The Best RV Camping Chairs in 2023
(Camp Addict does NOT accept payment from any company to review or endorse their products.)
Last Updated: February 5, 2023
RV camping chairs are great for chilling around a campfire with friends or family, eating lunch, or working up some s'mores.
After all, camping and RVing are all about the great outdoors.
As much as we love mother nature, we also love to have a place to sit while chilling.
What better place to sit than a nice cozy rock? Pffffffft.
Of course, you want to find the best camp chair. Not all are equal, however.
The best RV camp chairs are designed for different needs.
Also, the comfort factor of the seat rests in the eyes of the bum that sits in it.
Let's learn a few things about the differences in the best RV outdoor chairs and what you may and may not need.
Already know all about this subject? Just looking for the reviews? Click the button below to jump down to the product reviews.
RV Camping Chair Guide
The best chairs for RV camping come in all shapes and sizes, providing different purposes and needs.
Some people want super wide chairs with all sorts of amenities such as umbrellas, storage bags, tables, and cup holders/coolers.
On the other end of the spectrum, people who hike need their chairs to be as light as humanly possible and don't need frills.
They need a light, compact camping chair. These folding chairs for RV use have been made with every need in mind.
Here we cover the ins and outs of what's out there for your consideration.
Generally, chairs fit into one of these categories:
- Portable
- Back Support
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Shaded
- Best of all worlds
Things to Look For In An RV Camp Chair
Well, how will you be using it?
Hiking? Hanging around the fire? Working outdoors daily on your computer?
Before buying, decide how you will primarily use your camp chair.
Portability
If you are going to be hiking a lot with your chair for long distances, or even short ones for that matter, you will not be happy with an 8-pound chair.
This means you are likely not going to want a traditional chair that tends to come with lots of features.
You can find portable chairs that fold as small as a 2-liter bottle and weigh around one pound.
A traditional chair may work better for you if you only use your chair around a campfire, although many small portable camping chairs are also quite comfortable.
DAC technology- Helinox Chairs
The smallest and lightest have legs made by DAC, who also makes the most lightweight aluminum tent poles.
The construction is easy to put together with the shock cord on the insides, much like tent poles.
They almost put themselves together. There aren't many parts, and setup takes under 2 minutes.
Durability
Sure, pretty much anything we purchase we want to last as long as possible.
Not all portable chairs are the same in this regard, either. However, most choices out there are pretty hardy.
They must be durable, considering how much wear and tear they receive.
Kelly's fading Cabela's chair. Needed the pillow for back support. Kelly now has a Chair One.
They get thrown in the back of trucks, burned by embers, deteriorate from the sun, and more.
However, if you go out and get a $10 chair from the drugstore, don't expect it to be comfortable or to last for long.
They are made cheaply TO be cheap.
Back Support
Honestly, not many chairs for camping can boast this feature.
Many camp chairs sink in around the back area, which might not work well if you have back issues. Most offer no back support whatsoever.
Therefore, you end up sinking into it with a rounded lower back.
This won't bode well for those with any kind of back issue.
Therefore, you have a couple of choices in this matter.
First, you can get our recommended chair that does have back support. Second, you can always put a pillow behind your lower back while using your chair.
Comfort
Comfort is a top priority for any camp chair, regardless of the other features you may want it to have.
Luckily, many RVing chairs out there are quite cozy.
Still, some chairs win over the others in this category, regardless of size.
Who doesn't want to be comfortable while camping?
The smaller RV folding chairs are fairly supportive in this regard, as is the Strongback Chair we recommend.
Still, most of our picks are rated as quite comfortable by most users.
I've tried nearly every kind of folding RV chair out there.
I've tried zero gravity chairs that allow you to recline and sleep, canvas folding chairs with built-in footstools and drink holders, retro folding camp chairs, and even one with straps so I could wear it on my back.
Eventually, they all failed me. They were too heavy, too cheaply made, or simply too uncomfortable.
After struggling to find a chair that fit all my needs, I finally broke down and shelled out the bucks for a Helinox Chair One.
