Best Heavy Duty Camping Chair: Top-Rated 2023 Chairs For Big & Tall Campers
The best camping gear is not the same for everyone, it often depends on a person’s preferred camping style and particular physique, body shape and size. We’re discussing our top picks for the best heavy duty camping chair for larger individuals based on ergonomics, body type and camping style from backpacking to car camping and RVing.
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Questions To Consider When Buying A Heavy-Duty Camping Chair
You can’t find the perfect chair without knowing exactly what features and functions you want it to provide. Before you start shopping, ask yourself these questions:
Weight Restrictions & Size
- Does your chair need to fit a certain body type? Short & Heavy, Tall & Heavy, Tall & Average Weight
- Does your chair need to sit high off the ground for people with long legs?
- Do you need a deep and wide seat that is low to the ground to fit people who are heavy and short?
- Do you want a chair that fully collapses or folds compactly for storage and transportation?
- Does your chair need to be lightweight for backpacking or light car camping?
Functionality & Features
- Do you need lumbar support?
- Do you want your chair to easily setup?
- Do you want oversized drink holders?
- Do you want pockets for phones, books, magazines and phones?
- Do you want an attached table on your camping chair?
- Do you want a chair with a built-in cooler?
- Do you want a rocker?
- Do you want a carry bag with your chair?
- Do you have any “must have” or “must not have” personal preferences for you to consider a particular model to be a great camping chair?
Features Of Strong Camp Chairs For Big Guys & Heavy People
Standard portable camping chairs are designed to handle specific body weights which are usually in the range of only 200-250 pounds.
The best camping chairs for a heavy person have a much higher weight capacity because they are manufactured with sturdy materials like durable fabrics and heavy-duty steel frames rather than aluminum frames.
You’ll also find that a well-constructed heavy-duty chair has solid armrests and an oversized seat. The strong thread used to sew the fabric is usually double-stitched and the frame is reinforced in all the right places to withstand the increased demands of bigger, heavier people who want their camping gear to last a long time.
The increased seat width and depth dimensions, enlarged frame, and heavier materials used when producing an oversized camping chair, create stability and the ability to withstand more lbs, but, portability is diminished compared to lighter weight options you find in a standard chairs.
Popular choices are comfortable chairs but the extra features are what make some of them absolutely great chairs for outdoor activities and enjoyable camping trips.
Top Heavy Duty Chairs For Campers
Because each person has different needs, we’ve organized these chairs according to weight limitations first then unique features and the campers who they are designed for.
Best Camping Chair For Heavy People
Alps Mountaineering King Kong Chair
- Weight Limit: 800 Pounds
- Frame Material: Powder-coated steel
- Seat Material: 600D Polyester
- Transportation: Folds Up
- Unique Features: 24.5 inch wide cushioned seat, 1 back and 2 side storage pockets
- $|$$|$$$ Price: $ Check Current Price
Our family owns several of the King Kong Chairs and we love them!
With a maximum weight capacity of 800 pounds, this oversized chair has a roomy seat that measures 20 inches deep and 24.5 inches wide. It is made with padded durable 600D polyester fabric that provides strength and comfort even if you are sitting in it for long hours.
There are 2 cup holders, one for each of the adjustable armrests which is great when you want to place a drink in one and your phone or sunglasses in the other. This is also awesome for right and left-handed campers.
There are 3 storage compartments on this chair too! One side pocket hangs under each arm rest and there is a third pocket on the back of the chair. These are great things when you want to have books and magazines within reach.
This chair folds up and slips into the included shoulder carry bag making it easy to transport to your campsite and store it when it is not in use. The chair itself weighs approximately 13 pounds.
ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair
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Coleman Big-N-Tall Quad Camping Chair
- Weight Limit: 600 Pounds
- Frame Material: Steel
- Seat Material: Synthetic
- Transportation: Folds Up
- Unique Features: Water-resistant cell phone sleeve
- $|$$|$$$ Price: $ Check Current Price
Coleman has been a trusted brand with superior customer service for many years. The great thing about the company is their commitment to innovate.
