You want a comfortable place to eat and prep your food while camping, but you don’t want a table too heavy or awkward to carry around.
Fortunately, folding camping tables are easy to find, and there are many great options. How can you decide which folding camping table is right for you?
We wanted to make your decision easier, so we’ve compiled an objective overview of the best options.
If you want to know the best folding camping table without reading, we recommend the Coleman Outdoor Folding Table for the best value.
Best Folding Tables For Camping
- REI Co-Op Camp Prep Table (High End)
- Coleman Outdoor Folding Table (Top Pick)
- VILLEY Portable Camping Side Table (Budget Buy)
- Camp Time Roll-A-Table
- Lifetime Camping and Utility Folding Table
- ALPS Mountaineering Dining Table
- CampLand Outdoor Folding Table
Compare Top Camping Folding Tables
PRODUCT | OVERALL SCORE | BOTTOM LINE | PRICE |
---|---|---|---|
Coleman Outdoor Compact | 88 | Best value for the money | Check Out On Amazon |
REI Co-op Table | 78 | Most features for a premium price | Check Out On REI |
VILLEY Portable | 84 | Most compact model | Check Out On Amazon |
Camp Time Table | 78 | Best for lots of legroom | Check Out On Camp Time |
Lifetime Camping Table | 82 | Highest weight capacity | Check Out On Amazon |
ALPS Mountaineering Table | 80 | Beautiful lightweight large-size table | Check Out On Amazon |
CampLand Outdoor Folding Table | 86 | Lightest table with a larger size | Check Out On Amazon |
Detailed Analysis Of Different Folding Camping Tables
Here are the best folding camping tables, detailing their features and advantages:
1. REI Co-op Camp Prep Table
Overall Score: 78
Advantages
- Folding tabletop to save space
- Independently adjustable legs
- Heat-resistant top
- Corner holes for hanging storage
Disadvantages
- A bit expensive
Size
You want to make sure that your folding table is as compact as possible while still giving you roomy space for food prepping and eating.
The REI Co-op Camp Prep table does just that. Folded up, it takes up just 24″ x 24.5″ with a folded depth of 4.25″.
Once you see how much room it gives you when unfolded, you’ll be impressed. It extends to 24″ x 49″ with an adjustable height.
You can adjust the height from 22 to 31 inches, depending on how you want to use it.
Weight
Despite the extra-large size of the REI Co-op Camp Prep table, it won’t weigh too much when you’re lugging your gear to the campsite. It may not be convenient if you’ve got a long walk ahead.
However, a short distance will be fine with a total weight that comes in at just a little over 19.5 lbs.
Features
You might be surprised to learn that folding camping tables can come equipped with features to make your camping experience more convenient.
This option from REI is great due to the extra features you won’t see on every table. For example, it has corner holes for hanging storage (think garbage bags or hand towels).
It’s also constructed of powder-coated aluminum, making it resistant to heat if you’re using it for food prep straight from the fire. Not to mention, it’s extremely lightweight and can be easily cleaned.
It can support up to 100 pounds. When folded up, it also includes a handle to make it easy to carry from one place to another.
Setup
The setup of this table is a breeze. Once you unfold the top, the legs are independently adjustable, which makes them great for uneven terrain.
They can extend anywhere from 22 to 31 inches with lever locks that easily snap into place.
The table also folds up with the push of a button, though some people noted that the button could be a bit sturdier.
Price
Regarding pricing on the REI Co-op Camp Prep table, it isn’t the cheapest one you’ll find on the market. You pay a little more for the durable materials and the REI name brand.
If you’re looking for a camping table on a budget, this one won’t likely make your list, even if it does have tons of great features.
2. Coleman Outdoor Folding Table
Overall Score: 88
Advantages
- Great price
- Extremely lightweight and compact
Disadvantages
- No adjustable legs
- Tabletop can be stained easily
- Little to no legroom
Size
You’ll be pleased to learn that this option from Coleman is extremely portable, even if you happen to be traveling a long distance from the car to the campsite. It folds to about 8″ x 8″ x 27.5″.
The tabletop is slatted and rolls up to take up less space. When unfolded at the campsite, you can easily seat four people (one along each side) with overall dimensions of 27.6″ x 27.6″.
The table is also one standard height of just 27.6″ tall.
Weight
Do you have a long walk with your gear? Fear not because this Coleman table is quite lightweight and compact. At just 9 pounds, you won’t have a problem toting this along with your pack.
It takes up approximately the same space as a folding camp chair.
Features
This table is fairly basic in terms of what you’ll find. It does come with a carry bag to make it a bit easier to transport.
The frame is made of lightweight steel for better durability, though it may not be quite so easy to clean. It does stain fairly easily.
It’s large enough to seat four people, though they may not all have room for a plate. There isn’t much in the way of legroom under the table due to the fold-out leg construction.
It’s disappointing that Coleman doesn’t give you any adjustable legs. However, this is remedied by the construction being a little bit flexible. It maintains a decent position, even on uneven ground.
Setup
Many people love this folding table because it is simple to snap together its steel frame. The parts fit well and should only take a few minutes to assemble, even with the roll-up tabletop.
