Quick Recommendations
- Best Overall Camping Table: Helinox Table One Hard Top
- Best Budget-Friendly Camping Table: Coleman Compact Table
- Best Lightweight Camping Table: Helinox Table One Lightweight
- Best Side Table for Camping: Helinox Side Table
- Best Camping Table for Cooking: GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Outdoor Cook Station
- Best Camping Table for Dining: Camp Time Roll-a-Table
- Best Multi-purpose Camping Table: Camp Chef Sherpa Camp Table & Organizer
This guide to the best camping tables covers everything you need to know, with picks for different budgets and functions.
If you're looking to camp comfortably, a camping table is one piece of gear that you can't go without.
When it comes to outdoor living, a camp table makes it so much easier to cook and eat with a large group.
However, choosing just one camping table for an outdoor getaway isn't as easy as it might seem. There are so many different models to choose from, each with their advantages and disadvantages.
We understand how tricky it can be to find the best table for your upcoming camping trips, so we've created this guide to doing just that.
Up next, we'll review 7 of our favorite camping tables. Then, we'll finish things off with a whole bunch of background information to make shopping for your next outdoor table a walk in the park.
Best Overall Camping Table
Helinox Table One Hard Top
Helinox is known for their collection of top-of-the-line camping furniture, and the Table One Hard Top is no exception. This uber-durable table is made with DAC aluminum poles, which are strong enough to support up to 110lbs of weight.
The Specs:
- Weight: 2lb 2oz (0.9kg)
- Size: 23.5” x 15.5” x 15” (59.7 x 39.4 x 38.1cm)
- Ease of Setup: Easy
The Good:
- Small packed size is highly portable
- Quick and easy to set up
- Comes with under-table storage system
The Bad:
- Too small and short for large groups
The Helinox Table One Hard Top is simple to set up, thanks to its hub pole design. Plus, the hubs are made from molded high-strength nylon resin that allows for a secure pole attachment system and added strength throughout years of use.
One of the coolest features of this table is its storage system. The Table One Hard Top comes with a nifty storage net that can clip onto the underside of the table and serve as a great place to store kitchen utensils.
This table is also among the lightest and most packable on the market. Tipping the scales at just 2lbs 2oz (0.9kg), the Table One Hard Top is lighter than most sleeping bags and is only 16" (40.6cm) long.
If we had to choose one area where this table doesn't live entirely up to expectations, it's in the length height.
At 15" (38.1cm) in height, this table is too short to stand next to. But, it's an excellent option for elevating a campground picnic table for extra comfort or for packing along on a backpacking trip.
Best Budget-Friendly Camping Table
Coleman Compact Camping Table
For budget-conscious campers, the Coleman Compact Camping Table is a solid choice. Made with a steel frame and an aluminum slat top, this table is designed to hold up well, even in windy conditions.
The Specs:
- Weight: 8lbs 14oz (4kg)
- Size: 27.5” x 27.5” x 27.5” (69.9 x 69.9 x 69.9cm)
- Ease of Setup: Moderate
The Good:
- Very affordable
- Durable steel and aluminum frame
- Tall enough to comfortably sit at
The Bad:
- Somewhat heavy for its size
Coleman Compact Camping Table is strong enough to support up to 100lbs of weight, making it reasonably robust for its size.
It sets up reasonably quickly thanks to its folding and snap-on design. To pitch this table, you simply need to unfold the frame, snap the slats onto the top of the frame, and then sit back and relax.
With enough seating for up to 4 people, the Coleman Compact Camping Table is an excellent option for car camping.
This is particularly true if you need a secondary table to supplement the seating at your campsite's picnic table or if you need a separate table for prepping your meals.
The entire table packs up into an included carry bag for simplified transport and storage. With a packed size of smaller than a standard airplane carry on, the Coleman Camping Table is an affordable and functional option for campers that don't want to break the bank.
Best Lightweight Camping Table
Helinox Table One Lightweight
When weight savings are a top priority, the Helinox Table One Lightweight is a must-have. This folding table has a tiny packed size and fits into its included stuff sack, which is just 16" long.
The Specs:
- Weight: 1lb 8oz (0.7kg)
- Size: 23.5” x 15.5” x 15” (59.7 x 39.4 x 38.1cm)
- Ease of Setup: Easy
The Good:
- Very lightweight and portable
- Includes two built-in cup holders
- Highly durable frame materials
The Bad:
- Surface area is not big enough for most car-camping applications
For durability, Helinox designed the Table One Lightweight with DAC poles, which are standard in their furniture. These poles are lightweight, yet exceptionally strong for lasting durability in the mountains.
Thanks to the Table One Lightweight's hub pole system, it sets up in just a few seconds. It also includes a clip system that helps to pull the top fabric of the table taught to create a level platform for eating and hanging out.
