What Is The Best Folding Camping Chair For RV & Outdoor Use?
There are so many different kinds of portable folding camping chairs nowadays.
We have hiking chairs, beach chairs, recliner chairs, zero gravity chairs, and the “regular” camping chair.
The only thing they have in common is that you can sit on them, and they fold.
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Some camping chairs are better for short or tall people, some have better back support than others and some are better for backpacking and hiking.
Some are oversized, while others are very compact.
There are even chairs for couples nowadays, like loveseats. As you’ll see soon, there are even chairs with built-in coolers.
In this review, we’ll be taking a look at a few different kinds of folding camping chairs for RV/camp use and what each of them does well and not so well.
I will also list a couple of accessories that I use myself with my camping chair that makes me a happy camper.
So why should you listen to me when it comes to folding camping chairs?
Well, it feels like I have tried every chair out there. Every year I camp with people that have bought new chairs and I always try them out.
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That said, it’s all preferences. I can guide you to the camp chair that is right for you if you know what you’re looking for.
If you have no idea what you’re looking for except for a seat to relax on, scroll down to “What To Consider” and we’ll go through that.
Below are the reviews and info on some of the most comfortable and best folding camping chairs for RV and outdoor use.
Summary (Links to Amazon)
- Oversized Option – Alpha Camp Oversized Folding Camping Chair
- Most Basic – Coleman Folding Camping Chair With Cooler
- Best Overall – Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Camping Chair
- Highest Weight Capacity – ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Camp Chair
- Most High Tech – GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Camp Chair
- Built-in Shade – Quick Shade Canopy Folding Camp Chair
- Dual Camp Chair – Timber Ridge Spruce Duo Loveseat Oversize Quad-Folding Camp Seat
Best Overall
Highest Weight Capacity
Most High Tech
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Folding Camping Chairs Reviews & Info
1. Alpha Camp Oversized Folding Camping Chair
The Alpha Camp is the perfect large folding camping chair for RV and outdoor use because it’s comfortable, has a high weight capacity, and packs up to a portable size.
The best and most useful feature is the weight capacity so we’ll start there. Most camping chairs can take around 250 lbs, but not the Alpha Camp.
It has a huge weight capacity of 450 lbs.
That means you won’t have to worry about larger people using this chair while you’re out camping and you could even have multiple people on it.
The high weight capacity is due to the heavy duty powder coated steel frame.
It has reinforced crossbars, plastic wrapped poles in pressure points, reinforced fabric loops, and large plastic feet.
The chair size is also large to fit the high weight capacity.
It measures 39.37 inches tall from the floor to the top of the backrest, 25.2 inches deep, and 39.37 inches wide from the ends of the armrests.
That’s tons of usable seat space.
When folded up the camping chair is 38.58 inches tall and 9 inches wide. It weighs 13.2 lbs and can fit in most RV storage spaces. There is a storage/carry bag included.
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The fabric the seat is made with is durable 600x 300D padded oxford fabric. The padding is on the seat, backrest, and even the armrests.
For extra accessories, there is a mesh cup holder on one side and a small cooler bag in the armrest on the other side.
The cooler bag closes with a zipper and can hold around 6 cans.
There is also a hanging fabric pocket you can use to store any small items you might need with you while you’re outside enjoying the view.
The Alpha Camp Oversized Folding Camping Chair is a fantastic choice for RV owners. A large and sturdy folding chair like this has a lot of uses around a camper.
You can have it outside when you want to enjoy the sunset or even take it inside to get comfortable while watching a movie.
It’s built to last and the added support for the extra weight capacity only means it will hold up even longer to years of use and being transported around.
PROS
- High Weight Capacity
- Large Chair Size
- Armrest Cooler
- Cup Holder
- Fabric Side Pocket
CONS
- Heavy
- No Breathable Mesh Back
2. Coleman Folding Camping Chair With Cooler
A chair with a cooler? Yep, Coleman knows what people want.
This is a chair you could spend all day in. There’s a drink holder, a storage pocket on the side, and a cooler with space for up to 4 cans.
It’s the ultimate folding camping chair, and it’s comfortable enough to relax in for hours.
It’s easy to fold up and down, and relatively lightweight at 7.8 lbs.
The seat is cushioned and the design provides great back support. Coleman knows how to make a comfortable chair.
It’s a great camping chair for big people, which becomes even more clear with the 325 lbs weight capacity it offers.
While it might not be sold as an oversized chair it’s wide enough to fit larger people.
It’s made out of steel and polyester, and a carrying bag is included with the camping chair, making it easy to transport and store.
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I would’ve liked to see a mesh back like on the Kijaro reviewed below, but that’s because I get sweaty in the heat and I like how my back can breathe through the mesh.
