By A good camping chair might seem like a small thing—until you’ve spent a long day hiking, paddling, or exploring and all you want is a comfortable seat by the fire. Whether you’re car camping, tailgating, or setting up by the beach, a solid camp chair can make the difference between roughing it and relaxing in style. After testing some of the most popular models across Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and California, we’ve narrowed down the best options for comfort, durability, and practicality.
What Makes a Great Camping Chair
A quality camping chair should be more than just a place to sit. The best models are sturdy, easy to transport, and comfortable enough for hours of lounging. They should fold and unfold quickly, pack down neatly, and hold up against years of dust, dirt, and sun. Good chairs also provide a stable base that won’t wobble on uneven ground. Convenience features like cup holders or side tables are great, but above all, the chair should let you relax without a second thought.
Our Top Picks
After putting multiple models through rounds of setup, teardown, and long evenings by the campfire, here are the chairs that stood out from the rest.
Best Overall: Strongback Elite
The Strongback Elite topped the list for a simple reason—it’s genuinely comfortable. Unlike most folding chairs, it offers true lumbar support that makes a big difference during long stretches of sitting. The frame feels rock-solid, and the seat design encourages good posture without sacrificing relaxation. The only downside? It’s bulkier than most and costs a bit more, but its comfort and build quality make it worth every penny.
Best for Camp Meals: Eureka! Curvy Chair with Side Table
If your idea of camp luxury includes dining under the stars, the Eureka! Curvy Chair is for you. Its integrated side table makes eating and drinking far easier than balancing your plate on your lap. The chair itself is stable and slightly reclined for a relaxed feel. It does take a little longer to set up, and the fabric dries slowly after rain, but its design and comfort make it one of the best camp meal companions.
Best for Keeping Drinks Cold: BaseCamp Mammoth Leisure Aluminum Chair
For campers who never stray far from a cold beverage, the BaseCamp Mammoth chair has you covered—literally. It comes with an insulated pocket built into the armrest that holds multiple drinks. The wide legs keep it steady on soft ground, and the adjustable armrests add a touch of comfort. However, the seat angle may feel awkward for some, and it’s not as plush as higher-end models.
Best for Simplicity: Travel Chair Easy Rider 589V
If you prefer function over frills, the Travel Chair Easy Rider is a great minimalist choice. It’s light, easy to carry, and quick to set up, making it ideal for short camping trips or beach days. The design is straightforward and reliable, though the seat is shallower and less cushioned than others. It’s not the most luxurious option, but it gets the job done with zero fuss.
Best for Extra Features: Coleman Vertex Ultra Hard Arm Chair
Coleman’s Vertex chair is packed with features—adjustable arms, sturdy construction, and multiple storage pockets. It’s designed for campers who like a little extra convenience in their setup. The trade-off is a more involved assembly and a bulky fold, but once you’re seated, it’s hard to complain. For those who like options and organization, this chair delivers.
Choosing the Right Chair for You
The perfect camping chair depends on how—and where—you’ll use it. If comfort and support are your priorities, the Strongback Elite is hard to beat. For meals or socializing, the Eureka! Curvy Chair adds handy functionality. If you’re all about simplicity, the Travel Chair Easy Rider will never slow you down.
Whatever your camping style, investing in a well-made chair means you’ll always have the best seat in the house—or, in this case, the great outdoors.
