I think you’ll agree with me when I say…
Finding a good portable camping table is pretty hard nowadays… Because there are too many options available in the market and it seems confusing.
So In this post, I’ll review some of the best portable camping tables. And I’ll cover all the good and bad aspects in detail. So that you can finally decide which one to buy.
1. Coleman Camping Table
In this article...
The Coleman compact is a very basic roll-top camping table that is made for aluminum. The table is good enough for simple and light-weight outdoor usage.
In fact, it is a perfect choice for an inexpensive picnic table. It is sufficiently sturdy and strong to keep up with your light use despite its weight and thin design.
All the key joints are made from plastic or rubber which will last you a decent amount of time. It is quite strong for its size and its square design allows it to remain stable when holding unevenly distributed items.
The base frame of the table is made from steel that is powder-coated to provide good weather protection.
However, the X-shaped braces of the frame are the weakest point of the frame. It is made of thin metal and bends under very high pressure which causes the table to become unstable.
Moreover, the table is quite lightweight which makes it very easy to carry from car to camp. It also consists of a carry bag with a sturdy shoulder strap that easily accommodates the table and helps in transportation.
The table is large enough to provide decent space for a wholesome lunch and tall enough to keep away from dust and dirt.
Additionally, you should take good care while picking the table off the ground. As the aluminum slats that form the tabletop are held together by a bungee cord system.
Only two ends out of the four sides are attached to the table’s base. If the tabletop is grabbed incorrectly, the bungee cords can stretch out of place.
This causes the entire tabletop to lose its shape and could become a big problem if lunch was sitting on top. As for the setup, the table is easy to set up but requires a little extra time compared to other tables.
2. Lifetime Height Adjustable Table
The lifetime adjustable folding utility table is an ideal and all-purpose camping table that closely resembles an indoor table.
Portable tables are generally less sturdy compared to a dining room table but this does not case with this table. It is one of the sturdiest in its class that can support over 100 pounds without tipping over or bending.
A big part goes to its steel legs that a very few camping tables have. The legs are also powder-coated to protect it from rust and corrosion.
Moreover, the frame of the table is also made of steel and the top is made from molded plastic. A combination of all these components makes it very stable and solid which can support almost anything.
Additionally, it offers 3 levels of height settings and there is ample space for knees underneath the table.
Furthermore, the table is also quite durable and built for the long haul. It is constructed to last for a long time even with extensive heavy usage.
On top of this, it is also backed with 2 years warranty which makes it one of the top choices in terms of durability.
Moreover, the table is quite large and weighs more which makes it less portable compared to other tables.
However, due to its size, it offers comparatively more space which is an asset if you set it up far from the vehicle.
Also, it very easy to transport due to its thin profile and convenient carry handle. Therefore, the table is perfect for campsites that are not very far from your vehicle.
As far as the set up is concerned, despite its huge size, it is very easy as well as fast to set up. Adjusting the height is a bit more difficult but still simple enough for even new people to set this thing up.
3. Trekology Portable Camping Side Tables
The Trekology portable camping table is a miniature version of the larger aluminum roll-top tables on our list. It is a fun and flashy table that is the perfect match for your camp chair.
It is pretty durable for light use and lasts you for a couple of years. The table offers limited strength and stability due to its size as well as weight.
The corners of the table can handle over 40 pounds of weight without tipping over which is decent for its size.
However, if the mass is centered around the middle of the table, it can support even more weight. Moreover, the table has a minor wobble which is very natural and does not affect stability.
What does affect the stability of the table is the slipping of the cross braces for the legs. This happens sometimes while moving the table as well as during setup.
This a concerning flaw in the table that can totally sabotage your whole weekend or picnic trip. Therefore it is best to use it for light-weight kinds of stuff which wouldn’t push it over its limits.
Apart from this, it is one of the most portable tables among the smaller camp tables on our list. Its fairly compact and lightweight nature makes it easy to transport to the campsite. It also takes very little space in the trunk of the car compared to a larger table.
However, compared to the lightweight models, it is a bit heavy which might be concerning for ultralight camping trips. It also has a large package size and comes with a carry bag with no shoulder strap.
Talking about set up, the table is one of the easiest tables to set up. It can assemble fully in less than a minute by one person and even with only one hand. Additionally, it is offered in various colors which is suitable for picky buyers.
4. ALPS Mountaineering Dining Table
ALPS Mountaineering dining table is a long and spacious camping table that also happens to be very portable. As the name suggests, it is a regular dining/lunch table that is great for a picnic or outdoor trips.
The table has an all-aluminum design which makes it very lightweight for its size. The construction of the table is very durable and resistant to water, sun, rot, scratches, and campfire sparks.
