photo by ozgurdonmaz via iStock
A camping table is one of those items you always use but never think about.
It can serve many purposes, from a hang-out area to a cooking area or even a workbench.
Camping is about using a single tool for multiple tasks. That’s how you save space.
As one would imagine, the choices of tables are endless. One can shop for a folding camping table, portable camping table, roll-up camping table, and even a kitchen camping table.
Just the terms people use can get confusing! Therefore, today we have a list of some of the best options on the online market to help make your buying decision much easier.
Table of Contents
- The Perfect Size, Height, and Weight for a Camping Table
- How Many People Need to Use the Camping Table at Once?
- Ease of Setup and Transport
- Tailgater Tire Table Camping Table
- Forup 6-Foot Utility Camping Table
- Lifetime Height Adjustable Folding Utility Camping Table
- Alpha Camp 3-Piece Picnic Camping Table
- Office Star Resin 3-Piece Folding Bench and Table Set Picnic Camping Table
- GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cooking Camping Table
- Browning Camping Basecamp Cooking Camping Table
- Ledeak Portable Backpacking Camping Table
- Trekology Portable Backpacking Camping Table
- Which Camping Table is Right for You?
The Perfect Size, Height, and Weight for a Camping Table
photo by skynesher via iStock
The first consideration we must make when buying a camping table is the size of it.
To determine the size that suits your needs, you first need to know what type of camping you’ll be doing and the purpose for which you need a table.
For example, an overlander using a big and spacious 4×4 will be able to carry a larger table than someone in a small 4×4.
However, let’s not forget the bikers and hikers out there. What can they do with such little space? Well, there is a solution for everyone.
In most cases, camping tables are foldable. Meaning that when shopping according to your truck’s space it is more important to see how much space they take when folded up rather than when fully open.
The aim here is to find a table that will be large enough to accommodate our needs and fold small enough to fit in our vehicle.
Another factor that will affect the size of the table you need is its intended use. If it’s for cooking, it needs to be on the larger side of the scale. This is because you need space for all your cooking materials and food.
Cooking tables also need to be sturdy as they must support the weight of a stove and the food being cooked. Therefore, before buying a specific camping table, check its weight rating.
Finally, the table needs to be high enough to make it comfortable to use. A tall person will need something a little higher than a shorter person. If not, your neck and back will start screaming as you cook those camping meals!
How Many People Need to Use the Camping Table at Once?
photo by Edwin Tan via iStock
This point may correlate with the size of the table, but it can also affect the shape of it. On the market, you will find anything from square tables to circular ones. Depending on how many people will be sitting at the table, you may prefer a certain shape over the other.
A circular table is typically better for sitting a lot of people and keeping them close together. However, it is not convenient for cooking. It’s up to you to decide.
Ease of Setup and Transport
photo by talip via iStock
Ease of transport ties in with how small the table folds down and how much space your vehicle has.
Finding a table that folds small is great. However, if it takes ages to set back up, it may not be worth buying.
After long days on the road or the trail, the last thing you want when arriving at camp is to spend five minutes setting up a single table.
You need something simple and fast. So simple, in fact, that even a young child could set it up.
Therefore, to avoid inconveniences and to ensure that camping is relaxing and not a chore, buy a table that is easy to set up.
The Best Camping Table Options
Tailgater Tire Table Camping Table
After outlining what to look for in a camping table above, it’s clear that one of the best options is the Tailgater Tire Table.
This table is compact, easy to transport, and doesn’t take up a bunch of space in my truck. As we all know, space is at a premium when you’re overlanding, so having a table like this that folds flat and can slide into tight storage spaces in your vehicle or trailer is a huge bonus.
Of course, the construction of the table also fits the bill for camping – you can choose from varying-sized tables in steel or aluminum, both of which are weather-resistant and heat-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about damaging the table with regular use.
Setup is a breeze, too. Just hook the table over a tire, extend the table leg, and you’re ready to rock! Best of all, you’ll have a stable, level table regardless of the terrain because it’s supported by the tire on your vehicle or trailer.
The table supports up to 50 pounds, which is more than enough for my needs. Moreover, its 33.5″ L x 28″ W x 1.5″ H dimensions give me enough room to use it as a dining table, prep space for cooking meals, and for getting some work done, too (I have the large version; the small version is 29″ L x 23″ W x 1.5″ H).
This table is the first accessory I unpack when I get to camp and the last one to go back in the truck. It has proven to be incredibly useful, durable, and functional, in addition to being easy to set up and transport. What’s not to like?!
Forup 6-Foot Utility Camping Table
The Forup 6-foot camping table can serve every need. However, it will take space in the trunk of your vehicle.
This table is large enough for activities such as cooking, eating, or even repairing car parts. The large size it offers means it can work great for most applications.