It only took a week of use to realize that all my chair dreams came true with the Helinox. This chair is well made, lightweight, easy to set up and take down, and best of all... incredibly comfortable!
Aside from the comfort, my favorite feature is how easy this one is to carry around.
I can put it in my backpack, my kayak, or throw it in a canvas tote along with a bottle of wine and some munchies for happy hour at the neighbor's RV.
One thing to note: The Chair One is not the best for tall people. My husband is 6'4". He finds that the back of the chair is too short and so low to the ground that it's hard to get out of.
Fortunately, he found a solution in the Helinox Sunset Chair. With a taller back and a higher ground clearance, this chair is tall-person approved!
Shade
There are a few chairs that come with a built-in shade.
This is great for those who need to be out of the sun or are using a computer and need shade to see their computer screen.
We all know that skin cancer can be caused by sun exposure, so having the convenient shade built into your chair makes it much easier to keep yourself skin cancer-free.
It's not always possible to stay under an awning.
For times like these, having a shade above you helps protect you.
- New to RVing? Check out our camper must-have list and see what you should consider getting to make your camping experience more enjoyable.
Summary
As you can see, there are many different things to consider when looking for a new portable chair for your camping trip.
The way you camp, your bodily needs, weight, and durability are four of the major things you should consider before buying.
If you are looking for a new chair, read below for our camping chair reviews.
Photo courtesy: Brock Brinkerhoff
We found the best overall, best for bad backs, best for larger people, and much more. We have tried out most of these chairs, but not all of them.
Some we have narrowed down the competition through logic, reviews, and friends' opinions. Still, the final decision will be your own butt in the seat.
Regardless, we're here to help you decide on the best folding camp chair for your needs.
Best RV Camping Chairs Reviewed
We wanted to pick the best RV camping chairs out there for you, but we found that 'best' depends on the needs of the individual.
There is no ONE best portable camp chair. There are types and general favorites, but no fits-all-needs-and-wants chair for everyone exists.
We chose what we thought would be the most sought-after categories for folding RV chairs.
Best Overall RV Camping Chair
Coleman Oversized Quad Chair With Built-In Cooler
- Built-in cooler for four beverages
- Comfortable
- Affordable
- Durable
- Fade-resistant
- Stable
- Not light enough to tote long distances
- Steel legs prone to rusting
This chair is super popular among campers due to its low price and superior comfort/durability.
Its attached 'cooler' also makes it a hit among users.
Continue Reading Coleman Oversized Quad Chair Review
First, the Coleman Oversized Quad Chair has a mesh cup holder, so hey, you drinkaholics can keep five drinks with you all at once!
You won't have to get up for hours! Heh.
Coleman Comfort
Many users claim this is the most comfortable camping chair they have found.
This is the perfect folding camp chair with its comfortable padded seat, tall back, and roominess.
For the price tag, you are getting pretty good quality materials that will last a long time if cared for.
Coleman Oversized Quad Chair Video Review
Accessories
The Coleman Oversized Quad Chair is one of the only folding camping chairs with a built-in cooler bag.
It also includes a mesh pocket for storing your phone, keys, headlamp, or whatever you want to keep.
It is a very stable chair and keeps your amenities close by.
Durability
There are less expensive knock-offs by REI and Walmart, but the quality difference is apparent when you look at them side by side.
This one is worth the extra few bucks because it will last longer.
The fade resistance of the Coleman is also pretty staggering.
Kelly of Camp Addict had a Coleman folding camping chair starting in 2002 and had not shown any signs of fading when she gave it away in 2018.
Not to say that their current line of chairs is still that good regarding quality.
Of that, we are unsure when it comes to fading potential.
Coleman Oversized Quad Chair Features and Specs:
- Mesh cup holder
- Side pockets
- Steel frame
- Arm height is adjustable
- 24-inch seat
- Comfortable 18.1-inch sitting height
- Supports up to 325 pounds
- Carry bag included
- 1-year limited warranty
- Built-in cooler
- Website
Best Super Compact / Lightweight RV Camp Chair
- Great for hikers
- Very light and small
- Very comfortable for an ultralight
- Easy and fast setup
- Hardy light aluminum legs
- Price
- No Frills
- You are seated low to the ground
This chair is one of the lightest ultralight portable chairs on the market today.