The table can easily last you for a long time even after heavy extended use with very little wear and tear. However, the aluminum legs of the table are not very robust and can bend if the load exceeds its weight capacity.
Even you drop anything heavy too harshly, it might buckle the leg and completely ruin your weekend picnic trip.
Moreover, the table is quite stable for most people. The table has a good size to weight ratio with a long body which gives it a wide and steady stance.
It can easily accommodate light objects and provide you with the best experience. It does wobbles a bit but it is very natural and happens with every other camping table.
But due to its weight limitations, the table is best to use as a dining or game table. additionally, it also has enough room to keep the knees under the table without bumping cross beams.
Apart from this, it is quite portable despite being one of the larger tables on our list. Due to its lightweight nature, it is very easy to carry the table around the campsite or your house.
On top of this, it also comes with a large storage bag with a shoulder strap which makes transportation very easy.
Talking about the setup, it is very easy to set up the table even without the use of instructions. Due to its intuitive design, even one person can do it without struggling a bit which makes it very user friendly.
5. Camp Chef Sherpa Camp Table & Organizer
Camp chef sherpa is a very unique camping table that is designed to keep the camping kitchen organized in one place. It has a box-like configuration which allows you to carry, contain, and carry from utensils to cleaning supplies.
It is an organizer’s dream that comes complete with color-coded storage bags. The bags can also be labeled to provide a systematic way to organize everything very neatly.
The table is constructed from 600D fabric and an all-aluminum frame as well as the tabletop. There is little to no durability issue in the table that may be a deal-breaker.
But there are few things that you should know as a consumer. A large portion of the table is made of fabric and nearly all the seams have single-stitching.
This could decrease the lifespan of the table and poses a higher risk of tears, punctures, and burns. Talking about stability, it is quite stable even under heavy load.
Its box-like design allows it to resist tipping which is really helpful while cooking or doing something important.
This makes it one of the best cook stations on the market. Moreover, the table scores average when it comes to portability.
A big part goes to its sheer size which sometimes makes it difficult to store a car with limited trunk space. The base weight of the table is very impressive for its size which sits just over 10lbs.
Due to its construction, it is a bit heavy for some people. Although it consists of two padded handles, it is easy to carry by two-person opposed to only one.
Weight also depends on the number of things you have packed inside the bags. The bottom line is that it is quite sturdy and resistant to damage while carrying heavy loads.
Talking about the setup, the answer is not very straight forward and mostly depends on person to person. Out of the box, it requires much more pre-assembly that is time-consuming. But after the initial setup, it is very easy to set this thing up on the campsite.
6. Camp Time, Roll-a-Table
The Camp Time Roll-a-Table is a sturdy camp table that packs down very small for camp use. It rolls into a self-contained unit that does not even need any carry bag.
It is made of metal frame and eleven wood slats that are covered with poly-vinyl and sealed to form one cohesive tabletop.
The frame of the table is made up of steel which provides a good foundation for the structure. The construction of the table is very solid and held up against the wear and tear even after constant use.
The top of the table is also very easy to clean making it very convenient. Moreover, the table is quite wobbly when it comes to stability. It had the most nature give or sway of all the tables on our list.
It can become problematic if you place an open beverage on the table next to something important.
However, despite being wobbly, the table did not tip over very easily even with the load on the corners. It was really impressive to see that it can handle weight as much as 150 pounds without tipping.
This is a very positive thing which makes it quite capable to load it with larger and bulky items. Apart from this, the table is very portable and can be easily transported from car to campsite.
It folds up very efficiently into a very portable bundle and measures 33 inches in length. The weight of the package is very easy to manage and can be easily carried from one place to another.
However, the carrying handle for the table is quite inadequate for the size and weight of the table. Talking about ease of set up, the table is very easy to set up without the need for instructions.
Even a single person easily assembled or disassembled easily with only one hand. Additionally, while threading the metal legs into place, metal dust routinely rubbed off on the hands which is quite irritating.
7. Best Choice Portable Table
The Best Choice Portable folding table is an ideal utility and all-purpose camping table that is as large as an indoor table. It is a sturdy table that can support quite a lot of pounds without tipping over or bending.
The table consists of sturdy steel legs that are very strong and durable that can withstand any heavy-duty usage.
The legs are also powder-coated to protect it from rust and corrosion. Moreover, the frame of the table is also made of steel and the top is made from molded plastic.
The top is very easy to clean which makes it very convenient to use. The combination of all these factors makes it a very capable tablet that can support almost anything.
Additionally, it offers a locking mechanism for locking joins to prevent it from collapsing accidentally. The table got ample space for knees underneath which provide comfort while having lunch, especially for taller people.
