The 12 Best Camping Chairs to Kick Back in the Great Outdoors
Whether you’re a casual camper or a total pro, here are the best chairs to rest your bum.
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Out of all vacations, an escape from the daily grind to truly connect with nature has to rank among our favorites. That’s why we’ll never say no to a good, old-fashioned camping trip, where we explore the wilderness and pare life down to the basics. Just about all you need is a tent, some of our favorite camping gadgets, maybe a portable generator to power your tech, and a top-rated camping chair for an outdoor adventure.
The latter category is not one to be overlooked. The best part of camping is arguably sitting down around a campfire, cracking open a cold one after a long day of kayaking, hiking, or fishing, and taking in the beauty of nature. Choosing the most comfortable camping chair is essential to making this wilderness fantasy a reality.
Our Picks
What to Consider
Support
Got a bad back? Make sure you look for a camping chair that has a high back and extra padding. If you're a bigger guy, there are a lot of options that have weight capacities of 300 pounds or more. Kicking back and relaxing for an entire weekend means you'll want to have the comfort and security you need.
Chair size
Some camping chairs are pretty narrow, which could be uncomfortable. If that's the case, you might want to opt for a couch-like option, so you can spread out—or even cuddle up to a loved one.
Chair weight
If you're planning on hiking or backpacking, mere ounces can make a huge difference. Look for a lightweight and portable chair that packs up easily and won't add a lot of bulk to your gear.
How We Chose
Below, you'll find some of the chairs that we take when we are camping, heading to the beach, or just chilling out in the backyard. Many have been personally tested by our editors, and others are by trusted brands or have rave user reviews. We scoured the internet to find the most comfortable camping chairs.
Camping is meant to get you out of your city-dwelling comfort zone, but a comfortable camping chair is still key. Whatever your specific needs are, check out the list below for the best camping chairs on the market.
Heading into nature for the summer? Make sure you check out the other gear out might need from our annual Men's Health Outdoor Awards.
Best Deal
Kijaro Dual Lock Portable Camping and Sports Chair
Kijaro Dual Lock Portable Camping and Sports Chair
Pros
- Locks open
- Steel frame
Cons
- No carrying bag
At nine pounds, this is one of the lightest camping chairs we’ve found. Plus, it's one of the sturdiest camping chairs in this weight range. Perfect for trekking, the breathable mesh makes it an ideal all-purpose outdoor seat, too.
| Weight | 9.4 pounds |
| Colors | 46 options |
| Capacity | 300 pounds |
| Dimensions | 26"D x 35.4"W x 37"H |
iClimb Ultralight Compact Chair
iClimb Ultralight Compact Chair
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight
- Folds up small
Cons
- Not the most supportive
Wait for it: This ultra-lightweight folding chair weighs a mere two pounds. One of the lightest camping chairs available, it collapses into a bag small enough to jam inside a rucksack. But if you've got a bad back or need more support, this might not be the right option.
| Weight | 2.2 pounds |
| Colors | 12 options |
| Capacity | 330 pounds |
| Dimensions | 20.5"D x 20.9"W x 26.4"H |
CORE Folding Padded Hard Arm Chair
CORE Folding Padded Hard Arm Chair
Pros
- Extra padding
- Storage pockets
Cons
- Bulky
Pop a squat and stay awhile with CORE's heavy-duty camping chair, a go-to camping chair for big and tall guys that leaves no mesh marks on legs or bar lines on your butt. It's for large, muscly folks who sink in standard folding chairs and one of the best camping chairs for bad backs.
| Weight | 12 pounds |
| Colors | 2 options |
| Capacity | 300 pounds |
| Dimensions | 37.5in H X 25.5in W X 25in D |
GCI Outdoor Portable Folding Rocking Chair
GCI Outdoor Portable Folding Rocking Chair
Pros
- Wide seat
- Comfortable
Cons
- Heavy
You can't drag your favorite rocking chair from home up the mountain, but you can fold up and pack this portable rocker for one of the most comfortable camping chair experiences possible. This one holds up to 250 lbs., and it sits lower than regular camp chairs, which makes it easier to stretch out in front of the campfire.
| Weight | 13 pounds |
| Colors | 16 colors |
| Capacity | 250 pounds |
| Dimensions | 24"D x 25"W x 31"H |
Wekapo Inflatable Lounger Air Sofa
Wekapo Inflatable Lounger Air Sofa
Pros
- Large weight capacity
- No air pump necessary
Cons
- Deflates over time
This cool, inflatable lounger is easy to pack and tons of fun. If you're heading to a concert or a rocky beach, you'll want to have this one on hand. It’s even one of the best camping chairs for a bad upper back or neck, boasting a patented, pillow-like headrest for total relaxation.
