Best Camping Table For Food Prep And Other Tasks
Publushed by:
George CummingsLast updated:
November 11, 2021
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Coleman Outdoor Folding Table
- Easy to set-up
- Afordable
- Versatile
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EDITOR’S CHOICE
ALPS Mountaineering Eclipse Table
- Lightweight
- Convenient side-pocket
- Strong and durable
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EDITOR’S CHOICE
Trekology Portable Camping Side Table
- Safe for cooking
- Adjustable height
- Foldable
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If you’ve ever gone camping without a table on which to rest supplies and cook, you’ll know that it can be a difficult and uncomfortable experience. You can’t prepare food or do other tasks with ease, because it’s just not practical.
What are the benefits of a camping table? A camping table is more than just a surface for cooking and food prep. Quality features you can find in these items include extra storage space.
Many camping tables are foldable for increased convenience and portability. If you need an affordable camping table, here are some of the best ones to consider.
We’ll check out their pros and cons in our camping table reviews, and answer common questions you might have about these essential camping items.
Best Overall: Coleman Outdoor Folding Table
Short summary
This is a great camping table that can seat up to four people, so it’s ideal for small groups and families. It’s very compact without sacrificing strength and support. It’s sturdy and won’t wobble.
It’s built to be light as it only weighs 10 pounds, so you’ll be able to carry it around and transport it to and from home.
You can certainly camp with this table, but you can also use it at the beach or around the home, so it’s versatile.
The table has an accordion-top design and its components are connected with rubber or plastic.
While you can’t expect this table to last you for a lifetime, or be used for heavy-duty tasks, it will last you for several years.
It’s affordable and versatile enough for camping activities without taking up too much space in your car or backpack.
Quick Facts
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 10 lbs
- Foldable: Yes
Pros
- This best portable camping table is built with an aluminum slat top and steel frame. This provides more support while offering greater durability.
- It has a convenient snap-together design. This makes it easy to set up and fold up when you want to pack it away after your trip.
- When folded, this camping table fits into a lightweight carrying bag that has a shoulder strap included so you can take it back home with ease.
- It’s extremely easy to fold and unfold this table, so you won’t waste time when unpacking at your camping site.
- This best camping table can hold approximately 20 pounds of balanced weight.
Cons
- When you unfold the table, you might have to put in some effort to ensure its legs extend to their full position.
- Some people who have purchased this camping table have said that they battle to place their knees underneath the table when sitting at it.
- The table frame’s x-shaped bars are made out of thin metal. This can make them unsteady.
Runner-Up: ALPS Mountaineering Eclipse Table
Short summary
If you prefer a square table for camping, this one is worth checking out. At first glance, it has an unusual design but this is for a good reason – it’s a table combined with nifty storage underneath it that you can take anywhere.
This foldable table is compact and can be transported easily because it’s compact.
The top level of the table can be used for food preparation, while underneath the table you can store beverages, snacks, or other items.
When you want to pack this best lightweight camping table, simply undo its buckles and it will fold up neatly.
It also comes with an included carry bag to make carrying it around much easier.
This table comes with a checkerboard design but you can buy other tables from the company that come in different designs.
Choose from khaki, red, and a tic-tac-toe design. The game designs are a great way to inspire family game nights around the campfire!
Quick Facts
- Material: Polyester
- Weight: 6 lbs
- Foldable: Yes
Pros
- The lower level of this camping table has built-in cup holders so that you have a convenient place for your drinks. This saves you the hassle of needing somewhere else to place them.
- The checkerboard design on the table can be used for games, or just enjoyed as a decorative feature.
- You can adjust the table’s level of tautness by using its buckle-and-strap system.
- This small camping table comes with a convenient side pocket. You can use this for various items, including game pieces, cards or other items, such as keys or flashlights.
- This table is made of strong 600D polyester fabric, so it’s strong and durable.
Cons
- Over time, when you fold up the table this will rub off the checkerboard design.
- Some people who purchased this camping table have reported that they didn’t receive the table with the checkerboard design.
- Others have said that the table is not as sturdy as they’d hoped.
Alternative: Trekology Portable Camping Side Table
Short summary
When you’re on a camping trip, you realize just how much storage space you need for various items, from your beverages to other camping gear. This folding table not only gives you enough storage space, but it can fit into your RV and car with ease.