It is a best bet for hikers that need an ultralight chair.
It's one of the smallest foldable chairs out there.
Larger Helinox Chair One Size
Helinox offers two sizes of their Chair One lightweight camping chairs.
To view the other larger size (other than the original size reviewed here), click on 'Continue Reading..." directly below to open up the Helinox Chair One review and scroll to the bottom of it.
Continue Reading Helinox Chair One Review
In brief, accessories are not why you buy this ultralight camping chair.
Instead, its primary purpose is to be the best small camping chair possible.
This sucker does the job very well.
Chair One VS Chair Zero
We chose the One over the Zero as we are currently an RVing website rather than a backpacker site.
Consequently, if you are a hardcore backpacker, you likely already know about the Zero and how light it is.
Comparatively, the Chair One is slightly more comfortable and less expensive than the Zero.
In a word, they are both very cool, light camp chairs.
Comfort
Despite its looks, this seat is quite comfortable.
However, some campers under 5 foot 8 inches say that the sides of the back of the chair squeeze their shoulders a bit.
Even so, larger campers don't have this issue.
There's nowhere to rest your head, but most outdoor camping chairs go without this feature, and people are more than comfortable.
Please note that you will be sitting pretty close to the ground (10 inches off of it), which can make getting in and out of it a bit interesting.
Design
The legs of the Chair One are made out of anodized DAC aluminum pole technology. They are strong, and they won't rust.
They are linked with shock cords, so the poles slip right into their intended destinations.
This little powerhouse can hold up to 320 pounds despite its tiny frame.
The balancing of the Helinox Chair One might come into play with some people.
It doesn't have the widest base of support.
Helinox Chair One Assembly
Helinox Chair Accessories
The following optional accessories can make your Helinox lightweight camping chair a bit more user-friendly, depending on how you use it.
Ground Sheet
The groundsheet keeps your Helinox from sinking into the soft ground.
The narrow design of the feet doesn't allow for much weight dispersal, so when you use it on soft ground, one or more of the legs tends to sink in.
Ground Sheet Installed
Headrest
If your torso is short enough to let your head rest on the back of your chair (or if you have a high-back camping chair model), you can purchase the headrest.
Helinox Headrest
Rockers For Feet
Check this out if you like to gently rock back and forth as you watch the sunset go down.
They quickly convert your Helinox into a chair with rockers.
Rocking Feet
Helinox Chair One Video Review
Chair One Features and Specs:
- QUICK AND EASY SETUP: assembles quickly using self-locating shock cord technology
- One of the smallest RVing chairs you can get
- Occupant Weight Limit: 320 pounds
- Fully assembled size: 19.5" wide x 20" deep. Seat height: 10", Seat Back Height: 25.5"
- Packs down to 14" long x 4" wide x 4.5" deep
- Weight: 2 pounds 2 Ounces
- Material: 600d polyester
- Frame: Advanced TH72M allow by DAC
- Warranty: 5 years
- Website
Helinox Chair One Demonstration
Larger Helinox Chair One Size
Besides the standard (original) size of the Helinox Chair One compact camp chair, a larger size is available.
Both sizes of Chair One share the same 320-pound weight limit.
Helinox Chair One XL
The One XL gives you the more seating area than the original Chair One model while sitting 4.5 inches higher off the ground.
Helinox Chair One XL Dimensions:
- Fully assembled size: 27" wide x 23.5" deep. Seat height: 14.5", Seat Back Height: 35"
- Packs down to 18.5" long x 4.5" wide x 5" deep
- Weight: 3 pounds 9 Ounces
Best Camp Chair for Big and Tall People
Alps Mountaineering King Kong
- Can hold up to 800 pounds
- Comfortable
- Durable materials
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Nice and tall/easy to get in and out of
- May not be comfortable for smaller/shorter people
The Alps Mountaineering King Kong chair is a heavy-duty campsite chair made for durability and ruggedness.
