Best Camping Tables
Other retailers available, see review for list of stockists.
Other retailers available, see review for list of stockists.
Other retailers available, see review for list of stockists.
Experts Interviewed
Real Users Opinions
Products Tested
The Ultimate Guide to Camping Tables
If you love the great outdoors, then there is no better way to spend your holidays than camping. And if you have never been camping, then you really should try it. It is, quite possibly, the perfect experience when it comes to making the most of idyllic surroundings and the ideal chance to really get back in touch with the beautiful natural world we live in. Camping truly is one of the best ways to recharge your batteries before you return to the everyday routine of the office, or whatever work you do. It is also a wonderful family experience. One thing that almost every camper, whether their preferred method of outdoor accommodation is a tent, a caravan or even a motor home will agree on is that the right equipment is not just important to the success of the trip, but vital.
Take a camping table, for example. Everyone has very different requirement for a camping table, and what is perfect for one set of campers will not work for another. The one thing that both new, and seasoned, campers will, however, agree on is that the right piece of equipment is worth searching for and will almost certainly justify its price tag.
Let’s take a look at some of the things that you might want to consider when picking a camping table. While some of them may seem obvious, there are some things that campers don’t think about when selecting a camping table that can cause them problems later on.
Selecting a camping table
It is fair to say that the selection of camping tables available in the marketplace is fairly substantial. So, whatever you are looking for, you should be able to whittle your final decision down to just a couple. That’s before making the final decision, which can be a little harder. Having said that, here are a few things to consider before you even begin to make your shortlist – and these are particularly relevant if you have never camped before!
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when buying camping equipment, and this doesn’t just apply to tables, is underestimating how much space they have in their car, or trailer to pack everything. Camping tables can be big items that in some cases do not pack down particularly small, so if you are limited on packing space, this will reduce your field of potential tables down quite significantly. Weight may also be an important consideration as well – especially if you are using a roof box or a trailer for most of your camping equipment.
While a large table can be really handy at home; space can be something of a premium when camping so don’t forget you probably won’t need as much space around a camping table as you do at home!
With all of that in mind, let’s take a little look at just some of the different types of camping tables that are out there and hopefully you will find something that is perfect for your needs.
How We Chose
We grouped them into 5 different categories:
Large Tables
Best Large Table
- Good size table top
- Adjustable for extra stability
- Surprisingly compact when folded
- Water-resistant table top
- Handy carry handle
- Under table storage
- When erected this is a large table which may take up too much valuable space in many family tents, even the larger ones.
Features:
- Folds into four for storage and transportation
- Carry handle for convenience
- Adjustable legs for use on uneven ground
- Sturdy locking braces
- High strength durable steel frame
- Handy mesh shelf
If you are looking for a very large camping table, then they really do not come much bigger than this one from Outwell, which can seat up to 10 people at the same time. It is a great choice for larger families or people who like to have visitors over while camping, again because of its size. This is more of a table to erect and keep in place rather than something to take on a picnic. The table has an incredibly strong yet lightweight frame which folds out into four sections, and despite its size, this can be done in a matter of seconds. It features handy carry handles for ease of transportation, and the legs which can be easily locked into place are also adjustable, which is very handy on uneven ground. It is worth mentioning that while you can seat 10 people round this table, it may be a little squashed. But, if you are looking for a roomy dining table where everyone has plenty of legroom, then this one will very comfortably seat four adults. There is also a rather nifty mesh shelf which can be suspended under the table – a great place to shove belonging when you need to set the table in a hurry!
Specifications:
Size – 80 x 180cm (folded size 80 x 45 x 14cm)
Height – 68cm
Weight – 8.2kg
Runner Up Large Tables
- Versatile size and height
- Compact when folded
- Stain-resistant table top
- Carry handle for ease of carrying
- The frame is rust-resistant
- This is a long narrow table which can make it a little unstable in windy conditions and prone to tipping over.
Why we chose it
Features:
- Folds in half for storage and transportation – legs fold into the recessed cavity under the table top
- Carry handle for convenience
- Rust and stain resistant
- Safety locking mechanism to legs
- Durable frame
If you are looking for a substantial camping table that offers great versatility, then you really cannot go wrong with this offering from Lifetime. It is an ideal choice for those campers who are not hampered on transporting space and want something really sturdy. If you are camping in one place and not moving around this is a good choice of table, less so if you are moving from one place to another and it certainly isn’t something you would want to pack up and take on a picnic!
The table itself has a sturdy waterproof moulded top, with a white granite effect, and a rounded grey frame with corner legs and short locking braces and a cross base at floor level for added stability. The legs can be adjusted to three different heights, and it can be folded in half for easy storage and transportation.
