A reclining camping chair is a purchase that you will always be thankful for. Especially if you find yourself in a situation where you want to enjoy some unexpected scenic landscapes, enjoy time with friends, or stargaze under the night sky. A good seat makes camping just a little extra comfortable.
There are many types of camping chair available to purchase, so why should you choose a reclining camp chair? Extreme comfort is one of the main benefits, but keep reading, and we’ll explore the subject fully in this guide.
Our top pick for the best reclining camping chair is the Nemo Stargaze. This chair offers exceptional comfort and its unique design makes you feel like you are swinging gently in a hammock. It is lightweight and easy to pack for your next adventure.
Another chair we recommend, available at a lower cost, is the Timber Ridge. A durable zero-gravity chair, it offers weightlessness and an easy set up, which is perfect for camping.
Here, we will explore our top picks for reclining camp chairs, share some tips on what features to look out for, and we will answer some frequently asked questions about reclining camping chairs.
The Best Reclining Camp Chair for 2024
Best Overall – Nemo Stargaze
The Nemo Stargaze is one of the most popular portable adjustable folding chairs available now, with its easy, hammock-like swinging motion that auto-reclines into the perfect sitting position and adjusts to your body weight.
It has a large, adjustable padded headrest and is made from lightweight materials, such as aluminum poles and non-absorbent mesh. It comes with a carry bag, and the setup is quick and easy.
As its name suggests, the chair is designed around a low center of gravity, allowing you to lean back for stargazing or naps. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, it provides unparalleled stability on uneven surfaces. It has cup holders for your convenience, too.
Best Zero-Gravity Reclining Chair – TIMBER RIDGE Outdoor Chair
Just because you’re away camping doesn’t mean you need to leave all your comforts behind.
The Timber Ridge Chair is a zero-gravity lounge chair with a wide padded seat and an adjustable headrest. It allows you to bring the comforts of your living room on the road, with storage pockets and a cup holder. It is available in brown or blue.
It is slightly heavier to carry than most, weighing in at almost 20 pounds, but this is mostly because of its good-quality construction. It is made from a sturdy alloy steel frame that makes it feel very stable on all surfaces.
Best Lounge Chair – POEPORE Reclining Camping Chair
The PoePore reclining lounge chair is a very good option to consider for your next camping trip, with a few features that make it stand out from the rest.
It has a removable footrest, so you can turn it into a sun lounger. This unique feature makes it perfect for the beach, camping, picnics, or road trips.
Designed with ergonomic principles, this chair offers four adjustable positions to support your back and legs. It is a customizable chair with removable features including the footrest, pillow, and cotton cushion, allowing you to create your own perfect seat.
Made from a strong and durable stainless steel frame, the chair weighs 12 pounds and is easy to carry in its travel bag. According to the brand guidelines, it can be quickly set up in just two minutes. The chair’s fabric is wear-resistant and breathable. The cotton pad and pillow are machine washable.
Best Budget – Amazon Basics Outdoor Zero Gravity Lounge Chair (Pack of 2)
This pair of zero-gravity loungers are a great value for your money. Lean back and enjoy the weightless feel as you soak up the rays or enjoy the outdoors.
The product comes in a pack of two, which works out at roughly $56 per chair. The chairs’ fabric is made from Textilene, which is weather-resistant and durable.
The two-chair package comes with an individual side table with two cup holders. Each of the lounge chairs has contoured, adjustable armrests, removable headrest pillows, and an extra detachable cup holder.
Best for Big and Tall Campers – Suteck Oversized Zero Gravity Chair XL
The Suteck chair is popular among reviewers for its comfy cushioning and adjustable reclining options.
The strong frame can bear up to 500 pounds, which makes it suitable for big and tall campers who might require extra support. It is made from steel pipe, allowing for a sturdy position on several surfaces.
It is easy to adjust the chair into several positions (from 90 to 170 degrees), and it has an ergonomically designed reclining motion that can reduce pressure on the shoulder, back, and waist.
There is a removable footrest that is detachable and reduces the pressure on your legs. The cup holder is larger than most, with space for two drinks. The chair folds down in seconds and can be a great choice for car camping or beach trips.
The thick cotton cushions are soft and skin-friendly, and they can be removed. The cushioning is thick, which might not be to everyone’s taste, especially if you are using the chair in hot weather.
Best for the Beach – Apollo Walker Folding Camping Chair
The Apollo Walker Folding Chair is a compact reclining chair that is perfect for sunny days. With a headrest and footrest, this comfortable chair is a beach camping staple.
It has a breathable mesh recliner to keep you cool in warm weather. The adjustable seat angle can be positioned from 90 to 145 degrees, depending on how much you would like to recline.
The sturdy steel frame gives good stability, and it has mesh pockets on each side for storing your phone, sunglasses, or books. It fits neatly into a stuff sack for easy transportation.
Best Portable – GCI Outdoor Wilderness Recliner
This relaxing reclining chair is a great portable option, which easily folds flat for easy storage in the back of the car, or it can be carried as a backpack.
Its powder-coated aluminum and steel frame offers a comfortable seat, and it features wooden armrests, a head pillow, ventilated seating with mesh paneling, and a small cup holder. There are oversized pockets for all other essentials.
This portable chair has four reclining positions. The chair folds into a backpack and weighs 8.6 pounds. It can be carried hands-free, which is particularly useful for moving locations or carrying around a campsite.
