- \n
- Wilderness Camping:<\/strong>
ALPS Mountaineering Dining Table<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n- Dining:<\/strong>
KingCamp Camping Table Folding Portable Table<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n- Cooking:<\/strong>
GCI Outdoor Master Cook Portable Folding Camp Kitchen<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n- Socializing & Games:<\/strong>
Coleman Outdoor Compact Folding Table<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n- Utility Table:<\/strong>
COSCO 4 ft. Straight Folding Utility Table<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n- Multipurpose:<\/strong>
Stansport Picnic Table and Umbrella Combo<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nWhat to Look for in a Table<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Lots](\"https:\/\/takeoutdoors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/tom-king-636351-unsplash-1024x685.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nQuality Materials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A prime feature of a good camping table is the ability to stand up to the elements without degrading or losing function. Don’t consider cushioned or padded ones or any that have fabric coverings, as these are more suited for indoor use. Instead, look for camp tables that are made of wood, aluminum or plastic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wood tends to be the heaviest of the available materials, so it’s not the best choice for your main camping table, although it works well for side tables. There are also camp tables in a variety of lightweight plastic polymers. Some of these are scratch-resistant and have virtually indestructible surfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aluminum is the most lightweight of the three materials recommended, and the main thing to look for here is solid construction and support that will give the table a stable base. This not only allows you to put a reasonable amount of weight on an aluminum surface, but it also keeps the table from flipping over in a high wind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Strength & Stability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You want to balance sturdiness and durability with weight in a camp table. Although you’re looking for a solid surface that won’t wobble or sag, you’re also going to need something you can load into a vehicle and lug around a campsite. Your camp table will need to be strong enough to support heavy items like camp stoves and water jugs, yet lightweight enough to set up, break down and carry around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A few camp tables come with chairs, and it’s also vital to check their quality. Are they really strong enough to hold a large adult without bending or breaking? Do they store compactly as well? Picnic-style bench seats can fit more people on them, but individual seats can be moved around to where they’re needed. Some backless seats even double as small tables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Size & Design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The best size in a camp table will depend on what you’re using it for. Tables are handy for holding a drink or a snack and useful for food preparation. Pulling a chair up to a table is also a comfortable way to dine compared to sitting on the ground or perching on a cooler. Having an undesignated utility table makes camp life easier because you never know when you’ll need a surface for setting something down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A rectangular table lends itself to a variety of uses, but a square one is preferable for playing cards and other games. If you’re planning to eat at a table regularly, make sure it’s the right height for the chairs you use to ensure comfort. A table without crossed supports in the middle is the best choice if campers will be sitting at it to eat, play games or just hang out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also find camp tables that are specifically designed to be cooking stations, with safety features included. Fold-out surfaces, utensil compartments, and hooks for hanging trash bags are extras with cooking station tables. Some of them even have removable sinks and paper towel holders. They’re usually heavier than traditional camp tables, but a kitchen setup is a real boon if you’re staying in one place on your camping trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Setup & Adjustability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The way a camp table sets up and breaks down is another feature to consider, and many frequent campers swear by their favorite tables. In some designs, setup is a breeze, but the trade-off is that the table only has one height setting. Adjustable height is one of the most useful features in a camp table. It’s especially important for dining and food prep tables, and some of the tables we reviewed have that flexibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, if you need a table that you can easily carry on a hike or in a kayak, you’ll be more concerned with weight and compactness. A roll-up table is a good alternative if you need to carry it with you on a wilderness campout, and you can find a reasonably-sized table that fits in a backpack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Criteria for the Best Camp Tables<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In our quest for the best tables, we looked for camp tables light enough to carry around and collapsible enough to easily transport. Another requirement was a decent amount of room on the tabletop. We designated less than 8 square feet as a small table, and 8-10 square feet was considered to be medium-sized. Those with more than 10 square feet were put in the large table category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We also characterized each table as lightweight, average or heavy-duty, depending on a number of factors. These included sidebars for the legs, table supports, and the materials that composed the table. Extras that made a table into a multi-use, multi-function choice were also considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our Picks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Couple](\"https:\/\/takeoutdoors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/blake-wisz-634300-unsplash-copy-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis list organizes the tables from smallest to largest, and more or less from lightest to heaviest. The value of each table is rated 1-5 stars, based on the cost and features of similar tables. All of the tables have excellent reviews from users, and we added the criteria above to select our top table in each of these six categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Wilderness Camping<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dining<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cooking<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Socializing and Games<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Utility Table<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Multipurpose<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
DIY Table<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
And if the list of camping tables mentioned doesn’t impress you, why not go the natural route, cut some trees and build a picnic table yourself and your family or friends? Here’s a video by Sikana that teaches you exactly that. Note: This comes with chairs!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Dining:<\/strong>