History has it that rocking chairs were invented in the 1700s. Some sources claim that Benjamin Franklin is the brain behind the very first rocker. Other sources, however, argue that Europe was already rocking when Benjamin was a little child, thereby disputing that he could be the father of rocking chairs.
While it’s unclear who invented rocking chairs, one thing remains: they’re therapeutic. Besides, they’re decorative and can instantly inject life into a rather dull space. For instance, setting up pretty folding rocking chairs in your backyard can transform the place and make it inviting.
One of the reasons we’d recommend a foldable rocker to anyone is because of its space-saving attribute. You can have as many rockers as you want without worrying about storage. Foldable rocking chairs are also versatile. They’ll perfectly blend with most indoor or outdoor spaces.
For the outdoors, you’ve got a variety of folding rocking chairs for camping, or for the patio or terrace to choose from. In addition, some foldable rocking chairs feature multi-function attributes. So, they aren’t made for the wilderness alone. You can also use them in the lounge, patio, living room, deck, fireplace, and other spaces.
Join us in and learn more about the foldable rocking chairs market.
Editor’s Pick For The Best Folding Rocking Chair
Note: The Casart Foldable Rocking is our favorite, but might not "rock" back and forth enough for some. If you want your chair to rock more than anything else, we've got a lot of other options below!
Our overall winner is this stylish folding rocking chair from CASART. It’s also a reclining chair, therefore ideal for those days when all you want is some bit of motionless leisure time. The adjustable canopy ensures that you can slightly rock (but not as much as other rocking chairs) and recline in the sun without worrying about sunburns. Meanwhile, the tall backrest set on a powder-coated anti-rust metal frame assures adequate support. In addition, you’ve got a soft headrest for the comfiest posture.
This CASART chair also features a safety latch plus four supporting points. So, it’s not just sturdy but also stable. Built for the outdoors, the breathable fabric allows free circulation to keep sweating in check. The material is also weather-resistant and easy to clean.
It’s such a user-friendly chair, too—easy to store and pre-assembled; this foldable rocking chair doesn’t require any tools to set it up. Upon receipt, you’ll simply unfold and adjust the canopy, then sit and rock away the day’s exhaustion or recline and doze off.
Lastly, it’s a multi-function piece–you can use it as a camping folding chair, place it in the patio, garden, or carry it to the beach. Alternatively, you can also set it up inside your home and keep rocking. If you’re worried about décor, it’s worth noting that the CASART Foldable Rocking Chair can fit into most spaces. In fact, our winner is black; a bold color easily matches with most themes and backgrounds.
The Seven Best Folding Rocking Chairs: Side-By-Side Comparison
| CASART Foldable Rocking Chair/Recliner Chair Editor’s choice/Best overall  See Price |
| Outsunny Zero Gravity Reclining Foldable Rocker Best space-saving multi-function recliner/rocker  See Price |
| TIMBER RIDGE Foldable Padded Rocking Chair Best multi-function with soft padding  See Price |
| PORTAL Oversized Quad Folding Camping Rocking Chair Best budget  See Price |
| Timber Ridge Padded Folding Rocking Chair Comfiest and big (great for camping families)  See Price |
| Rocking Garden Daybed Rocking Chair Best for back support  See Price |
| Set of 2 Deck rocking/Reclining Chair Rocking Best foldable set of two  See Price |
Choosing the Best Folding Rocking Chair: Factors & Criteria
Choosing the best folding chair for camping might sound like an easy task. After all, it’s all about something that you can quickly fold and throw into the car.
However, you’ll be surprised at how challenging the process can be when you start looking for an ideal portable rocking chair–the numerous designs available will overwhelm you. Following are guidelines to help make the process more manageable.
Portability
This is a must-have attribute when hunting for the best folding rocking chair, whether hunting for a multi-function rocker or a dedicated rocking chair for camping.
Portability largely depends on the weight, backpack portability attributes, and the presence or absence of straps. Often, foldable ultra-light camping rocking chairs are pretty portable. However, you’ll have to cough up some extra dollars since ultra often goes hand in hand with a higher price in the world of folding rocking chairs.
