The Best Folding Rocking Chairs for Camping in 2021

There’s nothing quite like reading on the rocking chair on your front porch. There’s also nothing quite like camping and enjoying nature. And now we’ve finally found a way to mix the two! Nothing is worse than going camping and realizing that you don’t have anywhere comfortable to sit all weekend, which is why it pays to make sure you have the perfect chair with you on your gaming getaway. That’s why we’ve made this list of the best rocking camp chairs.

By the time you’re done with our list, we guarantee that you’ll have found the perfect chair to help you become one with mother nature while you enjoy that well-deserved weekend away from it all.

Carry on reading to see our full list of the best rocking camp chairs, followed by a recap breaking down what makes each product on our list stand out. Or jump straight to our number #1 pick here.

What Should You Look For in Folding Rocking Chair for Camping?

Before you get started looking at any options for any product you’re looking to buy, you have to know what to look for. You’ve probably bought a chair before at least once in your life, and since you’ve certainly sat in one before, you should generally know what you’re looking for. But there are obviously some things you’ll look for that are specific to camping chairs that you wouldn’t have to focus on in any old chair for your home. Besides, it helps to have things written down, and that’s why we’re going to lay out our criteria for you clearly below. Let’s get started.

Criteria #1: Comfort – Obviously, we want your rocking camp chair to be comfortable so it can make your time in the great outdoors as enjoyable as possible. The big issue is that there’s no real simple or easy way to quantify comfort, but we can focus on user reviews and feedback and make sure to note what type of fabric a chair is made of. We’ll also make sure to mention how big the chair is, as finding a chair that fits your preferences and body type plays a big part in your personal comfort.

Criteria #2: Durability –Between constantly packing it up and carrying it around and just more exposure to the elements, your rocking camp chair will take a little more abuse than the typical kitchen chair. As such, we also want it to be a bit more durable. Just as with comfort, it’s hard to give one number that proves durability, but we can look at user reviews and the materials the chair is made of. We can also check certain specs, such as the weight limit, of a chair.

Criteria #3: Extra Features – Those little extra add-ons can go a long way. Features, like a built-in cup holder, a portable design, and maybe a built-in ottoman so you can relax and put your feet up, will really improve the overall quality of your camp rocking chair and the value you get out of it. We really want to hone in on these extra features and find the most creative and ingenious camping rocking chairs for our list.

Criteria #4: Price – We’re not here to make you spend a ton of money for no reason. Meeting this criterion is less about being cheap and more about justifying your price. We’d rather buy an expensive product that’s cheaper than it should be than waste money on a cheaper product that isn’t worth the money and that will just break on you or not perform well. Luckily, there’s not too much variation on the price of these camping chairs, so you won’t have to worry too much or waste a lot of time and mental effort thinking about the cost-benefit analysis. But we will make sure to include one option cheaper than the rest, for anyone who is concerned with staying on a budget.

Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Folding Rocking Chairs for Camping

We measured the specs of the top products on the market against our listed criteria to see how they held up and if they’re worth buying. We then checked customer reviews, blog posts, and “best rocking camp chairs” articles to see if the products on our list performed as advertised. 

And without further ado, here is our list – tailored to your specific needs – of the best rocking camp chairs. 

#1: GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker (Best Value – All-Purpose)

Get used to the name GCI, as you’ll see them more than one more time on our list. GCI is one of the biggest names in camping furniture, so it’s no surprise that their product managed to earn the number one spot on our list. The GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker is a fantastic rocking chair for the great outdoors that’s guaranteed to satisfy almost any customer.

It measures 24.75 x 24.5 x 34 inches in length, width, and height, respectively. It’s supported by a strong and sturdy steel frame, so you can be sure it’ll last you through more than a few seasons of camping. It also weighs just 11 pounds and features patented EAZY-FOLD technology to make sure that carrying it around the campsite isn’t too much of a hassle. Plus, it has a handle attached that makes carrying it around when it’s collapsed and folded even easier than ever.

In terms of extra features, this folding rocking chair has both a cup holder and padded armrests, so you’ll really feel like you’re getting five-star service while you enjoy the view and sounds of nature. The GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker also has patented, spring-action rocking technology that will keep the chair steady while still providing that soothing rocking motion, no matter where you’ve placed this GCI rocking chair.