| Weight | 2.7 pounds |
| Colors | 20 options |
| Capacity | 650 pounds |
| Dimensions | 82"L x 27"W x 35"D |
yellow leaf hammocks The Vista
yellow leaf hammocks The Vista
Pros
- Handwoven fabric
- Can stretch your legs
Cons
- Pricey
This portable hammock is featured in our 2024 Outdoor Awards for a reason. It can be set up in minutes with no tools, and it fits right in your backpack. The laid-back hammock style will be the seat everyone in your camping group will be fighting over.
| Weight | 12 pounds |
| Colors | 7 options |
| Capacity | 330 pounds |
| Dimensions | 4.7'W x 4.75'H |
ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair
ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair
Pros
- Large weight capacity
- Extra padded seat
Cons
- Heavy
When you need heavy-duty camping chairs, look no further. This is the camping chair for big guys and tall guys, holding up to 800 lb. Padded and built to last, it’s the best outdoor folding chair for throwing in the back of your car or loading in the RV.
| Weight | 13 pounds |
| Colors | 11 options |
| Capacity | 800 pounds |
| Dimensions | 38"D x 20"W x 38"H |
Kelty Love Seat Camping Chair
Kelty Love Seat Camping Chair
Pros
- Room for two
- Built-in cupholders
Cons
- Heavy
Why didn’t we think of this first? The best outdoor folding chairs are rivaled only by the best camping couches. It’s spacious enough to spread out—or to share with a loved one—and even reclines a little to maximize your relaxation time.
| Weight | 15.4 pounds |
| Colors | 3 options |
| Capacity | 400 pounds |
| Dimensions | 23"D x 46"W x 31.5"H |
Cascade Mountain Tech Camping Chair
Cascade Mountain Tech Camping Chair
Pros
- Sits very low
- Includes carrying bag
Cons
- Not a lot of support
This low-seated outdoor folding chair is one of the most comfortable camping chairs for the beach, so you can sit lower to the ground and dig your toes into the sand. It only holds up to 250 lbs., but it’s small and easy to pack. We like it for outdoor concerts, too.
| Weight | 7 pounds |
| Colors | 4 colors |
| Capacity | 250 pounds |
| Dimensions | 20"D x 20"W x 22"H |
Coleman Camping Chair with Built-in 4 Can Cooler
Coleman Camping Chair with Built-in 4 Can Cooler
Pros
- Affordable
- Built-in cooler
Cons
- Uncomfortable for taller people
This is the best camping chair if you like to live it up at Club Nature. This light camping chair comes with a built-in cooler on the side to chill up to four beverages. At this price, we’ll take two.
| Weight | 7.7 pounds |
| Colors | 4 options |
| Capacity | 325 pounds |
| Dimensions | 38.3"D x 13.5"W x 3.1"H |
Alpha Camp Oversized Camping Folding Chair
Alpha Camp Oversized Camping Folding Chair
Pros
- Rugged
- Steel frame
Cons
- Support bar uncomfortable for some
Whether you're looking for a heavy-duty chair to last several seasons or you need something for a rugged, rocky adventure, this chair has you covered. It has a sturdy steel frame construction, allowing it to support up to 450 pounds.
| Weight | 11 pounds |
| Colors | Only black |
| Capacity | 450 pounds |
| Dimensions | 24.8"D x 38.17"W x 39.37"H |
Coleman Camp Chair With Side Table
Coleman Camp Chair With Side Table
Pros
- Table with cupholder
- Carrying handle
Cons
- Little back support
This RV lightweight, portable chair with a table is super handy for your next trip. Chill out around the campfire without having to hold a plate on your lap.
| Weight | 9 pounds |
| Colors | Only black |
| Capacity | 225 pounds |
| Dimensions | 31.2"D x 216"W x 8.46"H |
John Thompson is the Senior Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear, and technology. He was previously the Style & Gear Editor at BroBible.com, and a commerce writer for TheManual.com. His interests include attending concerts, spending time outside, and following his favorite baseball team, the Kansas City Royals.
Angel Madison is a shopping editor at Hearst Magazines with over 25 years of editorial experience. She writes about parenting, toys, plus-size fashion, sneakers, and more for brands like Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Prevention, and Esquire. Before her time at Hearst, Angel worked as a parenting editor for New Jersey Family and covered entertainment for NBC Universal, AOL, and TV Guide. When she’s not testing the latest footwear trends, adding to her collection of over 100 LEGO sets, or scouting for the hottest new toys, you can find Angel walking long distances (either in the woods or in New York City) and spending time with her daughter.
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