It’s made of aluminum so it’s resistant to moisture and easy to clean.
It’s ready to handle a variety of camping tasks, such as cutting foods and cooking, so you don’t have to feel restricted when you want to get things done.
This table can handle weight of up to 50 pounds. You’ll love that it has anti-slip leg caps to keep it in place so it won’t wobble.
This best camping table also comes with a carry bag so you can transport it to and from your campsite or RV.
Quick Facts
- Material:Aluminum
- Weight: 4 lbs
- Foldable: Yes
Pros
- This best folding camping table has a unique hinged design. This means it’s easy to use while also being strong to last you for several years.
- It doesn’t require any tools during assembly, so even a child will be able to unfold and assemble it.
- You can choose this side table in various sizes. It comes in small, medium, and large.
- This table has been made with a low design. This means you can use it with or without a chair.
- The top of the table comes off for increased convenience if you need a work surface.
Cons
- This folding camping table’s carry bag doesn’t come with a shoulder strap, which can make it uncomfortable to carry.
- You can’t use this folding table on uneven terrain, so you will have to ensure you’re on perfectly even ground.
- Some people who have purchased this camping table have said that the color fades after cleaning it.
Alternative:PORTAL Outdoor Folding Table
Short summary
When you go camping for a prolonged trip, you don’t want to waste time assembling furniture or unpacking all your items. This folding portable picnic table is easy to assemble within minutes.
It’s also light to carry around, as it only weighs nine pounds. It can seat up to four people so it’s great when camping in groups.
Since you can adjust the table to different heights, this increases its uses. At its lowest height, you can use this table as a side table or to store items such as your cell phone.
When it’s placed at its highest position, it becomes an outdoor dining table. Since it’s approximately 35 inches in length, it’s nice and long, which further makes it versatile.
The table comes with in-built storage to make it work double duty during your camping trip.
Although the table is light, it also comes with a convenient carry bag for increased portability.
Quick Facts
- Material:Aluminum
- Weight: 9 lbs
- Foldable: Yes
Pros
- This best camping table for cooking contains telescoping aluminum legs that can be adjusted for increased convenience.
- It comes with convenient storage, thanks to a layer of mesh fabric that’s located underneath the tabletop. This is also removable.
- It has an aluminum slat table top that can be rolled up, making it easy to unfold and then fold up again after use.
- It has non-skid feet so you can keep it secure on a variety of terrain or on inclines.
- This best roll up camping table can handle up to 66 pounds of weight, so it will give you more than enough storage space to meet your needs.
Cons
- Over time, the table legs are said to become more difficult to retract.
- The aluminum construction of this camping table can become dented or scratched easily.
- While it’s adjustable, some people who have purchased this table have said that only one of its legs could be adjusted.
Alternative: Growsun Folding Camping Table
Short summary
This is a camping table that provides extra features you might not always find on competing tables. This includes how it has a non-vertical design in its legs to ensure the table frame is sturdy, and how its tabletop is connected by chains.
While it’s light, it’s strong and won’t wobble when placed on the ground.
Since this table is designed with a wider top – 28 inches – this increases its versatility.
You’ll be able to use it for a variety of tasks, such as preparing and eating meals, as well as any crafts or DIY you have to do during your trip.
This camping table is made of aluminum, but you can choose between a black or blue stripe along the side.
Quick Facts
- Material:Aluminum
- Weight: 5 lbs
- Foldable: Yes
Pros
- This aluminum camping table has a striped design to protect it from scratches. This also makes it easy to clean.
- People who have purchased this camping table have said it’s easy to assemble and disassemble, and that’s because it’s so lightweight.
- The camping table’s carry bag has a drawstring style for ease of use. Simply fold up the table, pop it into its bag, and swing the bag over your shoulder!
- This camping picnic table can handle up to 50 pounds of weight, so you’ll find many uses for it.
- It also comes with a plastic film on its surface that helps to protect the table and can be left on after assembly.
Cons
- This camping table’s accordion style can make it a bit difficult to move it around after it’s been set up.
- While this table has a high weight capacity, some people have said it isn’t built sturdy enough for the weight.
- It doesn’t have adjustable legs, which is unfortunate and might reduce its practicality.
Camping Table FAQ
If you’re planning a camping trip, you might wonder if you need to buy a table specifically designed for outdoor adventures or if you can merely use a regular table you already have at home.