A unique feature of this table is its built-in cup holders. With two mesh cup holders at the center of the table, you don't have to worry about knocking over your beverages and making a mess over dinner.
Finally, the Table One Lightweight comes with a mesh under-table storage net. That way, you can create a handy little compartment under the table for quickly storing your most important gear while in camp.
Best Side Table for Camping
Helinox Side Table
Sometimes, a little side table is all you need. The Helinox Side Table fills a vital role in any comfortable camping set up. It provides the perfect on-the-go storage area for your water bottle snacks, books, and other pieces of gear when you're in the mountains.
The Specs:
- Weight: 11oz (0.3kg)
- Size: 10.5” x 10.5” x 15.5” (26.7 x 26.7 x 39.4cm)
- Ease of Setup: Easy
The Good:
- Packs down to a small size
- Sized perfectly with most camp chairs
- Comes with a five-year warranty
The Bad:
- Fairly low weight capacity
With a total weight of just 11oz (0.3kg), the Helinox Side Table is impressively lightweight. It also packs down to a flat shape that's only 18" (45.7cm) long for added packing convenience.
Like all Helinox furniture, this table is built with DAC aluminum alloy poles. These poles are lightweight, yet sturdy, for regular use in rugged environments.
They also clip together using the company's proprietary Press-Fit Assembly system for quick and easy setup in camp.
The Side Table's simple design doesn't take away from its effectiveness, though. Helinox thoughtfully gave the tabletop a raised edge around the side to prevent your gear from sliding off if you place the table on a slightly uneven surface.
Best Cook Station Camping Table
GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Outdoor Cook Station
Backcountry gourmet meets functionality with the GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cook Station. This multi-purpose camp table features everything you need to cook up a storm in the outdoors.
The Specs:
- Weight: 18lbs 14.4oz (4kg)
- Size: 20.9” x 52” x 32.3” (53.1 x 132.1 x 82cm)
- Ease of Setup: Moderate
The Good:
- Four side tables and one countertop for plenty of prep space
- Lots of gear and food storage options
- Strong enough to support a camp stove
The Bad:
- Fairly heavy
The Slim-Fold Cook Station boasts a central table with a slatted aluminum countertop that can support up to 48lbs of weight and a burly camp stove. It also comes with four multi-use side tables with 30lb weight maximums that fold out for convenience.
Each of the four side tables has a unique feature that makes life more straightforward as a camp chef. For example, one includes a paper towel dispenser, while others have hooks for hanging up your barbecue utensils. Plus, they all have cup holders, some of which are sized perfectly for a glass of wine.
This table comes with a wire rack shelf at the bottom for extra gear storage. It's tabletop also perfectly positioned to be at countertop height for added comfort as you cook.
To make it easier for you to transport your gear to and from the campsite, GCI Outdoor built this table with a compact folding design. The entire table folds up into a flat shape and includes a carry handle to make it easier for you to carry it to the car.
Best Camping Table for Dining
Camp Time Roll-a-Table
One of the biggest complaints that people have with camp tables is that they just aren't tall enough to sit under comfortably. Thankfully, the Camp Time Roll-a-Table is specially designed for comfort at the dinner table.
The Specs:
- Weight: 10lb (4.5kg)
- Size: 32” x 32” x 28” (81.3 x 81.3 x 71.1cm)
- Ease of Setup: Easy
The Good:
- Roll-top design allows for simple setup
- Full-height table with plenty of legroom
- Compact size for transport
The Bad:
- Not as sturdy as some other options
With a height of 28" (71.1cm), the Camp Time Roll-a-Table is the standard height for a dining room table. It also has a spacious 32" x 32" (81.3 x 81.3cm) top, which is comfortable enough for four adults to sit back and relax.
What makes this table unique is its roll-up design. It's made with 11 Ultra-Core laminated wood slats that are covered with water-resistant fabric for added durability. The table's fittings are also made from zinc-plated steel to minimize the risk of rusting.
This "Made in the USA" table is also highly compact, with a packed size of just 4% of its setup dimensions. It can even support up to 100lbs of weight, so you can go ahead and load up your delicious buffet spread on your next camping trip.
Best Multi-Purpose Camping Table
Camp Chef Sherpa Camp Table & Organizer
If you often find that you have a lot of cooks in the kitchen, the Camp Chef Sherpa Camp Table & Organizer might just be what you need. Built with aluminum telescoping legs and a roll-up aluminum tabletop, this multi-purpose table is an excellent choice for any car camping adventure.
The Specs:
- Weight: 13lbs 7.2oz (6.1kg)
- Size: 27” x 17” x 28” (68.6 x 43.2 x 71.1cm)
- Ease of Setup: Moderate
The Good:
- Lots of space for gear organization
- Strong and sturdy for regular use
- Includes durable carry handles for transport
The Bad:
- Telescoping aluminum legs are less durable in the wind
The Sherpa Camp Table & Organizer is crafted with a 600 denier fabric for maximum durability. It has a unique design with four zippered compartments to allow for plenty of gear storage and organization while you're in camp.