One thing to note about the Coleman Outdoor Folding Table is that you must be careful where and how you carry it. You’ll want to avoid picking it up on the unconnected sides and with the folding portion.
Besides that, moving around the campsite as you see fit is relatively easy.
Price
You can’t get much better for what you’ll pay for this table. While it’s basic in the way of features, you can’t expect much more for a table under $50.
Not to mention, it still has great reviews but set your expectations of what this type of table can offer.
3. VILLEY Portable Camping Side Table
Overall Score: 84
Advantages
- Small and compact, perfect for snacks and drinks
- Extremely lightweight
- Economical
Disadvantages
- Fewer features
- Not great for dining
Size
This table is ideal for setting snacks and drinks on while you lounge in a camping chair by the fire.
If you’re looking for a larger table that you can stand over for food prep, this folding table may not be the best fit. When fully extended, it comes in at 16″ long x 13″ wide with just a 12″ height.
Once it’s folded up, it won’t take up much extra room. The table top folds accordion-style, and the base folds like a camp chair.
Weight
If you can move past the small size and low height of the VILLEY Portable Camping Side Table, you’ll love how easy it is to add to your pack.
Because of its aluminum construction, it’s extremely efficient when it comes to weight. At just a touch over two pounds, you’ll have everything tucked neatly into the carry bag.
Features
The actual material of this camping side table is worth noting. The tabletop is light aluminum, so it’s waterproof and heat-resistant.
If it gets dirty, you don’t have to worry about scrubbing the creases in the tabletop – just hose it down with water. It’s also a great table because it is resistant to rust.
You’ll also love that the construction is much sturdier than other tables at this price point.
Instead of choosing inexpensive plastic pieces, the tabletop hinges are held in place with metal screws that are far less likely to break over time.
Setup
Setting up this side table takes less than 60 seconds, so you’ll be able to move on to the more important aspects of setting up camp.
All you have to do is open the frame, lock it in place, lock in the tabletop panels, and double-check that everything is securely locked.
Even without experience assembling tables, you’ll find that this is beyond easy to use.
Price
If you don’t mind the smaller size of this table, it’s a great bargain. You get a great table for less than $25 to store snacks and other items you want to keep off the ground.
4. Camp Time Roll-A-Table
Overall Score: 78
Advantages
- Large tabletop size
- Quality materials and fittings
- Lots of legroom
Disadvantages
- Takes a little longer to set up
- A bit pricey
Size
The Camp Time Roll-A-Table is an appealing option to campers who want space to prep food and sit down to eat at a real table.
When it’s unfolded, this table is one of the largest on this list, with a setup size of 32″ x 32″ and a height of 28″.
However, you won’t have to waste space packing this table in your bag. It takes up very little space, thanks to the roll-up design of the tabletop.
The size of this table broken down is just 32″ x 5.5″ in diameter.
Weight
The only downside to having a larger tabletop is that it’s bound to come with a tradeoff. In this case, it weighs slightly more than some of the other options on our ranking.
The weight of this Roll-A-Table weighs in at 10 pounds.
Features
Perhaps the best feature of this table is how much space it gives you for sitting and relaxing at the table. Unlike tables like the Coleman, it doesn’t have any X-braces under the tabletop to hold the legs in place.
This means that you have plenty of legroom with an adequate height. It also has a pouch hanging from the side to store utensils.
Unlike most of the other best camping folding tables, this one is not made of aluminum. Instead, the tabletop is made of laminated wood covered with a water-resistant fabric.
It should still clean fairly easily, though, by wiping it down with a damp rag shortly after a spill. They also don’t skimp on the fittings, all of which are zinc-plated steel instead of cheap plastic.
Setup
This table setup is a bit more complicated than some models that simply fold together, but it doesn’t require an advanced degree in engineering to assemble.
Roll out the tabletop, position the sidebars, and screw in the table legs. It takes just a few minutes and gives you a nice, secure table that can hold up to 100 pounds.
You’ll also love the way that this table rolls up. It folds into 11 segments, but they aren’t all the same size. Instead, they are cut so they will nest properly into one another when the table is folded.
Price
Unfortunately, the downside to this table is that it’s a bit more expensive than some of the other models found here. It comes in at under $100, making it one of the priciest models.
5. Lifetime Camping and Utility Folding Table
Overall Score: 82
Advantages
- Spacious tabletop seats four
- Higher weight capacity
- Adjustable table legs
- Great price
Disadvantages
- Heavier than most
Size
The Lifetime Camping and Utility Folding Table is slightly more spacious than other tables. When it’s unfolded, it comes with a roomy 48″ x 24″ tabletop. This allows you to seat two people on each side.
While someone could technically sit on each end of the table, the metal legs would make these seats a bit comfortable.
The table folds in half to give you a compact size of just 24″ x 24″ to store in your gear.
Weight
Weight is one area where this table leaves little to be desired. Due to the heavy nature of the polyethylene plastic top, it weighs more than most camping folding tables at 19.2 pounds.
This might be great if you can drive up to your campsite but not if you have to lug it miles away.
Features
This table is one of the more durable options featured here, as it is made from molded plastic instead of aluminum.