The Coleman Folding Camping Chair With Cooler the most frills as far as drinking goes, so if you think you could use a built-in cooler on your camping chair, this should be your choice.
Coleman has made enough camping accessories to know what works and not, and the comfort and durability of this chair will not let you down.
With how easy this folds down, and how comfortable it is, it could very possibly be your next favorite camping chair for the RV.
PROS
- Built In Cooler
- Comfortable
- Carrying Bag Included
- Good Back Support
- Supports 325 lbs
- Lightweight
CONS
- No Breathable Mesh Back
3. Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Camping Chair
This is the RV camping chair I currently own and have used for about two years now.
It’s the one that has the features that fit me and my wife, and we’ve been very happy with them.
The Kijaro Dual Lock has a couple of things that make it stick out when compared to the others.
First off is the dual lock. This camp chair locks both when folded up and down. To unlock it, you push a button.
When set up and locked, it makes it easy to move around without it starting to fold up, and when folded up and locked, it makes it easier to stuff it into the included carrying bag.
It’s a very comfortable folding camping chair and it has a cup holder on each side, but also a storage pocket on the right side that zips and closes.
The seat height is 19 inches so it’s great even for tall people.
A detail I have noticed when comparing this one to other folding camping chairs is that the feet are more heavy-duty and sturdy than others.
It won’t move when you get in and out of it which is another small detail but something that bugs me with lower quality chairs.
It has a high weight capacity of 300 lbs.
My favorite feature with the Kijaro is the big mesh back. It makes it very comfortable to sit in for a long time since the mesh will let your back breathe and it reduces heat.
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The only thing I would’ve liked to see different is better cup holders.
It’s made out of mesh and pretty deep, so when I put a can in there it goes a little bit too far, making it hard to grab.
At 9.5 lbs, it’s not a camping chair that I bring with me on hikes or carry around too much, but that’s okay.
It’s the chairs we put outside our RV and spend tons of time on eating breakfast, watching the sunset, and relaxing around the campfire. It has been the most comfortable chair for those purposes.
Also because it snaps into place the back of the camp chair is tight and sturdy making it solid like a real chair and really nice for your back.
If you have a bad back and need support this is a great camping chair for that.
Note that the Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Camping Chair is available in 9 different colors.
PROS
- Mesh Back
- Lots of Colors to Choose From
- Dual Lock Feature
- Cup Holders and Storage
- Very Comfortable
- Supports 300 lbs
- Good For Tall People
CONS
- Deep Cupholders Can Be Annoying For Cans
4. ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Camp Chair
If you came here looking for the most heavy-duty, oversized folding camping chair on the market, this is it.
The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair is made extremely well and is the camping chair in this review that is best for big people.
With an impressive 800 lbs of weight capacity, it kicks the competition out of the water.
It might sound like a marketing ploy, but take a look at the structure of this camp chair and you’ll understand how it can support such high weights.
The steel frame is very rigid and the feet are big blocks to make sure you can sit and relax without worrying about something breaking.
The chair is made out of steel and strong polyester fabric to make sure that each piece supports the advertised weight capacity.
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There are two cup holders and storage pockets on both armrests and a mesh pocket on the back behind your head for bigger items.
A heavy-duty chair has a lot of pros and a couple of cons, one con being that the chair weighs 12.5 pounds so it’s not the first chair choice for a hike.
But at the campground, you’ll be sitting in the most sturdy and durable chair.
If you’re a big person, have a bad back, or just like sturdy camp chairs, I would argue that this is one of the best folding camping chairs on the market.
ALPS Mountaineering makes quality products so you won’t have to go buy a new chair every other year because this one will last.
Last but not least, the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Camp Chair has three different colors to choose from.
PROS
- Heavy Duty
- Great Brand
- Sturdy and Durable
- Very Comfortable
- Good for Big People
- Supports 800 lbs
- Cup Holders and Storage
CONS
- Heavy
- No Mesh For Breathability
5. GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Camp Chair
Next up, a folding rocking chair you can take anywhere. I decided to add this to the review because I have been so impressed with it.
A friend of mine owns one and let me use it for a couple of days and I only have good things to say about it.
The coolest thing about the GCI folding camping chair is that it’s a rocking chair, yes you read that right, it’s a rocking chair.
Connected to the back of the chair is spring-action rocking technology that will let you sit and rock anywhere.
It’s also water and dirt proof so it won’t be destroyed after being outside at the campsite.
The way it works is it has a regular base like any old camping chair but the back legs are pistons with springs in them that push the back of the chair up.
It creates the traditional rocking motion without the entire chair having to move. This makes it better for uneven ground and more stable.
