Best Camping Table – Expert Review

Updated: February 12, 2024
best-camping-table

When it comes to choosing a top notch camping table, the GCI Outdoor Compact Camp 20 Outdoor Folding Table is difficult to compete with. Made from lightweight aluminium and a reasonable size of 18" x 18", this table can go anywhere with you.

Weighing only 1.8 lbs, I don't see how you could find a lighter table than the Helinox Table One offering the same size and versatility.

Below are a few options of the best camping tables.

Best Camping Tables (Top Picks)

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Top Tables For Camping (Detailed Reviews)

We reviewed over 18 camping tables for this article. Below are the best camping tables that made our short list.

  1. Lifetime 4428 Height Adjustable Folding Table 
  2. Helinox Table One - Best Lightweight
  3. ALPS Mountaineering Dining Table Regular
  4. Coleman Outdoor Compact Table - Best Value
  5. ALPS Mountaineering Eclipse Table - Most Versatile
  6. GCI Outdoor Compact Camp 20 Outdoor Folding Table - Best Overall
  7. Beckworth & Co. SmartFlip Bamboo Portable Picnic Folding Table - Best Compact
  8. Coleman Pack-Away 4-in-1 Adjustable Height Folding Camping Table

Read our complete buyers guide for camping tables.

Best Overall Camping Tables

Lifetime Fold-in-Half Adjustable Folding Table, 4 Foot

4.5/5 Overall Rating

The Lifetime 4428 Height Adjustable Folding Table is a great all-purpose camping table with a large surface area made from durable high-density polyethylene plastic to ensure it lasts you many years of use.

This table folds in half with its adjustable legs tucked away and has a built-in carry handle so that it’s easy to transport from one spot to the next. While it is quite big, the Lifetime 4428 Table is very easy to set up and can be adjusted to the perfect height for your needs.

Main Features
  • Adjustable height (24, 29, and 36 in. / 61, 74 and 91 cm)
  • Built-in carry handle
  • Folds in half
  • Rust-Resistant Powder-Coated Steel Frame
  • Stain Resistant
  • UV-Protected High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Tabletop
  • 2-year limited warranty
What we like
  • Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
  • Easy to clean
  • Easy to set up and take down
  • Sturdy
  • Large tabletop
  • Affordable
  • Durable
What we dislike
  • Heavy for a camping table
Helinox Table One Lightweight, Collapsible, Portable, Outdoor Camping Table, Black

4.5/5 Overall Rating

The Helinox Table One is a lightweight, compact camping table that is surprisingly sturdy once set up. It features a durable mesh top made from rip-stop polyester and is weather- and UV-resistant.

This table has a collapsible frame so that it can be folded up into a more compact size for carrying and travelling with. It is also very quick and easy to set up with an internal bungee cord that assembles the poles. The Helinox Table One is on the smaller side so it’s more suitable for solo camping trips or to be used as a side table.

Main Features
  • Advanced proprietary aluminum alloy frame
  • Holds up to 110 lbs (50 kg)
  • Rip-stop polyester soft top (600 Denier)
  • Single internal bungee cord
  • 2 cup holders
  • Weighs only 1.34 lbs / 0.6 kg
  • 5-year warranty
What we like
  • Lightweight
  • Very compact
  • Stable for its size
  • Set up is easy once you know how
  • High-quality, durable materials
What we dislike
  • Expensive
  • Small
ALPS Mountaineering Folding Camping Table with Smooth Easy-to-Clean Roll Top and Sturdy and Lightweight Aluminum X Frame, Shoulder Carry Bag, Regular, Silver

4.5/5 Overall Rating

The ALPS Mountaineering Dining Table is a large, aluminium folding table with an X-frame design to ensure stability. Its tabletop folds up into a small size that can easily be transported in its carry bag.

This table is made from very durable, yet lightweight, aluminium so it’s perfect for camp dining. Its large tabletop offers plenty of space for cooking or group meals. 