We’ve mentioned how esteemed GCI is, and the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker is no exception. This rocking chair is featured on multiple lists of the best camping rocking chairs. With almost 10,000 reviews on Amazon – almost all of them glowing 5-star reviews – you can be absolutely certain that you’re getting an all-time crowd favorite in this chair. It’s also nice and affordable, making it one of the best purchases available in terms of value. The GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker is the industry standard in folding rocking chairs for camping.

#2: Alps Mountaineering Low Rocker Chair (Best Overall, Best for Summer)

When it comes to camping gear, Alps is about as well-regarded as GCI, and the outdoor-lifestyle company has grabbed the second spot on our list. The Alps Mountaineering Low Rocker Chair costs a bit more than our number one rocking chair, which is ultimately what led to it having to settle for the runner-up spot on our list, but it still has plenty to offer.

Particularly, it shines during the summer, and when’s a better time for camping than the summer? If you’re willing to splurge and pay a bit more for a high-quality chair that will help you really enjoy the summer, here’s why you might want to spring for the Alps Mountaineering Low Rocker Chair.

Reason #1 to Choose This Product: Breathable Back

We don’t have to be embarrassed about it – we all know that back sweat is the absolute worst. There’s no feeling as gross as a long day in the summer heat when you know that the back of your shirt is roughly three shades darker than the front and sides. And, obviously, having something extra covering your back, like a backpack or the back of a chair, only makes back sweat that much worse.

But with the Alps Mountaineering Low Rocker Chair, you don’t have to worry about that extra baggage. This rocking chair has a breathable mesh back that will help you stay cool and comfy while you enjoy the scenery. It’s already going to be plenty hot at the campsite, and you don’t want to be stuck with a chair that will make things hotter. Stay cool with the Alps Mountaineering Low Rocker Chair.

Reason #2 to Choose This Product: Higher Weight Capacity

As we mentioned earlier, the GCI folding rocking chair has a weight capacity of about 250 pounds. We know this is usually enough, but usually isn’t good enough. We want to make sure everyone has a chair that will support them. This Alps Rocker Chair has a significantly higher weight limit that goes up to 300 pounds, so it’s much more likely that you’ll be covered, even if you’re trying out for your college football team. Honestly, two smaller people could sit in this chair at the same time with no problem, but I doubt they’d be very comfortable.

In addition to its breathable mesh back and the higher weight limit, this Alps Rocker Chair has padded armrests and a powder-coated steel frame that will guarantee that this rocking chair lasts you years and years. However, it is lacking the cup holder that our number one folding rocking chair has, so if that’s a big selling point for you, you’re better off sticking with the GCI camping rocking chair. But if you want a chair that will last a while and help you stay cool, and if you’re on the bigger side of things, then the Alps Mountaineering Low Rocker Chair is what you’re looking for.

#3: GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker Collapsible Rocking Chair (Best for Napping)

If you know you have a tendency to nod off at the campsite, then our second GCI chair, the GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker Collapsible Rocking Chair, is absolutely perfect for you. There’s something about the low-down build and pod shape of this folding rocking chair that’s absolutely perfect for an outdoor summer nap.

It doesn’t have the armrests of our earlier GCI chair, but it does share the same spring-action rocking technology, and it has a cup holder and padded pocket leaning off the side of the chair. The fact that the cup holder is out of the way adds to the nap-friendly-ness of this rocking camp chair, as you don’t need to worry about knocking over your half-finished drink while you’re sleeping. You can have a nice drink to calm you to sleep, or waiting for you when you wake up, and the side pocket perfect for holding a smaller book or your phone. This means that it’ll be nice and convenient for you to doze off to some music or get a few pages in before you get some shut-eye in the sun.

CGI has really done it again with this chair. In addition to the cozy pod shape and the out-of-the-way storage for your cup and your phone or book, this chair is one of the most compact options on the market. It folds up into an amazing and conveniently small shape, and it has a shoulder strap that will make carrying it around the campsite easier than ever.

It’s also one of the cheaper rocking chairs available, and all of the reviews from the paying customers will tell you everything you need to know. If you appreciate a good read and a good nap, the GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker Collapsible Rocking Chair is the chair for you.

#4: GCI KickBack Rocker Chair (Best Low Cost)

GCI again. I really might have to just make an entirely separate list of the best GCI camping chairs, but until then, if you’re trying to spend as little as possible on your camping chair, there’s no option quite like the GCI KickBack Rocker Chair.