Not only is this a comfortable design for big and tall people with a weight limit up to 600 pounds, it also has a cool “CellPort” built into the top of the right arm rest. It’s a water-resistant cell phone sleeve that has a zipper opening. It holds electronic devices securely and keeps them dry.
This chair folds up and slips into the included carry bag for transportation and storage. The chair itself weighs approximately 10 pounds.
Coleman Big and Tall Portable Quad Camp ChairCellPort Water-Resistant Cell Phone Sleeve
YETI Trailhead Collapsible Camp Chair
- Weight Limit: 500 Pounds
- Frame Material: Alloy Steel
- Seat Material: FlexGrid Fabric
- Transportation: Folds Up
- Unique Features: Superior quality and durability, FlexGrid Fabric and crossover frame
- $|$$|$$$ Price: $$$ Check Current Price
You know that old saying, “You get what you pay for”, that is definitely true of YETI brand purchases. Their entire product line is tough on the wallet but the products and materials are so well engineered that you never have to wonder about a warranty.
If you’re looking to spend a minimum amount, this chair is not for you. If you’re willing to invest in one of the best choice products on the market, take a close look at this exceptional chair because it will cost you a pretty penny but you may never have to shop for another camp chair for the rest of your life!
This chair looks like it belongs on a backyard patio because of the smart-looking fabric and hard armrests but it easily folds up because of the unique crossover frame. The FlexGrid Fabric is designed to conform to your body’s natural curvature making the chair supportive and comfortable.
The YETI Trailhead is UV-Rated and designed to prevent chipping paint, disintegrating or stretching fabric.
The drink holder can be attached to the left or right side of the chair and doesn’t interfere with the armrests. The two-strap carry bag allows you to carry the chair over your shoulder or wear it like a backpack.
With an impressive weight capacity of 500 pounds it has one of the higher weight limits in camp chairs. The chair itself weighs approximately 13 pounds.
YETI Trailhead Camp Chair With FlexGrid FabricCrossover Locking FrameCollapsible Camp Chair With Carry Bag
Best Durable Camping Director Chair
Coastrail Outdoor Oversized Director Chair With Table
- Weight Limit: 600 Pounds
- Frame Material: Alloy Steel, powder-coated steel tube
- Seat Material: 600D Polyester Oxford Fabric
- Transportation: Folds Flat
- Unique Features: Side table with cup holder
- $|$$|$$$ Price: $$ Check Current Price
Why are directors chairs so popular? This particular model has a wider seat measuring 28 inches and is super comfortable because of the padding.
The side table is really convenient because it just folds down for storage. I can’t even tell you how much I appreciate having a chair with a table attached for holding my magazines and drinks! The opposite side of this chair has a hanging pocket organizer to hold small items.
The Coastrail chair has an impressive weight capacity of 600 pounds. This chair does not fold up … it folds flat so it is a bit more cumbersome to transport but it does have two hand straps making it easy to carry.
The chair itself weighs approximately 16 pounds.
Coastrail Outdoor Oversized Director Chair With Table
Best Solid Curved Armrests Chair For Car Camping
Alps Mountaineering Camp Chair
- Weight Limit: 425 Pounds
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Seat Material: 600D Polyester
- Transportation: Folds Flat
- Unique Features: Solid and padded curved armrests
- $|$$|$$$ Price: $$ Check Current Price
The solid armrests on the Alps Mountaineering Camp Chair make you feel like you are sitting in a regular heavyweight lawn chair … you don’t get that feature in many portable chairs. This design provides lots of extra comfort.
When you look at this chair it does not look like it would be easy to transport … but it is, because it has a detachable back frame that allows the chair to fold flat for transportation. The back of the chair has a padded back panel that is extra tall providing comfortable support.
This chair has an extraordinary weight limit of 425 pounds in spite of the fact that it is one of the lightest models weighing approximately 11 pounds.