How to Find the Best Reclining Camping Chair
When choosing a reclining camp chair, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure its effectiveness in providing the ultimate comfort.
Here are some key features to look for:
Type of Reclining Chairs
If you are looking for a reclining camping chair, the first thing to check is the level of recline. Chairs with adjustable recline positions can allow you to find your preferred angle for relaxation. Some chairs may have a locking system to keep the recline position secure.
The number of recline positions can vary. Some chairs offer multiple adjustable positions, while others may have a simple two-position recline. Check the product specifications for details.
Zero-gravity loungers feature a reclining system that evenly distributes your weight and provides a feeling of weightlessness. This type of recliner is good for reducing the pressure on the spine.
Fun fact: The name “zero gravity” is inspired by the body position that astronauts assume in space.
Material and Durability
Chairs made from durable and weather-resistant materials, such as steel or aluminum frames, are likely to be strong and sturdy on several types of terrain.
The fabric seat is commonly made from polyester and nylon because these materials are strong and resistant to moisture and stains. Some chairs will feature sections of breathable mesh fabric in the seat to allow for air circulation and ventilation.
Check if the materials are easy to clean and resistant to UV rays for prolonged outdoor use.
Portability
Consider the weight and portability of the chair, especially if you need to carry it to different camping locations, or if you will be moving it around the campsite.
A reclining camping chair features extra functionality, so these chairs tend to be a little heavier to carry than ultralight camping chairs. You can expect a recliner to weigh somewhere between 8 and 20 pounds.
Look for chairs that fold down quickly and compactly. A carrying bag with handles is extremely useful for easy transportation on camping trips.
Weight Capacity
Always check the weight capacity of the chair to ensure it can support your body weight comfortably.
Comfort Features
Look for chairs with added armrests, headrests, or a removable footrest for extra comfort. As with many other types of chairs, ergonomic designs will also allow you to sit comfortably for long stretches of time.
Breathable fabrics, such as mesh panels, can also help to keep you cool if you’re sitting outside in hot weather for hours at a time.
Cup Holders and Storage Pockets
It’s always handy to have somewhere to hold your drink while camping. Many camp chairs come with built-in cup holders for your favorite beverage.
Also check if your new chair comes with additional pockets for storing books, snacks, or other important items.
Stability and Support
Chairs with a stable and strong frame design are essential for safety and support. Some camping chairs come with anti-tip features, such as wider bases or a lower center of gravity, to prevent accidental tipping. This is especially important on uneven terrain.
A stable frame is the foundation of a reliable camping chair. Look for chairs with well-engineered frames made of durable materials such as steel or aluminum. The frame design should provide a solid base and distribute weight evenly.
Ease of Set up
Check the reviews to see how other campers find the set up of the chair. Choose a chair that is easy to set up and take down and pack into its carry bag, especially if you plan to move around or have limited time at the campsite.
Versatility
Consider chairs with additional features, such as a rocking function or the ability to convert into a lounger for added versatility.
Chairs with adjustable features, such as adjustable leg heights or reclining options, allow you to customize the chair to your preferred seating position, enhancing overall stability and comfort.
User Reviews and Brand Reputation
User reviews are great for gaining insight into how a chair performs in the real world. Look for feedback from campers who have bought the chair to see how comfortable they have found it.
Consider the reputation of the manufacturer. Established outdoor gear brands with a history of producing reliable products may be more likely to offer well-designed and weather-resistant camping chairs.
You can always try out some chairs in stores. Retailers such as REI Co-Op and Dick’s Sporting Goods have a good selection of reclining camping chairs.
Budget
The reclining camp chairs on this list are priced between $50 and $300. Your budget will depend on several factors, including what activities you plan to use the chair for.
Remember, investing in a higher-quality reclining chair may be worth it in the long run. Think about your budget carefully and find one that offers the best combination of features within that price range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are camping chairs suitable for tall individuals?
Tall individuals may need to research the chair’s dimensions to ensure it provides sufficient comfort and support for their height.
Look for chairs with a large seating area and a firm, stable foundation to ensure it can support your body type. It’s worth checking the maximum weight capacity that the chair can hold, too.
Can I use a reclining camp chair for activities other than camping?
Yes, reclining camp chairs are super versatile. If they come with a carry bag, you can take them anywhere, or store them in the back of the car for spontaneous adventures.
You can use your reclining camp chair for various outdoor activities, including picnics, beach outings, sports events, and stargazing. Or, they can work equally well as patio chairs if you want to enjoy your backyard or have extra guests in town.
Should I buy a reclining camp chair or a regular camp chair?
This will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Reclining chairs provide adjustable positions that can help you find the most comfortable and relaxing seated position.
Regular camp chairs are usually lighter to carry and are quick to set up. If you are looking for simplicity, a regular camp chair might be the option for you.
Final Thoughts
A great chair will allow you to relax even more when you’re away camping in great outdoors. It’s one of those camping essentials you don’t want to leave home without. There are many options out there, so finding the right one will come down to a few key factors.
It’s worth researching several chairs before you make up your mind. Read reviews and learn from other campers’ experiences.
Think carefully about your budget, and don’t just opt for the cheapest one you can find. We believe a decent recliner is a worthwhile investment—a piece of gear that you can keep close and that will provide maximum comfort whenever you need it.