The frame can support up to 800 pounds, so this is a top-rated camp chair for large individuals.
Continue Reading Alps Mountaineering King Kong Chair Review
It offers plenty of storage with two cup holders, two side pockets, and storage built into the headrest.
It is heavier than most of our reviewed chairs at 13 pounds, but this is expected for the quality needed to be this rugged.
This cool camping chair is slightly padded, making it even easier on the bum.
Best For Larger People
The only downside we found with this one is that sometimes when smaller people use it, they sink down into the seat.
This causes their thighs to push into the front of the chair.
For some, their legs may start going to sleep due to loss of circulation.
Because of this, we would only recommend this chair for big and tall people.
Durability and Design
The 600D polyester fabric is taut and supportive.
It comes with a carrying bag with two carrying straps to fit you like a backsack leaving your arms free to take other items if you go to an outdoor concert or similar.
The carrying case dimensions are 7 x 41 inches. The legs of the King Kong Chair are made out of steel.
Setup and breakdown couldn't be simpler with this chair.
Simply fold or expand it out when you want to use it or break it down.
It's a little challenging to get back into the bag, but this is not unusual with chairs with a storage bag.
It is not unique to this one.
Material- Good and 'Bad'
The only downside we found about this heavy-duty camping chair is that the material is so thick that it holds water after a rainstorm.
This is only an issue if you leave it outside when it rains. (So, don't leave it outside in the rain!)
Moreover, the padding in the material was still seen as a positive thing.
Alps Mountaineering King Kong Chair Features
Alps Mountaineering King Kong Chair Features and Specs:
- Dimensions: (Set Up) 38 x 20 x 38 inches. Folded down: 5 x 5 x 38 inches
- Weight: 13 pounds
- Leg Material: Steel
- Chair Material: 600D polyester
- Side pockets for storage
- Weight Capacity: 800 pounds
- Website
Best RV Camping Chair with Canopy
Renetto Original Canopy Chair 4.0
- It has a canopy
- Lots of places to put things
- 100% UV and water-resistant
- The canopy doubles as the carry bag
- Extra wide seat (23.5")
- Weight (16 lbs)
- Not suitable for hiking trips
If your primary goal in a chair is to stay out of the sun, THIS is the chair you want.
The Renetto chair has an attached bag that doubles as a shade for overhead.
Continue Reading Renetto Original Canopy Chair Review
Bag Or Topper?
Well, it's both! It's a pretty ingenious design as there are no 'wasted' parts, i.e., a separate bag that is useless when the chair is in use.
Instead, the bag becomes the topper which again becomes the bag when putting it away.
Therefore, you'll never lose the bag. Awesome!
The topper can be overhead while in use or stored away behind the chair.
You don't even have to get up to put the shade up or back down.
The chair is spacious and comfortable, sporting two drink holders and a 16mm wide thickness in the legs, much sturdier than any other chairs on the market.
In essence, we suppose this chair should be able to compete with the King Kong chair, but it is only rated at 400 pounds compared to the King Kong's 800 pounds.
Other Nifty Bonuses
The actual bag also comes with storage space.
There is a hide-a-way footrest that is sold separately. It is conveniently stored in the bag.
Also offered are detachable side flaps for the awning for further sun protection.
Renetto Original Canopy Chair Features and Specs:
- Weight: 16 pounds
- Back Height: 23 inches
- Seat Depth: 19 inches
- Ground-to-Seat Clearance: 18 inches
- Chair-to-Canopy Head Room: 35 inches
- Folded Dimensions: 38" x 9" x 9"
- Pole Thickness: 16mm
- 100% UV and water resistant
- Website
Best Folding RV Chair with Back Support
- The most comfortable chair for your back
- Light and portable
- Dual shoulder straps on carry bag for backpack style, hands-free carrying
- Ergonomically healthy
- 300-pound capacity
- Too heavy to take hiking
- Expensive
Not many camping chairs indeed have good or even ANY lower back support.
