9 Best RV Camping Chairs Reviewed: Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

If you are an adventurous person with a passion for the outdoors, you definitely need to own a camping chair. Whether it is for attending outdoor events, camping, backpacking, or chilling on your lawn, owning at least one portable camping chair is a great investment.

An indicator of a great camping chair is one that is portable, foldable, easy to set up, and lightweight. More of this will be discussed in detail below.

Before you purchase a camping chair, it is important to have a refresher on the basics and be familiar with the specifications and capabilities you should look for. To help you with this, this article contains the basics of a camping chair, a list of capabilities to look for, and some product recommendations.

Top camp chairs to choose from

Here are our top picks for camp chairs to save you the headache of going over those thousands of brands and models.

These are based on research and tested for several factors such as stability, durability, construction, comfort, etc.

After that, these are then rated into three factors, with the brand having  40% of the overall percentage while value and customer reviews weighing 30 percent each.

Camping chairs for those with back issues 

Coleman portable camping quad chair

The Coleman portable camping quad chair is popular because, aside from its budget-wise price and great quality, it can also accommodate several beverages. What’s even greater is that it contains a mesh pocket where you can keep your keys, phone, and other belongings at an easy-to-reach distance.

Even if you use it under direct sunlight and expose it to water spills, you won’t worry about this chair fading because it is highly fade resistant. It can support up to 325 pounds and has a seating height of 18 inches.

Strongback camping chair with lumbar support

From the name itself, its lumbar support is one of its best features. This chair will not put a strain on your back because, aside from its lumbar support, it also has a firm backrest. Sitting in it for hours can be as comfortable as using a pillow.

You can also be assured that the backrest does not sag. With a seating height of 18 inches, this camping chair can accommodate up to 300 pounds.

Camping chairs for recreational vehicles (RVs)

Helinox chair one

If you are looking for a lightweight 1.96-pound chair that does not take up a lot of space, this one’s for you. This is ideal for those who are backpackers and trekkers as this chair is smaller than a newspaper.

The downside is that it lacks most of the features needed to give way to its small size. The lack of features can compromise your comfort, especially since it does not have an armrest or a headrest.

Helinox swivel chair

The Helinox Swivel is another lightweight option worthy of consideration. Its edge over the previously mentioned model, the Helinox chair, is that even though it is a little bit heavier, it can swivel.

This is best for tall people. It is also very comfortable to sit on because the fabric is made of breathable mesh. However, if you suffer from back pains, this is not the best choice for you as it may sag.

Camping chairs for tall people

ALPS mountaineering king kong chair

This camping chair is suited for heavier and taller individuals. It can accommodate up to 800 pounds of weight and has a great sitting height, ideal for those standing 6 feet and above. It is also durable and sturdy.

It is resistant to different weather conditions because of its 6000D fabric. Another plus is that it is foldable at 5”x 5” x 18”.

KingCamp camping chair

If you are suffering from back pains, this is the best fit for you as it offers lumbar support. This also comes with a headrest for neck and head support, thus, a winner in the area of comfort. This 41-inch, 11-pound camping chair is also a good choice for tall individuals because of its 18 inches seat height.

Camping chairs with canopies

Sport-brella recliner chair

This durable camping chair comes with an overhead canopy with UVA/UVB ray protection and metallic undercoating for extra sun protection. It can also swivel in three different settings and is adjustable to specifically block the sun’s direction.

It is extremely comfortable because, aside from its reclining chair and umbrella, it also has a detachable footrest for additional comfort. 

Quik shade

If blocking the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays is your priority, this camping chair is best suited for your needs. From the name itself, Quick shade, this camping chair has an overhead canopy that can be adjusted to block the sun and even rain from different directions. You also get a storage pouch under the right armrest to store your belongings.

Camping chair with a rocking motion

GCI outdoor freestyle rocker chair

This rocking chair is best for backyard and front-country camping use. It is the leader in durability and comfort with firm support despite its rocking motion. If properly taken care of, this chair can last for many years.

Types of camp chairs

Two-legged chairs

Since it only has two legs, your feet will serve as the chair’s front leg. You may swing a little because of this. The drawback with this type is that you are prone to losing balance and falling over.

Three-legged chairs

From the name itself, it has three legs which are more stable than the two-legged chair but not as reliable as the four-legged one. These are simple, not heavy, and ideal for outdoor adventures and trails.

Classic camp chairs

These have four legs, a flat seat, and a straight back. These are affordable and not tippy. Because of their height, you can easily sit and stand on them.

Low chairs

These are the best chairs to use for uneven ground or even for a sandy surface as these are ready.

What to look for in a camping chair

Purpose and versatility

It is important to know when, where, and for what you will use your camping chair. Is it more for watching outdoor games like soccer games? Is it for more adventurous activities like backpacking and viewing? Is it for car camping or backyard barbecuing?

