Best camping chairs for kids

Camping chairs for kids are an essential family camping item, especially if you are tent camping with kids. The ability to sit and relax after a long day should not be underestimated.

Camping chairs will keep you off the chilly/wet/insect laden ground and makes activities such as cooking, eating and games easier.

And if you don’t pack camping chairs for kids, you will be forever turfing them out of your own chair!

We have purchased camping chairs for toddlers, kids, tweens and teens for our camping trips around the U.K so by now, we know what to look for when buying kids camping chairs.

What to look for when buying camping chairs for kids 

Safety

Does a chair designed for young children have a locking mechanism or a finger protector to avoid nasty accidents?

Opt for a strong, durable fabric that will not rip when your child jumps onto the chair.

Choose a chair that has wide legs for added stability to avoiding easy tipping.

Are the legs made from steel or aluminium? Aluminium is good quality and is lighter than steel but steel is more durable.

Size

Small, toddler sized chairs are undoubtedly cute and attractive to children but the chairs will not grow with your child. 

Check the dimensions of kids camping chairs. Many people focus on weight (which is important) but it is also worth noting the size of the chair as budget chairs of the same design vary in size (see photo!)

What are the folded dimensions of the chair? If have more than one child you will need more than one chair so it is worth considering how much space the folded chairs will use in your car, roof box or trailer.

Style 

Tub chairs are popular, comfortable and tub chairs for younger children help to keep them securely in the seat. Plus the side flaps make it harder to get at the locking mechanism. But there is no upper back or head support on a tub chair.

Foldable chairs are easy to set up, store and carry and are comfortable and can withstand weight. Opt for a high back chair if back support is important to you.

A camping chair for kids should have a cup holder to avoid spilled drinks on the floor or on the child.

Inflatable chairs of every shape and size are very popular and I know many camping families who swear by them. They are easy to store and comfortable to sit on but there will inevitably come a time when you hear an unwelcome hiss. We have used inflatable chairs and beds in the past and they do not withstand the rigour of travelling with kids.

Avoid using a stool unless you are backpacking. They are uncomfortable and do not add much benefit to camping with kids.

As with everything, you get what you pay for. When starting out family camping, a budget chair is more than adequate whilst you determine whether camping with kids is for you or not.

Fabric

Always choose a washable fabric. The chair will inevitably have food and drink spilt onto it and be pooped on by a bird. As anyone who has travelled with children will know, it may well get peed and puked on as well so a washable fabric is a must!

Opt for a fabric with some water repellent features i.e not cotton. Polyester and the strong Oxford fabric both have water repelling qualities.

Choose a chair with a gender neutral colour and pattern.

Camping chairs for kids – things to avoid

No locking mechanism

Flimsy plastic legs and flimsy nylon fabric

An unstable, easy to tip chair

A heavy chair – unless you are prepared to be the one with carrying it.

A chair without a carry bag. Carry bags are useful not only for ease in transporting the chair around but for protecting the chair when in storage.

Anything aimed specifically at boys or girls. It may be tempting to buy a pink unicorn chair but it may be popular with subsequent children and children’s tastes change very quickly! We had a gorgeous pink floral chair but there was no way our football mad son would sit in it five years later.

So, using the above specifications, what are my recommendations for the best camping chairs for kids?

*As always, please read product specifications and reviews before purchasing*

Best camping chair for babies

Summer Infant Pop and Sit

Camping with babies is not easy so any item that can make it a little easier is a must!

This portable, lightweight chair has wide legs AND wide feet for stability and side flaps for extra support. It is easy to set up and pack away and come with its own carry bag.

The detachable tray is BPA free and can be washed in the dishwasher and although the seat is made from cotton, it can easily be taken off the seat and washed in a washing machine.

The specifications say it is suitable for  6-36 months (or up to 37 lbs weight) but as there is no head support and the harness is a 3 point harness and not a 5 point, your child will need good head control to use this chair. Plus, this chair will need upgrading once your child can touch the ground as they may be able to tip it backwards.

An added bonus to this budget friendly chair is that a strap is provided to attach this chair to an adult chair in a restaurant or home to create a booster seat. It is a good option for families considering frequent travel with kids.

Check prices and reviews here

Baby Delight Go With Me

This chair is not a budget buy but if you are frequent campers or you think it will get more use with subsequent children then this camping chair for babies is a fantastic buy.

This chair has wide legs and feet for support, a moulded back plus a 5 point harness.

It is made from wipeable, durable polyester with a detachable tray and I love the personal sun canopy.

This chair is designed to grow with your child. When your baby is older, the seat can detach to reveal two leg holes enabling your baby to stand with support. And as your baby progresses into toddlerhood, the tray can be removed to create toddler chair.

The chair has a carry bag, is suitable for use up to 75 lbs and weighs 3.4 kg.

Find this versatile chair here. 

Camping chairs for toddlers 

Quest Animal Folding Chair

This adorable Quest range includes a blue dinosaur, an orange tiger and a brown monkey each with a useful colour coded bag.

There is an in built safety lock, a cup holder and I like the wide back for extra support.

The chair measures 34 cm off the ground and weighs just 1.55 kg despite having powder coated steel legs. Maximum load is 45 kg.

We used Quest chairs when our children were toddlers and found the tough fabric to be more durable than other toddler camping chairs. These are good quality, attractive and re-useable chairs at a bargain price and should be included on your camping list for kids.

Buy a Quest chair now.

Camping chairs for kids 

Regatta Isla Chair 

The Regatta Isla chair is made from wipeable tough polyester which has a canvas feel rather than a flimsy umbrella type fabric.

Unlike most chairs in this price range, the Regatta Isla has steel legs rather than aluminium. One feature I love is the polyester cup holder in matching fabric which is not made of mesh making it more durable than most cup holders.

The chair weighs just 2 kg, comes with a carry bag and has a maximum load of 90 kg. This a budget friendly chair with some high quality specs so is excellent value for money.

Check out latest prices – and the colour range available – here. 

Outwell Catamarca XL

I love Outwell products – they are well made, durable and excellent value for money. We have an 8 man Outwell tent, Outwell chairs, table, and cupboard!

The Catamarca XL will grow with your child as it has a steel frame with a maximum load of 150 kg. Its extra large seat is made from washable polyester and has two cup holders.

It weighs 4 kg and comes with a carry bag.

If you are looking for a camping chair that will last your child, this is the one for you.

Discover the budget friendly Catamarca price and colour range here.

Camping chairs for older kids

Alpha Camp Portable Chair

It is worth investing in a good quality camping chair once the kids stop growing. This Alpha Camp chair is sure to appeal to tweens and teens.

The wide cushioned Oxford fabric seat and high back with neck support is ideal for lazing around – no comment! The side pocket is useful for an iPad or the ever attached phone and there is even an insulated cup holder to keep drinks cold.

This chair has a carry bag, weighs 13 lbs and is made from durable steel for longevity.

Check out this excellent value for money chair here.

Kampa XL High Back Folding Chair

This is the chair I currently use and love and it is a chair I am forever asking the rest of the family to vacate!

A cushioned high back gives great support for my weak back and the chair is wide enough for two of the kids to sit on. It feels very spacious and is comfortable to sit in for long periods.

The non mesh, insulated cup holder holds a glass of wine nicely and the Kampa carry bag is one of the strongest I have used.

This steel frame weighs 3.8kg and has a maximum weight of 120kg.

I love my Kampa chair and would highly recommend it for teens and tired mums alike.

Check out Kampa’s current prices and attractive colours here.