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We tested 20 of the top camping tables from Lifetime, Nemo, REI, Camp Chef, Helinox, GCI, and others to recommend the perfect match for any camping occasion.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
By Jason Wanlass ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated October 8, 2025
If you're setting up camp somewhere off-grid or your weekend spot lacks a picnic table, a portable camping table can make a huge difference in providing a little luxury in the outdoors. But, where do you begin when it comes to finding the best model for what you like to do? A flooded outdoor-gear market makes the choices seem endless.
Your best option is to chill out and let us show you what to consider and why. We bought 20 of the most promising camping tables and took them on more road trips than we can count. We used these tables to set up camp in basic campgrounds and for hosting elaborate backyard BBQs.
After countless hours testing these tables in real-world scenarios, we are confident the Lifetime 4-Foot Fold-In-Half is the best bet for most people. It is sturdy, durable, and fast to set up. The Portal Outdoor Lightweight Aluminum is not quite as sturdy or large, but it is more portable and an even better value.
Editor's Note: We updated our camping table on October 8, 2025, after testing new models from Zempire, Crazy Creek, Bote, and GCI Outdoor, as well as retesting some of our longtime faves.
The Lifetime 4-Foot Fold-In-Half Adjustable offers a great, general-purpose design and is hands down one of the best deals on the market. It's one of the more practical and usable tables we tested. “This table is stable, strong, portable, and easy to set up and take down,” said our head tester. We love the workable surface area it offers, and with the steel legs adjusted to their highest setting, this is one of the tallest tables we've reviewed. It has no X-braces, so there's plenty of room for knees and legs, making it more than just a “prep” table. The Lifetime may resemble something from an industrial supplies catalog, but what it lacks in flash, it easily makes up for in basic function, extreme durability, and cost. This has been our top choice for many years running.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
18.1 lbs
Measured Table Height
24, 29, or 36 in
Measured Table Top Dimensions
48.0" L x 24.0" W
Claimed Max Support Weight
Not stated
Table Top Material
UV-protected high-density polyethylene
The Lifetime has some serious perks, but isn't perfect. It's heavier, and although it folds up flat, its packed size is large. It's also prone to getting dirty. “I've used mine for nearly seven years, and the table top definitely shows the dirt,” said Jason Wanlass. “The white surface holds onto smudges and stains, but if you can overlook this minor inconvenience, you'll be pleased with everything else the Lifetime table has to offer.” Although incredibly strong and durable, it still has some sway. The plastic-based, injection-molded table top is also less fire- and heat-resistant than all-metal tables, but it's almost dent-proof and otherwise exceptionally durable. It doesn't look like a traditional camping table, but it's incredibly practical and affordable. If the plastic tabletop isn't your vibe, check out the REI Co-op Camp Prep Table. It's similar in size and design, but features an aluminum table top. We also really liked the Mountain Summit Gear Heavy Duty Roll Top and the Camp Time Roll-A-Table.
The Lifetime is larger and heavier than many in our lineup, but it's still easy to carry and sets up in a snap.
The Camp Time Roll-A-Table is a longtime favorite for car camping and multi-day rafting trips. It sets up quickly and rolls down into a compact package, and its tabletop is made of wood slats fully encased in durable polyvinyl. “The thing I loved the most about this table is that it's super easy to wipe clean,” said one of our testers. Its aluminum legs screw into the tabletop, a unique design among roll-top models, which often have more complicated setup configurations. It's large enough for food prep, playing cards, or seating a few people for a sit-down meal, and the mesh pocket in the front is great for storing odds and ends and kitchen tools. It can also serve as a drying rack for recently washed dishes.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
10.1 lbs
Measured Table Height
28 in
Measured Table Top Dimensions
32.3" L x 32.3" W
Claimed Max Support Weight
100 lbs
Table Top Material
Wood and poly-vinyl
Though sturdy, the table can be wobbly due to its lack of crisscrossing support beams — although this allows you to comfortably sit at the table, too. “Aluminum dust from the legs wore off on my hands when assembling, so I had to rinse off my hands every time I set up or tore down this table,” a tester remarked. Flaws aside, we know of several people who've utilized this table for a decade or longer. We loved its packability, straightforward setup, and general usefulness. The Portal Outdoor Lightweight Aluminum offers an aluminum roll-top design, although it's not as sturdy. If you prefer sticking with natural materials, the Zempire Kitpac Pro Standard Bamboo is a little smaller, but still has a great design. You also may want to look into the REI Co-op Camp Roll Table.