Is it for multi-purpose use? How often are you going to use it? Is it yearly, monthly, weekly or daily? Once you know where you will need it for, it is easy to focus on the price and the feature and capability you should prioritize. Make sure that it has the necessary features for the intended purposes.

Portability and ease of use

For those who travel and walk long distances a lot, this one should be prioritized. Choose a camping chair that is not so heavy since it is not the only thing you will be taking on your trip.

You also have to bring your tents, cooking gear, etc. Consider also the foldability and the carrying bag that comes with it.

Foldability

Go for a camping chair that is easy to fold and unfold. Ideally, it is best to have a foldable camping chair, one that does not take up much space. Look for ones that can be folded inwards or with a torpedo-like shape when folded.

It does not take up much space. Choosing the ones with a thin folding dimension could consume a lot of space when laid flat. It should be easy to unfold, set up, and fold back into its carrying bag.

Carrying Bag

Aside from the foldability, also choose one with a carrying bag. Choose a camping chair that, when folded, can fit perfectly in its carrying bag. In some models, you’ll find a hard time fitting the chair in its bag, so be wary of those items.

Strapping the camping chair across your back through a bag is more practical than carrying it with your arms.

Height and weight

Another factor for portability is height and weight. If possible, choose the most lightweight option without compromising the features and functionality. In terms of its height, if you are a fan of going to outdoor events with your camping chair, choose a low chair type, one that does not obstruct the view of other people.

However, if your focus is comfort and you have weak knees, high-seated chairs are best suited for you as it is easy to get in and out of them.

Durability

The material it is made of, the fabric, and the leg quality are some of the considerations in determining the durability, reliability, and longevity of your camping chair.

Construction

Choose one that is constructed from sturdy aluminum or steel. Ideally, it should have to brace under the legs for added stability. Do not forget to consider the fabric of the chair. Polyester or high-quality canvas are great choices because these are durable and do not easily tear up.

Legs quality

Choose durable and sturdy legs. Be wary of those who easily snap. Strike a balance between strength and foldability because if you opt for super firm ones, you’ll have difficulty folding it. Consider the durability, foldability, and weight of your chair’s steel tubing.

Stability

If you travel and move a lot, it is important to consider the stability of your camping chair. Choose one that can adapt well to various surfaces and textures may it be uneven, rocky, sandy, wet, etc.

Comfort

Several factors would help you determine how comfortable a chair is. It should at least have back support, a comfortable height and weight capacity, and some storage pouches to place your belongings.

Lumbar support

If you have pre-existing back concerns, choose a camping chair that won’t worsen it. Don’t choose the units that have sunken backs. Look for ones that offer back and lumbar support with extra padding at the lower part.

This way, you can maintain your good posture and prevent the worsening of current conditions.

Canopy or shade

Some camping chairs come with an umbrella or canopy to protect the user from UV rays or from rain. It can be made of canvas material or nylon. This is a must-have feature, especially if you travel a lot to places with extreme weather conditions. If you are tall, choose a camp chair whose canopy would not touch your head.

Storage pouches and cup holders

Having a spot to put your cups, phones, keys, and other belongings is important. Without it, you would have to keep your hands full or look for a table to put it on. In worse cases, you could spill your drinks, drop your phone or lose your keys.

Other considerations if you are tall:

Backrest’s height

This is also called back seat height. If you are tall, stay away from too short a set setbackght as it may strain your upper back and neck. It can even lead to neck cramps if used for extended periods. Look for a backrest with enough height to support your neck and head.

Ground-to-seat height

If you are tall, it is very important to consider the ground-to-seat height or commonly referred to as the seat’s height. It was mentioned above that if you frequently attend concerts and other outdoor activities, choosing a seat with a short height is ideal.

However, if you are on the taller side of the spectrum, this might compromise your comfort. Choose a seat height that won’t obstruct other people’s view without compromising your comfort, even when you sit at it for extended periods of time.

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose a camp chair?

Here are some of the aspects you must consider when choosing a chair

• Purpose- Are you using it for backpacking, hiking, car camping, watching concerts, or for sitting in the backyard? Your next priorities will highly depend on what you will use them for.
• Height and portability- If you have knee issues, chairs with short heights can be a dealbreaker. Choose a chair from which you can easily and comfortably sit and get out of
• Features and capabilities- Do you consider cup holders and storage pouches essential? Or do you prioritize sun and rain protection? Are you more of a rocking chair kind of person? Understanding your priorities will help you choose the best camp chair.

Conclusion

Choosing a camping chair all boils down to a combination of these factors: purpose and use, durability and longevity, foldability and flexibility, capabilities and features, and your budget. Be sure to choose wisely; after all, going to the store without a plan in mind might lead you to a regretful purchase.