Camp Furniture

Best Camp Furniture Picks from Walmart, REI, and Top US Retailers

Why the Right Camp Furniture Changes Your Trip

Think of camp furniture as the creature comforts of the great outdoors — the difference between a night of stiff necks and a sunrise that finds you rested. The right chair, cot, or table can turn a rough weekend into a memory you want to repeat. Whether you’re car camping by a lake or setting up a basecamp for a multi-day hike, simple choices (like a lightweight chair or a sturdy folding table) affect your comfort, sleep, and even safety. And yes, comfort outdoors still counts as camping legitimacy.

Where to Shop for Camp Furniture in the US

If you’re shopping within the United States, a handful of retailers consistently deliver solid camp furniture options. Walmart is a go-to for budget-minded shoppers and often stocks everything from compact cots to inflatable airbeds and kids’ nap cots. REI is where you’ll find premium, performance-driven designs geared toward backpackers and weekend warriors. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s cater to anglers and hunters with heavy-duty pieces that tolerate mud and dew. Chains like Target and big-box stores such as Home Depot can be surprisingly handy for basic folding tables and camp stools, and online marketplaces like Amazon provide a huge selection and fast comparison shopping. Finally, sport retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Academy Sports + Outdoors strike a balance between price and performance, especially for family camping setups.

Top Camp Chairs: Comfort, Weight, and Durability

Chairs are the camp furniture MVP. A great camping chair gives you the perfect posture for s'mores, card games, or simply staring at the stars. When choosing a chair, consider weight (how many pounds you’re willing to haul), packed size (does it fit in your trunk or backpack?), and seat height (high seats are easier on knees). Look for sturdy frames, breathable fabric, and smart extras like cup holders, pockets, or a removable footrest. If you want to splurge, some camp chairs now come with recline functions and lumbar support that rival living room furniture.

Types of Chairs and When to Use Them

Folding steel-frame chairs are great for car camping and tailgates; they prioritize durability and comfort over weight. Aluminum or ultralight chairs are perfect for lightweight car campers or short hikes where every pound counts. For family trips, consider chairs with higher weight ratings and stable bases — they’re less likely to tip on uneven ground. Want a rocker? There are camping rockers that mimic that gentle rocking you love at home, which is pure bliss after a long day on the trail.

Sleeping Solutions: Cots, Airbeds, and Sleeping Pads

Sleep is the secret ingredient to a great trip. Your choice of sleeping system — cot, airbed, or foam pad — depends on how you sleep and how you camp. Elevated cots keep you off damp ground and are easier on the back, while airbeds bring mattress-level comfort to the tent at the cost of extra bulk. Foam pads and self-inflating pads are lightweight, quick, and great for minimalist campers.

When to Choose a Cot

Cots are a dream for car campers and those who prioritize staying dry and warm. They are typically measured in inches for width and length, so check measurements like 30 inches wide by 75 inches long to match your sleeping style. Cots can double as a daytime lounge bed or a place to store a duffel under the frame — think of them as a small, elevated bed for the campsite.

Airbeds and Repair Tips

Inflatable airbeds deliver cushioning similar to home mattresses and come in sizes like twin, full, and queen. A queen-sized inflatable usually measures about 60 inches wide by 80 inches long when inflated. Always check pump compatibility and pack a simple repair kit; a tiny patch can save the night if you get a puncture. For airbeds in cold weather, add an insulating foam pad underneath — air alone conducts heat away from your body.

Camp Tables and Cooking Surfaces

Table space is underrated: it’s where you prep food, eat, play cards, and set up your coffee system. Folding tables come in a variety of heights and load capacities. A small prep table might be 30 inches high with a 30-pound capacity for gear, while a more robust camp table can support 150 pounds for cookware and a camp stove. Look for rust-resistant materials and lockable legs for stability on uneven ground.

Portable Kitchen Setups

For a simple cooking system, a two-burner camp stove on a sturdy folding table works wonders. If you’re in a family setup, consider a prep table with shelving underneath for fuel canisters and cookware. Wind screens and heat-resistant surfaces help protect your table, and a lightweight sink or basin makes cleanup less of a chore — even a 5-gallon water jug goes a long way for rinsing pots and washing hands.

Specialty Pieces: Stools, Footrests, and Hammocks

Beyond chairs and tables, small items like collapsible stools and hammocks can dramatically increase campsite comfort. Stools are compact and pack small, perfect for quick stops and fishing spots. Hammocks are the hammock equivalent of a hammock at home — but portable — ideal for siestas suspended between two trees. Look for tree-friendly straps and weight ratings in pounds to match your needs.

