Some campsites have picnic tables, but having your own will ensure you have a table always available for cooking, eating, playing games, and anything else you plan to do while outside. And that makes a camping table an essential gear if you're a camping enthusiast.
Among the astounding range of camping tables we assessed, some had folding frames, some featured roll-up tops, and some came with seats attached. Our top recommendation is the Lifetime Height Adjustable Folding Table that scores well for prepping your food, playing games, and even dining in the campground. Read on for more of our picks and a buying guide that will help you shop on your own!
Quick List - Top Camping Tables
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Table of Contents
As you look at camping tables, you'll find lightweight and compact folding tables designed for your backpacking trips along with the multitude of versatile tables that can find a safe spot in the back of your car. Here, we are going to help you figure out how to make the right choice.
Foldable, roll-up, and fabric-top tables are the most common types, so we think you should know the advantages of each option.
Folding tables are usually made out of solid materials such as plastic, aluminum, or wood. These tables work great for camping since they fold in the middle and close towards the ground. This means when you set the table up, it remains stable and doesn't fall over easily.
However, folding tables tend to be heavier and larger than other options. They do hold up well and don't break easily, so they will last you a long time.
Roll-up tables are made of multiple planks connected together to for the top of the table. These tables save space since you can roll the top up and store it with the bottom frame. On the other hand, they take a bit more time to set up since you need to stand up the frame and roll the table out.
Even though you need to balance the frame top, you can take the table apart when necessary. Due to its design, you can easily store the table in a bag, in your car, or anywhere else you want to put it.
Fabric-top tables are soft and aren't heavy, making them easy to transport. However, the fabric can rip, break, and weaken with time, so you can't put heavier items on it.
They are easy to put away and store since you don't have to worry about bending the top in a specific way. Generally speaking, fabric-top tables work best for solo travelers since they don't have to share the table with others.
The table’s height determines the leg space you have beneath it while seated. Standard camping tables have an off-the-ground height of between 28 and 34 inches. Larger tables can also make additional space for storage besides the legroom you need.
Some bigger tables feature attached benches or stools, and some have side tables to accommodate your cooking essentials. They are heavier but more convenient. When choosing such a table, you should consider the weight capacity of the table, the stools, and the side tables that come along with it.
This also means you should purchase chairs to match the height of the tables. If the chairs are too tall, you could hurt your knees while sitting at the table. If they're too short, you may struggle to reach your food. Shorter ones work great for cooking while taller ones work well for eating.
Seating capacity depends on the size of the table surface. It’s good to leave a minimum personal space of 24 inches for each person.
A solo camper can do with a small square table. Rectangular tables between 24 and 30 inches wide and four feet long can seat four people comfortably.
For a group of more than four, it’s best to combine two tables for better portability. If portability isn’t a concern, you can go for bigger tables that are six feet or more to seat more than four people.
The table materials and the type of legs are vital points that can keep a camping table steady and sturdy. You should look at the materials including steel, aluminum, and wood along with the leg types.
Steel is one of the best materials for camping tables. Tables made of steel are strong and sturdy, but they can be heavy as well. Powder-coated steel is also used to make camping tables durable and strong. These tables are great for rocky terrain or unfriendly weather conditions.
If a lightweight table is your preference, go for an aluminum table. While aluminum tables can be sturdy, they can bend if they face pressure and weight for long periods of time. Aluminum is rust-proof, making it an excellent choice for rainy or humid areas.
Most camping tables come with vertical legs on four sides for proper support of the surface. Angled legs can keep the table steady despite having a lot of items atop it.
Tables with fabric tops are lightweight and a favorite amongst solo backpackers or mountaineers. Fabric tabletops are not sturdy enough to hold many items or withstand severe weather conditions. If you want to pack light and have minimal cooking needs, you will undoubtedly like a table with a fabric top.
Some tables come with a plastic top with steel frame and legs for better support. This design makes them considerably lighter than a table that is steel all over. Plastic is resistant to rust, stains, and water. A table with a plastic top can survive your tent adventures without adding much weight to your backpack.
Steel is the sturdiest option for a tabletop, but it can rust with time. It can also weigh quite a bit. If you want a less durable option with a more lightweight design, you can choose aluminum instead.
Wood is another common material for camping tables. Wood has a durable design, but it can warp with time when exposed to water. It can also hold over 100 pounds of weight when it's thick enough, so this might be a good choice when you want something with a unique style while maintaining its durability.
Wooden tables do tend to be heavy. A table made of fiberboard or wood laminate can be lighter than a solid wood table. Some tables come with a wooden top supported by a steel or aluminum frame to improve durability while reducing the total weight.
It’s not difficult to find tables with side pockets or mesh underneath to hold items that you don’t always need on the tabletop. Some come with extra tiers that can be clipped onto the legs of the table to maximize the top space and store away essentials for easy access.
Although this design can limit the legroom, it is still more functional than a table with an X-frame that equally takes up a lot of leg space. By having storage space below, you can leave more room on the tabletop for eating and serving.
You can also find tables with an attached umbrella in the center for protection from rays and drizzle. Some do not come with an umbrella but instead have an umbrella hole where you can slot your picnic umbrella whenever needed.
Camping tables with side tables that can be folded up when not in use can help those who want extra top space. The side tables may have holders for beverages and hooks to hang grilling tools and paper towels. These models fold flat for ease of storage and portability.
Tables that come with stools or seats attached eliminate the need to carry extra chairs or stools for sitting. This is a space-saver design and can be very helpful for backpackers or bike campers who don't mind a little extra weight to pack.