Also, consider buying a camping rocking chair with straps. It’s an idea you’ll appreciate when the time to criss-cross rough terrains in the wilderness comes. This is because foldable rocking chairs with straps are easy to pack, unpack and set up for a moment of relaxation before proceeding with your adventure.
Lastly, check for backpack portability attributes. It pays to select a foldable rocking chair that can fit into your backpack. It’s also essential to scrutinize the rocker’s dimensions after set-up. If you find a compact piece that can fit into your backpack pocket and is big enough to hold an average adult’s weight, you can consider buying it, but of course, after further scrutiny.
Space Saving Attributes
Foldable furniture has been gaining popularity since it can really save on space. The same reason applies to folding rocking chairs. A decent foldable rocker doesn’t consume tons of space. After all, you’re tight on space and wouldn’t want a chair that’s bulky and eats up the little space you want to utilize for other purposes.
For your camping needs, a space-saving piece will come in handy. Since it won’t consume lots of space in the car, you can throw several chairs into the van alongside your other camping gear then drive off for moments of blissful rocking in the wilderness.
Storage
Most foldable camping rocking chairs aren’t feature-rich. However, some designs feature storage options like cup holders so that you can enjoy smooth rocking while also sipping your favorite beverage. Others comprise mesh pockets for tucking a few essentials when lounging at the beach, relaxing at the fireplace, or during your camping trip. It’s worth noting that most backpacking folding rocking chairs forgo storage attributes in order to avoid extra weight.
In-Depth Best Folding Rocking Chairs Reviews
Finding a perfect foldable chair is akin to finding a reliable best friend. You’ve got somewhere to run to for comfort anytime you like. Since different people have different tastes and preferences, our reviews are pretty diverse. You’ll find timeless folding rocking chairs for camping, multi-function pieces ideal for a tight budget, excellent beach, patio, and backpacking chairs, and even modern pieces for the trendy lot.
Best Folding Rocking Chair with Pockets and Cup Holders: Outsunny Zero Gravity Reclining Foldable Rocker
Star rating: 4.3/5
Stand out Features
- Locking feature for safe rocking
- Includes a cup holder tray
- Smooth rocking and recliner chair
- Zero-gravity design
- Features a double bungee system
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Removable padded headrest
- Durable steel frame and fabric
- Foldable and lightweight
- Pre-assembled
- Multi-function rocker
- Quick delivery
Cons
- Rusts when the powder-coating chips off
Our In-Depth Review of the Outsunny Zero Gravity Reclining Foldable Rocker
For less than $100, you can enjoy the comfiest rocking motion found in a zero-gravity folding chair. You can also recline and enjoy motionless relaxing moments alone or with friends. Meanwhile, a double bungee system and locking mechanisms will deliver comfort and safety.
We’re not yet done.
The Outsunny Zero Gravity Reclining Foldable Rocker also delivers convenience. An inbuilt cup holder allows you to rock while sipping your favorite beverage. It also provides storage space for your essentials like tablets/tablets, books, and pens.
Steel is susceptible to corrosion. However, this chair is built to last and includes a protective powder coating to keep the rust away. Also, the textilene sling fabric is water and UV-resistant; therefore, it won’t wear quickly. Those are attributes that often indicate a reliable camping rocking chair.
From the wilderness to your home, the Outsunny foldable rocking chair doesn’t disappoint. You can set it up in the courtyard or by the poolside. Alternatively, you can remove the padded headrest and transform it into a napping bed at home, salon, or hospital. Here, you already found value for your money.
Product Changes, Updates, or Alternatives
Although there are other similar products from Outsunny, they aren’t updated versions of the above-reviewed piece. However, we found a superb alternative you may want to look at—the TIMBER RIDGE Foldable Padded Rocking Chair.
Unlike the Zero Gravity Rocker, TIMBER RIDGE lacks the double bungee system. However, this camping rocking chair comprises soft padding to satisfy your relaxation needs. It can hold weight limits of up to 300 pounds. So, this is a pretty sturdy folding rocking chair. Additionally, it features safety latch locks to allow you to confidently rock at the campsite, patio, lawn, or garden.