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Main Features
  • Aluminium X-frame
  • Large tabletop size
  • Table top is separate from the frame
  • Comes in 3 different sizes
  • Comes with a convenient carry bag
What we like
  • Doesn’t rust
  • Lightweight
  • Compact
  • Sturdy design
  • Easy to transport
  • Easy setup and take down
What we dislike
  • Non-adjustable legs
  • Bungee cords in the legs may not hold up over time
Coleman Outdoor Compact Folding Table, Sturdy Aluminum Camping Table with Snap-Together Design, Seats 4 & Carry Bag Included; Great for Camping, Tailgating, Grilling, & More

4.5/5 Overall Rating

If you’re looking for a good camping table that won’t break the bank, the Coleman Outdoor Compact Table is the one for you. This table is very compact and quick to set up, making it ideal for camping.

It is made from aluminium and features a slatted table top that is easy to pack away into a small, convenient carry bag. While the Coleman Outdoor Compact Table is a great product for its price, it is not the most stable camping table and may not stand the test of time.

Main Features
  • Aluminium slat top
  • Snap-together design
  • Ultra-compact
  • Comes with a carry bag
  • Seats 4 people
What we like
  • Very affordable
  • Quick and easy to set up
  • Large tabletop
  • Durable materials
What we dislike
  • Not as stable as other camping tables
  • Very little leg room
  • Plastic snaps for legs can break
ALPS Mountaineering Eclipse Table, Khaki

4.5/5 Overall Rating

The ALPS Mountaineering Eclipse Table has a unique, double-level design to provide ample space for your food and drinks. It features a taut, square table top as well as a lower level with cup holders for your drinks.

This table also features a side storage pocket for any bits and bobs that you don’t want to leave on the table top itself.

Main Features
  • 600D polyester tabletop
  • Adjustable tautness
  • Foldable design
  • Multi-level design
  • 4 built-in cup holders
What we like
  • Sturdy design
  • Compact
  • Two levels provide ample space
  • Good quality
What we dislike
  • Little leg room
GCI Outdoor Compact Camp Table 20 Outdoor Folding Table, Black Chrome

5/5 Overall Rating

The GCI Outdoor Compact Camp 20 Outdoor Folding Table is a small, hardy camping table perfect for solo camping trips. It is lightweight with a telescoping leg design that makes it very easy to fold up and pack away.

This camping table is made from aluminium so it is durable and strong - holding up to 60 lbs (27 kgs).

Main Features
  • Folding design
  • Lightweight aluminium
  • Holds up to 60 lbs / 27 kgs
  • One-piece style
  • Available in 2 sizes
  • Telescoping technology
What we like
  • Sturdy
  • Compact
  • Nice height
  • Quick and easy to set up
  • Durable
  • Affordable price
What we dislike
  • Small
KingCamp Bamboo Folding Camping Table 4 Folds Lightweight with Adjustable Height Aluminum Legs Portable Camp Tables in Carry Bag for Indoor Outdoor Picnic Beach

4.4/5 Overall Rating

The KingCamp Bamboo Folding Camping Table is a simplistic and lightweight portable table that is ideal for summer camping. It has a one-piece design that folds up neatly into its carry bag.

This camping table is made from high-quality materials and features adjustable legs so you can increase or decrease the height to your liking.

Main Features
  • Bamboo tabletop
  • Lightweight aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum legs
  • Holds up to 66 lbs / 30 kg
  • UV treatment
  • Water and scratch resistance
  • Adjustable height
  • Safety locks on legs
  • Anti-slip foot pads
  • One-piece design
  • Includes carry bag
  • Lifetime warranty
What we like
  • Attractive design
  • Compact and portable
  • Environment-friendly
  • Simple design with easy setup
  • Easy to clean
What we dislike
  • Only seats 1-2 people at a time
Coleman Pack-Away 4-in-1 Folding Table, Lightweight Outdoor Camping Table with 3 Adjustable Heights, Leveling Feet, & Securing Brackets; Great for Patio & Deck, Camping, Tailgating, & More

4.5/5 Overall Rating

The Coleman Pack-Away 4-in-1 Camping Table has a very practical design and features two rectangular sections that can be set up as one long, thin table or as one square table. The table legs can be adjusted to heights that suit you. You can even adjust the halves to different heights, which is an excellent feature if you have small children.