This chair has a sturdy steel frame and is made from a nice synthetic material that is sure to be plenty cozy and comfortable. But be warned – it’s probably not the best during the hotter months. It has all of the great features we’ve learned to expect from GCI. The actual base of the chair stays in place while you rock back and forth, so you can rest easy knowing you’re in zero danger of tipping over.

Just like our other GCI camping chairs, it has a powder-coated steel frame that supports a weight of up to 250 pounds, a beverage holder and phone pocket, and an incredibly convenient collapsible design. It also has a nice armrest on each side, but they’re not padded.

We’re so used to nothing but the best from GCI at this point that there’s not really much else to say. This folding chair is the cheapest option on our list, so if saving money is priority number one for you, then you can’t go wrong with the GCI KickBack Rocker Chair.

#5: Best Choice Products Foldable Zero Gravity Rocking Mesh Patio Recliner Chair (Nicest Design)

They say that 90% of taste is framing, and that can apply to other fields as well. If your camping chair looks like a camping chair, you’ll be that much more aware of your surroundings, and that might make you a little less physically comfortable. It can be nice to bring a chair to the campsite that will really make you feel like you’re relaxing on your own front porch. If that’s the vibe and aesthetic you’re looking for, then look no further than the Best Choice Products Foldable Zero Gravity Rocking Mesh Patio Recliner Chair.

This folding chair has a soothing and appealing wicker design that will make you feel right at home. And even though it’s not exactly intended for camping, its foldable design means you’ll have no problem fitting it into the trunk of your car. If you’re not going to be camping too far from where you park, you won’t have to go through any trouble to bring this chair to the fire and make the campsite feel like your living room. Plus, this chair comes with a pillow attached to the headrest that will make you feel more relaxed than ever.

The only thing I would worry about this chair is that you might have trouble getting traction on some more earthy surfaces, unlike our other rocking chairs which are ready to go no matter where they are. But as long as you make sure that the land is nice and flat before you place it down, that shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

Finally, this chair is nice and affordable and, despite its fancier aesthetic, it falls into the same price range as the rest of the products on our list. Add a homey element to the campsite with the Best Choice Products Foldable Zero Gravity Rocking Mesh Patio Recliner Chair.

Verdict: Your Best Folding Rocking Chairs for Campign 

We’re just about reaching the end of our list. We’ve shown you 5 great rocking chairs to help you stay as relaxed as possible at the campsite (and isn’t that what it’s all about?), but that’s a lot of information to process all at once, so I’ll understand if you haven’t quite made your decision yet. Not to worry though – we’re going to recap all of the products we’ve discussed, and we’re going to focus on their standout traits to drive home what the big selling point of each chair is.

If you want the best value for your money, pick the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker.

GCI is the team to beat when it comes to rocking camp chairs and the Outdoor Freestyle Rocker is one of their most popular choices. It has nice padded armrests, a holder for your cup or phone, and it folds up easily and effectively. One quick Google search will show the Outdoor Freestyle Rocker on the top of several lists, and it’s just as cheap as most any other chair out there. It’s the best value for anyone who wants to maximize the input-output of cost-to-benefit, and that’s why it’s the number one pick on our list.

If you need something nice and cool for the summer, pick the Alps Mountaineering Low Rocker Chair.

Camping is obviously more of summer activity, and you should have a chair that accounts for that. This popular Alps chair has a nice mesh back that will let your body breathe and make sure you stay nice and cool in the summer heat. This chair also has a sturdy frame that can support up to 300 pounds, and it’s sure to last you years and years.

If you want to keep the spending cheap, pick the GCI KickBack Rocker Chair.

Sometimes you’re just looking to save some money. When you’re shopping at GCI, you can be sure you’re getting a good product, so you might as well get the cheapest one available. That would be the GCI KickBack Rocker, and it still comes with the beverage holder, phone pocket, and armrests that make GCI chairs so popular.

That brings us to the end of our list. If you didn’t like the chairs we’ve highlighted above, you may prefer the homey Best Choice Products Foldable Zero Gravity Rocking Mesh Patio Recliner Chair or the cozy GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker Collapsible Rocking Chair that you can just sink into.

Remember to think about and maybe write down the chair traits that are most important to you when you start to make your purchase. This will really speed up the process and save you some stress later.

That’s all for now. We hope you’ve found the perfect chair to make your upcoming camping trip the relaxing trip you deserve.