Specifications:
Size – 48-inch x 24 inch (24-inch x 24 inches when folded)
Height – 24 / 29 / 36 inches
Weight – 8.71kg
Roll Top Tables
Best Roll Top Tables
- Good size table top
- Adjustable legs for extra stability
- Very compact when dismantled
- Handy carry / Storage bag
- lightweight
- There is one big downside to a slatted top table, and that is the ability that small particles of food have to get stuck between the slats!
- Can take a little while to learn how to put together.
Why we chose it
Features:
- Very compact when folded
- Comes with a storage bag for easy packing and transportation
- Adjustable legs for use on uneven ground
- Easy to put up / takedown
- Lightweight aluminium – lasts a long time
If you are unfamiliar to the world of camping tables, then the roll-top table may seem a little awkward and complicated, fear not most of them are relatively simple to put together. However, there is a knack to doing so but once you get used to them, they can prove to be a really handy bit of camping kit. This type of table comes in two separate parts the legs which you erect first and the top, which consists of linked slats that roll across the top and secure in place. This type of construction gives you a packed down table that fits into a canvas bag and is smaller in size than the folding tables we have already looked at, for many people this makes a much better packing option when space is at a premium. The bonus is these tables are incredibly lightweight. The Eurohike features adjustable legs, which make it ideal for grass or a harder surface.
Specification
Size – L110 x W70cm (Folded 109 x 12 x 21cm)
Height – 71cm
Weight – 5kg
Runner up Roll Top Tables
- Good size table top for 2 people
- Very compact when dismantled
- Handy carry / Storage bag
- Very lightweight
- The cross braces under the table can make legroom a little difficult
- Crumbs can become lodged between the slats
Why we chose it
Features:
- Very compact when folded
- Very lightweight
- Comes with a storage bag for easy packing and transportation
- Lightweight aluminium, very durable
Sometimes when you are camping, you just need a table for occasional use, and the Hi Gear Elite single table is a good-sized table that does just that. This table is on the smaller size so great for couples, but you could fit a family of 4 around it is you had to. It is also an ideal height for using for food preparation as well. As with other roll-top tables, this is another very lightweight and compact option that can be very handy for those campers who are lacking in packing space or have a weight limit in a trailer. It is made of durable aluminium, and although it comes in three separate parts, it is not too tricky to put up once you have the hang of it. This would be a good table for those shorter camping trips, but you might prefer something a little bigger for longer holidays.
Specification
Size – L70 x W70cm (Folded 71 x 20 x 10.5cm)
Height – 70cm
Weight – 3.7kg
Small tables
Best Small Camping tables
- Pack size is incredibly small – great for those with limited space
- Handy carry / Storage bag
- One of the lightest, compact tables available
- Attractive and practical design
- Can hold up to 20kg load
- Not suitable for use as a dining table due to height.
Why we chose it
Features:
- Incredibly compact when collapsed
- Very lightweight
- Comes with a storage bag for easy packing and transportation
- Durable aluminium frame and roll-top surface
All too often as a single camper or a couple with a small tent, it can feel like a table, while still useful, isn’t one of those things that you can afford to pack if you are short on space. Fortunately, there are some fantastic very small tables out there in the market that were made exactly for just these circumstances. Because let’s face it not everyone wants to fish a crawling bug out of their first coffee of the morning because they have had to rest their mug on the ground! Make no mistake, the Robens Adventure Aluminium Table S is not going to be much use as a dining table while camping. However, if you are looking for something that will help to keep food and drinks lifted up off the floor and away from creepy crawlies then this is exactly what you should be looking for. Made of sturdy aluminium this table can hold roughly 20kg so don’t be fooled by its size.
Specification
Size – 40.5 x 56cm (Folded 56 x 14.5 x 5.5cm)
Height – 39.5cm
Weight – 1.88kg
Runner up Small Camping tables
- Packs down relatively small
- Handy Storage bag
- Doubles as a stool
- The table top fits any of the Hi Gear Sloan Stools making it easy to replace the base if necessary
- Attractive and practical design
- Can hold up to 30kg load as a table and 80kg as a stool
- Can’t be used as a stool and table at the same time
- Not as compact as other small tables available
Why we chose it
Features:
- Clever dual-use piece of equipment
- Comes with handy storage bag
- Lightweight
- Powder-coated steel frame and melamine top
If you want a small table but are not sure how much use you will get out of it, then this clever little table from Hi Gear could be the perfect buy. It is actually a small folding camping stool that comes complete with a melamine table top that simply slots over the top of the stool instantly transforming it into a small table. When packing space is at a premium, this dual function piece of equipment is fantastic.