The Camp Time is durable, sturdy, and it rolls up into an easy-to-carry bundle.
Houston, there is no problem. The Nemo Moonlander is our favorite mini table because of its sleek design and incredible performance in all of our test metrics. The manufacturer went to great lengths to create a well-built table that is sturdy, strong, and very easy to use. Its dual-height settings are nearly effortless to achieve. Its low elevation is perfect for ground-level activities like picnicking or a day at the beach. Opening the table automatically deploys hinged, fin-style legs, which hold it about 4 inches from the ground. On the underside of the Moonlander are four legs that can be detached and twist-locked into place if more height is needed. Its 19 x 15-inch nylon tabletop is heat-resistant and rated to support 100 pounds. Additionally, we love the carrying case and the shape of the table, which gives a nod to early NASA spacecraft. From top to bottom, only the best materials were used to create the Moonlander. It was built to last — and it has the price tag to prove it.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
5.1 lbs
Measured Table Height
16 in
Measured Table Top Dimensions
19.0" L x 15.0" W
Claimed Max Support Weight
100 lbs
Table Top Material
Heat-stabilized nylon
In addition to being a little pricey for its size, we also feel the Moonlander could be just a little taller. Additionally, we also struggled a little to find a broad-scale application for the table because it's too heavy for backpacking or other backcountry adventures and too small for anything more than simple activities. However, if you think you might need a very sturdy, cool-looking mini table, the Moonlander is a great little piece of gear.
Setting up the Moonlander is a simple process. It can sit directly on the ground or you can attach its legs to turn it into a small end table.
Okay, here's the deal: the Crazy Creek Pack Table has a few flaws, but if you love being out in the middle of Timbuktu, and you're the type that likes having one or two luxury items, this table is for you. It's fairly lightweight (1.2 pounds), keeps your lunch up off the dirt, and it's big enough to hold a few items at the same time. Setup has a few extra steps, but it's a relatively simple process — we figured it out on the first try without instructions. “I used my Crazy Creek extensively this summer, mostly for fun out-and-back backpacking trips,” said our lead tester Jason Wanlass. “It's super easy to pack, and it provides a little comfort and convenience to eating in the outdoors.” When fully expanded, the Crazy Creek provides one square foot of table space, which is large enough to accommodate a Jetboil, two pouches of freeze-dried food, some snacks, and a few utensils. We also loved that its legs can be adjusted from 5 to 8 inches in height, in one-inch increments.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
1.2 lbs
Measured Table Height
5 in - 8 in
Measured Table Top Dimensions
12" L x 12" W
Claimed Max Support Weight
10 lbs
Table Top Material
Polypropylene
Unanimously, those who helped us test the Crazy Creek felt it could be more sturdy, especially its legs. They don't lock open, which allows them to collapse inward if the table is slid across the ground. The overall structure will also collapse under higher amounts of pressure or weight. But, in fairness, the Crazy Creek was never designed to be anything more than a simple, lightweight accessory to your backcountry adventure, so if you see it for what it is and treat it with care, you shouldn't have a problem. The Pack Table is unique in our lineup, but we tested a few other tables of interest if you're looking for a small table. We loved the convenience of the GCI Outdoor Compact 20. We also really liked the strength and portability of the Nemo Moonlander. The Helinox Table One has the best weight-to-strength ratio of the bunch. And, the Snow Peak Single Action Round Table is a fun bamboo option, although it is heavier.
Our maiden backpacking voyage with our Crazy Creek. Its assembly is fairly simple and it holds enough weight to actually be useful.
