Camping chairs have come a long way from sitting on a log. Not that there is anything wrong with making do, but a vacation is all the better when it’s done in comfort. Thus, we’ve rounded up the best reclining camp chairs to make your outdoor experience all the more relaxing.
The best reclining camp chairs are:
- EVER ADVANCED Oversize XL Zero Gravity Recliner – Best Overall
- Coastrail Outdoor Zero Gravity Chair With Sun Shade – Best Weight Capacity
- NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair – Best For Swinging
- Earth Ultimate 4-Position Outdoor Chair – Best For Fishing
- Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Chair Oversized Recliner – Most adjustable headrest
- GCI Outdoor Freeform Zero Gravity Lounger – Independent Legs Up Positioning
- Eureka Highback Recliner Chair – Most Unique Armrests
- NEMO Moonlite Reclining Chair – Best Ultralight
- OUTDOOR LIVING SUNTIME Folding Mesh Chair – Most Versatile
- Best Choice Products Adjustable Zero Gravity Recliners (2 Set) – Best Value For Money
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Best Overall | Best Weight Capacity | Best For Swinging | Best For Fishing | Most adjustable headrest | Independent Legs Up Positioning | Most Unique Armrests | Best Ultralight | Most Versatile | Best Value For Money | |
Best Choice Products Adjustable Zero Gravity Recliners (2 Set) | ||||||||||
Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th |
Rating /5 | ||||||||||
Comfort | 4.9/5 | 4.66/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.2/5 |
Features | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.4/5 | 4/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.5/5 |
Capacity | 4.8/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 | 4/5 |
Weight/Portability | 4.3/5 | 4.2/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.6/5 | 4/5 | 4.3/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.9/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 |
Durability | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.6/5 | 3/5 |
Value for money | 4.5/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.8/5 |
Review | The EVER ADVANCED Oversize XL Zero Gravity Recliner is a comfortably padded reclining chair with an easy-to-use locking system. | The Coastrail Outdoor Zero Gravity Chair With Sun Shade holds up to 400 lbs., the most on this list. | The NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair is incredible. | The Earth Ultimate 4-Position Outdoor Chair w. New Adjustable Front Legs is an excellent choice for people who enjoy fishing or a day at the beach. | Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Chair Oversized Recliner: a zero-gravity favorite. They are well built, adjust smoothly along the 170-degree range, with an easy-to-use locking system, and the elastic cord is durable | The GCI Outdoor Freeform Zero Gravity Lounger is a brilliant chair for anyone who wants to put their legs up without reclining. | The Eureka Highback Recliner Chair is an upright reclining chair, which means there is no leg portion to raise your feet. | The NEMO Moonlite Reclining Chair is a brilliant ultra-light chair. It is unbelievably comfortable, with excellent back support, | The OUTDOOR LIVING SUNTIME Camping Folding Portable Mesh Chair with Removable Footrest is a fantastic idea. | The Best Choice Products Set of 2 Zero Gravity Lounge Chairs: a great deal, getting two chairs essentially for the price of one. |
Best Reclining Camping Chairs Compared
EVER ADVANCED Oversize XL Zero Gravity Recliner
Pros
- 350 lb capacity
- Adjustable headrest
- Padded cushions
- Convenient tray with cupholder
- No assembly
Cons
- The table tray doesn’t detach
- People over 6’2 will struggle to be comfortable
The EVER ADVANCED Oversize XL Zero Gravity Recliner is a comfortably padded reclining chair with an easy-to-use locking system. It doesn’t have set reclining positions but instead allows users to choose their own comfort by gliding back as far as 170 degrees and then locking it in place.
The chair offers stabled comfort, with a headrest that can be adjusted to provide lumbar support. It’s made of quality materials, and despite the large build, its weight hovers around the 20 lbs. mark. The sizeable side tray comes complete with a cupholder and stores neatly when the chair is folded.
But despite the XL size claim, it won’t be a comfortable fit for folks taller than 6’1 or 6’2. In addition, the padding means that this is not a quick dry mesh, so it will remain wet if somebody uses it straight out of the pool. Nor does the tray detach so you can use it in your lap.
Coastrail Outdoor Zero Gravity Chair With Sun Shade
Pros
- 400 lb. capacity
- Detachable sun shade
- Detachable tray
- Adjustable head pillow
Cons
- Surprisingly narrow, given the weight limit
- The latch-pin system is fiddly
The Coastrail Outdoor Zero Gravity Chair With Sun Shade holds up to 400 lbs., the most on this list. It is also the only one to offer a detachable sun shade, a fantastic feature for anyone who easily feels the burn. The chair is incredibly sturdy even when reclined a full 170 degrees, thanks to its fiddly pin system.
