If you're tired of sitting on uncomfortable, flimsy camping chairs that barely last a season, it's time to upgrade to a camping rocking chair. These chairs not only provide comfort but also a touch of luxury to your outdoor adventures. In this article, we will review the best camping rocking chairs of 2023, ensuring that you have the most comfortable and enjoyable camping experience possible.
How I Tested the Best Camping Rocking Chairs
To determine the best camping rocking chairs, I spent hours testing various models for comfort and practicality. I focused on factors such as weight, packability, and overall footprint. While packability is important, I prioritized comfort since camping rockers are primarily designed for car camping rather than backcountry excursions.
Best Overall: GCI Freestyle Rocker
The spring-loaded shocks allow you to go from stationary to rocking at your convenience. - Adam Moore
If you're looking for a solid camping chair, the GCI Freestyle Rocker is the best choice. With its aluminum frame and spring-loaded shocks, it provides a comfortable rocking experience whenever you desire. It's also sturdy and quiet, ensuring a relaxing time around the campfire. While it may not be the most packable option, the Freestyle Rocker is perfect for short walking distances.
Best Budget: Ozark Trail Outdoor Tension Camp 2 in 1 Rocking Chair
For those on a budget, the Ozark Trail Outdoor Tension Camp 2 in 1 Rocking Chair offers excellent value. It provides both a stationary and rocking option, allowing you to choose your preferred seating style. Despite its affordable price, the chair is durable and easily collapsible for convenient storage and transportation.
Best Sunshade: GCI Sunshade Rocker
The Sunshade Rocker provides plenty of shade and packs down nicely when it's time to go. - Adam Moore
When sunny days are in the forecast, the GCI Sunshade Rocker is the perfect chair to keep you cool and protected. It features an adjustable shade with UPF 50+ fabric, ensuring maximum sun protection. This chair is lightweight, easily packable, and comes with a convenient carry bag. It's a versatile option that you can use not only for camping but also for other outdoor activities.
Best Portable: Helinox Chair One and Rocking Feet
If you're looking for a lightweight and portable option, the Helinox Chair One with Rocking Feet is an excellent choice. Weighing just over two pounds, this chair is incredibly light and packable. It offers both comfort and durability, with a weight capacity of 320 pounds. The additional rocking feet, purchased separately, allow you to transform the chair into a rocking experience for ultimate relaxation.
Best Folding: Woods Kaslo Folding Rocking Chair
The Woods Kaslo Folding Rocking Chair is perfect for campers who want a larger and more comfortable chair. Its extra padded seat and back provide superior cushioning for long hours of relaxation. Despite its size, the chair folds down easily and packs well for transportation. The powder-coated steel frame ensures durability and longevity, even in challenging camping environments.
Best Pockets: Creative Outdoors Collapsible Director Rocking Chair
For campers who appreciate ample storage space, the Creative Outdoors Collapsible Director Rocking Chair is an ideal choice. With plenty of pockets and a detachable zip-top cooler, this chair allows you to keep your essentials close at hand. It's lightweight and comes with backpack straps for easy carrying on short trips to the campsite, lake, or beach.
Best Oversized: Coastrail Outdoor Camping Rocking Chair
The Coastrail Outdoor Camping Rocking Chair provides the perfect combination of comfort and support. - Adam Moore
For those seeking maximum comfort, the Coastrail Outdoor Camping Rocking Chair is the perfect choice. It features an oversized design with padded cushioning and a built-in pillow headrest. The chair's steel tube frame ensures durability and stability. While it may not be the most packable option, it is the ideal addition to any car camping setup for ultimate relaxation.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Camping Rocking Chair
There are several factors to consider before purchasing a camping rocking chair:
Weight: If you plan on hiking long distances, choose a lightweight chair that is easily packable. However, if you prioritize comfort and durability over packability, a heavier chair may be more suitable.
Budget: Camping rocking chairs come in a wide price range. Determine your budget and choose a chair that offers the best value for your money. Keep in mind that higher-priced chairs often offer better durability and features.
Packability: Consider how small the chair can fold or collapse for storage and transportation. If you need to carry the chair for longer distances, opt for a more packable option.
Height: The chair's height is vital for comfort and ease of use. High-back and high-seat chairs are easy to get in and out of, while low-profile chairs are more portable but may be harder to exit.
Why Trust Outdoor Life?
At Outdoor Life, we have over a century of experience in testing and reviewing outdoor gear. Our team of experienced outdoorsmen and women ensures that our reviews are objective and reliable. We prioritize field testing, interviews with industry experts, and gathering objective data to provide you with trustworthy information. We do not let advertising influence our reviews, and we cover both the positive and negative aspects of each product.
Final Thoughts
A camping rocking chair is a fantastic addition to your outdoor gear, providing comfort and relaxation wherever you go. From the best overall option, GCI Freestyle Rocker, to the budget-friendly Ozark Trail Outdoor Tension Camp 2 in 1 Rocking Chair, there is a chair to suit every camper's needs. Consider the factors mentioned above and choose the one that best fits your budget and camping style. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the great outdoors with your new camping rocking chair!