Our alternative also lacks a cup holder tray. Instead, it comprises a handy side pocket for keeping your essentials within arm’s reach. However, it doesn’t recline but will deliver smooth rocking motions.
Best Budget Folding Rocking Chairs: PORTAL Oversized Quad Folding Camping Rocking Chair
Star rating: 4.5/5
Stand Out Features
- X-Shaped frame for enhanced portability
- Built-in storage pocket
- Sturdy heavy-duty build
- Multi-purpose rocker
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Durable rocker
- Comprises a carry bag
- Pre-assembled
- Taut fabric
- Folds down easily
Cons
- A bit heavy for backpacking
Our In-Depth Review of the PORTAL Oversized Quad Folding Camping Rocking Chair
Interestingly, several reviewers said they’d purchased this rocker for their nurseries. However, the manufacturer designed it for camping, deck, garden, porch, terrace, balcony, home office, and the living room. Such revelations point out that the PORTAL folding Rocking Chair is versatile.
If you’re looking for a folding rocking chair for camping, here’s a great piece. A unique feature we noted here is the x-shaped frame. The attribute ensures that this piece folds down into a small, portable and, easy-to-store rocker. Aside from enhanced portability, the x-shaped frame saves space. In other words, you can throw in a few pieces in the front seat, and you’ll still have room for other camping gear.
This heavy-duty camping rocking chair also includes a carry bag, making it an ideal chair for the outdoorsy. However, this rocker is a little bit heavy compared to other foldable camping rocking chairs. So, it might not be suitable for long treks.
Beyond portability, the PORTAL Oversized Quad Folding Camping Rocking Chair is made of premium material (steel and breathable polyester.) So, it’s among the most robust, durable, and sturdy multi-function rockers you can find out there. In fact, the manufacturer offers a one-year warranty as a sign of confidence that this is a reliable folding rocking chair.
The best part is in the price. You’ll get all the above for less than $100.
Product Changes, Updates, or Alternatives
There are no changes or updates made on the just Quad Folding camping Rocking. Nonetheless, PORTAL has a very similar product. In fact, the dimensions and weight limit are identical.
However, this alternative Folding Camping Rocking Chair comprises a side pocket, making it a more convenient rocker. It’s also cheaper but not as versatile as the Quad rocking chair. It’s best suited for the patio and can make a great camping rocking chair too.
Most Comfortable Foldable Rocking Chair: Timber Ridge Padded Folding Rocking Chair
Star rating: 4.7/5
Stand Out Features
- Bottom locking system
- Compact plastic armrests
- Big-size
- Easy to fold and set up
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Pre-assembled
- Breathable fabric
- Easy to store
- Lightweight
Cons
- Lacks anti-UV attributes
Our In-Depth Review of Timber Ridge Padded Folding Rocking Chair
Here’s an excellent option for camping families. Parents with little children will find this folding camping chair a great opportunity since it’s bigger than most folding rocking chairs for camping. It measures 40. 5 x 19. 5 x 18 inches; therefore, you and your little one can perch and rock together.
Although it lacks aesthetics like some multi-function pieces, this rocker is designed for comfort. You can rely on the headrest, taut 600D polyester fabric, plus sturdy plastic armrests for the ultimate hours of relaxation you’ve been looking for. Moreover, the material is breathable to keep extreme warmth away, which leaves you rocking in freshness.
The sturdy steel frame means this is a durable folding rocking chair. So, expect to enjoy years of smooth rocking. It’s worth noting that this foldable rocking chair has a one-year warranty against defective material or quality.
However, it’s advisable to protect this rocker from extreme weather (sunlight and heavy rain) to enjoy the warranty terms. Lastly, it’s super easy to set up, folds easily, and is lightweight. In fewer words, it’s a perfect portable rocking chair for the outdoorsy.
The Rocking Chairs Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Folding Rocking Chair
Luckily, there are many folding rocking chairs. So, finding one is pretty straightforward, especially if you choose to order online. The downside of the enormous supply is the infiltration of poorly constructed portable rocking chairs. So, a handy guideline like the one featured in this section can help you find a chair worth investing in.
