**If you are in a hurry I recommend the Coleman pack-Away 4-in1 Camping Table as the best camping table for its versatility and portability**
Some campers want a camping table they can lay their dinner on, scoot their chair under, and enjoy a nice meal in the outdoors. Others want a nice surface they can rest a book or drink on right next to their chair. Some like tables that can fold up with ease, making them great for traveling with. Others like it a lot more sturdy which can be harder to lug around. Picking an outdoor table means it needs to match exactly what you are looking for. Learn which one is going to make your trip more enjoyable by reading the best camping table reviews below.
What Makes A Good Camping Table
Size
Make sure to think about size in a couple of different ways.
First, you want to pick a table that is going to fit your needs. Larger surface areas are going to be better for dining and eating. So the longer your table is, the more people you can fit at dinner time.
Tables with a smaller surface area are useful for placing gear or items on top of for easy storage. This is also helpful for those pesky insects that might climb their way into your stuff.
Second, you want to make sure your table makes sense for the type of camping you are doing. If you have a large dining table but you are going to be hiking to your campsite, this will not work. You will want a smaller table that is more manageable and can fold up to a compact size. But if you are bringing your car and parking right next to your campsite then you have more room for a larger table.
Having something to lay your food and gear on is important. But you don’t want to overpack or make your table a pain point in your camping experience.
Set Up
There is nothing more frustrating than buying the perfect piece of camping equipment and then having no idea how to set it up. Most camping tables are pretty easy to set up but if you’re in the middle of a hot day and you can’t open up your table for some reason it can be pretty frustrating.
Some unfold in one easy step but others take a little assembling to get your surface set up. You will even run into some tables that have a lot of extra features on them. Some of the cooking tables, for instance, are harder to set up and take more time. Make sure you are reading the instruction manual. If you miss one piece it might cause the table to become unbalances or break. If you are planning on staying in one place for your entire camping trip this won’t be an issue. But if you’re going to be moving around a lot it’s going to be a pain in the behind.
Sturdiness
If you’ve ever eaten at a restaurant and had the problem of your table shifting back and forth then you know about sturdiness. The same thing can happen while you’re on your camping trip. Making sure you find a table with sturdy legs that are going to hold up and not shake or fall over is important. You can even adjust the height for each leg on some of the options below.
Cross-supports near the legs will help with stability. This means there is an X shape that attach to the legs for extra support. If you are worried about stability for any reason then tables that hang lower to the ground will be less likely to fall over so choose one with adjustable legs.
Durability
Being in the outdoors means that your gear needs to withstand any type of weather. The same applies to your camping table.
Tables made of wood are going to be durable but can be very heavy. This will make it harder to travel with. Soft-top tables are much lighter and easier to carry around but they can get beat up in the outdoors.
Going with aluminum is going to be one of your best bets for durability and portability. Aluminum can withstand rain without rusting and is light enough for you to hike with. Tables made of steel can be very durable but are not as easy to carry with you as aluminum. Another plus for aluminum is if you plan on cooking it will withstand the heat.
Portability
I have already talked a lot about portability in the sections above. The smaller the camping table is, the easier it’s going to be to carry with you. That is, unless your table is made of dense wood or Steel. Because of its lightweight and weather-resistant material, aluminum is a top choice for any camper.
But make sure that your table is able to fold to become more compact. This makes it easier to pack and not take up so much space. Keep in mind that the more portable your table is, there’s a chance you are sacrificing your sturdiness.
Materials
Figuring out which material you need depends on what you’re going to be using your camping table for. If you plan on doing some cooking you’re going to look for something that is heat resistant. You don’t want the material to warp or melt because of the temperature. If it is going to rain that weekend and you don’t have a canopy then you will want a material that is water-resistant.
You also want to consider how heavy the material is going to be. Imagine lugging around 20-30 extra pounds of weight with you as you’re hiking to the campsite.
You’ve read it already but campers of all kinds consider aluminum as the best material to use. This is because you can set something hot on aluminum, it can be rained on, and it is very light. Making it easy to carry around or hike while still being durable enough to handle the outdoors.
Accessories
What you’re going to find in the outdoors is that the less you have to pack the better. So having items with many different uses is ideal. Some of the items on this list will be better for cooking and others will be better for storage. Some will have cup holders or hanging hooks.
The cooking tables generally have a lot more accessories than other camping tables. You will even find that some come with a lantern holder for late-night activities. You might not need all the extra bells and whistles as a casual camper. But for the outdoor chefs its a dream.
Top Pick: Coleman Pack-Away 4-in-1 Adjustable Height Folding Camping Table
The Coleman Pack-Away 4-in-1 has features that take care of several camping worries. The aluminum frame keeps it lightweight and easy to clean and it folds into itself creating a self-carrying case. With the attached handle you can haul it around with one hand to and from your campsite.