Alps Mountaineering Camp Chair
Best Heavy-Duty Back-Friendly Camp Chair
Timber Ridge Camping Chair
- Weight Limit: 400 Pounds
- Frame Material: Powder-coated steel
- Seat Material: Padded foam & high-quality polyester
- Transportation: Folds Up
- Unique Features: High back with ergonomic back-curve design
- $|$$|$$$ Price: $ Check Current Price
The Timber Ridge folding camping chair has a 22 inch high back that is designed to fit the curve of your back. The seat is padded and so are the detachable arm rests. When this chair is at our campsite, it is one of the first to be used because it is really comfortable … especially for campers with bad backs.
This chair conveniently folds up and is easily transported in its carry bag. It has an impressive weight limit of 400 pounds and weighs approximately 14 pounds.
Top Portable Chair For Tall Campers
XXL Kijaro Dual Lock Portable Camping And Sports Chair
- Weight Limit: 400 Pounds
- Frame Material: Steel
- Seat Material: 600 x 300D Ripstop Polyester & mesh airflow
- Transportation: Folds Up
- Unique Features: Seat height is 20 inches from the ground & two drink holders, one that holds a 32-ounce drink
- $|$$|$$$ Price: $ Check Current Price
With a name that begins with XXL, you might think that the Kijaro camp chair would have one of the highest weight limits … but it doesn’t. Still, a 400 pound maximum weight is beyond what most campers need for their gear.
The really impressive design feature of the Kijaro XXL is the higher seat height … it is 20 inches from the ground! That is about 4 inches taller than the average kitchen chair which is great for campers with long legs.
The other thing that makes this a great choice is the mesh cup holders … one holds a 32 oz. drink (I use those for my extra-large hiking water bottles) and the second is a standard sized drink holder which is great for holding regular water, beer and soda cans and bottles.
The zippered mesh pocket makes a perfect cell phone holder.
If I am going to sit in a chair that does not have a padded seat, I prefer a breathable mesh seat back like this model has (personally, solid unpadded fabric is my last choice in seat design).
This chair folds up and is simply carted by the carry straps on the frame and it weighs approximately 12 pounds.
NOTE: There is a standard version of this Kijaro chair called the Kijaro Dual Lock Portable Camping And Sports Chair. It has similar features but can only accommodate 300 pounds, has 2 standard sized mesh pockets for drink holders and only sits 18 inches off the ground.
XXL Kijaro Dual Lock Portable Camping And Sports Chair
Top Portable Chair With Lumbar Support
KingCamp Camping Chair With Lumbar Back Support & Cooler
- Weight Limit: 350 Pounds
- Frame Material: Steel
- Seat Material: 600 x 300D oxford fabrics
- Transportation: Folds Up
- Unique Features: Adjustable lumbar back support & cooler in armrest
- $|$$|$$$ Price: $ Check Current Price
The KingCamp Camping Chair is getting near the more weight-restricted end of the spectrum of heavy-duty chairs for campers with bad backs. It has a weight limit of 350 pounds but if that is enough for your needs, it is a fantastic option. Why? Because somebody decided to include the best thing for keeping your drink cold on a hot summer camp day … the insulated cooler bag in the arm rest! It can hold 3 cans of your favorite beverage! The other arm has a standard sized drink holder.
The lumbar support system has an adjustable strap so you can place the support in the perfect place to fit your body.
The side storage bag is great for holding phones, keys and magazines.
This chair comes with its own carry bag that neatly tucks into the zippered head storage bag which can also be stuffed with a pillow for neck support.
This chair folds up for easy transportation and weighs approximately 11 pounds.
KingCamp Camping Chair With Lumbar Back Support & Cooler
Alpha Camp is another brand with a similar design but is a bit heavier. The chair itself weighs just over 13 pounds but can hold up to 450 lbs.
