The best part of camping is sitting around the campsite, taking in the views and sounds of nature with friends and family. The more comfortable you are, the better your time will be. A comfortable camping chair makes this possible. With so many options from brands like GCI Outdoors, MacSports, Venture Forward, and others, you may need help finding the most comfortable camping chair for you and your needs.
In this article, we’ll review everything you need to know about the best RV camping chairs, from the different types to their specific features to how to find the most comfortable camping chair for you.
Types of Camping Chairs
The main camping chair types are director, folding, rocker, and reclining. Let’s review each type so you can choose the best one for you.
Director’s Chair
These chairs resemble those found on the set of a movie or TV show. They have many great features for the campsite or an RV tailgate, including a lightweight and portable design. They also break down very small, more so than most other styles.
Director’s chairs typically offer more space, so this might be a perfect option if you need more room. You’ll also find that many director’s chairs have integrated side tables and cup holders for your drinks and snacks.
Folding Bag Chairs
When most people picture a comfortable camping chair, they think of the folding bag chair. These are the most compact camping chairs, and they’ve been a staple at the campsite since the dawn of modern camping. You’ll find some of the most lightweight camping chairs in this category, giving you extra space and cargo-carrying capacity for your other camping accessories.
You’ll love this style of camping chair if you’re on a budget, as it tends to be the most affordable option. However, they can be less comfortable than other styles, so look for a padded option if this is a concern.
Rockers
My personal favorite luxury camping chair is a rocker. This is mainly because I can never sit still, but if you’re anything like me, you’ll love this style of camping chair for many reasons. With a foldable rocking camping chair, you can expect a perfect balance of durability and comfort.
However, there are a few downsides to a rocker chair. For starters, you’ll need a flat surface to use them properly. Furthermore, they can be heavier and bulkier than other options, so keep that in mind if you’re running low on storage space.
Reclining Chairs
Many experienced RVers would vote recliners as the most comfortable camping chairs. These high-back camping chairs are perfect for relaxing or napping under the shade of your RV awning. They are typically large, have tons of space, and are durable. Some even come with a padded headrest or pillow for added comfort.
The main downsides of a reclining camping chair are weight and space. They are not ultralight camping chairs, as they typically rank towards the top in terms of weight and bulk. However, you won’t regret the added comfort if you have the requisite storage space.
How To Choose The Perfect Camping Chair
Space, features, weight, and weight capacity are the primary considerations when choosing the most comfortable camping chair. Let’s examine each one.
Space
The first and foremost consideration is storage space. You’ll need to transport your camping chairs to the campsite each time you go camping. The most common place to store them is an underneath storage compartment. If your RV doesn’t boast a “King Kong-sized” pass through compartment, you’ll need to find a space inside the RV or the tow vehicle.
Features
If you enjoy a frosty beverage at the campsite, ensure your chair has a cup holder. You might also value comfort above all else, in which case a chair with extra padding may be best. Some of the most comfortable camping chairs even have a larger seating area for more space. List your preferred camping chair features and then rank them by priority to help narrow your options.
Weight
If your camper is already packed, consider a lightweight camping chair. Ounces quickly add up to pounds when loading your trailer, so pay close attention to every item you add. Exceeding your trailer’s cargo capacity can have serious consequences, so you must closely monitor your gross vehicle weight. A heaver chair also makes moving around the campsite and getting in and out of the camper more challenging.
Weight Capacity
Most camping chairs have weight capacities that must be adhered to for safety. The weight capacities are based on the chair’s style, fabric, and frame size. Oversized chairs typically have higher capacities. Consider your required weight capacity when choosing a camp chair, accounting for the weight of any little ones that might hop onto your lap when it’s time to roast S’mores or get them their own chair.
How Can I Make My Camping Chair More Comfortable?
If you already have a camping chair but want some additional features, you might be interested in adding camping chair accessories. If you don’t have the budget for a new, more comfortable camping chair, try these modifications to make your experience more enjoyable.
- Try a pillow under your seat or behind your back.
- Add a folding ottoman to put your feet up.
- Find a side tray for hands-free food and drink security.
- Attach a cup holder to your chair for hands-free convenience.
- Use a heated seat pad for cool evenings.
How Strict Are Weight Limits on Camping Chairs?
Most camping chairs have a weight capacity between 200 and 300 pounds. We cannot recommend exceeding these ratings, so it’s important to choose one that fits your needs. Director’s chairs may be your best option if you need a higher weight capacity. Avoid folding bag chairs if you need a high weight capacity, as they typically rank towards the bottom in this category.
What Types of Camping Chairs Does Lippert Make?
The Camping World collection of Lippert camping chairs includes reclining camp chairs, folding camping chairs, and double-wide padded chairs. They also make director’s chairs, folding loveseats, foldable rocking camping chairs, and overlanding camp chairs.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how nice your camping chair is as long as you are comfortable and spending time outdoors with friends and family. Check out some of these other great campsite chair articles below.
Let us know in the comments below what your favorite campsite chair is.