This duo-table is very functional and can be used in a number of different ways. It is also very durable and sturdy, making it a great choice for a camping table.

Main Features
  • 4-in-1 design
  • Adjustable to 3 different heights
  • Lightweight aluminium frame
  • Brackets attach the tables together
  • Mosaic laminate table top
  • 1-year limited warranty
What we like
  • Very versatile
  • Easy to set up
  • Quite compact
  • Good size
  • Sturdy design
What we dislike
  • Heavy
  • Thin laminate top can get dented

The Bottom Line

Camping tables come in all shapes and sizes, so the right one for you really depends on what you need it for.

If you go on a lot of solo camping trips and need something small, compact and durable, the Helinox Table One or the GCI Outdoor Compact Folding Table are both fantastic choices.

The Lifetime 4428 Height Adjustable Folding Utility Table, ALPS Mountaineering Dining Table and the KingCamp Bamboo Folding Camping Table are all made for dining in mind. They have plenty of leg room and bigger tabletops so that multiple people can fit around them or smaller sizes for a more intimate camping experience.

For campers on a budget, the Coleman Outdoor Compact Table is an excellent choice as it is very affordable and can fit four people around it.

The ALPS Mountaineering Eclipse Table and the Coleman Pack-Away 4-in-1 Camping Table are both more versatile camping tables if you need more space for your food, drinks or other items.

Best Camping Table - Buyer's Guide

Is a camping table a necessity for camping?


Camping tables are extremely useful to have around the campsite and are highly recommended for any camping trip.

You can use them to put your food and drink items on, play games or eat meals at, or put a lantern on to light up your campsite at night. They are also vital for food preparation.

Having a camping table around your campsite can make your whole trip a whole lot easier so it’s definitely worth getting one to bring along.

How to set up a camping table

Camping tables come in different styles so how they are set up depends on the way they are designed. Some have separate frames and table tops while others have all their parts attached in a one-piece design. 

Structure

Most camping tables have a folding design with collapsible legs so that they can pack away into a small carry bag. This makes them very convenient to travel with and easy to take camping with you.

Ease of set up

There’s nothing worse than spending a lot of time trying to figure out how to unfold a camping table and decide which part goes where. Most camping tables nowadays have simple designs that are intuitive so that setup is quick and painless.

If you don’t want to have to fiddle around with height adjustments or brackets, try find a one-piece camping table that simply unfolds.

Height and Size

Camping tables come in all sorts of shapes and sizes so make sure you choose one that suits your needs. If you need a dining table, opt for a larger camping table with leg room and height adjustable legs. If you need a simple, lightweight side-table to take on frequent camping trips, then a smaller design should suit your needs better. 

Weight

Weight is only an important factor if you’re a backpacker or need to physically carry your camping table from place to place. Larger camping tables that are meant for dining will be a lot heavier than smaller, more compact camping tables. 

Portability

Camping tables are designed to be easily transported so they will generally fold up or roll into a smaller size. Many come with their own carry bags so that you can easily take them from place to place. 

Materials

Camping tables come in a variety of different materials. Aluminium is a popular material as it is lightweight, durable and doesn’t rust. Some camping tables make use of fabric, like strong polyester, which makes them easier to fold up, while others have wooden table tops, which are not as lightweight and aren’t suitable for rainy weather. 

Strength and Stability

Camping tables aren’t going to be the strongest as they put a lot of emphasis on being lightweight and compact but stability is an important factor. Steel-based frames are generally more stable and stronger than other materials. 

About the author 

Adie Marais

Adie is a nature and wildlife lover living in Cape Town, South Africa. Growing up, she had many opportunities to explore the outdoors by hiking, going on safaris and venturing into the karoo with her family. This led to her love of animals, the environment and discovering new places to explore.

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