The Best Camping Chairs of 2025, 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 camp chairs out there to test their setup, features, and — of course — comfort. 

I’ve tested all of the camping chairs in this story myself, with the exception of the Bote Aero Inflatable Couch, which was tested by OL associate editor Ashley Thess. Read more about my testing process here.

The Best Camping Chairs: Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall: GCI Comfort Pro Chair

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.

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

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. 

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.

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

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. 

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. 

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: REI Wonderland

While not quite at the level of the Yeti Trailhead, the REI Co-Op Wonderland camp chair delivered on comfort, aesthetics, and ease of use at a fairly affordable price point. If you’re looking to really upgrade your family’s camp chairs to something quality after years in saggy grocery store models, then this is one to start with. I was particularly impressed by its cup holder. While it only had one, it fit every beverage I threw at it except for the camping mug. While the seat wasn’t as firm as either the aforementioned Yeti or Dometic Go camp chair, it was on par with my best overall pick. It also has a more limited warranty, one year for REI Co-op members, and 90 days for non-members.

The only real ding for the REI Wonderland is the lack of a carrying case. In my experience, gear closets and camping vehicles can both get pretty unruly, and I prefer to have a little bit of protection for my camping chairs, both to prevent the fabric from ripping and to prevent other pieces of gear from getting tangled up in the chair legs.

Smallest Packed Size: Helinox Chair One (Re)

I’ve tried a few different variations of the Helinox Chair One and each time it gets a little closer to convincing me it’s the right choice for car camping. Previous iterations had nailed the small packed size (a must when you’ve got to squeeze everything for a long trip into your SUV) and overall comfort. Despite its appearance, this doesn’t feel like a cramped backpacking chair that’s squeezing your hips and forcing your knees into an unnatural angle. 

This latest iteration of the chair improves on the stability. Whereas previously this chair was a little too tippy for my taste, the newer version is actually pretty difficult to rock sideways and backwards unintentionally (tipping forward faster than you intended is still an issue). For me, that tips the scale: This one is headed into the regular rotation. 

But there are a few problems. The first is that setup is still a pain. That’s because, to get this petite packed size, the frame for the Helinox has to completely disassemble. Securing the fabric seat to the frame also requires more elbow grease than I personally prefer. If I had to set up more than one of these at a campsite I would be a little irritated. This is also a pretty pricey chair for what it is, not only costing more than my best overall pick, but even more than the REI Wonderland, my best glamping pick. Finally, because this chair is lower to the ground, it’s going to feel more awkward to taller individuals. Although that does somewhat negate the need for a cup holder, as it’s easy enough to set your brew or coffee mug straight on the ground.

Most Unusual: Nemo Stargaze

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. 

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. 

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 Rocking Chair: GCI Stowaway Rocker

Is there anything more relaxing that sitting around a campfire with a bit of whiskey? Turns out yes, if you throw a rocking chair for camping into the mix. My favorite of this genre is, unsurprisingly, also from the company that makes my favorite overall camping chair, GCI.

Despite the comparatively complicated mechanics (the only camping chair I’ve tested with built-in springs), I was impressed at how straightforward the GCI Stowaway Rocker was to use. While other camping chairs have me pressing buttons or attaching seat covers, all I had to do here was unfold the thing. It does take a bit of effort — you have to put some elbow grease behind pulling the armrests apart — but putting the chair away is easy and fast. You just pull up on the handle at the side, pull the opposing armrest toward you, and fold down the seat back. 

This GCI Stowaway is more supportive than the lounge-style picks on this list, if not in league with something like the Yeti Trailhead or even GCI’s Comfort Pro Chair. The rocking motion isn’t as dramatic as a traditional rocking chair where you can really get 90 degrees of motion, but plenty enough to scratch the itch and put a baby (or adult) to sleep. 

Before you purchase one for the entire family, know that this has a noticeably larger packed size than other camping chairs. Because it needs more structure below the arm rests (to support the rocking function), it can only fold down flat, not accordion up the way other picks on this list can. 

Best Inflatable Couch: Bote Inflatable Aero Couch

Bote, the paddle board company, has started making inflatable camping furniture that feels just like a paddleboard. The couch packs down to a 32- by 13-inch rectangle that’s 8 inches thick — and don’t forget the pump. It took me about 4 minutes to inflate which is a little bit of a workout, but much easier than pumping up a paddleboard. Plus, you’re rewarded with a roomie and comfortable bench-style seat where one person can lounge, two people can cuddle, and three people can fit.