The real fun begins with its versatility. The table is actually two smaller tables combined into one using secure brackets. This means you can arrange the tables in a square, buffet style, in a T shape or L shape. Both tables are adjustable as well so you can have one standing slightly taller than the other. Works well if you’re splitting up spices and condiments. But there are loads more you can use it for. Bed stand inside your tent, dining table, coffee stand, or food prep.
The Coleman Pack-Away 4-in-1 is made mostly of aluminum but it does contain some plastic pieces. It has a mosaic laminate top that is easy to clean but isn’t ideal for rainy weather. It’s compact size means you can fit it inside your tent and still have plenty of space. And its stable enough at a 300 lbs weight limit you to throw your entire backpack on. Everything you bring in the outdoors takes up valuable space when you’re packing. The Coleman Pack-Away 4-in-1 makes that space worth it.
Runner Up: Lifetime Height Adjustable Craft Camping and Utility Folding Table
This is a standard for many campers because of its outdoor and indoor use. An affordable price for the quality and durability. The high-density polyethylene plastic tabletop can take some abuse and still hold up and it has enough surface area to host 4 people for a quiet meal outdoors. The rust-resistant powder-coated steel frame is water resistant so it can tolerate being left in the rain.
One of the nicest parts about the Lifetime Folding Table is how it packs up. You can fold the legs into the tabletop and then fold the tabletop in half for a compact size. You even have a handle that sticks out at one end for an easy carry. Although the almost 20 pounds makes it a too heavy for hiking or moving campsites often. It does take a little force to open the table. Not usually a problem for most but some elderly campers have reported issues.
There are three adjustable heights so it can work as a dining, coffee, or sitting table. It’s always an added benefit if you can keep your gear from staying off the ground where bugs and insects roam freely. The Lifetime Utility Table can also be used for other events you might host outdoors and indoors. And because of its durability, you can rack up a lot of miles on this camping table.
Honorable Mention: GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Outdoor Cook Station
There are a few cooking tables on this list but none combine versatility with durability quite like the GCI Cook Station. The Slim-Fold technology allows the entire one-piece table to shrink at once. It ends up being about the width of a small ladder. Imagine how easy that is to pack and unpack. There are secure locks on the grate and aluminum tabletop to keep it secured in place. The cooking table is 24 pounds which makes it too heavy to hike with to different campsites. But the slim size takes up no space inside a car.
The aluminum top means you won’t have any issues placing a stove there. And when you’re done it only takes a couple of wipes to get clean. A grate rests below the aluminum top for added storage space and there are 4 plastic side tables. These come with cup holders, wine glass holders, utensil holders, and paper towel holders. You can even hang your trash bags from it!
The GCI Cook Station is a key ingredient in any camping chef’s outdoor experience. The carrying handle and Slim-Fold technology make it easily portable in short distances. Combine that with durability and usefulness and there are few options that are better in the market.
Coleman Pack-Away Portable Kitchen
The name says it all. Designed to make cooking in the outdoors feel like you are back in your kitchen at home. The Coleman Pack-Away has a place for all your cooking needs.. A nice sized food prep area is great for chopping veggies or meats before they are ready to throw into the stove.
The attached side stand pulls out from under the prep table so you can conserve space if you don’t need it. It’s built to hold stoves around 35 pounds and the cross support system on the legs creates more support. The material quality could be sturdier but then it wouldn’t be as lightweight and portable.
At the back of the food prep table are 4 utensil hooks where you can hang your spatula, ladle, or tongs. And there’s a mesh net underneath the prep table for even more storage like plates or bowls. The Coleman Pack-Away isn’t going to be perfect for everybody. If you are looking for a multi-purpose table you can adjust to your needs then this might not hit the mark. But for campers who are looking to upgrade the cooking set up, this is a top consideration.
ALPS Mountaineering Eclipse Table
Made for the outdoors, the ALPS Mountaineering Eclipse Table is a great utility table for your camping trip. The 600D polyester fabric is durable enough to last you many camping trips in any weather. And it’s going to be a favorite to take along because of the ease of packing and unpacking. It can fold up like any outdoor lawn chair and fits easily into its carrying case. At 4 pounds in weight you can bring it with you if you are hiking to your campsite or driving your car up.
You can tighten the soft-top using an adjustable buckle and strap system. As with any soft-top, it will concave with each object put on it so it’s not ideal for placing liquids on top of. But that’s exactly why ALPS Mountaineering put another layer with four cup holders 9 inches below. Put your most valuable items in the three hanging organization pockets on the side to avoid getting lost.
The low height and cross support leg system make this surprisingly sturdy. If you are worried about it flying away there are slots on each leg for stakes you can reinforce into the ground. This is a perfect choice for playing a game of cards with your kids out by the lake. Or keeping some essential items located in one place. You’re going to have an easy time finding reasons to bring this along with you on any trip.
Coleman Compact Roll Top Aluminum Table
Coleman is a brand you can count on. There are three on this list for a reason. The compact roll top is sturdy and portable, making it a great choice for campers. The aluminum top is easy to clean and space-efficient. Unroll the slats and insert two rods to get the top straight and sturdy. The legs and frame pull out as you would see in any fold-up outdoor chair.