Others also include a lantern pole attachment, so you can have a light shining on your table. Even though they take up more space, they can be useful if you plan to cook or eat during the evening.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Lifetime Height Adjustable Folding Table | ![]() | Best for Holding Heavy Items | |
2 | Coleman Compact Roll Top Aluminum Table|2000034875 | ![]() | Best Sturdy and Light Rollup Table | |
3 | Preferred Nation Slim-Fold Outdoor Cook Station|P7384 | ![]() | Best for Additional Storage Space | |
4 | GCI Outdoor Store 15126 | ![]() | Best for Evening Cooking | |
5 | KingCamp Pack-Away Deluxe Portable Kitchen|KC3928_KC | ![]() | Best Solid Table With Adjustable Legs | |
6 | Camp Chef Sherpa Camp Table and Organizer | ![]() | Best for Organizing Your Belongings | |
7 | Camco Deluxe Folding Grill Table|57293 | ![]() | Best Cooking Station With 2 Side Tables | |
8 | Outry | ![]() | Best for a Lightweight Option | |
9 | ALPS Mountaineering Eclipse Table | ![]() | Best to Play Games Around the Campfire | |
10 | Lifetime 80373 | ![]() | Best for People Who Need a Place to Sit |
Pros:
Cons:
This table folds in half and includes a carrying handle to make transportation easier. It can also support up to 200 pounds of weight, so it can easily carry heavy cooking items.
A few reviewers found the legs hard to set and say it's easier with two people. However, a plethora of reviewers said the table was stable when they set it up. They also loved the carrying handle included on the table to make transportation easier.
Pros:
Cons:
This table has a lightweight design and comes with a carrying case, making it ideal for easy transportation. It also has a decent size to comfortably seat four people at it, making it great for small camping groups.
A couple of reviewers had problems with some of the parts coming loose, such as the end caps. Nevertheless, loads of reviewers loved the lightweight design of the table. They also appreciated how it could hold up a camp stove or grill.
Pros:
Cons:
This lightweight table comes with cup holders and includes an extra tier, so you have plenty of storage space. You can also add a heavy object on the bottom to make it more secure in windy weather. It includes a carrying case with a handle to help you transport the table during camping trips.
A few reviewers pointed out the table was difficult to set up in a short amount of time. On the bright side, loads of reviewers loved how the table came with cup holders. They also loved the additional tier under the table for more storage space.
Pros:
Cons:
This camp table comes with a sink, multiple counters, and a lantern holder, so you can easily cook any time of the day or night. It also folds down into a compact size to make it easier to transport.
Some reviewers said it arrived damaged and they had to order a replacement. Nevertheless, many reviewers loved how the table included a sink for washing and cleaning. They also liked how it had a lantern holder, so they could use it during the evening.
Pros:
Cons:
This table puts a heavy emphasis on easy height adjustment since the legs can be set to a variety of heights. It also has a solid tabletop that can hold a fair amount of weight: over 175 pounds, to be exact.
A couple of reviewers had issues with the fiberboard tabletop warping at the edges, so it would bend down. On the bright side, many reviewers appreciated the adjustable height for the table. They also found it easy to fold, and said it holds a stove or grill's weight easily.
Pros:
Cons:
This option comes with plenty of storage compartments along with adjustable dividers to fit your belongings. You can also place a hard tabletop on it or stick with the fabric top depending on what you need, and the blue bag doubles as a sink.
A few reviewers noticed the legs would get stuck when they tried to extend them. On the other hand, a fair portion of reviewers loved how they could use the tabletop as a camping kitchen. They also appreciated how the dividers helped them organize their camping items.
Pros:
This one offers multiple storage shelves, so you can leave supplies and cooking equipment on them. The additional hooks also work great for cooking utensils and paper towels.
Some reviewers reported issues with the side shelves warping when they got wet. On the other hand, loads of reviewers appreciated how the table was easy to set up when they needed it. They also loved how the table was easy to clean when it got dirty.
Pros:
Cons:
This table comes with multiple cup holders, so people have a place to store their drinks while camping. It folds down and fits into a narrow carrying bag, and only weighs a few pounds.
Some reviewers had problems with the clips breaking or not properly locking in place. Despite that point, plenty of reviewers found the table easy to take down after use. They also noted the table came with cup holders to let four people store their drinks on it.
Pros:
Cons:
Sometimes, you need a unique table for your trip, and this one includes a checkerboard with game pieces. The simple design, multiple cupholders, and the additional tier make it ideal for relaxing games during a camping trip.
A couple of reviewers had problems with the straps breaking on them. However, a decent amount of reviewers said it was a great table for them to play family games during a camping trip. They also liked the cupholders included on the lower level of the table.
Pros:
Cons:
This table lets you fold down the legs, so you can store the benches inside the table. Both the tabletop and metal have weather-resistant designs, so the table can hold up against the rain or snow during your camping trip.
A couple of reviewers pointed out the benches and table were too short and small for them. Despite that point, loads of reviewers were impressed with how sturdy the table was. They also appreciated how it folded and became compact when they needed it to.
Most camping trips don't end in a day. But without proper gear and comfort, a camping trip can't be that easy and enjoyable. Here we have some more recommendations to make it a homey experience.
To write this buying guide and research products, we referenced the following websites:
https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-camping-table
https://wildernesstimes.com/best-camping-table/
https://campaddict.com/reviews/setup/folding-camping-tables/
https://www.cleverhiker.com/best-camping-tables
No. 1: Lifetime |Height Adjustable Folding Table
No. 2: Coleman|Compact Roll Top Aluminum Table|2000034875
No. 3: Preferred Nation| Slim-Fold Outdoor Cook Station|P7384
No. 4: GCI Outdoor Store|15126
No. 5: KingCamp|Pack-Away Deluxe Portable Kitchen|KC3928_KC
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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