Furthermore, the table is also quite durable and built to last for a long time even with extensive heavy usage. On top of this, it is also backed with a handsome warranty which makes it one of the top choices in terms of durability.
Moreover, the table is quite large but weighs adequate for its size. However, it is not light which makes it less portable compared to other tables.
But it also offers comparatively more space which is an asset if you set it up far from civilization. Apart from this, the table is very easy to transport due to its thin profile and convenient carry handle.
This makes it perfect for campsites that are not very far from your vehicle. As far as the set up is concerned, despite its huge size, it is very easy as well as fast to set up.
Getting used to its locking mechanism is a bit more difficult but still simple enough for even new people. Lastly, it comes in three different sizes including 4ft,6ft, and 8ft. Weight will increase with increased size but it will not feel heavy relative to its size.
8. Office Star Resin Multipurpose Table
The Office Star Resin Rectangle Table is a multipurpose Camping table that is perfect for indoor or outdoor use. It is perfect for those people who want a table for a picnic, parties, or even office use.
The table is made from a heavy-duty blow-mold off-white resin top which is stainproof and scratch-resistant. It has a distinct honeycomb design that provides strength and endurance to the top.
On the other hand, the frame of the table is also made of steel the provides strength and rigidness to the structures.
It also consists of sturdy steel legs with non-marring foot caps which helps avoid any damage to the floor. The legs have a board stance that provides maximum stability and can hold 300 pounds without tipping.
Moreover, the frame and the legs are powder-coated to protect it from rust and corrosion. Additionally, it also offers water resistance and helps to protect it from rain during outdoor trips.
The table got ample space for knees underneath which provide comfort while having lunch, especially for taller people.
Furthermore, the table is also quite durable and impact-resistant to last for a long time even with extensive heavy usage.
On top of this, it is also backed with a 10 years warranty on the material which makes it one of the top choices in terms of durability.
Moreover, the table is quite large and weighs over 35 pounds. As the table is not light which makes it less portable compared to other tables. But it also offers a comparatively large space on the top which balances out its weight.
Apart from this, the table is very easy to transport in a car due to its thin profile and convenient carry handle. It folds up into a compact package that can be carried like a suitcase.
This makes it perfect for campsites that are not very far from your vehicle. As far as the set up is concerned, despite its huge size, it is very easy as well as fast to set up.
You just have to unfold it and stretch its legs out and it is done. Lastly, it comes in many different sizes and shapes. Therefore, you can choose the right table which suits your needs and style.
9. GCI Outdoor Compact Camp 20 Outdoor Folding Table
The GIC outdoor camp 20 is a compact camping table that provides a lot of options to enjoy the outdoor trip. It is a good quality table that is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use making it a very good choice.
The table has an all-aluminum construction that is very durable and sturdy for heavy-duty use. There is no stability issue and table do not wobble that could ruin your outing.
It is very stable and solid to provide you the best possible performance. The tabletop is capable of supporting up to 60 pounds which makes it perfect for dining, playing games, or cooking use.
Moreover, it is quite spacious for its size and provides enough room for up to four people to sit around it.
However, the underside of the table does not have enough knee room which sometimes makes it quite uncomfortable especially for tall people.
Apart from this, it is one of the most portable tables among the smaller camp tables on our list. Its fairly compact and lightweight nature makes it easy to transport to the campsite.
It also takes very little space in the trunk of the car compared to a larger table. The table is also quite lightweight due to its aluminum construction which makes it suitable to carry it from one place to another.
The package size of the table is small but it does not come with a carry bag which is quite disappointing. Talking about set up, the table is one of the easiest tables to set up.
It can assemble fully in less than a minute by one person. You just have to unfold it and extend its legs out to fully set this thing up.
Things to consider before buying a camping table
Here are a few things to consider before buying a camping table.
Material:
The first thing to consider in a camping table is the material that is made of. As the camping tables are most likely to be used outside, it should be capable of surviving any odds.
Therefore, choose something that is made of durable materials that can withstand anything even if you have to pay extra.
Stability:
The next thing that you should consider is the stability of the table. This is one factor that is capable of ruining your entire picnic lunch. A good camping table should have a strong and stable base with a higher weight capacity.
Portability:
The whole point of a camping table over a regular table is to be portable. If the table is not portable then it is hard to move as well as transport from one place to another.
Packed size, weight, and inclusion of carrying cases greatly impact the amount of portability of the table. Therefore, look for something that is lightweight, has a small package size, and comes with a carrying case.
Ease of setting up
A camping table or any other equipment for that matter should be easy to set. If it is a pain to set or to take down, the odds of you wanting to take it anywhere are very less.
A good camping table should be straightforward and does not require complex steps to set up. Also, ensure that the package comes with a detailed instruction manual to ease the process.
