When it comes to camping you need a good quality table that you can easily transport and set up quickly. The wide range of camping tables available is enough to make even a park ranger’s head spin.
But have no fear, we’ve taken the time to do the research to provide you with this simple guide to the best camping table options available.
Whether you’re looking for a premium dining table or a camping table to handle your portable stove, clean the day’s catch, or to store your gear, we’ve got you covered!
Our Recommendations: Best Camping Table
- KingCamp Portable Camping Table
- RedCamp Portable Camping Table
- Trekology Camping Table
- Portal Folding Camp Table
- Best Choice Products Camping Table
- ALPS Mountaineering Dining Table
- GCI Outdoor Portable Cook Station
- Camp Chef Sherpa Table
- ALPS Mountaineering Eclipse Camp Table
Quick Answers : Best Camping Table
Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the best camping tables out there and what situations they’re going to be the most suitable for. Let’s begin!
1. KingCamp Portable Camping Table
Dimensions: 39.4 x 28.4 x 27.6 in | Weight: 15 pounds | Weight Capacity: 66 pounds
The KingCamp is a high quality folding table that is well-assembled, solid and stable. We’ve been using ours for 2 years now and it’s by far one of the best camping tables we’ve owned. It’s a 5 out of 5 stars from us!
The KingCamp Table we have is a compact 4-fold design and is really easy to pack away. It comes with a nice carry bag too to protect the table from the rest of your gear.
This table is lightweight with an aluminum frame that features a leg lock design so that you can adjust the table height to your preference. You can adjust it between two heights – 16.9 or 25.6 inches.
We have the 39.4″ X 25.6” model which is perfect for our family of 4 but it does come in different sizes if you’re after something smaller or larger.
We love the way the KingCamp Table looks and folds down. We find the bamboo top a more useful surface and a nice change from our previous plastic table.
Two things to note, the bamboo surface is heat resistant but I wouldn’t put a hot pan, or something too heavy on top either. And the three height options are great but you do have to make sure the legs are tightened enough so they don’t collapse.
Overall, we love the KingCamp portable table because it’s well-assembled, solid, and stable. So if you’re after a strong and durable table and you want to jazz up your campsite, then you will like this practical and sleek-looking table.
Pros
- Very Compact
- Great Quality
- Clever design
Cons
- Watch little fingers when packing it away.
2. RedCamp Portable Camping Table
Dimensions: 2, 3, 4 ft | Weight: 9 pounds | Weight Capacity: 70 pounds
The RedCamp Camping Table is super lightweight and it comes in different sizes which can suit car campers as much as RV campers. We like how it folds up in half and how easy it is to carry around. Thus, we gave it 4.9 stars out of 5!
The RedCamp Camping Table is made of medium-density fibreboard (MDF) and thick aluminum alloy.
It comes in 3 different sizes ranging from 2 ft to 4 ft long, all with adjustable legs with two different heights.
We really like how easy it is to set up. It’s also quick to fold and carry with the handle. You can carry it just like a briefcase!
The RedCamp portable camping table weighs 9 pounds and holds up to 70 pounds. It’s sturdy enough to put a grill on it and prepare food, and it’s a great choice for camping.
Pros
- Convenient
- Adjustable height
- Lightweight
Cons
- More height options would be good
3. Trekology Camping Table
Dimensions: 28 x 18 x 16 | Weight: 3.2 pounds | Weight Capacity: 50 pounds
The Trekology is a great little table that’s ideal for camping. It’s sturdy, super lightweight and takes up very little space. We gave it 4.7 stars out of 5!
The Trekology is top-notch quality made with aerospace-grade aluminum alloy that’s super durable. It features a hard-top, waterproof, solid construction and you can use it for all types of outdoor activities.
It’s really compact so you can carry it anywhere. It folds really small and you can easily fit it into your car or RV without taking up much space.
You can use it to cook with a small stove and prepare food. It’s also perfect as an outdoor side table or a coffee table.
It has rubber feet that make the table stable on a variety of terrains. It can withstand up to 50 pounds in weight so you can cook meals on it, prepare drinks, play cards or enjoy an afternoon drink.
It comes in 3 different sizes with a suitable height for camping chairs or stools, or even sitting on the ground.