Specification
Size – 42 x 42cm
Height – 48cm
Weight – 3.1kg
Tables with a difference
Best Tables with a difference
- Very easy to assemble
- Folds into own storage case
- Wipe clean and stain resistant
- Attractive and practical design
- Can hold up to 30kg load on the table top and 100kg on each seat
- The seats are a little small for larger adults
- Can be a little unstable if seating 2 adults one side and 2 small children the other side – even weight distribution is a must
Why we chose it
Features:
- Sturdy plastic table top and aluminium frame
- Folds in on itself for ease of storage
- Includes four attached seats
- Anti-rust frame
- Non-slip feet
- Easy to assemble
This very portable picnic table ensures that you always have a table and chairs where ever you go with its clever design. The sturdy plastic “suitcase” folds out to reveal a good-sized eating surface and four attached chairs, very similar to a wooden picnic bench. There is no doubt that this table really does allow you to seat 4 people at the same time. And just in case the sun is shining on you, there is also a handy slot for a parasol as well.
Specification
Size – 136 x 85cm (Folded Size: 89 x12 x 43cm)
Height – 65cm
Weight – 6.43kg
Runner up Tables with a difference
- Very easy to assemble
- Incredibly compact when collapsed – in fact, small enough to take on a picnic
- Wipe clean
- Clever cup holder and mesh pocket features
- Can hold 10kg weight load
- Possibly the lightest camping table you will find
- This is a small table so more suited to casual camping/eating than sit down meals
Why we chose it
Features:
- Sturdy frame
- Durable canvas table top
- Very compact
- Incredibly lightweight
- Easy to assemble
If travelling light is your thing, then the OEX X-Lite table is just the ticket. The lightweight aluminium and sturdy canvas construction offer a rather cute little table that is perfect for two people. The table features a very easy folding mechanism and a couple of handy extra features in the form of mesh drinks holders and a couple of handy side pockets. While a canvas table top might not be your first choice; it is surprisingly durable and offers a good surface area for casual dining.
Specification
Size – 57 x 42cm
Height – 39cm
Weight – 800g
Runner up Tables with a difference
- Wipe clean, water-resistant top
- Very attractive looking table with a good-sized top
- Can hold 30kg weight load
- Plenty of legroom at full height
- Tables with multilevel legs can be a little less sturdy when fully extended
Why we chose it
Features:
- Adjustable height options
- Aluminium frame
- Lightweight design
- Quick to open and close
When looking at camping tables, Bamboo is not the obvious choice, but if you are looking for something a little bit different, then it really should be. The KingCamp Bamboo 4 table is a stunning piece of camping equipment that will really help to make your tent feel more like home. This large table has an anti UV water-resistant top and sturdy metal frame with height-adjustable legs (it is worth mentioning that they also produce a couple of sizes of this table). The clever design means that the legs fold up under the table and the top folds into four around them – this makes it very easy to assemble in a matter of seconds. Bamboo is also very wear-resistant, something that lends itself well to camping in the UK.
Runner up Tables with a difference
- Very easy to assemble
- Easy to clean
- Can hold maximum 30kg load
- Is not very small when folded down
Why we chose it
Features:
- Sturdy frame
- Easy to clean top
- Assembles easily and legs lock in place
If you are looking for a simple camping table that does the job and is very affordable, then this Vango table is exactly that. This is a basic camping table with legs that can be collapsed back into the recess of the table when not in use, the table top is a single table and features a handy plastic carry handle on one side. With its durable steel frame, this is a lightweight table that can seat four people. If you are new to camping, then this is an ideal starter table that will last you well. The one thing that we would mention is that because of the way in which it folds down this is not the table for those people with limited packing space. However, with a little careful planning, it should be no harder to pack into your car than most of the other camping tables out there.
Specifications:
Size – 100cm x 61cm (100 cm x 3.5 cm)
Height – 71cm
Weight – 4.02kg
Conclusion
Is a camping table a necessity? Strictly speaking, especially in the cases of couples or single campers, a camping table in any format if not really a necessity. However, they are an incredibly practical bit of equipment that can be useful in a number of situations, and if you can afford the space for one when packing, then you really should look for one that will suit your requirements. A camping table can be so much more than somewhere to eat your meals. If you have young children it can offer a valuable surface for playing games or even drawing. It is handy for food preparation as well and offers a great way to lift things up off the floor of your tent during the night away from small crawly things.
Consider the needs of the campers in your party, the space that you have for packing and your budget. There really is a table out there to suit every requirement, and it’s worth mentioning that you are bound to find more uses for your camp table than those that you purchased it for. In any case, it is one piece of equipment most campers would prefer not to be without.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each table folds slightly different, but all have the same principle. The main aim is to make the table as small as possible to make it easier to transport and store. Follow the guidelines that come with your specific table and you can’t go wrong!
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