Best Camping Directors Chairs Ever Made (and affordable)

A camping chair is a must-have item for any trip away unless you are happy to spend the whole trip sat on the hard ground. Folding camping directors chairs are one of the most practical solutions out there for both convenience and comfort.

The 5 products below are some of the best directors chairs for camping. They vary a little in price and features but share many of the same benefits and disadvantages. Below these reviews, we have an additional buyer’s guide and comparison table to make it even easier to find the ideal chair for your trip.

Best camping directors chair

1. Coleman Camping Chair with Side Table – comfortable and affordable

Frame: Aluminum

Weight: 7.12 pounds

Foldable: Yes

Supported weight: 225 pounds

The first model in this guide to the best camping director’s chairs is one that ticks a lot of important boxes. It also comes from a name that campers turn to easily for reliable gear. This chair is a good-looking model that appears to have the strength and build that campers need.

There is a lot of material stretched taut between the frame. The one-piece seat runs from the top of the backrest to the front of the chair with some lower back support. There is even a little padding on the arms.

The frame and seat have a 225-pound weight capacity. However, it still folds up with ease for portability. The carry handles help here too. The bonus feature with this chair is the small side table with the integrated cup holder. Most find that the table holds just enough to get by, but there isn’t a lot of space for food and other items. There are also comments to be aware that the colors received don’t always match the colors on the sales photos.

Is it recommendable?

There is a sense here that the specification does just enough to get by and please everyone. There is nothing that over-the-top and nothing that stands out that much. But, this does lead to an increased notion of reliability – something enhanced by those portable features. The chair is a good crowd-pleaser at a fair price.

At the end of the day, comfort is what you are after, right?

A close second with a surprise

2. Kamp-Rite Director’s Chair with Side Table & Cooler

Frame: Reinforced Aluminum

Weight: 13 pounds

Foldable: Yes

Supported weight: 350 pounds

The main difference with this next product is that there is a cooler by the left armrest. This canvas bag sits within its own folding metal frame and has enough capacity for 12 cans. This is where this camping director’s chair also works so well for tailgating parties. You can keep a lot of people happy by cooling cans of beer or soda a little longer.

Another benefit of this chair is that there is a higher weight capacity of 350lbs. There is strength in the thick canvas seat and the reinforced aluminum frame. Yet, this ergonomic option still folds up with relative ease for transportation.

Having said that, there are some older, frailer buyers that have struggled with the force needed to lock the chair into place. The cooler section adds to the size and weight when folded up as well. The chair comes in three colors – red, blue and black – so there should be something for most tastes and many major sports teams.

Is it recommendable?

While it is easier to sell this as a tailgating chair because of the cooler, this has great potential for camping too. The portable design, strong seat, and helpful features can all make things easier. You can set this up by a campfire with ease and it doesn’t take up much space. Just be careful when locking that seat into place.

Heavy-duty option

3. KingCamp Heavy Duty Steel 

Frame: Rugged Steel

Weight: 14.8 pounds

Foldable: Yes

Supported weight: 330 pounds

This KingCamp chair is another model that tries to offer a little of everything to users. As a result, we have a chair that is highly functional and adaptable but also a little more expensive. Once users get used to the frame and mechanisms that can really make the most of this item.

The main benefit here is the use of the folding table and cooler on either side. The table is just big enough and has strong support for peace of mind. There is also a drinks holder built-in. The cooler on the other side is a large insulated canvas bag on its own folding frame.

This allows users to collapse it down without collapsing the whole chair in the process. The seat is large and sturdy in regards to both the steel frame and the amount of 600D fabric across it. However, it seems that it is only available in a boring black and grey color scheme.

Is it recommendable?

This chair has a lot going for it apart from the lack of color choices and the higher price tag. it is easy to use and supportive and there are two great additional features. This could offer the value you are after.

Budget options

4. Timber Ridge Folding Camping Director’s Chair

Frame: Aluminum

Weight: 6.8 pounds

Foldable: Yes

Supported weight: 300 pounds

A standout feature with this Timber Ridge product is the amount of choice available in style. There are different color choices with the black, lava-red, and camouflage designs. In addition to this, there are some full-back options with more material and extra support. This should help buyers find the perfect fit.

Whichever color or seat style you get, you can be sure of a strong aluminum frame with a 300lb weight capacity. There is also a small side table that collapses down and has a drinks holder. The whole frame is foldable and portable for simple transportation to the tent.

An added bonus here is that this frame is aluminum – not steel like some cheaper models – and only weighs 6.8 pounds. The feedback from users is pretty good and there is a sense of value for money here. Many talk about the ease of use with the folding mechanism. However, it can be a bit stiff, to begin with. There are also those that found the seat a little low and narrow.

Is it recommendable?

This is a great choice because you can adapt the product to your needs with the choice of the backrest, colors, and folding parts. It is comfortable and convenient with no major flaws unless you are a taller or larger user. Double-check the dimensions and give it time to break in.

5. Portal Chair – a very cheap option

Frame: High Carbon Steel

Weight: 10.6 pounds

Foldable: Yes

Supported weight: 225 pounds

Be aware that the canvas isn’t the most durable at 600D and the frame is high carbon steel not the lighter aluminum. However, there is still a weight capacity of 225 pounds so it remains sturdy enough. There is also padding on the armrests.

A bigger surprise for this price range is the use of the folding table on the right-hand side. This table is actually quite wide and thick and has that built-in cup holder. The majority of buyers claim to be impressed with the value for money achieved here.

Is it recommendable?

Camping directors chairs comparison table

Buyer’s guide

As you can see from the products listed above, there are some key features shared across many of these chairs. Therefore, it helps to look for the following when choosing the right director’s chair for camping.

The folding frame

These chairs need to fold up with ease to create the most convenient solution for campers. There are three key factors to look for here. They are the weight of the frame, the durability of the material, and the ease of use. There needs to be that sweet spot between a heavy-duty chair that will last for years and one that is light enough to carry. That is why so many campers favor aluminum over steel.

The mechanism also has to be simple but sturdy. Can you open it up and collapse the chair without fearing for the safety of your fingers? Will it stay in place once unfolded?

The support on the seat and backrest

Most of these camper’s directors chairs don’t have that much here in the way of seating and support. There is typically a wide band of fabric with enough weight capacity between the supports on the frame. This is essential for that compact shape when transporting the chair around. The right width and tension can be a lot more comfortable than it looks for long-term use – much like a deckchair.

The use of a side table

Cheaper chairs won’t always come with side tables attached. It is easy to see as a luxury extra for some brands. However, you can find a bargain camping directors chair with a table out there with a little folding table on one side.

These tables can vary between products. Some are surprisingly wide and supportive and may even have a cup holder built-in. Others are a little more basic and don’t have the strength or width.

The additional storage

Finally, some chairs will come with storage facilities attached to the other arm. This can vary from a large cooler for drinks to smaller pockets for personal items and books. Make sure to check the specification to see how many pockets there are and the dimensions.

Final Words