Best Heavy Duty Backpacking Chair
Helinox Chair Savanna High-Back Collapsible Camp Chair
- Weight Limit: 320 Pounds
- Frame Material: Aluminum alloy
- Seat Material: Machine washable Polyester
- Transportation: Collapses and folds up
- Unique Features: Single internal bungee cord that assembles poles to set up chair
- $|$$|$$$ Price: $$$ Check Current Price
If backpackers had to rely on black powder coated steel construction to get a sturdy chair, they would be sacrificing a lot in the weight department.
This Helinox chair is the perfect choice for campers who want a comfortable seat with a sturdy frame without a hefty weight.
This may be the first chair you’ve seen that can handle a weight of 320 pounds but only weighs about 4 pounds itself! The secret is the lightweight aluminum alloy material that provides maximum strength with very little weight.
This chair fully collapses and easily stores in a pack. When you’re ready to use it, you just let the single internal bungee cord do the work for you … just hold the center of the frame, shake left and right and the frame is easily assembled with the Shock Cord function. Then you just place the seat (which happens to be a machine washable fabric) on the frame and you’re in business!
It is a good idea to also get the Helinox Chair Ground Sheet accessory with this chair … it prevents the chair from sinking into soft ground.
And, if you like rocking, you can get the Helinox Camp Chair Rocking Accessory Runners that turn your stationary chair into a relaxing rocker.
Helinox Chair Savanna High-Back Collapsible Camp Chair
Best Folding Chairs For Reclining & Rocking
Recliners and rockers are unique types of chairs for camping so we grouped these styles together, first by weight limit, then by unique features and the campers who they are designed for.
Best Heavyweight Camping Recliner
Timber Ridge Oversized Zero Gravity Folding Recliner
- Weight Limit: 350 Pounds
- Frame Material: Steel
- Seat Material: Durable Polyester
- Transportation: Folds Flat
- Unique Features: Adjustable, fully reclining & folding sliding side table with drink and phone holders
- $|$$|$$$ Price: $$ Check Current Price
Who doesn’t love reclining on a relaxing camp day? This Timber Ridge recliner has a sturdy steel frame that can hold up to 350 pounds. You can sit in a fully upright position or recline to a fully laid back position and use the locking mechanism to keep you where you want to be … hence the name … zero gravity chair.
This comfortable camping chair is fully padded and the padded headrest pillow is removable so you can use it to support your head, neck or back.
The folding sliding side table is great for holding magazines and drinks while you recline.
The strong steel frame, extra support and luxurious features of this chair come at a cost, this is the heaviest chair on our list, weighing in at about 23 pounds. As heavy as it is, you can still haul it relatively easily because it does fold flat for transportation and storage.
Timber Ridge Oversized Zero Gravity Folding Recliner
Best Rocking Chair For Backpacking
Helinox Chair Savanna High-Back Collapsible Camp Chair
- Weight Limit: 320 Pounds
- Frame Material: Aluminum alloy
- Seat Material: Machine washable Polyester
- Transportation: Collapses and folds up
- Unique Features: Single internal bungee cord that assembles poles to set up chair
- $|$$|$$$ Price: $$$ Check Current Price Of Chair and also Check Current Price Of Rocking Runners
We talked about this exact chair earlier but wanted to mention it here again because it is designed to be a stationary chair but is convertible with the Helinox Camp Chair Rocking Accessory Runners to be used as a collapsible rocking chair … which is perfect for backpackers.
The chair weighs approximately 4 pounds and folds up for lightweight packing and transportation.
Helinox Savanna High-Back Collapsible Camp Chair, BlackHelinox Camp Chair Rocking Accessory Runners
Best Locking Camping Rocking Chair
ALPS Mountaineering Rocking Chair
- Weight Limit: 300 Pounds
- Frame Material: Powder-coated steel
- Seat Material: 600D Polyester
- Transportation: Folds Flat
- Unique Features: Securely locks into place when folded for storage or open for relaxing
- $|$$|$$$ Price: $$ Check Current Price
The ALPS Mountaineering line of chairs is super popular but many campers don’t know they have rocking camp chairs too. This one has a weight capacity of 300 pounds and folds flat for transportation and storage.
