A climbing tree stand having two separate climbing assemblies, the lower assembly having a collapsible chair such that the leg members of the chair can be positioned flush with the surface of the platform of the lower climbing assembly or set in an upright position. The position of the chair is interchangeable while the tree stand is in place on the tree, and does not obstruct the platform when in the collapsed position. The chair is freely rotatable in any direction. The upper climbing assembly provides a safety harness to prevent the user from accidentally falling.