Pros
- Super lightweight
- Compact
- Sturdy
Cons
- Some people might find it a bit low
4. Portal Folding Camp Table
Dimensions: 27. 5 x 27. 5 x 26 inches | Weight: 9.5 pounds | Weight Capacity: 60 pounds
If you’re looking for a compact and affordable camping table this could be the one for you. This table is square and folds into a very compact carrying size. It’s great for cookouts, camping, and hiking. We gave it 4.5 stars out of 5!
The Portal’s aluminum slat top and steel frame ensure that you don’t have anything to fear when it’s time to put your food down on it and enjoy your meal. Alternatively, you could use it as an accessory to your grill to set the food down on once you’re done cooking it.
When you’re putting it together, it’s easy and snaps together quickly. Once you’re ready to take it down, simply fold it up and put it into the carrying bag so that you can easily take it from place to place.
This table may look a bit small, but it would seat about 4 people if you wanted to have a family meal.
Pros
- Comes with lightweight carrying bag
- Sturdy frame
- Budget Friendly
Cons
- Aluminum slats surface slippery in the cold or rain
5. Best Choice Products Camping Table
Dimensions: 27. 5 x 27. 5 x 26 inches | Weight: 22 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
The Best Choice Products Camping Table is not too big, not too small. This table is strong and sturdy, and can hold the most weight of all the tables we’ve reviewed. Thus we gave it 4.5 stars out of 5!
The Best Choice folding table is strong and well designed. The center hinge of the table has two bars that you insert underneath the top to lock the tabletop in place.
The carrying handle is comfortable and doesn’t cut into your hands. The handle can also fold back inside the table, so it doesn’t get broken off during transport.
It’s easy to set up and is a perfect size for what it is. To set it up you need to pull it apart to put the leg extensions on which is easy to do.
It’s somewhat heavy at 22 pounds so we think it’s probably more suitable for RV camping when you have enough storage and weight capacity.
As for setting it up and packing it away, we were hoping it would just all fold out but you do have to insert the legs into the table before putting it up. It still works great, it’s just not as easy to set up as the ones we’ve tried.
Pros
- Scratch-resistant
- Strong and well-designed
- Super stable
Cons
- A bit heavy
6. ALPS Mountaineering Dining Table
Dimensions: 31 x 31 x 26 inches | Weight: 9 pounds | Weight Capacity: Not sure
If you’re looking for a functional dining table while you’re camping, this is a great option. Made specifically for camping, this dining table is made from lightweight aluminum and features an X-frame that makes this table quite stable. We gave it 4.5 stars out of 5.
The ALPS Mountaineering Camping table would be ideal for a family camping trip when you want to all eat at the table or provide a stable table for activities and games.
There are no side supports, which frequently interfere with your knees when you sit at other tables that feature them.
Furthermore, this table collapses very quickly when needed and the convenient carry bag means it’s ready to pack in the car and go.
Pros
- Lightweight frame
- Easy to collapse
- No side supports
Cons
- Not high enough for cooking
- Legs are not adjustable
7. GCI Outdoor Portable Cook Station
Dimensions: 20.9 x 52 x 32.3 inches | Weight: 18.9 pounds | Weight Capacity: 49 pounds
This table is the perfect solution if you’re looking for something purely for storage or for cooking. This foldable shelf-table hybrid is designed specifically for that use. We gave it 4.5 stars out of 5!
If you’re not after a table for activities or eating and you’re looking for a sturdy table you can simply use for cooking and storage, you will like the GCI Outdoor Cook Station.
You can bring this station with you when you go on a camping trip for a few days and you have enough space for it. Of course, it wouldn’t be suitable for a backpacking trip or anything that requires that you carry your gear for long distances.
If you’re car camping or in an RV, this cooking station is great for preparing your meals outside and a handy accessory to have in addition to a dining table.
This is the perfect table if you’re a cook who loves to camp in style and have some of the comforts of being at home.
