The Best Camping Chairs of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

If you’re like me, you probably have a supermarket camping chair or two kicking around your gear closet. The flimsy sagging seats, the popped bolts, the inadequate cup holders. Sure, that chair’s been “good enough” for the last few seasons, but you know an upgrade would go a long way toward sticking it out around the campfire for a few more rounds of whiskey. To help you choose, I called in some of the best camping chairs out there to test their setup, features, and—of course—comfort. 

Best Overall: GCI Comfort Pro Chair 

Best Deluxe: Yeti Trailhead Camp Chair

Best Classic: Kelty Deluxe Lounge Chair

Best for Glamping: Dometic Go Camp Chair

Most Unusual: Nemo Stargaze

Best for Bad Backs: Yeti Hondo Base Camp Chair

Best for Backpacking: Nemo Moonlite

Best Camping Rocking Chair: CGI Freestyle Rocker

Kijaro Dual Lock

ENO Lounger DL

Helinox Chair Two

How I Tested the Best Camping Chairs

To test the best camping chairs, I first identified a range of needs and preferences for campers, including price, weight, packed size, weight limit, seat width, ease of use, comfort, stability, and cup holder functionality. I then called in the top products from a range of the best camping brands, including Kelty, Dometic, Yeti, Helinox, GCI, ENO, and Nemo. I also included my current camping chair, the top-rated Kijaro. 

Camping ChairPriceWeightWeight LimitSeat WidthWarrantyTest ResultsEase of UseComfort StabilityDometic Go Camp Chair$1509.4 lbs,280 lbs19”3 yearsExcellentExcellent, firm styleGreatENO Lounger DL$1404 lbs, 10 oz250 lbs17” to 21” 2 yearsPoorGreat, lounge styleGreatGCI Comfort Pro Chair$457 lbs, 11.2 oz300 lbs19” to 22” Limited lifetimeGreatGreat, firm styleGoodHelinox Chair Two$1402 lbs, 12 oz320 lbs15” to 16.5” 5 yearsFairGood, lounge stylePoorKelty Deluxe Lounge Chair$10010 lbs, 5 oz325 lbs21” to 24” 1 yearExcellent Great, lounge style GreatKijaro Dual Lock$509.5 lbs300 lbs18.5” to 22”1 yearGoodGreat, firm styleGreatNemo Stargaze$3007 lbs, 15 oz300 lbs23” to 28”Limited lifetimeGoodExcellent, lounge styleN/AYeti Trailhead Camp Chair$30013.3 lbs500 lbs19.5”5 yearsGreatExcellent, firm styleExcellent

All the camping chairs were tested in tandem. I considered how easy each was to take out of its carrying case and set up, as well as taken down again. I looked at the comfort of each chair, as well as whether it was striving to have a firm seat surface, or provide more of a lounging experience. 

Laura Lancaster

Laura Lancaster

When assessing comfort, I considered whether a camping chair was aiming for a firm seating platform (left) or more of a lounge experience (right).

To test how stable each chair was, I tried tipping it in all four directions on a firm outdoor surface, similar to what you would find at a campground. I assessed the cup holder with a variety of beverages, including a Yeti thermos and a Bass Pro Shop thermos, a Camelback camping mug, a beer, and a Slipant outdoor wine glass. 

Vessels for testing the best cup holders on the best camping chairs. Laura Lancaster

Finally, I measured the seat of each chair at both the middle point and the front edge of the seat, at the narrowest point with the armrests. These measurements are not exact in the case of the lounge chairs, which do not have a solid edge, but should still help approximate which seats accommodate wider or narrower hips better. 

The Best Camping Chairs: Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall: GCI Comfort Pro Chair 

Key Features

Price: $45

Weight Limit: 300 pounds 

Comfort: Great, firm style

Warranty: Limited lifetime

Pros

Affordably priced

Higher seat works well for longer legs

Easy to unpack and go

Comfortable seat

Cons

Not as stable as other chairs I looked at

Less supportive than other options

This is the camping chair you’re looking for. It’s miles more supportive and comfortable than that sagging off-brand version in your garage. The cup holders work well enough. Unfolding the chair is the only setup required. And it’s a low enough price that you can buy one for each member of the family. This was also one of the few camping chairs I looked at that was backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

The cup holder of the GCI Comfort Pro Chair fit three out of five of my testing vessels. Laura Lancaster

That’s not to say this chair was the best of the best. It was slightly less supportive than the Kijaro DualLock and significantly less supportive than the Dometic Go or Yeti Trailhead. It would slightly tip if you leaned too hard in any direction. And while the Yeti and Bass Pro thermoses and beer fit fine in the cupholder, the silicone wine glass and camping mug were a no-go. But for its price, this is an excellent chair. 