It is made from high-density polyethylene plastic and grey powder-coated 1mm steel tube.
It folds and unfolds easily in just a few seconds without the need for assembly. Its unfolded dimensions are 71” long, 29” wide, and 29” tall. Its folded dimensions are 35.4” long, 29” wide, and 3” tall.
With a weight capacity of 500lbs, you will have no issues with the simple tasks required when camping.
The surface of the table is also stain-resistant and easy to clean. The slight texture on the plastic helps avoid scratching but is still smooth enough to write on.
As mentioned in the beginning, this is not the most compact option. However, for a large family or a big group of friends, it should be the perfect solution.
Lifetime Height Adjustable Folding Utility Camping Table
This table by Lifetime is the perfect solution for someone who needs something similar to the 6-foot Forup table above, but would prefer something a little smaller.
This specific table is 4-feet long instead of 6-feet, and works in a very similar way. The legs fold up underneath the plastic tabletop, and the tabletop folds in half.
The frame is also constructed of powder-coated steel, and the tabletop is high-density polyethylene plastic.
The weight limit on this one is lower at 200lbs. However, 200lbs should be plenty for any camping activities.
Alpha Camp 3-Piece Picnic Camping Table
If you prefer a picnic-like table for your camping adventures, we have the perfect solution for a small family.
This foldable camping table offers two aluminum stools and a large enough space for eating or cooking some small meals.
The stools are not connected to the table, so you can move them around to sit anywhere you want at camp while the table is being used for cooking.
Granted, the stools are not the most comfortable solution, but they are great if you need some additional sitting space.
The dimensions of this table are 35” long, 26” wide, and 20-28 inches tall (depending on the adjustable height).
The chair size is 34” long, 10” wide, and 10 inches tall.
The frame of the table is made of aluminum; however, there is no obvious weight rating.
Office Star Resin 3-Piece Folding Bench and Table Set Picnic Camping Table
This camping table is on the larger end. It is the ideal solution for a big family on a short couple of days out camping. If you plan on taking it on longer adventures, you may have some storage issues.
However, its large size makes it the perfect table for sitting at camp with friends or using just the table for any other camping activity.
The table is made from heavy-duty blow-mold light grey resin for durability and easy clean-up. Also, It is waterproof, stain, scratch, and impact resistant.
The table has a max weight capacity of 350lbs, and the chair’s capacity is 200 lbs.
GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cooking Camping Table
This slim-fold table from GCI Outdoor is solely for cooking. It offers storage space for a camping stove or grill, cooking utensils, and cookware.
It features a one-piece powder-coated steel frame that easily unfolds to reveal an aluminum countertop, storage rack, and four plastic fold-out side tables.
The aluminum countertop is heat-resistant, and right next to it, you will find 4 plastic fold-out tables.
The aluminum top has a weight limit of 45lb while the lower rack can hold 35lbs.
This isn’t the strongest table. However, if you need a convenient way to cook while not worrying that the warm pans will burn through the plastic tops of other tables, this should be a perfect solution.
Browning Camping Basecamp Cooking Camping Table
Our second option for a cooking camping table comes from Browning. Their basecamp cook station is the ideal table for cooking as it provides storage space and wind blocks to ensure your stove stays on.
Its frame is made from anodized aluminum, and the cabinet from polyester.
Its dimensions are 18” wide x 37” long x 44” tall.
This is a well-built table that should serve you for years. However, you will be paying a higher price tag.
Ledeak Portable Backpacking Camping Table
This table from Ledeak is great for backpackers, bikers, or even overlanders who love to park and go on long hikes.
The whole table only weighs 1.8lbs and folds up into a small bag. This means that it can be placed in a backpack relatively easily.
It won’t be the perfect solution for any long-term hiking adventure as it is still too big, but for a short single-day trail exploration it should work just fine.
Trekology Portable Backpacking Camping Table
Our second table option comes by Trekology and should also be the perfect companion for hiking or biking trips.
It is light enough to be carried around but also strong enough to hold your hiking cooking utensils. The weight rating for this one is 50lbs.
It comes in three sizes, with the smallest one being 13.6” wide, 15.6” long, and 12.8” tall. The whole table weighs just 1.8lbs.
The aluminum top also means that it can handle the punishment of being thrown around a camping bag.
It can also act as a second small table for drinks that you use along with a larger one.
This small table is made from heavy-duty aluminum alloy and is waterproof. It can also hold an impressive-for-its-size 50.7 lbs.
Which Camping Table is Right for You?
photo by LightFieldStudios via iStock
A good quality table is a must for any serious camper. As you can see, the options on the market are endless, both in table types and products.
We hope that the variety of tables featured above will make your buying decisions slightly easier.
If you have any further questions regarding camping tables or any other off-road or overland-related topic, post them in the forum section of our page.