This makes it extremely easy to wipe down, but it may not be quite as heat resistant, so keep that in mind if you’re using it for food prep. The legs are still durable, as they are made of powder-coated steel.
The area where this table truly shines is its weight capacity. While many of the other folding table options on the market can only hold a maximum of 100 pounds, this table can hold 200 pounds with ease.
Remember that the weight needs to be evenly distributed, though. It also has adjustable height settings on each side, making it great for rugged terrain.
The available options are 22 inches, 24 inches, 29 inches, and 36 inches.
Setup
You won’t have to think too hard about how to assemble this table from Lifetime. It unfolds neatly in the middle, and the legs are easy to unfold and lock into place.
It should take you less than 30 seconds to get this table into working order and finish setting up your campsite.
Price
For a table this size, you’ll be shocked at the price. Not only can you comfortably seat four people around it and have a higher weight capacity, but it won’t break the budget.
It comes in around $50, so it can easily fit your new equipment budget.
6. ALPS Mountaineering Dining Table
Overall Score: 80
Advantages
- Extra tabletop room with great legroom
- Lightweight given size
Disadvantages
- No adjustable legs
- Expensive
Size
Along with the Lifetime brand table, the ALPS Mountaineering Dining Table is one of the largest featured. It comes just a touch smaller with unfolded dimensions of 28″ x 43″ for the tabletop.
It also comes with one standard height of 28″ without adjustable legs.
It takes up less space at just 43″ x 7.5″ x 5″. This makes it compact enough to place in the car conveniently alongside your sleeping arrangements and other gear.
Weight
The good news is that this dining table is extremely lightweight, given its size.
Unlike similar models that weigh around 20 pounds, this table weighs just 12 pounds, thanks to its lightweight aluminum construction.
You won’t struggle to carry this compact table on your next camping excursion.
Features
One of the best features of the ALPS table is that it has no side support.
The X-frame only impacts the two ends of the table, but you should still be able to comfortably seat four people around the tabletop (two on each side).
It has lots of legroom so you can sit comfortably for hours.
If you wanted to squeeze in some extras, you might be able to seat six, but it won’t be nearly as comfortable.
Of course, you also want to consider the construction of the table. It doesn’t feature adjustable legs, but it does have great stability without weighing down the table.
Thanks to that sturdy X-frame, you’ll find that it does well even on uneven ground.
Setup
Setting up this table will take you just a short amount of time. All you have to do is remove it from the carrying bag and extend the legs, followed by the base.
Roll out the top and lock in the ends. It takes less than a minute once you get the hang of things.
Price
This model’s price is slightly more expensive, but it’s truly more beautiful than many other table options.
For those concerned with aesthetics, the colors and style of the table may be worth a slightly higher price tag.
7. CampLand Outdoor Folding Table
Overall Score: 86
Advantages
- Extremely lightweight
- Easy to assemble
- Zippered carton to protect food from bugs
Disadvantages
- Lower weight capacity
- Can’t be left in the rain
Size
As with all of the tables in the second half of this ranking, the Campland Outdoor Folding Table is quite roomy. The overall dimensions of the table come in around 47″ x 18.5″ with a height of 27″.
While this may not be the most spacious table, it still has a quite generous size that can easily seat four people and store plenty of food.
When folded up, you’ll notice that it doesn’t take up much space. It comes in at 23.5″ x 18.5″ x 4″ for easier storage.
Weight
Despite the size, you’ll be extremely impressed by how little this table weighs. The weight is partly due to the MDF tabletop and aluminum piping, both lightweight materials.
Altogether, the table weighs around four pounds, making it one of the lightest tables you can find for the size.
Features
Unlike many of the other tables that are included here, this table isn’t quite as durable. The top is made of MDF, meaning leaving it out in the rain will ruin the table.
Because the weather can be hard to predict during a camping excursion, you might want to reconsider if the forecast looks a bit cloudy.
You’ll also want to keep the lower weight capacity in mind: just 66 pounds.
However, there are some great things to note about this model beyond just being lightweight and spacious.
It comes with a zippered carton on the bottom of the table to protect food and other items from the incessant bugs you’ll find on the campground.
This is the only folding table here that has this type of feature.
Setup
Even with the convenient carton on the bottom of the table, you’ll find that this model is super easy to set up. Lay it flat on the ground and flip the table open.
Extend the legs and lock them in place before flipping the table over. Once you do so, make sure the tabletop is locked in place.
The zippered carton is already attached to the bottom of the tabletop and neatly descends when the table is in position. All you have to do is Velcro it to the table legs.
Price
Given that this table can’t be kept in the rain, the price is a bit expensive, but it won’t likely break your budget. It’s less than $100 and gives you some great space for fair-weather camping.
This is a well-priced table if you don’t see yourself spending much time in the great outdoors during storms.
Final Thoughts
If you spend a lot of time around the campsite, you’ll eventually want to eat over a real table instead of on your lap.
The right table can make food prep easier, make mealtime more enjoyable, and provide a surface for playing games.
If you’re in the market for great value, you can’t go wrong with the Coleman Outdoor Folding Table. Consider how much value this table can lend to your camping experience today.