One final note is that this chair had a noticeably higher seat than others that I tested—making it a great choice for taller individuals. 

Best Deluxe: Yeti Trailhead Camp Chair

Key Features

Price: $300

Weight Limit: 500 pounds 

Comfort: Excellent, firm style

Warranty: 5 years

Pros

Extremely comfortable

Virtually untippable

Supports a higher maximum load than anything else I looked at

Cons

Expensive

Shorter warranty than I would expect given its price

Only one cup holder

If you want the best of the best, you want the Yeti Trailhead Camp Chair. It was easily the most comfortable camp chair I tested, somehow firm and supportive while also being springy and cushy. It’s arguably more comfortable than any of the chairs in my actual home, let alone my current camping chairs. During testing it also proved surprisingly stable. The design of the back of the chair prevents you from tipping it backwards. It was also very difficult to tip forward or side to side. 

The locked-in frame of the back of the Yeti Trailhead made for a chair that was virtually impossible to tip over. Laura Lancaster

That stability made for a slight trade off in setup, however. There were a few steps involved to lock down the Yeti Trailhead, not all of them intuitive. I recommend you leave the directions stickers on the armrests for your first few outings. That being said, it’s an assembly-free setup, so once you’ve got the routine dialed, it’ll go quickly.

The cup holder of the Yeti Trailhead worked well with the Yeti product, but fell short with the other testing vessels. Laura Lancaster

One place where the Yeti Trailhead Camp Chair fell a little short was with the cup holder. While the Yeti travel mug fit perfectly (no surprise there), the travel mug didn’t work at all and both the silicone wine glass and beer were less stable than I would have liked (although I think you could get away with it without issue). That’s a minor point, but given the high price point of the Yeti, I’m surprised the chair didn’t include a second cup holder that could accommodate different-sized beverage containers. 

Best Classic: Kelty Deluxe Lounge Chair

Key Features

Price: $100

Weight Limit: 280 pounds 

Comfort: Great, lounge style

Warranty: 1 year

Pros

A comfortable version of the classic camping chair

Affordable

Awesome cup holders

Versatile carrying case

Cons

Not supportive

Shorter warranty

If you’ve been using a supermarket camping chair for a while, it’s possible you’ve developed some affection for it. After all, that sinking-in feeling when you plop down around the campfire has got to be popular for a reason, right? If that sounds like you, then the Kelty Deluxe Lounge Chair may be the affordable upgrade you’ve been looking for.

During testing, I was impressed by how well it captured the experience of a classic camping chair while still being comfortable enough to sit in for long periods of time. Part of that is that the seat is longer than a typical camping chair, so that when you sit, your thighs are supported enough that you can really sink back into it. The Kelty Deluxe Lounge Chair lets you sink back even further by adjusting the angle of the chair back via an easy-to-use pin system at the foot of the chair. And it manages all of that while still being plenty stable, particularly when getting in and out of the chair. 

The angle of the back legs of the Kelty Deluxe Lounge Chair can be adjusted, creating an even loungier profile. Laura Lancaster

During testing, I was impressed by how well thought-out the details of this camp chair were. While every other camp chair in my test came with a dedicated sack, the Kelty Deluxe Lounge Chair came with a roll mat that could be used as an additional sitting surface or for protecting items at camp from the dirt of the ground. And it was easier to use than the classic top-entry sacks ported by the GCI and Kijaro models. 

Despite its unusual appearance, the carrying case for the Kelty Deluxe Lounge Chair was easy to use and doubled as an impromptu extra seat. Laura Lancaster

But the real winning feature of the Kelty Deluxe Lounge Chair was its cup holders. It had three separate cup holder compartments: every single beverage vessel in my test had a stable fit in at least one of them. 

