Lightweight chairs pack down small, are lightweight, and are incredibly portable. Lightweight chairs don’t usually have any frills or extras, and they’re not usually as comfortable as their heavier counterparts.

What to Look for in a Camping Chair

Comfort

Comfort is one of our top priorities when considering a camping chair. The floor is free, so if we’re spending money, we want a chair we’re excited to sit in and is comfortable to rest in after a long day of exploring. Classic camping chairs are more comfort-oriented than lightweight chairs, with higher backs, more stable legs, and other extras.

A high-back (and a headrest if you can get it) are the biggest game-changers for comfort, letting you fully recline and take the weight off. It’s also worth deciding (for yourself) whether you prefer a regular chair height or a lower-to-the-ground model. Low camp chairs provide the comfort of stretching your legs out but sacrifice the ability to sit at a regular-height table.

The Kelty Low Loveseat carrying case expands into a thinly padded foot mat/dog bed. Photo: Will Sileo/The Inertia

Set-Up

You may not think that a lot goes into setting up and tearing down a chair. Usually, you’d be right. But some of these chairs are a little trickier than others. We’re after a chair that’s easy to set up and packs down easily (we don’t want to have to wrestle it back into its bag after the end of a long trip). This is where a true camping chair (as opposed to a lightweight or backpacking chair) really shines — usually, a single motion to unfold the chair is all that’s required. Lightweight camp chairs, on the other hand, mostly require some sort of tent-like setup (a hub-and-pole design).

Portability

There is definitely a big difference in portability between a backpacking chair and a camping chair. A backpacking chair needs to be super lightweight and packable, but a camping chair can be a little bulkier. However, we find that whenever we go camping we end up bringing a lot of stuff, so we don’t want something that’s too bulky. This is where a solid carrybag often comes in handy — it’s a pain to have to decide between wrestling a chair back into the poorly designed bag or leaving it out of the bag to become a hassle later (we usually pick the latter).

Best Overall Camping Chair

The ALPS Mountaineering Getaway Chair is the ultimate camping chair. It’s comfortable, durable, has a built-in cupholder, and comes in a convenient backpack style carrying pack.

Price: $81

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Quality

While it can be difficult to assess durability out of the gates, quality is fairly apparent. We want a chair that is well made and will withstand the test of time. As much as we love REI, we don’t want to make annual trips to purchase a new chair. Chairs with steel frames and powder coatings hold up much better than cheap, plastic chairs.

Other Factors to Consider When Choosing a Camping Chair

Lightweight camping chairs like the Helinox Chair Zero are great if you’re backpacking or are tight on space. Photo: Rebecca Parsons/The Inertia

Weight

Depending on how you plan to use your camping chair, weight is something that may or may not be important to you. If your goal is to use your chair for both car camping and backpacking, then you’ll definitely want a chair that falls into the lightweight category. But, if you exclusively plan on using your chair for camping right next to your car, you may opt for a heavier, more comfortable option. We’re after a chair that’s a happy medium: It doesn’t weigh a ton, but is also comfortable.

Weight Capacity

It’s also a good idea to check out the weight that the chair can support. Most chairs can support somewhere between 250 to 300 pounds. But, if you need something that can support additional weight, there are chairs like the ALPS King Kong Chair that have a weight capacity of 800 pounds.

Packed Dimensions

If you’re tight on space, packing dimensions are important to note before purchasing. Backpacking-style chairs tend to pack down much smaller than camping chairs but typically require more work to set up and collapse (and are less comfortable). Take a look at the chair’s description to determine the packed size and decide if it will work for your setup.

Camping chairs are perfect for the campsite, the park, or the beach. Photo: Rebecca Parsons/The Inertia

Height

Height, both the ground-to-seat height and the seat-back height, are important to consider when purchasing a chair. Some chairs sit low to the ground, like the ALPS Mountaineering Getaway Chair, while others have you elevated well off the ground, like the YETI Trailhead Chair. When it comes to seat-back height, some seats come up high, offering neck and back support, while others are cut lower and don’t offer much by way of support. Lightweight backpacking chairs usually have a low seat back with minimal support as they aim to keep weight low. More traditional camping chairs, where weight isn’t an issue, typically offer more support.

Stability

Have you ever gone to sit in a camping chair and promptly toppled right over? Because camping chairs are often used on uneven terrain, you’ll want to make sure your chair has a good base to stabilize it. Chairs with a wider leg base tend to be heavier but also more stable (a good idea for grandma or someone who is less steady on his or her feet). Another thing to look for in a stable chair is broad feet at the end of the chair’s legs to prevent sinkage in soft sand or soil.

Price/Value

The range of prices for camping chairs is insane. On our list alone, chairs ranged from $30 to $300.  Our most affordable option is the Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair. Some of the cheaper chairs aren’t as comfortable and don’t last as long. But the most expensive chairs on our list didn’t seem insanely better than, say, a mid-tier option. Camping chairs that fall at that mid-price point tended to be the best of both worlds: They were well-made and comfortable without breaking the bank.

Extras

Although they’re not essential to the lounging experience, some chairs come with extras like cup holders, mesh storage compartments, and coolers. The more we used the chairs, the more we came to appreciate the cup holder feature, and it’s definitely something to look for when purchasing a chair. Some amount of storage space is a key feature in our book, but we know it’s not a dealbreaker for everyone.

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Editor’s Note: Going camping? You’ll need more than just a chair. Check out our Gear Guides for Best Camping Tents and Best Car Camping Gear. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.

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