Just because you want to enjoy the outdoors doesn’t mean you want to be sitting on a log. Or worse the ground. Many campsites will have a picnic table to have some seating. While that’s great, the firepit generally isn’t close enough to enjoy from the table. Camping chairs let you take a load off next to the fire or facing the good views. Camping chairs are also useful to sit around barbeques or set up for forth of July fireworks. Below are our favorite camping chairs to enjoy nature without sitting in the dirt. The ones selected here are best for camping near the car or on an overland off road trip. We cover backpacking chairs and sitting options in another article.
REI Co-op Skyward Chair
The REI Co-op Skyward is the old reliable folding camping chair. The metal frame with fabric covering without padding is comfortable enough and easy to pack away. While it wont win any awards for lusry comfort thats not what you need around the fire at camp. The Skyward does improve on the standard features of of generic camping chairs in the same style. While most are completely fabric the skyward has a majorty of the seat made from mesh which allows for increased cooling on hot summer days. This also prevents any water absorption should a summer shower pop up out of nowhere. Ultimately the skyward is a good reliable camping chair that can be packed into the car easily. Durable but simple without features that will break or need repair.
GCI Outdoor Roadtrip Rocker Chair
The GCI Outdoor Roadtrip Rocker is a folding camping chair with a twist, it’s also a rocking chair. The Roadtrip Rocker has a shock absorbing piston and hinge that allows the chair to “rock” in parking lots and even on softer surfaces where a traditional rocker will dig into the dirt. This is essential to be able to enjoy rocking in the firelight at most camp sites. The Roadtrip has a mesh backrest increase breathability and prevent sweat on hot summer nights at camp.
NEMO Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair
A mix between a hammock and a chair. The NEMO Stargaze Reclining camp chair offers a relaxing experience unlike any other camp chair we have used. The stargaze chair is made from a non absorbent mesh, to allow quick drying should there be a surprise shower at camp. The chair is suspended on the aluminum frame via 3 straps on each side. These straps attach at a single point allowing a gentle swinging motion. Adjusting the straps the chair can be reclined. Making it perfect for what its name suggests, stargazing on a clear night.
Kelty Low Loveseat
Perfect for couples or camping with children the kelty low loveseat is a camping chair that lets to stay close to those you love. Good for sitting around the fire on cold nights the loveseat allows for sharing warmth and blankets. The Loveseat has two cupholders on each armrest, one for each occupant. The chair is made of a padded material that is comfortable and will keep the wind off your back better than some of the other models with mesh. No camping couch will fold like a single chair but the loveseats folding aluminum fame allows it to be put into a roll the size of a duffle bag. The over the shoulder strap makes for an easy enough carrying experience considering the size.
REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Boss Chair
The only chair we have on this list that also finds itself on our backpacking chair list is the flexlite camp boss. The camp boss is a light weight and minimalistic camping chair, for some it wont be enough. No armrests, no cup holders, no rocking or swinging motion and not that sturdy the flexlite camp boss isn’t for everyone. A little more roughing it than any other chair on this list. Where it excelled is the ability to take on hikes or backpacking trips while still being sturdy enough and conformable for sitting around a backyard bonfire. If you only want one chair for backpacking, car camping and the backyard the flexlite camp boss is it.