On the snow, the Aero couch did want to slide around quite a bit, but I plopped a cooler behind it and solved that issue. On the grass and ground, it’s very stable and I could lunge or plop onto it without it moving or tipping. You can lean back and snuggle on it no problem, or even sit on either end with a friend and play a game of Cribbage in the middle. Dog paws aren’t a puncture risk and the couch is easy to wipe or spray down if it gets dirty.

If you plan on using this couch most weekends to tailgate, hang at the beach, or sit around at camp, I think it’s worth the hefty price tag. While the Kelty Low Loveseat is the most popular camping couch I see around, it has a barrier in the middle where the supports underneath discourage any cuddling. But squeezing in together on the Aero couch is fun, and accommodating for anyone who forgets a seat. You can lean back enough to take in the stars or sprawl out and take a nap. It has a handle to carry it where you want it, and a pouch on the side for a phone or headlamp. There are also daisy chains next to the pouch that I might use to stake it down when away from camp or going to your tent for the night.

You have to purchase the cupholder separately which is lame. It takes about the same time to deflate and fold up as it does to set up. I already broke the buckle on the attached storage strap, so I’ll likely repurpose another strap to keep it cinched for storing and transporting.—Ashley Thess, OL associate editor

Kijaro Dual Lock

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. 

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. 

Snow Peak Take! Bamboo

I’m typically not a fan of lounge-style camp chairs. Slumping over feels fine when you first sit down, but after an hour or two of hanging around the campfire, my back is aching. Give me the support of the Yeti Trailhead or GCI Comfort Pro Chair any day of the week. 

I was optimistic when I first sat down that the Snow Peak Take! would be the chair to change my mind. Unlike other lounge-style chairs, the canvas fabric hugs your hips and cradles your back. The experience is more akin to sitting down in a hammock than anything else I’ve tried. But there are problems with that too. Eventually the canvas starts to dig into your legs, especially if, like me, you are on the shorter side and your feet don’t quite touch the ground. And it still keeps your back in a curved, rather than straight, position, which eventually results in a back ache. But the aesthetics of this chair (something that Snow Peak is known for), are undeniable. 

Unfortunately, there are some other drawbacks to the Snow Peak Take. The first is that it’s pricier than comparable models from Dometic and REI. I also found the setup both intuitive and unintuitive. The chair itself comes in two parts, the metal and bamboo frame, and the canvas seat cover. After accordioning out the frame, you then secure the reinforced corners of the canvas seat to the tops of the frame. But neither the correct orientation of the top and bottom or the front and back of the chair is labeled. I managed to set this chair up without incident the first time, but then on my second attempt it took me a minute to figure out why it didn’t look right. Finally, it’s a chair clearly meant for smaller bodies: As a small to average-sized woman, I fit fine, but if you’re running up close to the weight limit for this chair, it may not be the right fit for you.

Dometic Go Camp Chair

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).

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. The Dometic Go was originally my top pick for glampers, but between the higher price point and the lack of a cup holder, it just lost out to the REI Co-op Wonderland.

Oru PopLounge

As a gear reviewer, I’m always curious, and a little bit excited, about products that look to turn a category on its head. So I was pretty stoked to check out the latest innovation from origami-kayak pioneer Oru: their PopLounge, the origami chair.

Read Next: The Best Inflatable Kayaks

For better or worse, I don’t think this style of portable chair is going to displace the classic collapsible camping chair anytime soon. While its packed size is organized differently than a classic camping chair, the volume it takes up in a packed vehicle is essentially the same. It was fairly time consuming to set up and take down; once you’ve got the hang of it, a single chair is fine, but I wouldn’t want to set them up for the whole family.

While the Oru PopLounge was very sturdy with excellent support, it wasn’t beating out other top contenders at this price point. (The seat itself is also surprisingly low to the ground.) I also found the aesthetics, essentially bolted-together pieces of corrugated plastic, less than appealing.

But, if you plan to leave your camping chairs set-up for a long period of time, this would be an excellent choice. While the fabric of more classically styled camping chairs can soak up rain overnight, the plastic seat of the Oru PopLounge would need nothing more than a quick wipe.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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 camp 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. 

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Camping Chairs

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: