11 Best Folding Camping Tables of 2022 (And Buying Guide)

Last Updated on May 14, 2022 by Res Marty

The image of camping in your mind is probably sleeping in a tent, exploring the wilderness, and s’mores or barbecuing around a campfire. While that may sound daunting, camping can be as comfortable or as messy as you like because keeping your campsite organ a camping table is a must-have and is your responsibility.

A camping table is a must-have if you aren’t a fan of squatting in the dirt and balancing your paper plates.

RVs are notorious for little counter space, and many campgrounds do not offer picnic tables, which is why you need to be prepared with appropriate camping furniture. A camp table does not only make preparing, cooking, and serving food convenient, but it is where everyone can sit and share board games, conversations, and memories. Keeping everything sorted is the key to making your camping trip as seamless and stress-free as possible.

Foldable camping tables can be easily broken down into a storage bag to optimize your packing density. Therefore, carrying it is not a hassle but almost always worth it.

Since life is too short to opt for a poor-quality camp table, the best ones are lightweight, easy to clean and assemble, flat, and sturdy enough to not collapse under the food’s weight.

In this article, we present the 11 Best Folding Camping Tables of 2022 that will make your experience a smooth and luxurious one.

We also explore everything you need to keep in mind before choosing the perfect portable table for your camping gear. If that gear does not already include a cooler and a portable refrigerator, you might be interested in our previous articles.

Important Things to Consider When Buying A Folding Camping Table

Intended Use 

A camping table that allows you to share meals with your family or friends is not the same as a camp table placed between a couple of chairs to rest your pint on. There are different types of camping tables built for various intents and purposes, and we recommend knowing what you want before you invest in one.

If you desire a portable camp table that helps you cook food, a cook station or outdoor camp prep table is what you are looking for. These rectangular camp tables have a large surface area to hold grills, stoves, and other cooking utensils, a sturdy build to withstand their weight, and sometimes even multiple levels for high storage space.

On the other hand, if you are looking for an excellent center for your fellow campers to gather around and share a meal, a folding dining table might be your best bet. Although not as vast as a home dining table, an ordinary camping dining table usually accommodates six people.

However, options for as high as twelve campers exist as well. High enough for ample leg space, its large flat surface is ideal for condiments, paper towels, plates, dishes, and much more to ensure a comfortable meal.

Finally, a smaller, more portable camping table is an accessory camp table. It’s a small but effective fix to everything format is highly versatile. From playing games to setting up drinks, but effective fix to everything.

Size and Portability 

Owners of a very heavy camping table dread the idea of having to carry it around, which is why a lightweight, portable, and compact package should be the target. Of course, if you are carrying your camping gear on your back, you already know the importance of low weight but even for RV and tent campers, each vehicle has a weight limit to adhere to for both legality and safety.

A low-volume camp table comes with a storage bag and is also easy to pack, but you must find a balance between portability and stability. A very light camping table will fly away with a heavy gust of wind. Legs tilted outwards, and a rock or sandbag as weights are effective measures to counteract this.

However, the low weight of the camping table should not come at the cost of enough space. Size, when constructed, is equally, if not more, important than its size when packed away because if you are camping with a large group of friends and family, your folding camping table needs enough space and seating capacity to accommodate everyone.

On the other hand, a romantic (or otherwise) getaway with just one other person would only need a smaller camping table. In that case, a larger camp table is just dead weight.

Additionally, the height of the camping table is another important consideration. If you plan to use the table while standing such as for food prep, at least 30 inches of height is ergonomic. On the contrary, dining tables need a shorter height.

Harder to tip over and comfortable to access when seated, the average dining table height is 28 to 30 inches. Options with 19 inches or lesser height work well as coffee or side tables.

Material 

Everyone wants their purchases to last long and since the outdoors are rough, we urge you to invest in a portable table that is meant to last. The material of the camp table not only determines its comfort, portability, and price but also illustrates its long-term durability.

Wood camping tables made of materials such as cedar, teak, acacia, or eucalyptus are aesthetic and durable, offering the rustic look of a nature-inspired decor. However, they are on the heavier side.

Bamboo camp tables offer a similar look while being tough, lightweight, environment-friendly, and easy to assemble. They are expensive, though.

Aluminum and steel are the two most popular options in camp tables, metal being more elegant than wood.

Aluminum construction is durable, lightweight, heat-resistant, and does not corrode. Easy to clean with a damp cloth and immune to damage by hot pans and pots, the only drawbacks are freezing during cold months and easy denting because aluminum is a soft material.

On the other hand, steel camping tables are more durable, sturdy, and capable of withstanding harsh weather at the cost of being heavier and prone to corrosion and rust with time.

If you are on a very tight budget, there are plastic camping tables too. Made of PVC or polyethylene plastic, these portable tables are cheap and lightweight but their low quality makes them susceptible to mildew in wet climates.

Easy Assembly 

The next thing to keep in mind before buying a folding camping table is how easy its setup process is. With more critical tasks to focus on, such as setting up tents and sleeping bags, you do not want to get a camp table that takes forever to assemble.

During a camping trip, a table needs to be set up and packed away very frequently, which is why a camp table with a simple and intuitive setup should be a priority. When everyone is tired in the end and keen to get on the road, a complicated portable table will only frustrate you.

Design

Going hand in hand with the intended use, the design of the folding table you opt for should both be visually appealing and practical.

Since you’ll be staring at it for an extended period in the wild, you should be content with how it looks. Additionally, many top brands specialize in unique features whose appeal varies from person to person.

Some want a large surface area, while others desire a cook station or a drying rack, but adjustable legs are a key design feature to look for in a folding table.

The ability to modify height according to need (standing or sitting) is priceless and if you have four independently adjustable legs in your folding table, you never need to worry about uneven terrain again.

Best Folding Camping Tables: Our Favorite Top Picks For 2022

Best Overall Camping Table

ALPS Mountaineering Eclipse Table

• Weight: 7 pounds
• Dimensions: 27 x 27 x 26 inches
• Pros: High storage, weather resistance, waterproof, lightweight, portable, sturdy
• Cons: Difficult to clean

Description

With extremely innovative storage space, low weight, and weather resistance, ALPS Mountaineering Eclipse Table is the best the camp table industry has to offer.

Comprising a waterproof 600D polyester fabric that makes up its flat table top with ample counter space, this folding table also has an additional mesh layer underneath with clever holes for drinks, electronics, and other valuables. The side organizer pockets are bonuses.

Although the fabric is hard to clean, it has overwhelming positives. A buckle and strap system helps adjust how taught the fabric is, and at its most tightness, it can withstand a massive weight.

While its waterproof nature offers longevity and durability, this camp table also stands sturdy in windstorms.

Folding easily like a camping chair and being extremely lightweight, it is easy to carry this outdoor table around in a complimentary carry bag and set it up rapidly.

Despite its features, this camp table is readily available at an affordable price which is why no one should miss out on this.

Best Overall – Runner Up

Portal Outdoor Folding Portable Picnic Camping Table 

• Weight: 66 pounds
• Dimensions: 35.4 x 20.9 x 27.5 inches
• Pros: Budget-friendly, lightweight, portable, easy-to-clean, mesh layer for storage, adjustable height
• Cons: Not for large groups or heavy-duty work, not as spacious

Description

The second best camping table in the market is one whose adjustable aluminum legs make it optimal for all heights between 17.5 and 27.5 inches.

Whether you want to sit on a large camp chair or a picnic blanket on the ground, the Portal Outdoor camping table is a budget-friendly, lightweight, portable, and easy-to-clean solution to your needs.

Working well as a low side table between chairs for coffee or a board game, this solid and sturdy camp table is not built for heavy-duty work or large groups, given that it is not as spacious as others.

However, its one-year warranty, a removable mesh fabric layer for additional space, and a gorgeous and convenient carrying case with enough space for additional accessories make up for that.

Its aluminum tabletop and metal legs are easy to clean with a damp cloth and resistant to corrosion. Investing in this outdoor table means you wouldn’t have to worry about replacing it anytime soon.

Best Budget Folding Camping Table

TENRIOS Portable Camping Table

• Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Dimensions: 15.6 x 13.6 x 12.8 inches
• Pros: Cheap, lifetime warranty, ultralight, easy to clean and assemble, skid-free feet cap
• Cons: Not for large groups

Description

The best thing about this camping table is the aerospace-grade aluminum alloy that makes it so light backpackers and hikers can, in addition, easily carry it on their backs. Its compact design that packs down to the size of a large water bottle and withstands up to 55 pounds of weight comes at a meager price, giving you great value for your buck.

Non-corrosive, waterproof, easy to clean and assemble under one minute, and to come with a lifetime warranty, this inexpensive and ultralight camp table is optimal for lunch, accessories, and games with limited players.

Its skid-free feet cap offers additional safety by prohibiting slipping on uneven ground. In contrast, its complimentary carry bag with a strap allows for convenient holding of this folding table.

Best Portable Camping Table

Helinox Table One 

• Weight: 1.3 (mesh) and 1.9 (hard) pounds
• Dimensions: 15.7 x 23.6 x 14.2 inches
• Pros: Lightweight, very portable, strong and sturdy, high weight capacity, optimal for seating
• Cons: Expensive, low height and surface area, mesh top hard to clean

Description

Weighing 1.3 pounds with a mesh tabletop and 1.9 pounds with a hardtop, this camping table can accommodate over 100 times its weight (110 pounds), thereby establishing itself as a household name among backpackers and campers alike.

Available in two versions, its mesh-top version has two beverage holders but is hard to clean as opposed to the more rigid hardtop one.

Although not suitable as a cook station due to its low height, it is high enough to use with a camping chair. Therefore, this portable camping table is an excellent seating arrangement for your short (given its small surface area) weekend forays into the backcountry or other campgrounds.

Its DAC aluminum legs with shock cord technology snap together quickly, giving it impressive strength for its stature. However, this camp table comes at a premium price.

Other Best Camping Tables

Coleman Compact Outdoor Folding Camping Table 

• Weight: 10 pounds
• Dimensions: 27.6 x 27.6 x 27.6 inches
• Pros: Sturdy and rigid, easy to clean, light, easy to transport, brand recognition, versatile
• Cons: Legs may tip over time, not suitable for dining, small table

Description

If you have been looking for a reliable table for your next camping adventures, there is no way you haven’t heard of Coleman. This all-purpose (except for dining) portable table sports an aluminum slat table top that is durable, easy to clean, and light, and has solid steel legs that make it sturdy and firm.

While the aluminum slats can easily roll up for storage, the legs can snap together in one motion, making this camping table easy to transport in its convenient carry bag.

While the legs may tip over time as they fan out a bit, this brand-driven camp table is budget-friendly, durable, and able to hold products ranging from lanterns and drinks to ingredients for s’mores. Better for a group of four people or less, Coleman Compact camp table is a cost-effective investment.

Lifetime 4428 Height Adjustable Folding Utility Table 

• Weight: 19 pounds
• Dimensions: 48 x 24 x 22-26 inches
• Pros: Long-lasting, easy setup, adjustable legs, easy to clean, dent-resistant, large surface area
• Cons: Heavy, bulky

Description

Although the name is a mouthful, this camping table with highly durable polythene plastic and solid steel legs is built to last you a lifetime. Spacious enough to offer extra dining space, this folding camping table is highly durable, heat resistant (not as much as metal competitors), dent-resistant, and affordable.

While the white table top is susceptible to dirt, spills, and smudges, this portable camping table is also easy to clean.

Its fairly simple setup includes opening up the legs and adjusting their height according to need.

These legs are sturdy enough to keep them in place during harsh weather like rain and windstorms, but compared to other camp tables, this is one of the heavier and bulkier ones out there.

REI Co-Op Camp Prep Table 

• Weight: 19.7 pounds
• Dimensions: 49 x 24 x 22-31 inches
• Pros: Sturdy, long-lasting, adjustable height, can handle all terrains and environments, high weight capacity
• Cons: Heavy, bulky, prone to dents, expensive

Description

If you are camping somewhere with unpredictable weather and need a table to last forever, the REI Co-Op Camp Prep table is the sturdiest portable table on the market.

Its slatted aluminum table top and all-metal build are built to last, albeit making this camping table heavy, bulky, and prone to dents, and can withstand up to 100 pounds of weight.

Additionally, its adjustable leg height, thanks to easy-to-use and adjustable level locks (like those on a trekking pole), makes this folding table optimal for all kinds of mountainous and uneven terrain.

Easy to fold in half and slip into a convenient carry bag with a handle, the sturdiness of this camp prep table comes at a high cost.

ALPS Mountaineering Dining Camping Table 

• Weight: 12 pounds
• Dimensions: 28 x 43 x 28 inches
• Pros: Largest portable table, spacious, sturdy, easy folding, sturdy, stable in harsh weather
• Cons: Low durability of bungee cords, low weight capacity, no adjustable height, carry bag and folding table incompatible

Description

Another table by the creator of our favorite one, this spacious and stylish dining table, contains enough space for four to six adults while easily folding up into a compact package that can be stored into a shoulder carry bag light enough to be carried by a child.

Despite the frame and the top being separate, fitting the folding table into this complimentary bag is tough.

Sturdy enough to withstand a windstorm and handle weights such as a large TV, this camping table is perfect for sharing a meal around. However, its weight capacity is a bit low at 50 pounds, and the height is not adjustable.

The X-frame design of its legs enables easy folding, whereas its top slats are held together by a bungee-type cord that may not hold up after a time.

GCI Outdoor Slim Fold Cook Station 

• Weight: 18.9 pounds
• Dimensions: 20.9 x 52 x 32.3 inches
• Pros: Space and shelves, wire rack, best camp prep table for cooking, durable
• Cons: Narrow front to back, heavy

Description

The best cook station out there, the GCI outdoor table, is full of shelves, storage space, and special features. Besides a central aluminum counter that can withstand up to 48 pounds (including a grill), it contains a wire rack below and four fold-out plastic side tables that are multi-use with features like a paper towel holder, trash bag holder, and glasses holders, and hooks for barbecue utensils. These side tables have a weight capacity of 30 pounds.

Although the counter space is large, it is only 21 inches front to back, which is a bummer. However, its extra shelves, durability, easy setup, and never-ending space make up for it.

If you want to cook delicious delicacies on your campground and keep your stuff uncluttered, GCI Outdoor cook station with a lifetime limited warranty is the best table.

Trekology Aluminum Camping Table 

• Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Dimensions: 22 x 18 x 16 inches
• Pros: Gorgeous design and color, compact, lightweight, incredibly strong, lifetime warranty, easy assembly
• Cons: Not for heavy-duty work or large groups

Description

One of the most beautiful camp tables on this list, its aviation-grade aluminum alloy is colored a sophisticated metallic brown that looks elegant against the natural outdoors.

Besides the aesthetics, it is a practical table that can withstand rough environments (thanks to its aluminum construction) while folding down into something that weighs as little as 3.5 pounds.

While this small table makes for easy portability in its carry bag, its use is relegated to small cooking devices, drinks, and board gam, however, as with limited seating space. A lifetime warranty, easy assembly, and waterproof construction add to the appeal of this camp table.

AHB Outdoor Folding Camp Table 

• Weight: 15.3 pounds
• Dimensions: 48 x 17 x 24 inches
• Pros: Durable, lightweight, spacious storage bags, easy assembly, adjustable height, corrosion-resistant
• Cons: Poor-quality zipper, the material looks cheap

Description

Corrosion-resistant, easy to clean, and convenient to carry, AHB Outdoor Folding Camp Table is a practical purchase offering all the needed features. It is quick to assemble with velcro straps, and its height is adjustable to accommodate different seating preferences and terrains.

Its anti-corrosive aluminum fabric repels rust and mud while accommodating up to 66 pounds of weight.

Even though the material looks cheap, its solid build is durable, and its style and storage are noteworthy as well. The best thing about this camping table is the two substantial storage bags that come along with it.

With a weight rating of 33 pounds and a zipper (although poor quality) to secure its contents, each carry bag is spacious enough to accommodate additional camping gear and accessories.

Final Words

Buying camp furniture, be it chairs or a folding table, can be overwhelming, but it is important that you invest in a table that best meets your needs and is built to last. If you want a cook station, GCI outdoor is there for you, but if you want something sturdy, REI-Co Op is the way to go.

There should also be an honorable mention of the camp chef sherpa table, which works as a table and an organizer.

The best camping table varies from person to person, but we hope this list has steered you in the right direction. Once you know what you are looking for, your camping trips will transform into life-changing experiences.