Best for Glamping: Dometic Go Camp Chair

Key Features

Price: $150

Weight Limit: 280 pounds 

Comfort: Excellent, firm style

Warranty: 3 years

Pros

Comfortable, firm seat

Great aesthetic

Smallest packed size of the firm-style camping chairs

Cons

No cup holder

If you’re after the comfort of something like the Yeti Trailhead but are reeling at the price point, the Dometic Go is one to look at. At half the price, it’s close to being as comfortable as the Yeti Trailhead and was significantly more stable than the other firm-style camping chairs I looked at. It was the only firm-style camp chair I looked at that had a bit of a tilt to the back—nothing too significant, but worth keeping in mind if your preference (or health needs) dictates something more vertical. It also won points for its packed size, which was more svelte than several others of my top pics, making this a great choice for smaller cars. And if you’re buying for the family, the unfold-and-go setup will help streamline things if you’ve got more than one of these (storage was similarly easy and straightforward).

While the Dometic Go Camp chair didn’t sport any cup holders, it did have a spot to stash your book or magazine in the back of the chair. Laura Lancaster

The aesthetic of this chair, which has beechwood arm rests, was pleasing, but it was one of the few camp chairs in my test that completely lacked a cup holder. If you’ve got a more robust camping setup, perhaps sporting one of the best camping tables, this may not be an issue for you, but if you use your cup holder consistently, it may make the Dometic Go a no-go.

Most Unusual: Nemo Stargaze

Key Features

Price: $300

Weight Limit: 300 pounds 

Comfort: Excellent, lounge style

Warranty: Limited lifetime

Pros

Very comfortable

Great warranty

Surprisingly small packed size

Unique concept that adds a new twist to camping

Cons

More complicated setup

Expensive

The Nemo Stargaze is such a unique product that it almost deserves to be in a class of its own. It’s arguably not a camp chair: if you need one of those, add our best overall pick to your shopping cart first. But if you’ve got your camping setup dialed in, and you’re looking for something fun to add a spark to your next outing, this could be just the ticket. 

The Nemo Stargaze took a bit to assemble, but it came with instructions printed on the carrying bag and was clearly labeled. Laura Lancaster

While the other camp chairs are connected to the ground by chair legs, the Nemo Stargaze is suspended between two support beams. It’s a bit like sitting in a hammock, except you have significantly more control over the angle at what you’re sitting at, and much lower odds of suddenly being ejected out of the seat. The name Stargaze comes from what happens when you lean back in the chair: While still fully supporting your back and seat, the angle of the chair leans far enough back that you can look directly at the sky without putting any strain on your neck. It’s so comfortable you may even just leave it set up on your patio when you aren’t actively camping. 

The cup holders of the Nemo Stargaze performed better than expected, but I still wouldn’t overly rely on it. Laura Lancaster

Despite having one of the largest profiles of any camping chair I looked at, the Nemo Stargaze boasted one of the smaller packed sizes. I was also impressed by the ease of setup: you need to snap pieces into place and situate the chair tabs on the frame correctly, but it was much simpler than I expected. The frame itself is very stable, although the chair does swing on it, as designed. The Stargaze even had cupholders, which worked fine for the two thermoses and the beer, although it did not accommodate the camping mug or silicone wine glass.

Best for Bad Backs: YETI Hondo Base Camp Chair

Key Features

Weight: 16.5 pounds

Capacity: 500 pounds

Five-year warranty

Hauler Handle

Pros

Super comfortable

Perfect height

Stores easily

Cons

Not sure about the fabric’s long-term durability

Steep price

For the past two months I’ve been working from the Yeti Hondo, which means I spent hours upon hours in it, and I have zero complaints when it comes to comfort. The height of the Hondo is perfect and not too deep. And the solid frame and armrests make it easy to get up from the chair without it sliding or feeling like it’s going to tip over when I lean forward. 

The YETI Hondo Base Camp Chair is almost too comfortable. Adam Moore

Read Next: The Best Camping Chairs for Bad Backs

One thing I like about the YETI Hondo Base Camp Chair is the tight stitched seat and back, which don’t give even after sitting in it all day. Though, I do wonder about the long-term durability of the fabric and how it might fare if left outside or on a camp porch for a substantial amount of time (I tested the Hondo in my home office). But so far, the material has kept its shape and tension, and if something does happen to your Hondo, it comes with a five-year warranty.