Is a camping table really necessary? To answer this question and others, let’s explore everything you need to know about camping tables.
Do I need a camping table?
While campsites are great, the truth is that they don’t offer you many surfaces on which you can place equipment, gear, devices, food, and many other items.
You’re likely to run out of space and storage very quickly, especially if your camping trip is longer than a few days.
The great thing about having a camping table is that it is generally portable and lightweight so you can move it around with ease.
These tables are designed to be light yet durable for various weather conditions and rugged for different camping conditions.
Some have a good weight capacity of around 50 pounds and they can generally fold up so that you can carry them around with your other camping gear.
If you’re going to be cooking and preparing food, a camping table is especially essential. You’ll be able to make delicious meals for your family in a much more practical and comfortable way.
As a bonus, some camping tables come with included storage to further help you to make your camping adventures more comfortable.
For example, the Portal outdoor folding camping table in our reviews has a layer of mesh underneath the table that you can remove and use as extra storage space on the go.
How do I choose a camping table?
When shopping for a camping table, it’s important to look for some essential features. Let’s take a look at them and why they’re essential.
- Durable materials. While you want to choose a table that’s made of strong materials, it should also be light enough to carry around otherwise it will be a hassle to move. A good type of material for camping tables is aluminum.
- Capacity. How much weight can the table handle? It’s important to consider how much you’ll have to store on the table and how many people you’ll be camping with so that you ensure you choose a table with enough capacity for your needs.
- Foldability. You want a camping table that will conveniently fold up so it’s easy to pack. This makes it easier to get into your car before and after a camping trip. It also helps if the camping table comes with its own carry bag, and many do.
- Storage. You can also find camping tables that offer extra storage, such as in the form of side pockets. This makes the table much more practical and versatile for what you need and what tasks you intend to do during your camping adventure.
- Ease of use. The last thing you want is to be stuck with a camping table that’s difficult to clean or susceptible to damage. An aluminum tabletop is a good material to choose because it can easily be wiped down while being resistant to scuffs and scratches. A roll top table is also useful in this regard as it’s easy to fold and set up when required.
How big camping table should be?
How large your camping table should be will depend on what you want to use it for. If you want the table to function as a picnic table, its average height should be between 28 to 32 inches. This will give you a comfortable height when seated at it.
A camping table should be at least around 25 inches in length to give you enough space for prepping food, enjoying meals, or doing other tasks.
As we’ve seen in our buying guide, you’ll find that quality camping tables can go all the way up to 35 inches in length, which makes them ideal for sharing meals with loved ones.
The height of your camping table is also important to consider. We’ve already looked at the average height of a picnic table, so it’s useful to purchase a camping table that has a similar height if you want to be able to sit at it.
There are camping tables that sit lower to the ground, which can be useful if you need to use the table for storing items. These low tables have the additional benefit of not taking up a lot of space, such as in a tent.
How do you fold a camping table?
Different camping tables will fold in different ways, but usually, these are easy for one person to do. It’s important to read the instructions that come with the camping table when you purchase it.
If you have a roll-top camping table, such as ones we have featured in our reviews, disassembling it is really easy. Start by placing the table on the ground with its legs up.
Once you remove the legs, you will be able to roll the tabletop conveniently from one end to the other so that it gets rolled up like a yoga mat. This enables it to fit into its provided carry bag or your backpack.
If you have a canvas table, such as the ALPS one we featured in our reviews, disassembling it requires you to undo its buckles so that the material will fold up and you’ll be able to pack it away with ease.
A material table is not as versatile as one made of aluminum or steel, but it’s very portable.
Conclusion
If you want to ensure you have enough space to cook, prep food, and store essential camping items during your next outdoor trip, you will want to purchase a camping table.
In this buying guide, we’ve featured the best camping table for food prep and other tasks, as well as four alternatives. Some are made of fabric while others have a roll top design, but they’re all foldable for increased convenience.
We’ve also featured important questions you might have about camping tables, such as if they’re really necessary to purchase before your next outdoor trip or you can use any other surface for your requirements.
Once you have a quality camping table, you won’t have to try to cook food on the ground or carry uncomfortable furniture around with you that takes up space in your car and can be stressful to move around. Purchase a camping table from our and ensure a more comfortable, stress-free camping trip!
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