The detachable side tray is also incredibly convenient, be it for chair positioning or just preferring to have it in your lap. While its padding is not to the level of the Ever Advanced or the Timber Ridge, the bungy cord system gives it plenty of support. Plus, the mesh panels help keep you cool.
But despite the excellent weight capacity, the chair is narrower than the other Ever Advanced or the Timber Ridge. Thus, it might not be as comfortable of a fit for some folks.
NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair
Pros
- 7 lbs packing weight
- 300 lb capacity
- Rocks (swings)
- Headrest
- Cupholder and pocket
- Stable on uneven surfaces
Cons
- Pricey
- No leg-up option
The NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair is incredible. The only real drawbacks are it doesn’t allow you to put your feet up (a deal breaker for some), and the technology to create such a sturdy yet lightweight chair comes at a price. But for those that are happy to splurge, they’ll be getting a comfortable and versatile chair.
Despite weighing only 7 lbs., this chair can hold up to 300 lbs. Its mesh is comfortable, its armrests are padded, there is a small detachable pillow for the headrest, and it has a hidden cupholder and pocket. But best of all, this reclining chair glides back and forth, much like a soothing porch swing. Pure bliss.
Its small pack size makes it easy for people to move it around, be it at festivals or simply chasing the shade. It doesn’t take up a ton of space, which helps in cramped camping situations, such as festivals and rallies. An excellent, comfortable, relaxing buy for those that can afford it.
Earth Ultimate 4-Position Outdoor Chair
Pros
- Mud feet extension legs to keep stable
- 4 recline positions
- 2 cupholders and pouch
- Fishing pole holder
- 300 lb capacity
Cons
- The pillow isn’t removable
- No tray
- No leg-up positioning
The Earth Ultimate 4-Position Outdoor Chair w. New Adjustable Front Legs is an excellent choice for people who enjoy fishing or a day at the beach. The chair’s adjustable legs allow for it to be used on difficult surfaces such as mud, sand, gravel, and pebbly creek beds.
The padded chair reclines in four positions, making it easy to wait for the fish to bite. The seat is over 21 inches wide, which will be comfortable for most folks, and holds up to 300 lbs.
While it has two convenient cupholders and handy pockets, there is no tray. Also, while the chair only weighs 12 lbs., it doesn’t pack small. So, it isn’t as easy to shove into tight spots in the trunk as some collapsible chairs.
Lastly, while this does recline, like the NEMO, there is no foot support to allow you to put your feet up. Instead, you’ll have to use the cooler as a footrest.
Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Chair Oversized Recliner
Pros
- Wide seat
- Choose any reclining angle
- 350 lb. capacity
- Durable
- Adjustable headrest
- No assembly required
Cons
- Bulky
- Heavy, 26 lbs.
Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Chair Oversized Recliner: a zero-gravity favorite. They are well built, adjust smoothly along the 170-degree range, with an easy-to-use locking system, and the elastic cord is durable. Set up and take down are hassle-free. The pillow is adjusted without fuss.
Timber Ridge is an excellent choice for those with bigger frames. The seat is 21.3 inches wide with a 22-inch depth. The corded bungee system also provides plenty of support.
However, a chair this size doesn’t pack small, and weighing 26 lbs. makes moving it a chore. The weight also makes it hard for some people to open and close. Thus, it works better for people who want a chair set up for the long term rather than a day trip to the beach.
GCI Outdoor Freeform Zero Gravity Lounger
Pros
- Independent leg positioning
- 300 lb. capacity
- Pouch pockets
- Adjustable headrest
Cons
- No tray
- Narrow
The GCI Outdoor Freeform Zero Gravity Lounger is a brilliant chair for anyone who wants to put their legs up without reclining. It can recline in the zero-gravity position, but it isn’t a must to put your feet up. It is such a handy feature that more manufacturers need to adopt.
Alas, as lovely as this chair is, the seat is a bit narrow despite the 300 lb. capacity. Also, there is no tray, only pockets. These issues prevent this otherwise excellent chair from being higher on the list. But if you want to be able to put your feet up while still sitting upright to chat with your friends, this is perfect.
Eureka Highback Recliner Chair
Pros
- 300 lb. capacity
- 12.25 lbs.
- Mesh keeps you cool and dry
- Cupholder
Cons
- The armrests are thin
- No tray
- No leg-up position
The Eureka Highback Recliner Chair is an upright reclining chair, which means there is no leg portion to raise your feet. It is comfortable, and the mesh insert keeps you cool and dry, as you don’t have to worry about the chair getting soaked after a swim.
However, its “stylish” cork armrests are a perplexing choice at odds with the rest of the comfortable design. Also, a chair this substantial should do better with the cupholder and tray situation rather than a tiny cloth circular sack. All of which would be forgivable if it was a tad cheaper.