Each of the zippered compartments has a removable storage bag, so your utensils and key pieces of gear are always handy. One of the bags also has a waterproof lining, which means it can double as a kitchen sink.
When it comes time to pack up camp, the entire table and organizer compresses and folds into its carry case. It also has padded carry handles on either side to allow for easier transportation while you're outside.
Camping Table Buying Guide
A table is a table, right? Well, not so much.
It turns out that camping tables are relatively complex pieces of gear because they come in so many different shapes and sizes.
Coming up, we'll walk you through the basics of outdoor tables and clue you into the most important things to keep in mind as you shop.
Types of Camping Tables
There are multiple different kinds of camping tables, each with their unique benefits and drawbacks. Here's what you need to know:
Cooking Table
Cooking tables, as the name suggests, are primarily designed for use as a location for cooking. For the most part, they are designed to be around standard countertop height as they are meant to be used while you're standing.
Our favourite cooking camping table is the GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Outdoor Cook Station.
They are particularly helpful for campers that travel with a two-burner stove as they provide a comfortable area where you can stand and cook at the same time.
Additionally, some cooking tables come with nifty side tables, which can also double as paper towel dispensers, cup holders, and gear storage, among other purposes.
Dining Table
While you certainly could eat at any of the tables on our list. An outdoor dining table, in particular, refers to a square or rectangular table that is tall enough for people to comfortably sit at while in a chair.
This makes them different from picnic-style tables, which are meant to be used while sitting in a camp chair or on the ground.
Most camp dining tables are designed for four people, though you can find models that are bigger or smaller based on your needs.
Check out the Camp Time Roll-a-Table if you are looking for a great dining table.
Picnic Tables/Backpacking Tables
Picnic-style camp tables are usually designed for two people and are relatively low to the ground. They generally have a leg height of less than 20" (50.8cm) and are best used by campers that are sitting on the ground itself.
The main advantage of this style of table is that they tend to be quite lightweight and compact. They're not as useful if you're looking for a countertop for cooking or a table for a large group. Still, they're nice for more remote yet luxurious adventures.
Accessory Table or Side Table
The final kind of camp table you might come across is the accessory table or "side" table. These small tables are meant to be used in conjunction with a camp chair. They are an excellent place to briefly store your water bottle, book, or other small pieces of gear.
Our favorite accessory table is the Helinox Side Table.
More often than not, side tables are small and lightweight, making them a nice accessory for shorter backpacking trips. In a pinch, they can also make an excellent place to eat if you're alone. But, keep in mind that they usually have quite a low maximum weight capacity.
Camping Table Buying Considerations
These are some of the most important things to keep in mind while shopping for a camping table:
Weight
Weight is important with any piece of gear, and a camp table is no exception. You can expect backpacking/picnic style tables to weigh in at less than 3lbs (1.4kg). Meanwhile, larger cooking tables, especially those with plenty of organizing pockets, can weigh upwards of 20lbs (9.1kg).
Keep in mind that a lighter weight, while convenient for transport, does sometimes translate to a lower maximum weight capacity, particularly with a table. While this isn't as big a deal for picnic and side tables, it can be a bit of a concern for some dining and cooking tables.
Assembled Size
The assembled size of a camping table has a direct impact on how many people can sit at it and how much cooking space you have for food prep.
Larger tables are more convenient from a dining and cooking point of view. But, it's important to balance the need for more table surface area with the desire to have a lightweight table for transportation. So, consider how much space you need for food prep or how many people are likely to sit at your table before you buy.
Sturdiness
A table isn't worth much if it instantly collapses as soon as you set it up. When it comes to tables, sturdiness is a result of two things: the materials used in the frame and the quality of the leg design.
Steel legs are often the sturdiness option, but they're generally quite heavy. Aluminum can be a nice option if you need a lightweight table, particularly if it's a high-end aluminum alloy, like DAC poles. But, if you're looking for a table to support very heavy gear, steel legs are a must.
Finally, the actual frame design of a table's legs affects how sturdy it is. On uneven ground, like what you find outside, traditional four-legged tables are actually quite wobbly. Alternatively, tables with crossed legs tend to be sturdier over time.
Ease of Setup
The last thing to consider when shopping for a camping table is how difficult the table is to set up. No one wants to spend hours fiddling with a table when setting up camp.
Models with folding legs, roll-up tabletops, and collapsable frames are ideal for camp tables. Tables that come with their own carry bag or carry handles are also quite helpful.
Final Takeaways
If you're looking to camp comfortably, a camping table is one piece of gear that you can't go without. When it comes to outdoor living, a camp table makes it so much easier to cook and eat with a large group.
Once you know your needs and what to look for, pick one of our 7 best camping tables for your next camping trip.
Happy Camping!
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