Best Camp Furniture by Store — What to Expect

Different retailers serve different needs. Here’s a quick guide to what you can expect from popular US stores so you shop smarter.

Walmart: Value and Wide Variety

Walmart often stocks budget-friendly choices and occasional surprise finds like inflatable airbeds and kids’ stackable cots. If you need a quick replacement or a last-minute addition, Walmart is likely to have multiple affordable options that cover basic durability and ease of use. It’s a solid first stop for families and casual campers who prefer not to overspend on gear they’ll see regular use from.

REI: Quality, Warranty, and Expert Picks

REI leans toward performance gear and curated selections built to last. If you want ultralight chairs, high-spec cots, or an air mattress designed for rugged conditions, REI’s brands and staff expertise pay off. Membership perks, used gear sections, and the lifetime repair focus make REI a strong bet for serious campers investing in long-term comfort.

Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s: Heavy-Duty, Outdoors-Oriented

These retailers focus on anglers and hunters, so expect robust, durable camp furniture that tolerates wear and moisture. Heavy-duty camp chairs, large folding tables, and multi-purpose cots are common. If your trips include rough terrain, wet conditions, or gear that needs a rugged home base, these stores usually deliver equipment built to stand up to the elements.

Dick’s Sporting Goods & Academy Sports + Outdoors: Balanced Selection

Both chains offer a good mix of mid-range and entry-level gear, which is perfect for families and seasonal campers. They frequently carry recognizable brands and seasonal sales, so you can snag a durable chair or a lightweight cot without splurging on premium models. These stores are also a practical place to compare brands in person before buying online.

Target, Home Depot & Amazon: Convenience and Range

Target and Home Depot are convenient for basic needs — folding tables, camp stools, and general accessories — while Amazon gives you a massive range and fast customer reviews to help guide choices. These channels are great when you want a quick comparison across price points or need something delivered for a weekend trip. Just pay attention to user reviews and specifications like load capacity (in pounds) and packed dimensions (in inches).

Choosing for Backpacking vs. Car Camping

Are you hiking miles with a pack or driving to your site and setting up one time? It sounds obvious, but the distinction changes everything. Backpackers weight-shame every extra pound, so ultralight chairs and inflatable sleeping pads designed to compress to the size of a grapefruit are ideal. Car campers can prioritize comfort: larger cots, plush airbeds, and full-size folding chairs make sense when you don’t need to carry gear long distances.

Packing Smart for Backpacking

For backpacking, target gear under 2 pounds for chairs and sub-1-pound sleeping pads when possible. Packed volume matters as much as weight — a chair that compacts to 18 inches can be manageable, while one that needs a full 36 inches of space is a no-go for most packs. Think of your gear like a recipe: keep the basics light, and let convenience items be optional add-ins.

Comfort Upgrades for Car Camping

If the car is your base, prioritize a good cot or queen-sized airbed and a heavy-duty table. Add-ons like an outdoor rug, a windscreen for the stove, and taller chairs for easier standing up are practical upgrades. You’ll appreciate being able to relax properly after a long drive and a day of exploration.

Care and Maintenance: Make Your Gear Last

Small care routines save money and headaches. Rinse off mud and sand with a gentle hose, air-dry fabrics before storing, and tighten screws and joints on folding frames after a season. For inflatable items, store them deflated and clean, and repair punctures promptly with a patch kit. Treat fabric seams and zippers with a light silicone lubricant if they start to stick, and keep any wooden surfaces oiled to prevent cracking in dry climates measured in degrees Fahrenheit.

Budget Strategies: How to Save Without Sacrificing Comfort

Want to save money but still sleep like a champion? Buy seasonal: many retailers discount camp furniture in late summer and early fall. Look for last-year models at REI Garage or Amazon Warehouse for good deals. Consider a mix-and-match approach: splurge on a quality sleeping system and save on folding chairs and tables. Finally, used gear communities are great for scoring lightly used cots and chairs that are still in excellent condition.

Conclusion

Choosing the right camp furniture is a blend of practical needs and personal preference. Whether you shop at Walmart for budget-friendly basics, REI for premium performance, or Bass Pro Shops for rugged options, the key is matching the gear to your style of camping. Consider weight, packed size, durability, and how you sleep at night — then let comfort guide the rest. With the right pieces, your next trip will feel less like roughing it and more like an outdoor retreat.