As far as camping rockers go, this one has a mid-range weight itself of about 18 pounds. Locks hold this rocker in place when it is in use as well as for storage.
ALPS Mountaineering Rocking Chair
There is another lower profile version of this: the ALPS Mountaineering Low Rocker Chair sits closer to the ground and has a 300 pound weight capacity. The chair itself weighs approximately 11 pounds.
Best Smoothly Rocking Camping Chair
GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Portable Folding Rocking Chair
- Weight Limit: 250 Pounds
- Frame Material: Powder-coated steel
- Seat Material: Mesh backrest
- Transportation: Folds Flat
- Unique Features: Patented Spring-Action Rocking Technology, smooth rocking motion on outdoor surfaces
- $|$$|$$$ Price: $ Check Current Price
The unique spring-action allows you to use the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker on almost any surface. This portable rocking chair has padded arm rests, a built-in beverage holder, a mesh backrest and a handy carry handle.
It has one of the most restrictive weight limits of 250 pounds while weighing approximately 12 pounds itself. It folds flat for transportation and storage and is available in different colors too.
GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Portable Folding Rocking Chair
Most Compact Rocker For Car Camping
GCI Outdoor RoadTrip Rocker Outdoor Rocking Chair
- Weight Limit: 250 Pounds
- Frame Material: Lightweight steel/aluminum hybrid
- Seat Material: Mesh paneling backrest
- Transportation: Folds Up
- Unique Features: Folds Up, hard arm armrests & Patented Spring-Action Rocking Technology, smooth rocking motion on outdoor surfaces
- $|$$|$$$ Price: $ Check Current Price
With the exception of fully collapsible backpacking-style rocking chairs, this GCI Outdoor RoadTrip Rocker is the lightest and most convenient camping rocker to transport. It only weighs about 13 pounds thanks to its steel/aluminum hybrid frame but it can accommodate a person who is 250 pounds.
The seat height of this full-size chair is a comfortable 19.7 inches.
It completely folds up to fit inside its carry bag that is easy to tote around with the shoulder strap.
As with other GCI rockers, this model has unique spring-action technology that allows you to use this chair on almost any type of surface.
GCI Outdoor RoadTrip Rocker Outdoor Rocking Chair
This manufacturer also builds the GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker which is a foldable rocking chair with a sling-style seat. This model has a 250 pound weight capacity, the chair itself weighs approximately 12 pounds.
Mac Sports builds the MacRocker Outdoor Foldable Rocking Chair that only weighs approximately 10 pounds but can only support weights up to 225 pounds. If that weight capacity will work for, this is a nice model with a sturdy powder-coated steel frame.
Some of the best camping rocking chairs don’t actually rock, they bounce. The Guide Gear Oversized Bounce Director’s Camp Chair is foldable, weighs approximately 21 pounds and has a 300 pound weight capacity.
Do You Need A Table Too?
Your camping checklist probably includes a lot of gear. Tables and chairs are often used together. We’ve tested tons of them and have reviews our top picks for the best camping tables.
Fun Activities While Relaxing In Camp Chairs
You may just enjoy the tweeting birds and beautiful scenery while sitting in your camp chair but you may want to liven things up a bit. Here are a few fun ideas:
Play the one or more of the best board games for camping … they are a blast … rain or shine!
Enjoy these 10 fun activities and campfire games with the entire family.
Got a big crowd that needs to be entertained? Try these awesome campfire games for large groups!
Make a new version of the old classic campfire dessert. Try these 10 Mouth-Watering Smore Variations and let me know if you try my favorite: “Tropical Therapy”.
If you’re looking for awesome ideas for yummy camping food, you’re in the right place! Here’s our entire camping recipes list.
What do you think?
Leave me a comment, question or suggestion below. I’d love to hear from you so let’s chat.