Though the Hondo has a solid construction, its 16 pounds makes it manageable to carry to the campsite, especially with the Hauler Handle. And it packs down great for its size, so you can easily store it when not in use or during travel. The added Hondo cup holder is a nice touch and accommodates YETI’s other products. The main drawback of this chair is the steep price tag. While I had the privilege of using a test model, I have to admit that I would have a hard time paying around $300 for a chair. And for a few extra bucks, I’d probably buy the YETI Tundra 45 and sit on that. But if you have a bad back and need a camp chair that’s super comfortable and supportive, the YETI Hondo Base Camp might be worth the investment.—Adam Moore

Most Comfortable: Nemo Moonlight

Key Features

Weight: 1 pound, 14 ounces

Weight Limit: 300 pounds

Seat Height: 10.5 inches

Materials: Aluminum, polyester

Pros

Open sides constrict the hips less than traditional-style backpacking chairs

Adjustable back

High weight limit for its size

Cons

Tips forward more easily than other models in my test

Expensive

In my test of the best backpacking chairs, the Nemo Moonlite won for its weight and comfort. Most best backpacking chair seats are made entirely of fabric, but the Nemo Moonlite is open at the sides. This results in less pressure against the side of the hips.

I found this difference especially notable after a long day on the trail. I was trying out a new pack, which meant (as sometimes happens) my pelvic bones were a bit bruised. While the other backpacking chairs felt tight around my hips and uncomfortable after only a few minutes, I happily sat in the Nemo Moonlite for over an hour. I also appreciated the straps at the sides, which allowed me to adjust the chair into more of an upright position while making dinner with the best camping cookware and then revert to a lounger when I was ready to kick back. This is also the only sub 2-pound chair in my test that had a weight limit of 300 pounds.

The NEMO Moonlite was the only backpacking chair that was open at the sides, a feature that added significantly to my overall comfort. Laura Lancaster

The biggest downside to this chair is that it is less stable than others I tested. In particular, it tends to pitch forward. While the back feet of the chair have a flat angle to them—which can be adjusted depending on the terrain—the front feet are rounded, and the legs are a bit shorter. This wasn’t especially noticeable when I was sitting, but I did need to exercise some caution when standing up.

Best Camping Rocking Chair: GCI Freestyle Rocker

Key Features

Weight: 12 pounds

Supports: 250 pounds

Overall Height: 34.8 inches

Seat Height: 19.7 inches

Pros

Solid stationary or rocking chair

Quiet

Comfortable

Cons

Not very packable

Heavy

If you want a solid camping chair, the GCI Freestyle Rocker, which has an aluminum frame, makes an excellent option. The spring-loaded shocks allow for smooth rocking when you want, but it also sits stationary.

Read Next: The Best Camping Rocking Chairs

But this chair isn’t just convenient, it’s also super comfortable. I sat in this chair for hours. I would also have no problem hauling it to the campsite or other outdoor get-togethers.

While the Freestyle Rocker makes a great addition to your campsite or backyard fire pit, it’s a bit heavy for any trip that requires a significant amount of walking to base camp. And the removable Velcro armrests don’t provide much cushion or stay in place. The chair does fold up conveniently, but the Freestyle Rocker’s folded size is too large to consider packing. But for everything within a short walking distance, this chair is my go-to.—Adam Moore

Kijaro Dual Lock

Key Features

Price: $50

Weight Limit: 300 pounds

Comfort: Great, firm style

Warranty: 1 year

Pros

Firm, comfortable seat

Affordable

Plenty stable

Cons

Poor cup holder

Short warranty

I’ve had a pair of Kijaro Dual Lock camping chairs for years now, and I’ve been impressed with how well they’ve stacked up next to more typical camping chairs. The seat is firm and stable, and has developed only the slightest of sags over the years. It’s reasonably easy to use (although I still find myself hunting around for the Dual Lock button when it’s time to put it away again) and very affordable, only slightly higher priced than my best overall pick. Out of the box, the only real issue with the Kijaro Dual Lock is that the only drinking vessel that I could fit inside of either of its cupholders was the beer. Even the Yeti thermos was a no-go. 

The cup holders of the Kijaro Dual Lock were the worst in my test. Laura Lancaster

However, after about three years of moderate use, the bolt on one of the legs of the chairs came undone. This is not covered by Kijaro’s more limited warranty. (The second chair suffered a similar fate a year later.) This issue, surprisingly, didn’t affect the overall stability of the chair—we kept using them with limited trepidation—but if you get a lot of use out of your camping chairs, then another option on this list with a longer warranty period may serve you better. 