Pros
- Tons of shelving for storage
- A perfect accessory for the campsite cooker
- Affordable for its size
Cons
- Won’t serve all needs – you can’t eat dinner at this table
8. Camp Chef Sherpa Table
Dimensions: 27 x 17 x 28 inches | Weight: 13.5 pounds | Weight Capacity: 50 pounds
The Camp Chef Sherpa table is made of aluminum on the top and cloth on the sides and comes with 4 zippered compartments for additional storage which is always great to have while camping. For this, it earned 4 stars out of 5!
If you like the versatility and lightweight of a cloth table but the durability of a metal table, this is the perfect compromise between the two.
This Sherpa table by Camp Chef is made with aluminum on the top and cloth on the sides. It comes with 4 zippered good-sized compartments to store your cooking gear.
On the sides, you’ll find padded carrying handles that make each compartment easy to pull out to find what you need.
Carrying the table around is easy because you can fold in the telescoping aluminum legs and transport the table like a box.
It features internal zipping storage dividers that can be adjusted. It even comes with a blue organizer bag that you can use as a cooler or kitchen sink.
Pros
- Great mix between aluminum and fabric
- Easy to transport
- Comes with storage compartments and cooler
Cons
- A little more expensive for a table of this size
9. ALPS Mountaineering Eclipse Camp Table
Dimensions: 27 x 27 x 26 inches | Weight: 7 pounds | Weight Capacity: Not sure
The ALPS Eclipse Camping Table is made of cloth which is a good alternative to metal. It’s a lightweight table that’s perfect to use as a side table, to play cards, or chess! We gave it 4.4 stars out of 5!
If aluminum tables aren’t really your style, you might want to take a look at this one. As an alternative to metal, the ALPS Eclipse table is made of cloth.
The way that this table is assembled is similar to the way that a folding lawn chair would be put together. It’s made from metal and fabric and like a lawn chair, it’s easy to fold up and transport wherever you need it to go.
The table also comes with two levels for increased versatility. The top-level is flat and can be used for games, meals, and other activities. The bottom level serves as a sort of hammock and you can put keys, supplies, and more there. The bottom level also has handy cup holders for you to store your drinks.
While the ALPS Eclipse is small, it’s a great option if you’re limited on space and you want something easy to carry.
Pros
- Lightweight and foldable
- Double layers for increased versatility
- Very affordable
Cons
- Fabric isn’t as durable as metal
Selecting The Best Camping Table
When it comes to finding the best camping table you have to understand a few things first. Here are a couple of things to consider before buying a camping table:
What your needs are
Do you need a table that is lightweight and portable? Or is a more substantial table going to be necessary? Deciding ahead of time how you intend to use the table will help to decide on what type of table you need. And yes, there are different ‘types’ of tables, and we’ll get into that in just a bit.
Transportation
How are you going to be moving your new table? Someone who’s only into backpacking is not going to want to cart around a 25-pound dining table. Taking into consideration how you will transport your table may have a big influence on your decision.
Types of Camping Tables
Promised you we would get into the different types of camping tables and here they are.
Cooking Tables
Cooking tables are designed to withstand the heat associated with portable cooking stoves. They are typically heavier than other types of camping tables to provide a safe and sturdy surface for cooking.
So, you should take portability into consideration when searching for a camping stove. Campers that have the option of parking their vehicle closer to the set-up area will not have to worry about moving a cooking table too far, so may enjoy the benefit of having a table that will handle whatever chef you may be.
Cooking tables are also great for RV or camper owners that want to have some added table space or utilize an outdoor cooking space. Thanks to the convenient storage possibilities both offer great options for storage and transporting cooking tables with minimal effort.
Dining Tables
Just like the dining table you have in your home, camping dining tables are designed for social interaction while camping. Whether you plan to gather around the table to enjoy that fresh juicy hamburger or decide to challenge the kiddos to a card game after a hard day on the water, a dining table affords a bit of comfort from home while you’re braving the wild outdoors.
Dining tables are generally constructed to be lightweight and extremely portable; many will even fit easily into the trunk of a compact sedan. If you need a table, but don’t plan on placing a hot cook stove on it, then a dining table may be just the versatile table you need.
Small Backpacking Tables
Early I referred to backpackers not wanting to lug around a large table, but, even backpackers can use the convenience of a camping table. Whether you need a simple side table to hold a lamp higher for more light coverage, or you would rather use a table than your lap to eat, a small backpacking table provides the ultimate in portability and convenience.
