Best Camping Tables

One thing that makes your life easier on a camping trip is having the right table for your food and equipment. You want a table that’s sturdy but not too heavy, easy to set up and break down, and stable on uneven ground. The right table is also an invaluable addition to your camp kitchen since a raised food preparation area can save you from back strain.

We reviewed many tables and narrowed it down to these six, all of them well-made and with identifiable advantages for camping. Some are better suited for one type of use over another, and that’s why we broke our review down into those categories. Here are our top picks according to each purpose.

Best Camping Tables

• Wilderness Camping:
  ALPS Mountaineering Dining Table
• Dining:
  KingCamp Camping Table Folding Portable Table
• Cooking:
  GCI Outdoor Master Cook Portable Folding Camp Kitchen
• Socializing & Games:
  Coleman Outdoor Compact Folding Table
• Utility Table:
  COSCO 4 ft. Straight Folding Utility Table
• Multipurpose:
  Stansport Picnic Table and Umbrella Combo

What to Look for in a Table

Quality Materials

A prime feature of a good camping table is the ability to stand up to the elements without degrading or losing function. Don’t consider cushioned or padded ones or any that have fabric coverings, as these are more suited for indoor use. Instead, look for camp tables that are made of wood, aluminum or plastic.

Wood tends to be the heaviest of the available materials, so it’s not the best choice for your main camping table, although it works well for side tables. There are also camp tables in a variety of lightweight plastic polymers. Some of these are scratch-resistant and have virtually indestructible surfaces.

Aluminum is the most lightweight of the three materials recommended, and the main thing to look for here is solid construction and support that will give the table a stable base. This not only allows you to put a reasonable amount of weight on an aluminum surface, but it also keeps the table from flipping over in a high wind.

Strength & Stability

You want to balance sturdiness and durability with weight in a camp table. Although you’re looking for a solid surface that won’t wobble or sag, you’re also going to need something you can load into a vehicle and lug around a campsite. Your camp table will need to be strong enough to support heavy items like camp stoves and water jugs, yet lightweight enough to set up, break down and carry around.

A few camp tables come with chairs, and it’s also vital to check their quality. Are they really strong enough to hold a large adult without bending or breaking? Do they store compactly as well? Picnic-style bench seats can fit more people on them, but individual seats can be moved around to where they’re needed. Some backless seats even double as small tables.

Size & Design

The best size in a camp table will depend on what you’re using it for. Tables are handy for holding a drink or a snack and useful for food preparation. Pulling a chair up to a table is also a comfortable way to dine compared to sitting on the ground or perching on a cooler. Having an undesignated utility table makes camp life easier because you never know when you’ll need a surface for setting something down.

A rectangular table lends itself to a variety of uses, but a square one is preferable for playing cards and other games. If you’re planning to eat at a table regularly, make sure it’s the right height for the chairs you use to ensure comfort. A table without crossed supports in the middle is the best choice if campers will be sitting at it to eat, play games or just hang out.

You can also find camp tables that are specifically designed to be cooking stations, with safety features included. Fold-out surfaces, utensil compartments, and hooks for hanging trash bags are extras with cooking station tables. Some of them even have removable sinks and paper towel holders. They’re usually heavier than traditional camp tables, but a kitchen setup is a real boon if you’re staying in one place on your camping trip.

Setup & Adjustability

The way a camp table sets up and breaks down is another feature to consider, and many frequent campers swear by their favorite tables. In some designs, setup is a breeze, but the trade-off is that the table only has one height setting. Adjustable height is one of the most useful features in a camp table. It’s especially important for dining and food prep tables, and some of the tables we reviewed have that flexibility.

On the other hand, if you need a table that you can easily carry on a hike or in a kayak, you’ll be more concerned with weight and compactness. A roll-up table is a good alternative if you need to carry it with you on a wilderness campout, and you can find a reasonably-sized table that fits in a backpack.

Criteria for the Best Camp Tables

In our quest for the best tables, we looked for camp tables light enough to carry around and collapsible enough to easily transport. Another requirement was a decent amount of room on the tabletop. We designated less than 8 square feet as a small table, and 8-10 square feet was considered to be medium-sized. Those with more than 10 square feet were put in the large table category.

We also characterized each table as lightweight, average or heavy-duty, depending on a number of factors. These included sidebars for the legs, table supports, and the materials that composed the table. Extras that made a table into a multi-use, multi-function choice were also considered.

Our Picks

This list organizes the tables from smallest to largest, and more or less from lightest to heaviest. The value of each table is rated 1-5 stars, based on the cost and features of similar tables. All of the tables have excellent reviews from users, and we added the criteria above to select our top table in each of these six categories:

1. Wilderness Camping
2. Dining
3. Cooking
4. Socializing and Games
5. Utility Table
6. Multipurpose

DIY Table

And if the list of camping tables mentioned doesn’t impress you, why not go the natural route, cut some trees and build a picnic table yourself and your family or friends? Here’s a video by Sikana that teaches you exactly that. Note: This comes with chairs!

Coleman Outdoor Compact Table

This is a smart pick as a utility table because it’s strong and sturdy. It also provides enough room for two people to dine.

KingCamp Camping Table Folding Portable Table 

This camping table is ideal for picnics, backyard events, and camping, offering a spacious and sturdy surface for group activities and meals. Its portability and ease of setup make it a strong contender for those who need a reliable table in a variety of outdoor settings.

ALPS Mountaineering Dining Table

Stored in a shoulder bag with strap, this table provides ample room for two people to dine.

COSCO 4 ft. Straight Folding Utility Table

Although described in the title as a utility table, this narrow rectangular table is the best choice for dining.

Stansport Picnic Table and Umbrella Combo

This picnic table is an excellent replacement for the Outsunny Portable Folding Picnic Table and is perfect for picnics, camping trips, or backyard gatherings.

GCI Outdoor Master Cook Portable Folding Camp Kitchen

This portable cook station provides a sturdy and functional surface for cooking in the outdoors, with added features like a soft-shell sink and lantern pole for increased convenience and practicality.

The Best Tables for Any Camping Situation

These recommendations provide the information you need to determine which type and size table will work best on your next camping trip.

Are you looking for a camp kitchen, a place to play games, a dining table or an all-purpose camp table?

Depending on whether you’re a car camper, wilderness camper, RV traveler or kayaker (or some combination of those), you can find the ideal table for your camping trip, with the features that matter most to you.