A side table gives you a place for drinks, plates and phones.
These chairs have the best built-in tables.
The Outdoor Recreation is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Quick Picks
- Best overall: SUNNYFEEL Directors Chair with Side Table
- Best compact: EVER ADVANCED Directors Chair with Side Table
- Best rocker: GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker XL with Side Table
- Best tall: EVER ADVANCED Medium Tall Directors Chair
- Best bar height: Outvita 31 in Tall Folding Director Chair
- Best ottoman table: FAIR WIND Padded Chair with Footrest Stool
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Key spec | Standout feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUNNYFEEL Directors Chair with Side Table | Best overall | Open 21 x 25 x 36 in | Built-in side table | View |
| EVER ADVANCED Directors Chair with Side Table | Best compact | Folds to 19.75 x 19.75 x 6 in | Side table | View |
| GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker XL with Side Table | Best rocker | Oversized rocker | Built-in side table | View |
| EVER ADVANCED Medium Tall Directors Chair | Best tall | 23.2 in seat height | Footrest and side table | View |
| Outvita 31 in Tall Folding Director Chair | Best bar height | Bar height | 300 lb listed | View |
| FAIR WIND Padded Chair with Footrest Stool | Best ottoman table | Chair + ottoman | Footrest doubles as table | View |
Detailed Reviews
1The SUNNYFEEL director’s chair has a higher, firmer seat than quad chairs and a fold-out side table for drinks, phones and plates.
Anti-pinch, click-to-lock hinges make setup safe, and it folds flat for travel.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Side table
- Firm, higher seat
- Flat fold
Watch out for
- Heavier than quads
- No recline
Key Specs
- Open: about 21 x 25 x 36 in
- Packed: about 20 x 19 x 5 in
- Extras: side table
2This EVER ADVANCED director’s chair uses an aluminum-iron frame, weighs about 13 lb and folds compactly.
The side table and upright posture make it good for eating, card games and anyone who finds low chairs hard to leave.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Upright posture
- Side table
- Compact fold
Watch out for
- About 13 lb
- Firm seat
Key Specs
- Weight: about 13 lb
- Packed: about 19.75 x 19.75 x 6 in
- Extras: side table
3. GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker XL with Side Table
3This version of GCI’s oversized Freestyle Rocker XL adds a side table for drinks and snacks.
It rocks smoothly on any surface and folds for easy carrying.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Side table
- Oversized
- Smooth rocking
Watch out for
- Heavy
- Bulky
Key Specs
- Style: oversized rocker
- Extras: side table
- Fold: flat
4EVER ADVANCED’s medium-tall director’s chair has a 23.2-inch seat height, a footrest bar and a side table, with a listed 400 lb capacity.
The higher seat makes sitting down and standing up easier than standard camp chairs.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Easy in and out
- Footrest
- High capacity
Watch out for
- Too tall for low tables
- Heavier
Key Specs
- Seat height: 23.2 in
- Capacity: 400 lb (listed)
- Extras: side table, footrest
5The Outvita director’s chair stands about 45 inches tall with a bar-height seat and a footrest.
Its foam-filled back and wide seat make it a comfortable perch for tall people and taller tables.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Bar-height seat
- Footrest
- Folds
Watch out for
- Too tall for most camp tables
- 300 lb capacity
Key Specs
- Height: about 45 in overall
- Capacity: 300 lb (listed)
- Style: tall director
6. FAIR WIND Padded Chair with Footrest Stool
6FAIR WIND’s oversized padded chair comes with a matching ottoman you can use as a footrest, extra seat or side table.
The steel frame and widened seat make it a comfortable lounge set for camp.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Footrest included
- Padded
- Ottoman doubles as table
Watch out for
- Two pieces to carry
- Heavy
Key Specs
- Open: about 38.2 x 21.3 x 21.3 in
- Frame: steel
- Extras: ottoman
How We Chose
We compared seat size, height, weight capacity, comfort features, packed size and durability across dozens of camping chairs, then read verified owner feedback to find weak points that spec sheets miss. We did not receive free products, and we do not claim hands-on testing. TOR Scores combine published specs, verified owner feedback and overall value.
Matching Chairs and Tables
A good set starts with heights that work together. Standard camp chairs have seats around 16 to 18 inches high, which pairs with tables around 27 to 30 inches tall. Low chairs pair with low tables. Check that chair arms clear the table edge so you can pull in to eat, and choose a table with enough legroom. For groups, a set with matching chairs and a table is the simplest choice; for flexibility, buy chairs and a table separately. If you are comparing options, our guide to the best camping chair and table is worth a look.
Chairs for Eating at Camp
For meals, upright beats reclined. A director’s chair or quad chair with a firm seat around 17 to 18 inches high pairs well with standard camp tables. Side tables help when there is no table, and a level setup keeps plates from sliding. For a different angle, see our picks for the best camping chair and table set.
Cup Holders and Drink Holders
Cup holders sound minor until your drink tips into the dirt. Mesh holders are light; hard or insulated holders fit tumblers and keep drinks steadier. Side tables add room for plates and phones. If your chair lacks a holder, clip-on trays and armrest organizers add one. We cover this in more depth in our roundup of the best camping chair reviews.
How to Choose a Camping Chair
Most camping chair mistakes come from buying for the photo instead of for how you camp. Run through these points before you buy. You may also find our guide to the best camping chair review helpful.
- Seat height: 16 to 18 inches feels like a dining chair; 8 to 12 inches is beach-chair low. Higher seats are easier on knees and backs.
- Seat width: 20 inches is standard; 24 inches or more feels roomy for broad shoulders and hips.
- Weight capacity: buy a chair rated well above your weight, especially if you shift, rock or lean.
- Packed size and weight: car campers can carry anything; backpackers want under about 3 lb.
- Frame: steel is strong and cheap but heavy; aluminum is lighter; pole-and-hub frames pack smallest.
- Fabric: 600D polyester is tough; mesh is cool in summer; padding is warm and soft but holds water.
What Makes a Camping Chair Comfortable
Comfort comes from fit more than padding. A seat wide enough for your hips, a back tall enough for your shoulders, a seat height that suits your legs and a gentle recline matter most. Padding adds warmth and softness but can trap heat in summer; mesh is cooler. Armrests at elbow height let you relax your shoulders. If you sit for hours, a chair you can recline or rock in reduces stiffness.
Related guides: best camping chair with table, best camping chair table, best camping chair for eating. See every pick in our Camp Furniture category.
Sources and further reading: National Park Service: camping basics, Leave No Trace: the 7 Principles and National Park Service: the Ten Essentials. Product specs and weight limits come from brand listings on Amazon; always follow the maker’s stated capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What seat height is best?
About 16 to 18 inches feels like a dining chair and is easiest to get out of. Beach and low chairs sit around 8 to 12 inches.
How much weight can a camping chair hold?
It depends on the chair. Standard chairs are often rated around 225 to 300 lb, heavy-duty chairs 400 to 800 lb. Choose a chair rated well above your weight.
How should I store a camping chair?
Store it clean and dry, indoors or under a cover, out of direct sun to prevent fading and rust.
How do I clean a camping chair?
Brush off dirt, spot-clean fabric with mild soap and water, and let the chair dry fully before folding it into its bag.
Do camping chairs have warranties?
Many do. Premium brands often offer longer warranties; check the listing and keep your order details.
Final Verdict
The SUNNYFEEL director’s chair is the best chair with a side table.
Write Your Review
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!