A comfortable camping chair should suit your body, your camping table and your available storage space. Before buying, compare seat height, seat width and depth, backrest adjustment, maximum user weight and folded dimensions. There is no single best camping chair for everyone: the right choice depends on whether you want to eat, relax or pack light.
This guide from World of Camping in Cornwall explains what to check when choosing folding camping chairs for UK camping holidays, caravan trips and campervan touring.
Quick answer: what should you look for in a camping chair?
- For dining, prioritise a comfortable upright position and a seat height that works with your table.
- For relaxing, compare backrest adjustment, head support and seat depth.
- For limited campervan storage, measure the chair's folded length, width and depth.
- For every chair, check the manufacturer's maximum user weight and setup instructions.
Choose a chair for dining, relaxing or both
For campsite meals, choose a chair that lets you sit upright without reaching awkwardly towards your table. Allow room for your knees, and check whether the armrests prevent you from pulling the chair close enough.
For reading or relaxing beside your caravan, an adjustable backrest gives you a choice of sitting positions. Compare the head support and seat shape as well as the number of reclining settings. A reclining chair can work for dining too, but only if its upright position and dimensions suit your table.
For help matching your furniture, read our camping table buying guide covering size, height and packed space.
Check seat height, width and depth
Seat height affects your sitting position and how easily you can stand up. Low chairs can suit relaxed lounging, but may be less convenient for dining or getting in and out of. A higher seat is not automatically more comfortable: your feet should feel supported and the chair should suit your proportions.
Seat width should give you room without the frame or armrests feeling restrictive. Seat depth should let you sit back comfortably without the front edge pressing awkwardly behind your knees. If possible, try a chair before buying, as measurements alone cannot tell you how it will feel.
Reclining chair example: Travellife Monaco Comfort
The Travellife Monaco Comfort camping chairs in anthracite, supplied as a two-pack, offer five adjustable backrest positions, an adjustable integrated pillow and water-permeable, quick-drying 3D Air Mesh upholstery.
- Seat height: 48 cm.
- Seat width: 51 cm.
- Seat depth: 48 cm.
- Listed folded dimensions: 116 × 66 × 11 cm.
- Maximum user weight: 150 kg per chair.
- Frame: aluminium.
Consider this option if reclining adjustment and head support are priorities. Check the 48 cm seat height against your table. The folded package is relatively long, so measure your storage compartment rather than judging packing convenience by folded thickness alone.
Space-conscious folding chair example: Vango Micro Tall
The Vango Micro Tall Camping Chair in India Ink has a lightweight, folding design intended for convenient transport and storage. It is an option to consider for touring, festivals and trips where packing space matters.
Confirm its exact seat height, folded dimensions and maximum user weight before ordering. Those measurements are not supplied in the current product description, so do not use the model name alone to judge table compatibility or storage fit.
Choose upholstery for your camping routine
Padding, mesh and fabric tension can feel different, so compare the seating surface as well as the frame. Quick-drying upholstery may be useful in damp UK campsite conditions, but quick-drying does not mean waterproof. Follow the manufacturer's care instructions and dry the chair before longer-term storage.
Measure your campervan or caravan storage
Measure both the storage opening and the space inside it. Compare those measurements with the chair's folded length, width and depth, allowing room for your table, bedding and other equipment. For a couple, work out where both chairs will travel; a two-pack still requires space for two folded chairs.
Unfold and secure each chair as instructed, use suitable ground and stay within its stated maximum user weight.
Choosing camping chairs in Cornwall
World of Camping's shop is at 4 Bamber House, Victoria, St Austell, Cornwall, PL26 8LQ. The Travellife Monaco Comfort chair is listed as on display in our shop. Contact us before travelling to confirm current display availability, especially if you want to compare specific models.
Bring your camping table height and vehicle storage measurements with you. These make it easier to narrow down a chair that suits your setup rather than simply choosing the largest seat.
Camping chair FAQs
What is the best camping chair for a caravan?
The best choice depends on your sitting preferences, table height and storage space. For relaxing, compare adjustable backrests and head support. For meals, check the upright position, knee clearance and armrest height.
What seat height should a camping chair have?
There is no universal ideal height. Choose a seat that lets you sit comfortably with your feet supported and stand up easily. For dining, compare its height with your table and check the space beneath the tabletop.
Can you use a reclining camping chair at a table?
Yes, if its upright setting and dimensions suit the table. Reclining adjustment alone does not establish compatibility; seat height, armrests and knee clearance also matter.
Are low camping chairs suitable for dining?
A low chair may suit a low table, but is not automatically a good match for a standard-height dining table. Check both heights before buying.
Is quick-drying camping chair fabric waterproof?
Not necessarily. Quick-drying describes how the material dries; it does not establish waterproof performance. Follow the product's care and storage instructions.
How do I know whether a camping chair will fit in my campervan?
Compare all three folded dimensions with your storage space and its access opening. Allow space for the number of chairs you need and the rest of your camping equipment.
How many chairs are included in the Travellife Monaco Comfort two-pack?
The linked anthracite two-pack includes two chairs. Each chair has five backrest positions and a stated maximum user weight of 150 kg.
Where can I view camping chairs near St Austell?
Visit World of Camping at 4 Bamber House, Victoria, St Austell, Cornwall, PL26 8LQ. Contact us before travelling to confirm which chairs are currently available to view.
Compare the linked product specifications before ordering. Stock, display availability and product details can change.