That said, this camp chair has excellent lower back support that can keep you more comfortable for longer.
Continue Reading Strongback Elite Chair Review
This company claims that their patented lumbar support on the Strongback line of chairs aligns your body posture.
This should ease neck tension and provide relaxation of the muscles of the body. Makes sense.
We've sat in these chairs many times and agree that the back support is second to none in the outdoor RV furniture world (back pain is something Kelly is all too familiar with).
Strongback Chair Details
The Strongback Elite is relatively light though it's not the most lightweight chair on the block at 11.9 pounds.
The backpack-style bag with a carrying strap is very helpful, adding to its mobility while being easy on your back to carry.
The Strongback Elite is not the cheapest chair on the block.
But if you spend a lot of time sitting, this model could save you money on the chiropractor.
Strongback Elite Folding Camp Chair Dimensions
Besides, who wants to have pain when they sit? If your back is janky, this could be the right one for you.
The legs are made from powder-coated steel, ensuring a long life.
The material chosen for the seat is a heavy-duty Polyester 600D wear and tear-resistant fabric. As a result, this chair will last a long time.
Strongback Elite Camping Chair
Strongback Elite Folding Camp Chair Features and Specs:
- An ergonomic seat that prevents leg pinching
- Frame integrated lumbar support
- Solid padded armrests
- Cupholder
- 600D polyester fabric that is tear and wear resistant
- Fabric is available in multiple color options
- Black powder-coated steel legs
- Carry bag with dual shoulder straps
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- Chair Size in Use: 28.5" Wide x 27" Deep x 36.5" High
- Seat Height: 19 inches
- Seat Width: 23 inches
- Chair Size Folded: 11" Wide x 6" Deep x 44" High
- Weight: 11.9 pounds
- Website
Best RV Chair for Little Kids
Melissa And Doug Line Of Chairs
- Excellent Amazon reviews
- Cute creature designs to choose from
- Cup holder
- Fun designs for the kiddos
- Light, easy to carry, folds up easily
The Melissa and Doug line of compact camping chairs for kids couldn't be cuter!
Your little ones will easily identify theirs and will love their cute design. Above all, they have designs modeled for boys and girls.
Continue Reading Melissa and Doug Kids Chairs Review
The chairs do have cup holders for your kid's drink, and the fabric is water-resistant.
Also, the edges are reinforced to prevent tearing, and the material is fade resistant.
These Melissa and Doug Chairs are suitable for children up to about seven years old, depending on their size.
The material is made easy to clean because spills will happen.
Melissa and Doug's Kid chairs are low enough to the ground for your child to easily get in and out of all by themselves. (Don't you need them to be as self-reliant as possible?)
Melissa and Doug Kid Chairs Features and Specs:
- Dimensions: 25" x 13" x 12.75" 2.7 lbs
- Material is easy to clean
- Website
Conclusion
Of course, your own preferences are going to determine what the best RV camping chairs looks like for you.
Do you want the most comfortable camp chair? Do you want RV patio furniture? RV folding chairs that are light? Do you want recliners? Finding the best chair depends on your needs.
Simply decide how you will use it and then look for the features you want.
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all chair in terms of features, so you may need more than one for different occasions.
Whatever you decide, just get out there into nature. We hope we have helped you find the best RV chairs for YOUR camping style.
Camp on, Addicts!
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As a seasoned and passionate RVing expert, I have dedicated myself to living the full-time RV life for over 5.5 years, immersing myself in the unique quirks and joys of the boondocking lifestyle and gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience along the way. In December 2020, my business partner and I made the transition to part-time RVing, but in January 2023, we hit the road once again, this time in our trusty vans. My mission is to help others embrace the RVing lifestyle with confidence and excitement, armed with the knowledge and resources needed to make the most of their adventures. I believe that the more you know, the more you can truly appreciate and enjoy the freedom and flexibility of the open road. Join me on this journey and let's make some unforgettable memories.