Tired of fumbling through plastic storage totes or make-shift containers for the spatula or pancake mix? The Camp Chef Sherpa Table is designed to keep your camping kitchen organized in one place. One of the most unique cooking station tables we've ever reviewed, the Sherpa is an organizer's dream — complete with color-coded storage totes that can be individually labeled. Think of the Sherpa as a portable kitchen cupboard system. “I love the separate storage totes of this table. They allowed me to organize, pack, and carry nearly all of my cooking supplies in one enclosed system,” our head tester noted. “I even had enough space to store my stove!” One of the totes is an insulated cooler that doubles as a washbasin and can keep iced drinks cold for about one day. The Sherpa sets up super fast and has a very reasonable base weight (around 10 pounds). It's an ideal table for keeping everything you need in one place and for cooking up grub for a medium to small-sized camp.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
10.2 lbs
Measured Table Height
28 in
Measured Table Top Dimensions
27.0" L x 17.0" W
Claimed Max Support Weight
Not stated
Table Top Material
Aluminium
While the Camp Chef Sherpa has plenty of storage space, it doesn't boast a large workspace up top. After our cooking stove was in place, we had little to no space to prepare food or place cooking utensils. It's also a bit vertically challenged. It's shorter than the other cook stations we tested, and our testers felt it needed more than just one height setting. Yet, for its overall convenience and organization, this is our favorite cook station. If you're just looking for the basics, the GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cook Station is a great fold-up model that has a ton of shelves and is easy to carry. We also loved the features of the Mountain Summit Gear Deluxe Roll Top, but felt it wasn't very rugged, so we recommend it for lighter use.
Using our Sherpa Table in the Utah Rockies. It's easy to move and set up and its color-coded compartments really do work.
If you need a high-quality, lightweight, and packable table, the Helinox Table One is worth its price tag. This table is super light, compact, and strong. Also suitable as an end table, the Helinox can accompany a camp chair for an outdoor meal or hold drinks during sunset at the beach. For short weekend forays into the backcountry, river trips, and lunch hikes to a scenic spot, this table is easy to stow or lash to the outside of your pack to bring some convenience to your experience. “When I consider this table's minimal weight, I'm super impressed by its ability to remain upright when saddled with several items,” said one of our testers.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
1.5 lbs
Measured Table Height
16 in
Measured Table Top Dimensions
24.0" L x 16.0" W
Claimed Max Support Weight
110 lbs
Table Top Material
Polyester
The table's polyester top isn't suitable for cooking, which is one of the limiting factors in its versatility. Still, we recognize the Table One for its backcountry prowess, boasting the quality and strength needed to withstand the rigors of more extreme outdoor use, all in a tiny, lightweight package. However, it's pricey. If you don't mind a few more pounds, the GCI Outdoor Compact 20 is a decent option for a fraction of the price. The Nemo Moonlander and Coleman Compact are additional mini-tables you may want to consider, though they weigh more.
The Helinox is weight and strength make it a great addition to just about any adventure.
It lacks a wow factor, but if you're looking for a basic, portable camping table, the Portal Outdoor Lightweight Aluminum is easy on the bank account and good enough to get the job done. This is your best option if you just need a basic table for light-duty work. “I've used my Portal Outdoor table for several years, and I feel it's lightweight and sturdy enough for general use in most outdoor environments if you treat it with care,” said one of our senior gear testers. This table doesn't rely on a bungee system to hold its folding tabletop design in place, giving this table a leg up on its peers in terms of durability.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
8.9 lbs
Measured Table Height
26 in
Measured Table Top Dimensions
27. 5" L x 27. 5" W
Claimed Max Support Weight
132 lbs
Table Top Material
Aluminum
The Portal certainly isn't big-boned, and most of its key moving parts are made from thin plastic, leaving a large question mark on its long-term durability. It's also a little short, and the X-shaped metal braces force most adults to sit sideways instead of placing their knees under the table. These drawbacks aside, we still think that this model proves its value by sufficing for many camping and backyard needs without costing too much. If you won't use your table a lot, this one works and saves cash. If it's not available, the Coleman Compact is quite similar and in the same price range. We also have enjoyed using the REI Co-op Camp Prep Table and ALPS Mountaineering Dining Table Regular; however, we don't feel the ALPS table is as durable as the REI model.