Weight
Weight is among the high priority factors when choosing a folding chair. By the piece being foldable, it means you’ll be moving it from one place to another. So, you’ll want something lightweight to avoid straining and having to ask for help whenever you want to set up or store it away.
Weight also plays an important role when looking for a good backpacking rocker—the lesser the weight, the better. However, make sure to check on size so that you don’t buy a lightweight but small chair. Squeezing in a rocker denies you the relaxation that a well-constructed folding rocking chair ought to deliver.
Comfort
Here’s another high-priority factor you wouldn’t want to miss when hunting for an ideal foldable rocking chair. So, how do you tell that a specific folding rocking chair is comfortable?
- Check on the fabric: A comfy rocker features breathable fabric which promotes circulation and keeps sweat in check. Non-slip fabric is also a great addition.
- The armrests: These should be strong and properly positioned to support your arms adequately. If you can find a rocker with padded armrests, the better.
- Headrest: A folding rocking chair with a padded headrest means enhanced comfort. You’ll want to select a rocker with a detachable headrest, especially if the rocker can also recline.
Material
The type of material used for outer and inner parts determines the strength of a foldable rocking chair. Wood and steel are often used for frames. While wood can be sturdy and durable, it’s often heavy and needs occasional maintenance to keep it in good shape. So, think of varnish and repainting works.
Steel is also sturdy but susceptible to rusting. So, it’s often coated to avoid corrosion. That said, you’ll want to keep checking and filling up any chipped areas. Since wood is a bit heavy, consider steel material if you’re looking for a more portable rocking chair for camping or backpacking.
It’s also essential to consider the kind of fabric used. Polyester is popular and a good bet since it doesn’t sag and is cleanable. Coated-ripstop nylon is also great since it’s comfortable, water-resistant, and lasts long. Lastly, consider the padding too. You’ll want to go with closed-cell foam padding because it doesn’t absorb water. That helps you to select a chair that you can leave outside during wet seasons.
Bonus Features
Additional features can make a difference in the overall rocking experience. How about a folding rocking chair with a side tray? You can read while rocking. You can also sip your favorite beverage and enjoy the cool summer weather at the beach. Moreover, your phone or tablet will be within reach.
What about a foldable rocking chair that locks in one place? It gives you the freedom to rock safely. Also, you can select one that reclines at different angles. Doesn’t that spell enhanced comfort?
Other Suggestions
If you’ve walked with us through the review journey, loved the featured rockers but want something else, then this section is for you. Following are more suggestions for the best folding rocking chairs.
TUHFG Recliner Rocking Folding Sun Lounger Deck Chair
The TUHFG Recliner Rocking Folding Chair is pretty and can be an excellent choice for near-your-home relaxation needs. So, if you’re hunting for a foldable camping rocking chair, this might not be the best pick since it’s heavier than most rocking chairs for camping.
It’s also a super comfy foldable rocking chair. If you know about ergonomically designed chairs, then you already have an idea of the superior comfort this rocker can deliver. In addition, it’s a rocker you can trust for countless moments of smooth rocking since it’s made of durable materials.
Rocking Garden Daybed Rocking Chair
A properly constructed rocking chair can help relieve back pain. In fact, John F. Kennedy had a rocker to help alleviate the discomfort in his back. However, some companies go a mile further and include lumbar support to make their designs even better. A good example is the Rocking Garden Daybed Rocking Chair.
Besides the lumbar vertebrae support, this folding rocking chair comprises multi-angle adjustment features. That means enhanced comfort and versatility since it’s easy to convert it into a bed. Enhanced comfort comes with the padded headrest and the durable, breathable, non-slip Oxford cloth. Plus, you’ve several colors and sizes to choose from.
Set of 2 Deck Rocking/Reclining Chair Rocking
Here are uniquely designed identical rockers for you and your partner or friend. You can have several pieces sit in your garden, deck, or patio and transform your outdoors besides finding a comfy place to relax with several friends or family members. Also, these twin rockers can make excellent camp beds since they fully recline.
Sturdy and durable are the other notable attributes but remember, these aren’t foldable rocking chairs. Instead, they are easy to disassemble. In addition, they’re lightweight therefore portable like standard folding rocking chairs.