NEMO Moonlite Reclining Chair
Pros
- Weighs less than 2 lbs.
- Seamless
- Mesh allows for a cool and dry seat
- Excellent back support
- Packs light
- Stable
- Adjustable
- 300 lb. capacity
Cons
- No head support
- No legs-up positioning
- No cupholder, tray, or pockets
- Expensive
The NEMO Moonlite Reclining Chair is a brilliant ultra-light chair. It is unbelievably comfortable, with excellent back support, making it perfect for backpackers, festival goers, and anyone who detests lugging heavy gear for a picnic or trip to the beach. In addition, it packs nice and small in its sack.
However, the technology and material are too much for such an exceptional chair, so light means high cost. Also, due to being aimed at backpackers, there are none of the features many reclining chairs customers desire, such as trays, cupholders, and the ability to put your feet up. There isn’t even a headrest.
The NEMO Moonlight is a fantastic chair. It’s just in its own little micro-category that doesn’t quite fit in with reclining chairs. Nonetheless, a brilliant buy if you can afford it.
OUTDOOR LIVING SUNTIME Folding Mesh Chair
Pros
- Removable footrest
- Well priced
- Mesh panel for cool and dry
- Cupholder and storage pocket
Cons
- Only 200 lb. capacity
- No tray
The OUTDOOR LIVING SUNTIME Camping Folding Portable Mesh Chair with Removable Footrest is a fantastic idea. The footrest part of the lounger comes off, making it a versatile chair for watching school sports and parades in addition to camping and lounging.
The mesh panel keeps users cool and dry. The cupholder and storage pocket is convenient, although it is a pity there is no tray. At 12.6 lbs., the chair isn’t too bulky. However, it only has a 200 lb capacity, severely limiting who can comfortably use it.
Best Choice Products Adjustable Zero Gravity Recliners (2 set)
Pros
- 2 chairs for one low price
- Cupholders and organizer tray
- Headrest pillows
Cons
- 250 lb. capacity
- Not very durable
The Best Choice Products Set of 2 Zero Gravity Lounge Chairs: a great deal, getting two chairs essentially for the price of one. The storage tray is handy, and the chair reclines 160 degrees. Its 16.3 lbs. make it bulky, but it is far from the heaviest on the list.
But while these are good value for money, they are low price for a reason. The cheaper materials and design mean these have a shorter lifespan than others on the list.
Reclining Camping Chair Rating Criteria
Comfort
A reclining camp chair is meant to be comfortable. If they’re not, we might as well stretch out on the ground. With its adjustable headrest, padded seat, and wide width, the Ever Advanced Oversize makes it an incredibly comfortable recliner, even for tall or heavier folks. But for folks that need a wide seat for comfort, the Timber Ridge offers the most.
But for folks needing a lightweight and highly portable chair, the NEMO Stargaze is an excellent option. It rocks, offers top-notch back and neck support, and is sturdy.
Features
The value of the features that come with a reclining chair is fairly subjective. For instance, Outdoor Living’s detachable footrest is genius, making it an incredibly versatile camping chair. It also has a cupholder and pouch.
But for people who want an eating tray or an adjustable headrest, they’ll probably be happier with the Coastrail, which has those features and shade, or the Ever Advanced Oversize.
Capacity
The Coastrail has the highest capacity of the recliners on the list. However, while it can hold up to 400 lbs, it is on the narrow end and is only 19.6 inches wide. Thus, many will be more comfortable on the Timber Ridge, that holds up to 350 lbs., as it has the widest seat. Closely behind it is the Ever Advanced Oversize that also holds 350 lbs.
Weight & Portability
The Nemo Moonlite is the lightest and easiest to haul, yet it holds nearly 300 lbs. Perfect for anyone who needs comfort that will pack up. However, if you want a headrest and like to rock, bump up to the Nemo Stargaze, which is only 7 lbs. But those wanting a footrest will have to reach for the affordable Outdoor Living, which weighs 12.6 lbs.
Durability
Most on the list were impressively durable, aside from the Best Choice Products. But the two standouts are the Ever Advanced Oversize and Timber Ridge.
Value For Money
The Best Choice Products offers excellent value for money if you are on a budget and need multiple seats. You are essentially getting two chairs for the price of one. However, given its lack of longevity, we’d lean towards the Outdoor Living or Coastrail. Yes, it is only one chair, but they are both reasonably priced, have better builds, and offer some great features.
Final Verdict
The Ever Advanced Oversize offers a great deal of comfort for not too eyewatering of a price. However, we’d reach for Timber Ridge if we needed more width. But if lightweight was our aim, the Nemo Stargaze is an excellent product. Yes, the Nemo Moonlite is perfect for backpackers, but we love to rock (who doesn’t?).