The Portal's frame is a little flimsy, but otherwise this table is a decent choice for basic camping.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Compare Product Specifications
Specifications
Lifetime 4-Foot Fold-In-Half Adjustable
Nemo Moonlander
Snow Peak Single Action Round
REI Co-op Camp Prep
Camp Time Roll-A-Table
Crazy Creek Pack
REI Co-op Camp Roll
GCI Outdoor Compact 20
Camp Chef Sherpa
Zempire Kitpac Pro Standard Bamboo
BOTE Inflatable Aero Classic
Helinox One
Portal Outdoor Lightweight Aluminum
GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cook Station
ALPS Mountaineering Dining Regular
Mountain Summit Gear Heavy Duty Roll Top
Coleman Compact
Goplus Portable Fish Cleaning
Trekology Talu
Mountain Summit Gear Deluxe Roll Top
Awards
Best Overall Camping Table
Best Mini Table
Best Roll-Top Table
A Lightweight Fold-up Option for the Backcountry
Best Cook Station
Our Favorite Lightweight Table
A Convenient, Lightweight Campsite Basic
Measured Weight
18.1 lbs
5.1 lbs
7.4 lbs
19.7 lbs
10.1 lbs
1.2 lbs
8.0 lbs
3.9 lbs
10.2 lbs
12.2 lbs
16.5 lbs
1.5 lbs
8.9 lbs
18.2 lbs
10.7 lbs
15.3 lbs
9.0 lbs
22.4 lbs
2.7 lbs
15.8 lbs
Measured Table Height
24, 29, or 36 in
16 in
8.2 in
22 - 31 in
28 in
5 in - 8 in
27.5 in
24.2 in
28 in
15.5 in -25.5 in
17 in
16 in
26 in
32.3 in
28 in
28 in
27.5 in
37 in
16 in
31.5 in
Measured Table Top Dimensions
48.0" L x 24.0" W
19.0" L x 15.0" W
25.5" L x 25.5" W
49.0" L x 24.0" W
32.3" L x 32.3" W
12" L x 12" W
27.5" L x 27.5" W
20.1" L x 18.2" W
27.0" L x 17.0" W
25.5 L x 19.6" W
4.1" L x 30″ W
24.0" L x 16.0" W
27. 5" L x 27. 5" W
20.9" L x 52.0" W
42.5" L x 28.0" W
47.0" L x 28.0" W
27.6" L x 27.6" W
45.2" L x 23.2" W
15.6" L x 13.6" W
56.2" L x 18.9" W
Claimed Max Support Weight
Not stated
100 lbs
Not stated
100 lbs
100 lbs
10 lbs
100 lbs
60 lbs
Not stated
220 lbs
230 lbs
110 lbs
132 lbs
48 lbs
Not stated
70 lbs
Not stated
440 lbs
50 lbs
Not stated
Table Top Material
UV-protected high-density polyethylene
Heat-stabilized nylon
Bamboo
Aluminum
Wood and poly-vinyl
Polypropylene
Aluminium
Aluminum
Aluminium
Bamboo
Military-grade PVC skin
Polyester
Aluminum
Aluminium
Aluminium
Aluminum
Aluminum
High density polyethylene
Aluminium
Aluminium
Legs/Body Materials
Steel
Aluminum
Aluminum
Steel
Steel
Polypropylene
Aluminum
Aluminum
Aluminum
Aluminum
Military-grade PVC skin
Aluminum
Aluminum
Aluminum
Aluminum
Steel
Aluminum
Steel
Aluminum
Aluminum
Folded Dimensions
24.0" L x 23.5" W x 3.0" H
15.5" L x 10.0" W x 1.2" H
25.5" L x 12.75" W x 2.0" H
24.0" L x 24.5" W x 4.25" H in
32.3" L x 6.5" W x 4.5" H
6" L x 6" W x 2" H
27.5" L x 7.0" W x 4.5" H
17" L x 1.5" W x 1.5" H
15.75" L x 27.0" W x 18.25" H
26" L x 5" W x 7" H
32" L x 13" W x 7" H
16.0" L x 3.5" W x 3.0" H
28.0" L x 7. 5" W x 2. 2" H
20.9" L x 3.7" W x 34.6" H
42.0" L x 5.0" W x 9.0" H
30.0" L x 9.0" W x 6.0" H
28.0" L x 6.0" W x 5.0"H
45.2" L x 23.2" W x 2.5" H
23.0" L x 4.0" W x 4.0" H
19.7" L x 43" W x 31.5" H
We test each table individually and then analyze our results directly against each other in a side-by-side comparison against their peers.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
How We Tested
For a decade, our experts have rigorously tested the best camping tables. Our review process always begins with thorough research into the market for whatever product category we're testing. We assessed the latest tables released over the past year, and after settling on the most intriguing models, we purchased them for side-by-side testing. Once the tables were in hand, our review team hit the road, winding through mountains and beautiful red rock country. On several occasions, we incorporated the assistance of other campground veterans in the tests and assessments. Along the way, we spent hours using and testing each table to determine its overall performance. To test each model's ability to support weight, we added unbalanced weights to their corners until the point of failure. We cooked several meals on all models that would support two-burner camping stoves and assessed the give and wobble in each table's legs. From specific tests to all-around use, we got to know these tables very well to provide in-depth performance assessments.