You can feel comfortable setting a jug of water or a full pot down without the whole table crumbling. It’s weight tested up to 100 pounds. The only issue is that the cross supports make it hard for any adult to put their legs under comfortably. The stability it provides is worth the slight adjustment.
The Coleman Camping Table fits into its own carrying case with no resistance. Saving you from getting frustrated at the end of a long camping trip trying to make it work. There’s plenty of room at the table for 2 and the steel frame adds to the stability. This is a smart utility table for camping in the outdoors that you can take on any occasion.
Lifetime 80160 Commercial Height Adjustable Folding Utility Table
Similar to the other Lifetime table on this list the 80160 model is just as reliable and durable. The main differences are going to be the portability and sturdy foundation. This model does not fold in its center like the other option so packing it in your car and driving right up to your campsite is going to be your only option. But the frame design is more sturdy because of the T shape at the base. Instead of resting on individual legs you have a solid horizontal base to stand the table on top of.
There are a couple of ring locking mechanisms in place to keep the legs from folding up. Like the other Lifetime model, you can switch the height to three different settings. Some customers have said that it can be difficult to adjust the legs with only one person. But if you lay the table on the side then it should be much easier than if you have it on it’s back.
The rust-resistant powder-coated steel frame and high-density polyethylene plastic are weather-resistant. All those words mean the table can stand up to a lot of wear and tear. If it gets dirty on the trip give it a couple of wipes with a disinfectant and it should take care of everything. These types of tables get a ton of use because once you’re done camping you can set it up in your home for events or parties.
Trekology Portable Camping Side Tables with Aluminum Table Top
The Trekology Aluminum Table is a great side table for perfect convenience. It sits right at knee height so you rest it right next to your chair for easy access. The cross support legs help give it more support to handle up to 50 pounds.
You can get everything assembled in a matter of minutes without needing any tools. Unfold the base like you would any camping lawn chair. The aluminum slacks unfold and snap on to the base for a secure top and the lightweight makes it ideal to carry with you anywhere in your campsite.
Easy to clean and durable, the Trekology is a nice choice for having a utility side table you can count on in the outdoors.
Tire Outdoor Work Table
The real value in the Tire Table is its practicality. The only camping table on the list that actually attaches to your car for an easy and sturdy set up. It takes up practically no space inside your car when you pack up. Because the tire is the main support it’s much more stable than freestanding tables. It can take up to 50 pounds and even comes with a retractable third leg for extra support.
But the Tire Table does come with some flaws. For one, the price is questionable. You could buy a couple of other tables on this list for the same price. It’s also not rust-resistant so you have to take extra care while you’re outdoors. This causes the value to come into question.
I can see this being perfect for a long road trip. Where you are going to pull off to the side of the road for a quick snack with a beautiful view. The quick and easy set up this table offers is going to come in handy for those perfect moments.
Camco Deluxe Folding Grill Table
Takes less than a minute to set up and has an easy to carry case, the Camco Deluxe is portable enough for any camper. You can fold up the base to the width of a small ladder. And the aluminum top detaches just like the grate beneath. You can use the aluminum top for storing a hot stove without causing any damage. And the side tables are great companions to your prep work. Great place to store those secret spices you’ve been working on. They even come with hanging hooks and a paper towel holder.
The only issue with the Camco are the side tables. They are not waterproof and will warp if they get rained on or exposed to a lot of water. It doesn’t help that the carrying case isn’t waterproof either. It makes it hard to be prepared for any weather.
But the portability of the Camco Deluxe is pretty handy for taking with you outdoors. And what it lacks in weather resistance it more than makes up for in convenience. If you’re heading out on a nice weather weekend then this table is going to be used a lot.
ALPS Mountaineering Dining Table
The ALPS Mountaineering Dining table is a top choice for getting the family together for a meal outdoors. An aluminum top makes it easy to clean and durable in any weather. The X frame base unfolds easily for stress-free unpacking.
Because of the size, you can use this for anything. It doesn’t have adjustable legs like other dining tables on this list. But it still allows you to sit two chairs underneath without an issue. Packing up the ALPs Mountaineering table can be hard because of the carrying case. There are a couple of pieces so holding both while trying to stuff it in the case can be difficult. But the case does come with a shoulder handle for easy portability.
ALPS always delivers a reliable product and the Mountaineering Dining Table is a solid dining choice.
Summary
The best camping table in the market is going to be the Coleman Pack-Away 4-in-1 Adjustable Height Folding Camping Table. Compared to others on this list it has a lot more versatility. It can shift into a square, rectangle, T, or L shape. It’s also extremely portable. It can fold into itself to make its own carrying case with a handle for easy transporting. You only have to use one hand to hold it thanks to the lightweight aluminum frame. The table is durable enough to last outdoors but can also be used to host parties and events indoors. For the price, there isn’t a more valuable camping table you can buy.
