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The best camping chairs

Our favorite camp chairs are the next best thing to a La-Z-Boy in the woods

Coleman Oversized Quad Chair With Cooler

Our pick

Best Camping Chairs Coleman Oversized Quad Chair with Cooler
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Why should you buy this: The Coleman Quad chair has a winning combination — it’s durable, comfortable, and affordable.

Who’s it for: Car campers or homeowners looking for a roomy, comfortable outside chair that won’t break the bank.

Why we picked the Coleman Oversized Quad Chair with Cooler:

The Coleman Oversized Quad Chair with Cooler is the Cadillac of camping chairs. It has a long back and roomy seat that’s padded for comfortable lounging around a campfire. Did we mention it also features a built-in cooler? You can use a small freezer block with two cans, or fit up to four cans alone in the insulated holder.

Before you throw change at a cheap camping chair, you should seriously consider spending a little extra for this Coleman model. It folds easily and is made with a rugged steel frame and durable fabric that outlasts any discount chair you might find from a knock-off model. Besides, it’s hard to argue with the price tag, making the Coleman Quad one of the best values around.

Alps Mountaineering King Kong Chair

The best chair for the backyard

Best Camping Chairs Alps Mountaineering King Kong Chair Lifestyle
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Why should you buy this: The Alps Mountaineering King Kong chair is one of the sturdiest and most padded camping chairs available.

Who’s it for: Those with a spacious backyard who want a throne beside the campfire.

Why we picked the Alps Mountaineering King Kong Chair:

The Alps Mountaineering King Kong chair is a camping chair that takes comfort to the next level. As soon as you hunker down, you’ll quickly realize why the company named this model the King Kong. The chair is among the largest and strongest on the market, capable of holding up to 800 pounds. It also features padding to the max, with a fabric which remains taut and doesn’t sag while sitting.

Pushing the scales at 13 pounds, this burly chair is heavy and not suitable for carrying over longer distances. Instead, it makes a better option for use in the backyard as opposed to a backpacking trip or outdoor concert. If you’re looking for a durable chair for use on the patio or back deck, this one can’t be beaten.

Nemo Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair

The best reclining chair

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Why should you buy this: The versatile Nemo Stargaze Recliner Luxury combines swinging and reclining features with the convenience of a camping chair.

Who’s it for: Car campers looking for a reclining camp chair that also doubles as a cozy rocker.

Why we picked the Nemo Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair:

The Nemo Stargaze Recliner Luxury chair is unique because of its ability to swing and recline. The chair effortlessly adjusts from sitting and swinging to leaning back via its auto-recline feature, allowing users to kick back and look at the stars or soak up the sun. The chair can be used on virtually any surface including rocks, sand, and bumpy, uneven trails.

This comfy recliner is built with a sturdy yet lightweight aluminum suspension frame and showcases a no-spill cup holder perfect for your camping beverage of choice. The swinging motion is fluid and easy while setup is intuitive, meaning anyone can easily put it together. Its lack of movable footrest means you get the advantage of being able to lie back without the extra space and weight which tends to come with a full head and foot recliner. If you want the comfiest reclining chair available, this one is worth it.

GCI Outdoor RoadTrip Rocker Chair

The best chair for the campground

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Why should you buy this: The GCI Outdoor RoadTrip Rocker chair is well-constructed, easy to carry, and offers a chance for you to rock back and forth by a campfire.

Who’s it for: Specifically designed for use at the campsite, this chair is meant for car campers.

Why we picked the GCI Outdoor RoadTrip Rocker Chair:

GCI’s Outdoor RoadTrip Rocker Chair has ultra-comfy padded armrests and mesh in the back to offer ventilation on hot summer days. It’s unique Spring Action Rocking Technology allows you to enjoy the relaxation of rocking back and forth even while you’re out in the woods. It features a sturdy frame with strong legs yet it isn’t overly bulky when folded into its bag. Additionally, GCI included a handy beverage pocket so you can crack a cold one during the summer or cozy up in winter with a hot cocoa around the campfire.

Eno Lounger Hanging Chair

The best hanging chair

Best Camping Chairs Eno Lounger Hanging Chair Lifestyle
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Why should you buy this: The Eno Lounger hanging chair is a lightweight alternative to a traditional chair that rates high on the comfort scale.

Who’s it for: Campers who prefer to hang instead of reclining.

Why we picked the Eno Lounger Hanging Chair:

The Eno Lounger Hanging Chair provides a comfortable alternative to the traditional camp chair. Instead of sitting on the ground, the Eno Lounger allows you to hang from a tree much like a hammock. Also similar to a hammock, the hanging chair is comfortable thanks to the chair’s ripstop nylon fabric, which is breathable and provides adequate back support. It even has an integrated footrest for those times you want to recline instead of just sitting.

While a hammock uses two attachment points, the Lounger Hanging Chair has a single, overhead attachment ring which suspends from a branch. You’ll need to pick a sturdy one to support your weight, which is the product’s biggest drawback. Many campgrounds clear the branches from a campsite, making it difficult to find a place to hang. You can bring it backpacking but you may not want to carry an extra 3 pounds just for a chair.

How we test

When possible, we field test our chair recommendations across a variety of terrains and weather conditions. We try to test each chair under the conditions in which it figures to be most frequently used. When testing a chair is not possible, we look at the features of the chair and compare it to existing models in our arsenal of gear.

We examine how the chair has changed and what improvements, if any, were made for the current year. We also comb through product specifications and both manufacturer and retailer videos for insight into any new technological advances developed for these latest and greatest camping chairs.

Kraig Becker
Kraig Becker is a freelance outdoor writer who loves to hike, camp, mountain bike, trail run, paddle, or just about any other…