We use four rating metrics to judge these camping tables:
Stability and Strength (30% of overall score weighting)
Portability (30% weighting)
Durability (20% weighting)
Ease of Setup (20% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
Our camp table connoisseur, Jason Wanlass, makes Utah his home, where he has year-round access to a variety of outdoor settings and activities. On any given day, he can be found wandering about in the nearby mountains. An avid hiker and backpacker, he also spends a significant amount of time on the road, enjoying the discovery of unique, off-the-beaten-path weekend campground spots in Utah and its neighboring states. When on foot, Jason enjoys wandering trails in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho, the Tetons of Wyoming, the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, the Olympic Peninsula of Washington, or the Grand Canyon. Cruising up to campsites regularly, either in public campgrounds or BLM land, Jason has more than 20 years of camping experience. Having a vast working knowledge of camping gear, he applied it to this review of camping tables and cooking stations.
Going all the places and doing all the things with our camping tables.
Analysis and Test Results
We narrowed our test metrics down to four vital assessments: stability and strength, portability, durability, and ease of setup. Of these four metrics, we weighted the first two the heaviest, which means scores in these two areas had a greater impact on the table's overall score. After all, we feel a camp table needs to be stable and strong, and it needs to be portable. We recommend that you focus on the metrics you find most important, though, to lead you to the right product for your needs.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
We realize cost is a key decision-making factor for most folks making gear decisions. While specialty tables can offer extremely low weight or systematic organization and features, expect to pay more. However, if you only need a surface for cooking and eating, you can save a significant amount of money. The best bargain of the models we tested is the Lifetime Adjustable model. Instead of specializing in any given area, it's a utility table that can be used for camping, cookouts, and many other social gatherings, and it's built to withstand years of abuse while ringing up for a very fair price.
Comparing a few of our cook station tables side by side.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
If you're looking for something more portable and packable, the Portal Outdoor Lightweight Aluminum table impresses with its performance per dollar spent. It lacks the utility of the do-it-all Lifetime table, but most campers just need some kind of surface to cook or eat upon, and the Portal table suffices with an inexpensive price tag. Among camping tables, one typical tradeoff for a lower price tag is long-term durability. This applies to the Portal model, as well as many of the low-priced products we tested. Still, if you won't be using your table frequently and don't abuse it, bargain products like the Portal get the job done without spending money on a larger, sturdier table. When we look solely at construction quality, we think the Zempire Kitpac Pro Standard Bamboo offers a ton of value, as does the REI Co-op Camp Prep Table. Both offer solid designs. We also liked the overall value of the Nemo Moonlander and the REI Co-op Camp Roll Table.
The Zempire table has a stout bamboo top that folds out and locks into place. We also loved its strong metal legs.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Stability and Strength
At its core, a table's purpose is to hold things. Therefore, stability and strength should be major components of any table. A table should be able to support a reasonable amount of weight and do so without tipping, twisting, or bowing.
We conducted several tests, including adding weight incrementally to the same corner of each table until it began to tip. We also examined each table's construction and the materials used to create it. We studied its pressure points, design, and sturdiness. Then we conducted tests to determine how much sway the table had and scored each accordingly. One of the top performers was the Lifetime 4428 Adjustable, with stable steel legs.
The Lifetime has locking steel legs and a welded frame.
Another steel-framed table that we loved was the Goplus Portable Fish Cleaning Table. Like the Lifetime model, the Goplus mixes a heavy-duty steel frame with a lightweight injection-molded tabletop, giving it incredible strength at a slightly lower weight. The Goplus offers a beefy rectangular frame that runs the entire perimeter of the table. This all-encompassing steel design provides incredible strength and stability.
Gettin' the deets on our Goplus table. In addition to being one of tallest tables we've ever tested (37 inches), a 220-pound max weight capacity also makes it one of the strongest.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Other all-metal tables like the REI Co-op Camp Prep Table and the Mountain Summit Gear Heavy Duty Roll Top offer a bit more style along with their strength. Both scored high marks in this area; however, both come with a larger price tag than the Lifetime, which is every bit as robust. The GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cook Station also employs a powder-coated steel frame, but its fold-out design creates a base that is much narrower than its width, creating a potentially top-heavy design, depending on the weight of the items it is holding.