Other Articles You Should Read
I really like a Coleman Big-N-Tall Quad Camping Chair that I buy for my husband. It is tough, made from quality materials, water-resistant, and has a media pocket. If you want to feel absolute relaxation during your camping trips, this is definitely the perfect chair for you to sit on.
I’ve seen those large ’round’ cushy camp chairs, but unsure of the name, and think I saw them in Costco some time ago. I would imagine they may be a little heavier, but they sure look comfortable!
Hi Dale,
Yeah, they are pretty cushy! They do take up some room for sure. I think they come in two sizes, too. We have at least one friend who uses one for her full-time RV life.
I too have tried a number of chairs- some too low, some a total trip hazard when trying to get in or out, some too heavy, some too bulky. Best ones I have found so far, and the ones I buy again are the GCI rocker chairs. They rock on any surface due to the rocker shock system and hold up well. The only issue is storage. The folding ones are really long and the director style folds flat but requires the space of a flat directors chair. Love them so much have gotten rid of all other styles to fit in our storage bay.
Oooh, yes, those are nice! It all depends on the user’s needs. For me, I got so tired of finding a place to store my two ‘regular’ chairs and hated having to move them any time I needed to get into the back of my truck.
Now, I have the Helinox Chair One. I can easily store it under my bed it’s so small! Still not as ideal as others as far as setting it up.
Sometimes I wish for a more ‘luxurious’ seat, too. But I am not willing to have two chairs. So for now, the Helinox is for me! Glad you found your “best butt”. ????
We’re on our second set of Alps Mountaineering chairs. The first set we purchased in Moab about 3 years ago. We abuse chairs! We leave them out in the sun, snow and rain and these still lasted 3 years! We just purchased another set of Alps Mountaineering chairs, this time we went big and got the King Kong models in Blue a month ago. Way more comfortable than the previous ones! We’d buy these again. I’ve tried the strongback chair, it’s ok but double the price and for me it’s harder to pack up. i just make my own lumbar support using an outdoor pillow.
Hey Paul!
Great to hear you like your Alps Mountaineering Kongs! Those chairs are BEASTS! I have done the same- put a pillow in the chair for my back. It gets really testy at times, so I sure do like the Strongbacks, too.
Thanks for the input on these chairs for others to read. A little social proof goes a long way!
See you guys down the road! ????
You need to try the Kijaro Dual Lock chair. Hands down the most comfortable chair I’ve ever sat in. It locks open so you don’t sag down in the seat and make it easy to get out of the chair as well. Lots of vibrant colors to choose from.
Where can I buy just the cloth part. I have a perfectly good extra large
frame & a torn cloth .
Hi Ed,
At this time we are not aware of any seller of just the cloth parts of a camping chair. Anyone else have any information on this? We welcome your input to help Ed out!
I suggest to go to a fabric store, or search online for outdoor fabric. Look for an outdoor upholstery material that will have UV-resistance and/ or mildew resistance. Awning-type material and backpack cordura is a good start. Get a yard or two and patch your chair using a needle and dental floss. It might not be pretty, but a DIY repair job might work on an injured chair.
Look into the fire pit rocker by GCI outdoors. Sturdy frame and comfortable. Not a chair you want to be lugging into the woods but for RV camping it is great. When we found this chair we have showed all of our camping friends. Now all of our camping friends have bought their own. They are a bit expensive as far as camp chairs go but worth every penny.
Hi Ryan,
Yes, that’s a pretty good/comfortable/unique product for sure! If you want a rocking chair at your campsite, these are great! Thanks for the input so others can benefit, and Camp On!
our campfire is party central so we carry 8 chairs for guests. Most of us have knee, hip or back issues and all prefer strong and solid arm rests that can carry full body weight when getting in or our. Nobody Like’s the fabric slings
Wow, Don, you do it up right! Eight chairs? ?
I can only handle sitting in my chairs for a little bit. Time to invest in something comfy so my body stops screaming at me every time I get up out of my chair.
Keep enjoying those party central campfires and Camp On!
You should try the STRONGBACK Elite. With its solid arms with padding, lumbar support that is superb and way better than any chair I have tried.