These tables are usually made of very lightweight materials but are less durable than other types of camping tables. However, even non-backpacking campers can enjoy having even a few of these lightweight tables around.
They make the perfect accessory to set up between two bag chairs to hold your drinks or maybe even your plate while you get another drink from the cooler.
Utility Tables
When what you need is an all-purpose type of table to meet a wide range of needs, a utility table may just be the ticket. You can use it for a buffet of chips, snacks, and sandwiches while camping on the bank of the river.
You can also use it when you need an extra table at home for larger family gatherings. Utility tables offer convenience and portability while remaining durable and sturdy.
You won’t find any pretty bells and whistles when it comes to utility tables. These tables are meant to be used and they can be used well thanks to their increased durability. These tables have an industrial style places function above form.
While a utility table is sturdy and durable, they’re also heavy and bulky. A utility table is a type we warned that a backpacker would not get much use from. Unless you’re thinking about strapping it to the roof of your car and driving to your camping spot.
Factors to Consider When Selecting The Best Camping Table
Now that you know the types of tables out there, you want to determine which factors are most important to you. There are countless tables out there and therefore there are countless features of those tables.
It’s a good idea to select a table that will suit your needs well and meet all of your criteria. If you end up unhappy with your selection and you want to get another one in the middle of your trip, you will see that there are not often a lot of stores out in the wilderness.
Here are the factors that we considered when evaluating the various camping tables.
Price
This is a big one for a lot of people. Finding a functional camping table is great but finding an affordable one is even better. Finding both of these characteristics in your camping table is the best situation possible!
You can prioritize the price when shopping but make sure that you don’t sacrifice quality in exchange.
Intended Use
As we covered above, you want to make sure that whichever table you pick out is intended for what you want to use it for. For instance, it wouldn’t be a good idea to bring a large utility table on a backpacking trip.
Likewise, it wouldn’t be the best idea to bring a small backpacking table on a family camping trip. Be sure to evaluate your needs and make sure they are met before you make any decision on your camping table.
Durability
The goal of every camper is to find a table that is both affordable and durable. However, there are times that you may have to compromise on one to get the other in exchange.
Make sure that you have your priorities straight when it comes to durability. You really don’t want your table failing on you in the middle of a camping trip, so it’s important to get this right the first time around.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Camping Tables
Q.1. How do I set up a camping table?
That depends on the type of table you have. Some simply open up like a suitcase with the legs folded inside that you need to pull out and extend. Others need to have the legs screwed on. Most tables will come with an instruction manual that explains how to set them up.
Ideally, you want to get a camping table that’s quick and easy to set up, without the need to refer to the instruction manual every time!
Q.2. How do you make a folding camping table more stable?
Finding the perfect even ground to set up your camping table can be a challenge when you’re in the woods. Even the most stable camping table will feel unstable if the ground is bumpy.
The best way to make the table more stable is to first find which leg isn’t touching the ground and insert something underneath to level it out. When you’re in the middle of nowhere with not much around you have to use your imagination a bit.
Things we’ve used in the past are a piece of cardboard, a flat rock, a piece of wood, a cloth, and even a flip flop!
Q.3. How much weight can a folding table hold?
This really depends on the construction material used for the camping table.
Limits in camping tables can vary from 20 to 1000 pounds for distributed weight. If you plan on putting heavy objects on the table such as a gas grill, you may want to factor in the weight limit.
Before you purchase a folding camping table, think about what you primarily want to use it for. If you only want to use it to eat and drink you may not require as much durability as a table you want to use for cooking. Look for a weight capacity rating that will be most suitable for your needs.
Wrapping Up
The KingCamp Portable Camping Table is our choice of best camping table. This table provides the perfect combination of form and function.
It’s lightweight and portable yet provides a bit of style compared to utility tables. No need to cover this table with a tablecloth. And best of all, this table is one of the only tables that pack that small. Once you slide it into the carry bag, it’s just like carrying a briefcase.
Now that we’ve chosen our winner, we hope that this guide has helped to provide you with the information you need for your camping table purchase.
Even if you disagree with our choice, any of the camping tables included in this guide would make a fantastic addition to your next camping adventure.