From prepping to cooking to eating, the REI Camp Prep offers tons of space with a sturdy metal frame that can handle weight.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Coleman Compact and the Portal Outdoor Lightweight are affordable, light-duty tables with the same basic design. However, of the two, we found the Portal was slightly stronger and sturdier than the Coleman. Overall, we were most impressed with the Nemo Moonlander for its amazing stability and strength despite its small size. The Moonlander is extremely tough and is made with top-grade materials. Similar in size and function to the Moonlander are the Snow Peak Single Action Round Table and Zempire Kitpac Pro Standard Bamboo. Both have all-bamboo tabletops and sit upon metal legs. The combination results in a very sturdy, balanced design with a low center of gravity.
While not as practical as other options, the Snow Peak is a joy to use for casual beach hangouts where you don't mind sitting on or low to the ground.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
We also really appreciated the durability of the BOTE Inflatable Aero Classic. It's an inflatable table built with the same quality as BOTE paddle boards (namely, dense Military-grade PVC skin). It would take a lot of pop this hefty model, and when it's fully inflated, it offers a massive 4.1 foot long table top. And, it floats!
From its seams to its fabrics, handles, and carrying bag, the BOTE is built to stay upright and to last.
Portability
A table is often considered a luxury item in the outdoors, and luxury shouldn't be arduous or inconvenient. After all, camping has its own set of innate challenges, so what is the point of adding a bit of luxury if it's more trouble than the comfort it provides?
Whether you're camping, traveling, or tailgating, portability is a key component to look for in a camping table. Simply put, a camping table should be compact, reasonably lightweight, easy to carry, and simple to move or reposition. Our top performer in this metric was the Crazy Creek Pack Table. This mini table is a great luxury item for backpacking, and it does a great job of keeping your meals up off the ground.
The Crazy Creek folds up into a six-inch block and weighs just a little over one pound, making it the easiest table on our list to carry and move.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Another backcountry model that received some of our highest marks is the Helinox Table One, which weighs 1.5 pounds and packs up small in a convenient carrying bag. In the cooking station category, the Mountain Summit Gear Deluxe is the most portable, based on its overall weight and ability to collapse for transport. For smaller, square tables, the Coleman Compact and the Portal Aluminum tables are both relatively lightweight and fit nicely into carrying bags with shoulder straps. And despite its heavier weight, the Zempire Kitpac Pro Standard Bamboo was also quite easy to carry.
The bamboo Zempire table has a nice carrying bag for hauling it around.
Of the heavier models, the Lifetime is easier to transport than other steel-framed models we tested. It's well-balanced when folded up and has a single, well-placed handle. The Nemo Moonlander comes with a great storage case with an adjustable shoulder strap. We also love the grab-and-go Snow Peak Round Table. Designed in Japan, this round, picnic-style table folds in half and can be easily carried to just about any destination. Finally, though it's a heavier table in our lineup, the BOTE Inflatable Aero Classic has a great carrying bag with a durable shoulder strap, making it quite easy to transport.
Headed for the marina with our Snow Peak in tow. Its grab-and-go design makes it perfect for nearly any adventure. We just wish it had an optional shoulder strap.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Durability
Given the nature of how and where camping tables are used, they should be durable. Outdoor living, whether it be in a stadium parking lot, a picnic at the beach, or multiple days in the woods, comes with more inherent challenges. We expected the tables we examined to withstand repeated use in these more challenging environments.
We set up and took down each table at least a dozen times while examining them for even the slightest bit of wear and tear from our field testing. We also scrutinized every inch of each table, used them repeatedly outside, and gave them each an objective score based on our own experience. In the end, we felt the steel-framed tables excelled. The Lifetime 4428 is one of the more durable designs we've encountered, especially for the price.
The Lifetime table uses an old-school pin system for locking the height of the legs into place. While not the easiest way to move the legs, the system is durable and strong.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
The REI Camp Prep Table and the GCI Slim-Fold Cook Station are made of durable materials, ready for repeated use and exposure to outdoor living. The Camp Time Roll-A-Table is also quite durable, employing a mixture of metal, wood, and vinyl. We've seen these tables get beaten and battered while strapped to whitewater rafts on multi-day river trips, yet lived to tell the tale again and again. We are also extremely impressed with the top-to-bottom quality of the Nemo Moonlander and the Snow Peak Round Table. Both are built to last a lifetime of adventures.
