11 Best Portable Camping Chairs for the Whole Family
Whether you're backpacking into the wilderness or camping with the family closer to home or even just gathering around a bonfire in the backyard, these camp chairs will keep you comfy and cozy.
Having solid camp furniture can significantly improve a weekend away in the woods. Whether you're traveling alone, with a friend or with the whole family, you can find the perfect fit for everyone in the crew. Plus, outdoor folding chairs are just great for extra backyard seating around a bonfire. This list of budget-friendly and high-end camp chairs is sure to have something to satisfy even the most Goldilocks of campers.
These foldable, kid-sized camp chairs are perfect for the little adventurers in the family. The seat comes in a fun multi-color design kids will love and packs down into an included carry case. It's suitable for children weighing up to 100 pounds.
Coleman's budget-friendly Outpost Breeze folding chair is everything you need without a fancy price tag. It folds down flat so you can easily leave a pair in the trunk of your car to always have at the ready whenever adventure strikes. The mini table, complete with cupholder, folds out to make it much easier to handle s'mores and dinner by the fire.
Crazy Creek seats go with you anywhere. They open like a book, pack completely flat and are adjustable for the individual comfort of each user. They're lightweight and great for picnics, beaches, adding insulation for sitting on bleachers at stadiums and pretty much wherever else you'd want to have a seat handy. Hang these seats on a hook by the garage door so you never forget them when you're off for a day outdoors or leave them in the trunk of your car so you're always picnic-ready.
You probably know ENO, even if you think you've never heard of the brand — ENO is one of the biggest hammock-makers in the U.S. The brand's hanging Hammock chair combines the best of hammocks and chairs: hang it from a sturdy tree branch and or attach it to a stand to lounge in both comfort and style.
This chair is the ultimate best friend of backpackers willing to splurge on carrying a bit of extra weight for maximum comfort. It weighs just over a pound — 17 oz, to be exact. In backpacking terms, this can be seen as a waste of weight, but it's worth it when you can sit down in a real chair, off the ground and with a supportive back, at the end of a long day of hiking. It takes just a minute or two to set up, and makes a great gift for any serious backpacker who could use a little kit upgrade.
Kelty's Low Loveseat camp chair is like bringing a futon to the campfire. Bring a few throw pillows and a cozy blanket you're not worried about caking with dirt to make an extra-comfy fireside lounge. Have a bigger crew? Upgrade to the Kelty Lowdown Couch ($200 from REI) to fit a third adult comfortably.
This backpack-friendly chair is a luxury worthy of even glamping. Even though it's a minimalist chair weighing just shy of 2 lbs (1 lb, 14 oz, to be exact), it reclines: just adjust the straps and lean back to stare skyward.
This collapsible chair from high-end Japanese camping company Snow Peak looks like it would be just as at home in your living room as it would be out camping in the forest. Made from sturdy aluminum, canvas and bamboo, this stunning chair collapses for easy carry and storage. The canvas seat is removable for easy washing.
YETI is best known for its rugged coolers, but its camp furniture is just as solid. The Trailhead Camp Chair is made from supportive, durable material that won't break down under the harsh rays of the sun like some other chairs may over time. It comes with a cup holder that can be moved to either side of the chair.
Looking for the ultimate campsite upgrade? GCI's rocking yet collapsible camp chair is pretty epic: the legs allow for smooth and easy forward and backward motion while withstanding up to 250 pounds. Plus, it sets up easily and breaks down compactly for carrying.
Whether you're spending a day at the beach or sitting at an outdoor concert, this shorter camp chair is great for lounging at only 28.5 inches off the ground. Bonus: the chair comes in a variety of adorable patterns!
What to Consider When Buying a Camping Chair
Bringing a chair to the great outdoors is no joke, so there are a few things to consider when it comes to buying the right one for you. We tapped experts Jeff Annunziata and Chris Welch, Department Manager at the REI Seattle Flagship store and Director of Product Management at Yeti, respectively, to hear their thoughts on what makes a camping chair worth buying.
Comfort: The whole reason why you bring a chair with you is to get comfortable, right? So one of the most important non-negotiables of a camping chair is whether you can fully relax in it or not. “Comfort depends on how a chair is designed to support your body — and how easily you can get it there,” says Welch. “Upright chairs are great for campfires and conversations, while reclining styles are better for relaxing.”
Weight: The ease of portability in your camping chair ultimately depends on weight. Say you’re carrying a chair on your back for several hours — a chair made of lighter material will absolutely make it easier to transport. If you’re not somebody to care about weight, then a rocking chair could be right up your alley. They’re a bit heavier, but you prioritize comfort more.
Durability: How long a camping chair lasts, whether it’s for high-stakes camping trips or lounging in the park, is a priceless feature that can often be overlooked when shopping for the right one for you. “Camping chairs need to handle sun, uneven ground and repeated use,” Welch says. “UV‑resistant fabrics and strong frames help prevent sagging or breakdown over time.”
Purpose: Outdoor camping chairs don’t have to be used for just camping. From boothing an event to sitting at an outdoor concert, each instance calls for chairs with certain features and capabilities. “I like to keep a lightweight portable chair in the back of my car for going to my kids' activities,” says Annunziata. “If I plan on taking my chair on a day hike, I would consider a packable ultra-lite option.”