ENO Lounger DL

Key Features

Price: $140 

Weight Limit: 250 pounds 

Comfort: Great, lounge style

Warranty: 2 years

Pros

Comfortable

Surprisingly stable

Small packed size

Lightweight

Cons

Very complicated setup

Cup holder was less useful than I had hoped

Let’s get the bad out of the way first: This was by far the most frustrating chair to set up and take down of anything I tested. Not only are there a surprising number of pieces to snap together, but getting the pieces in and out takes more finesse (and, at times, raw strength) than the Helinox Chair 2. If you’re camping, you’ve already allocated some time and space for tent setup. You don’t want to have to do the same thing for your chairs. 

The triangular frame of the ENO Lounger DL was a bear to put together, but it did increase the overall stability of the chair. Laura Lancaster

But that’s not to say it has no purpose. The ENO Lounger DL had only a slightly larger packed size than the Helinox Chair 2, but was significantly more stable and more comfortable to sit in. That makes sense given that ENO is primarily known for their hammocks, and the lounge fit of this chair echoes the sensation of sitting in a hammock at times. It was a little more restrictive at the hips than I would have liked: If you have a larger base to accommodate, this might not be the right choice for you. While the ENO Lounger DL did come with cup holders, the only vessel in my test that seemed actually secure was the Yeti thermos. 

Helinox Chair 2

Key Features

Price: $140

Weight Limit: 320 pounds 

Comfort: Good, lounge style

Warranty: 5 years

Pros

Very small packed size

Light enough to double as a low-key backpacking chair

Surprisingly comfortable 

Cons

Complicated setup

Not stable

Low to the ground

Cup holder must be purchased separately

The Helinox Chair One XL ran away with the award for larger individuals in my test of the best backpacking chairs, so I was curious to see how the high-back version of their chairs stacked up against the rest of the field for camping. As expected, it had a very small packed size, easily the smallest in my test. It was also the lightest by a fair amount at just under 3 pounds. For a backpacking chair, too, it was extremely comfortable, something I would happily sit in for dinner around the campfire, if not for as long as some of the other firm models I checked out. 

The frame of the lightweight Helinox Chair 2 was similar to those of backpacking chairs, making it a less stable choice overall. Laura Lancaster

For most campers, however, this is probably not the right choice. It has a more complicated setup than average, as you must snap together the frame of the chair before stretching the body over the top. It’s not too bad for one chair, but if you were doing three or four it would get old, fast. Despite being low to the ground (tough for taller individuals), it also wasn’t especially stable, and was starting to tip in whatever direction I leaned.

What to Consider Before Buying a Camping Chair

Comfort and Support

The classic camping chair sags as you sink into it, providing very little by way of support for your rear or back. In my testing, I found that the best camping chairs went one of two directions in trying to alleviate this issue. One was to create a more robust platform that provides real support with a minimum—or even no—sag. The other was to embrace the sag, creating a cocoon-like hammock effect that hugged my body as I sunk into it. When choosing a camping chair, consider what style of comfort and support you prefer.

Ease of Setup

During testing, some chairs took seconds to take out of their carrying cases and unfold, while others required a more lengthy setup. While no chair in my test was so complicated to set up as to be disqualifying on its own, if you are purchasing camping chairs for the whole family, keep in mind how much time you want to spend on setup.

Warranty

If you’re looking to upgrade your camp chair, chances are you’d like to keep it for longer than a single summer. While not direct one-to-ones, warranties are often a great way to assess the potential longevity of a product. 

Packed Size

If you’re purchasing camping chairs for the whole family, then small differences in size can quickly add up. Consider how much space your car or trailer has before making a final purchase. 

The best camping chairs come in a wide array of sizes. From left to right, the GCI Comfort Pro Chair, Yeti Trailhead, Kelty Deluxe Lounge Chair, Kijaro DualLock, Dometic Go, Nemo Stargaze, ENO Lounger DL, Helinox Chair 2. Laura Lancaster

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Final Thoughts

Whether you’re ready to splurge on the best camping chair or just want something a little more supportive than that no-name gas station or Amazon knockoff brand, there are a number of excellent options for you to choose from. Here’s a roundup of our favorites after extensive side-by-side testing: 

Best Overall: GCI Comfort Pro Chair 

Best Deluxe: Yeti Trailhead Camp Chair

Best Classic: Kelty Deluxe Lounge Chair

Best for Glamping: Dometic Go Camp Chair

Most Unusual: Nemo Stargaze

Best for Bad Backs: Yeti Hondo Base Camp Chair

Best for Backpacking: Nemo Moonlite

Best Camping Rocking Chair: CGI Freestyle Rocker

Kijaro Dual Lock

ENO Lounger DL

Helinox Chair Two

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