A camp table will often be subjected to environments that your home dining table would never want to see. That's why a camp table should boast a durability that will last for years as seen here on the GCI Slim-Fold.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Lastly, we were somewhat conflicted by the Goplus Fish Cleaning Table's durability. The table itself is made from very robust materials, making it one of the more durable tables we've tested. However, we found the faucet and sink accessories to be inferior and less durable.
Hooking our Goplus to the hose and testing the spout. We were very impressed with the durability of the actual table. Unfortunately, the faucet and drain system didn't impress us as much.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Ease of Setup
A camping table should be a breeze to set up and break down. Overall, it should also be easy to use. In general, you're outdoors to have fun and relax, not to spend time reading instructions and counting and organizing a parts list. We expected the tables we used to be set and stowed in under a minute — preferably in seconds. We also expected to be able to deploy each table solo.
Of all the different tables we assessed, we were surprised to discover some of the easiest to use were not always the smallest and lightest options. For example, the Lifetime Adjustable is one of our larger and heavier models; however, it sets up and tears down in just seconds. That said, the Lifetime is simply no match for the Snow Peak Round Table, which opens and lays flat in the blink of an eye. The Snow Peak deploys effortlessly and precisely every time and has the fastest setup we've ever seen.
Ta-da! Presto! Voila! Abracadabra! Our fastest setup time was 2.5 seconds. So setting up the Snow Peak is as easy as 1-2-3.. or 1-2... 2 and a half.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
We found the GCI Outdoor Compact 20 to be easy-peasy to set up and fold down. Each process takes just seconds to complete. It was one of our favorite designs. Likewise, the Nemo Moonlander, Helinox Table One, Crazy Creek Pack Table, and Coleman Compact were among the other small tables with an easy setup.
The GCI Outdoor Compact 20 is one of the easiest tables in our lineup to set up and take down.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Among the larger models, the REI Camp Prep and GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold are three of the heaviest tables we studied, but they can be set up and taken down in under a minute. Other tables that were a breeze to use are the Camp Chef Sherpa Table and the Trekology Talu. The ground-level elevation of the Nemo Moonlander also sets up in seconds. Built-in, hinged legs pop into place upon opening and provide about 4 inches of clearance from the ground. And although its setup time takes more time and is a little more involved, deploying the inflatable BOTE Inflatable Aero Classic is actually quite easy, especially if you have an electric pump.
Just lock in the BOTE nozzle and pump.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Things to Consider Before Buying a Camping Table
Consider what you plan to use your table for, how many people plan to use it, and how easy it will be to transport.
While most camping tables are designed for ease of use, many can be larger and heavier than you might think. Some of the heaviest tables we tested weigh around 20 pounds. And, while many camping tables fold up nicely, some models simply fold in half, leaving you with a greater challenge when packing the car or storing it at home. We recommend taking into consideration factors like weight, packed size, and whether it comes with a carrying case.
The overall dimensions of your table top are an important spec that every buyer should consider before purchase. What looks like a cool design online may be a disappointment when it arrives on your doorstep. Every product page offers a specs section that will detail the measurements of the table you're researching. Larger tables are typically close to 50 inches in length, while smaller end tables will measure about 25 inches. It's important to know the length and width of the table you're looking to buy. Once you have that data, compare it against the number of people that will be using the table.
Do you enjoy car camping or RVing at local campgrounds, or do you tend to go off-grid and find your own piece of heaven? You may live the van life, or you could be a major backcountry buff. Knowing how you plan to use your table could save you time and money. Generally, smaller, lightweight tables are made for outdoor activities like biking, rafting, backpacking, or other outdoor adventures where space and weight are at a premium. Heavier, more sturdy models are generally more suited for campgrounds where there is a ton of space for supplies and more downtime with friends and family.
We set up camping tables in a lot of remote locations to help you find the very best option.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Conclusion
Throughout our review, we didn't give these tables any leeway. Regardless of price or brand, we held all to high standards, and we were not afraid to score them according to their performance. We researched everything we would want to know if we were buying these tables for ourselves, and we did our best to score them on plain old performance. There are many different types of camping tables, and one size does not fit all. We hope this review provides you with the necessary insight to find the best table for your outdoor adventures.