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Don’t worry about getting too sweaty in this chair in the sun, as the mesh back will let your back breathe and the breeze will keep you nice and cool.
The camp rocking chair also has a drink holder made out of fabric, which I like more than mesh as it’s more sturdy.
Drink holders made out of fabric don’t have the problem I have with mesh can holders where the can disappears in the hole.
The seat height is 19.7 inches which is a good height for people who have trouble getting out of low chairs.
It has a nice sturdy seat and has a weight capacity of 250 lbs.
Because of the rocker springs, it’s pretty heavy for a folding camping chair weighing 12 pounds.
It also doesn’t fold up to a super small size but it’s perfect for storing in the outside storage of an RV or the trunk of a car.
A problem with a majority of camping chairs when you put them on soft ground is that the feet sink.
This is not a problem with a folding camping chair like this because it’s designed to sit on top of sand and dirt and not dig into it.
It’s still sturdy enough to where you can rock the chair without falling over.
If you are an active sitter and like to rock back and forth in a chair you are in luck because the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Camp Chair is one of the best rocking chairs you can get for camp, patio, and outdoor use.
It’s so nice you could even use it indoors if you want.
There is also a shorter version called the GCI Outdoor Waterside Beach Rocker (click to view on Amazon).
It’s a slightly smaller version of the GCI freestyle and perfect for people who like to sit low or for using next to water like at the beach or a pool.
PROS
- Rocking Chair
- Stable
- Mesh Back
- Drink Holder Made out of fabric
- Folds up and down easy
- Supports 250 lbs
CONS
- Only Folds In Half
- Heavy
6. Quick Shade Canopy Folding Camp Chair
The Quick Shade max shade chair is a fantastic simple folding camping chair with a nice big canopy that will protect you from the sun.
The canopy is a large fabric shade structure that is mounted to the back support poles of the camping chair. It has a sturdy design with two supports.
The shade top can be adjusted to move with the sun and it can also be removed if you don’t want it.
The total height of the folding camping chair with the shade structure up is 51 inches. The seat is also a decent height sitting 17 inches from the ground.
It’s a good option for people who want a camp chair that isn’t low to the ground.
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The fabric used is a durable 600D polyester. It’s not rainproof but it’s strong and resistant to tears and stains.
There are two fabric cup holders in the armrests and there is a mesh pocket that hands down on one side.
Included with purchase is a storage bag with a carry strap included and the entire setup only weighs 10 pounds.
The weight capacity is 225 lbs.
The Quick Shade Canopy Folding Camp Chair is a fantastic option for the beach or those who just don’t like to sit in the sun.
It’s easy to set up and has a durable design with two support poles for the canopy.
The only downside is the low weight capacity. This isn’t a chair for large people but it’s a great way to stay out of the sun when camping.
PROS
- Built In Shade Canopy
- Adjustable
- Sits High Off Ground
- Fabric Cup Holders
- Storage Bag Included
CONS
- Low Weight Capacity
What To Look For In A Folding Camping Chair
Comfort
There’s not one chair that is perfect for all of us, therefore one chair that is comfortable to one person can be uncomfortable to the next.
Seat height, material, armrests, and back support matter and they are just a few factors that play into whether a chair is comfortable to you or not.
All the camping chairs we’ve looked at today are comfortable to me, but if you’re a tall or big person I recommend looking at the seat height and seat area measurements and pick one that you believe will fit your body type.
Seat Height
Seat height matters if you’re a tall person, or have issues getting out of low chairs.
If that’s the case, you should pick a chair with a high seat height. The user experience will suffer if it’s hard to get in and out of the chair.
Frills
Do you usually sit around the campground with your chair and might want a cooler built-in? Or is a drink holder enough?
Try to remember what you’ve been missing with other camping chairs and the choice will be easier to make.
You’ll always have the option to put a cheap side table next to you where you can put your drink, so don’t overthink it.
Mesh Back
I keep talking about the mesh back, but it’s because it has made such a huge difference for me.
Before I had a chair with a mesh back, my back would heat up and sweat and it would get uncomfortable.
My mesh back Kijaro folding camping chair (click to view on Amazon) lets my back feel the breeze and stops me from overheating.
Whether you need one or not does also depends on what kind of climate you’re going to be camping in.
Weight Capacity
If you’re a heavy person, pick a chair that supports at least 120% of your weight to make sure it will hold up and be as sturdy as it’s designed to be.
Portability
What kind of camping do you do? Do you pack up and down often, or do you go to a campground and sit there for 3-5 days?
The more you have to move and lift your chair, the more its weight will matter.
Durability
Not all folding camping chairs are durable and paying more will often give you a stronger longer lasting chair.
But why spend a lot of money on something you’ll only sit on 5 days out of the year?
If you’re a full-timer, durability should be one of your main concerns.
Conclusion & My Recommendations For Best Folding Camping Chair
By now I hope you’ve gotten a basic understanding of what makes a folding camping chair good or bad in my eyes, now it’s up to you to consider what you need and where.
We’re all different, my wife and I just got lucky that we both liked the same kind of chair.
I have seen families where each person has different camping chairs and opinions about them.
But now, let’s get to my recommendations for a few different scenarios.
Best Folding Camping Chair Overall – Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Camping Chair
The Kijaro Dual Lock has been my favorite camp chair since I bought it.
The mesh back, storage, dual lock functions, and lightweight frame make it easy to use and store in my travel trailer.
Unlike traditional folding camping chairs, the fabric of the Kijaro chairs stays tight when you sit down.
This creates more support when sitting. If you like to have good back support or need a chair that doesn’t sink when you sit it in the Kijaro is a fantastic choice.
It is a fairly simple camping chair. But for comfort, durability, and overall ease of use, it’s my top choice.
Highest Weight Capacity – ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Camp Chair
If heavy-duty accessories are your thing, the King Kong Chair is here for you.
ALPS Mountaineering has created a monster chair that is extremely stable and durable and can take a lot of weight.
It’s not light to carry around, but it still folds up to a portable size and for the person that gets to sit in this chair, it’s worth it.
Much like the Kijaro chairs mentioned above, it’s not super fancy as far as features go but it’s very well made and will last years of being taken from campsite to campsite and being sat in.
I like the quilted padding on the seat and backrest as well as the cup holders and the pockets that hang down from the arms.
Most High Tech – GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Camp Chair
Back in the day, a camp rocking chair meant a folding camping chair mounted to curved rails just like a traditional rocking chair.
This design was pretty hard to use outdoors since it required perfectly flat ground that was hard enough for the chair to not sink into.
The new GCI version of the camp rocking chair has none of these problems because of the genius use of spring loaded pistons that lift the back of the chair.
It creates the rocking motion without the need for flat or hard ground.
You can use this folding camp rocking chair anywhere and it’s a great choice for older people.
It sits up high enough to be easy to get out of and you can even use the rocking pistons to give you a little boost when getting out of it.
If you have the space to store it and the weight isn’t an issue this is a folding camping chair I highly recommend.
Folding Camping Chair Accessories
So you’ve got your folding camping chair, now what? Here are my favorite accessories I like to use around the campsite.
Table: ALPS Mountaineering SideKick
This sidekick table is lightweight and easy to fold up/down and store.
I use it for drinks, food, electronics, and sometimes even sit on it. It’s sturdy and made by ALPS Mountaineering which is known for heavy-duty quality camping accessories. I truly recommend it.
Foot Rest: Garne T Mini Portable Folding Stool
I haven’t tried this exact one but I have one like it and it works great as a footrest. It’s not sturdy enough to sit on but it can also be used as a table.
Drink Holders: Sunnydaze Outdoor Yard Drink Holder Stakes
I just think these are funny for some reason.
I don’t own them but a friend of mine does and they do work as drink holders.
I prefer using these instead of the drink holder in my chair. A funny camping accessory that is actually useful and kids love them.
What Is The Best/Most Comfortable Loveseat/Double Camping Chair?
Timber Ridge Spruce Duo Loveseat Oversize Quad-Folding Camp Seat
The Timber Ridge Spruce Duo is one of the only loveseat/duo camp chairs I have tried, but we liked it a lot, so it’s one I recommend.
It can handle up to 250 lbs per seat, easily folds down, and feels sturdy even with two large people in it.
It has mesh cup holders on both sides and a phone pocket behind the seat where you can put electronics or other small items.
Even though it’s large, it comes with a carrying case which makes it portable and easy to store and transport.
Note that if you have a large dog, you might not get to sit in this chair very often!
Timber Ridge makes solid camping products, and the Spruce Duo is one of them.
Have any questions about folding camping chairs for RV and camp use? Leave a comment below.
I am using Coleman Camping Quad Chair with my rv. This is best camping chair I’ve owned. I won’t get specific with my dimensions but I’m a pretty big guy. Most chairs you find in stores are designed for skinny people whereas this chair works well with my large body.
Thanks a lot, Roe for stopping by and sharing! That is very true.
Jesse
Sad. All made in China. It would be nice to see”best” recommendations for available seating product made in USA. Even Canada, UK, Japan, Korea, Australia, etc., would be great.
Just a little bit of encouragement might prove useful in getting our own country’s manufacturers producing here.
Thanks, Chuck! We’ll take this into consideration when we update the post.