Best Folding Camping Table

Best Folding Camping Table

48 Models Considered
58 Hours of Research
3 Experts Interviewed
199 Reviews Analyzed

There was a time when the words “camping table” just meant the flattest rock you could find. After all, who wants to bother with hauling a big heavy table all the way into the wilderness just so you have a flat place to store your hot dogs?

Those days are gone, and the days of the new, ultra-lightweight, feature-packed folding camping table is here. The best camping tables are all about high-performance stability with compact design, giving some of these tables the ability to travel with you on the most rugged of adventures. Or if you’re like us, you just like to have one of these tables in the back of your car for the impromptu adventure. Choosing a folding camping table isn’t quite as easy as it may seem. With all the options and styles that are available the whole thing is enough to make you dizzy. That’s why we’re counting down the 10 Best Folding Camping Tables of 2023, followed by an in-depth buyer’s guide that tells you exactly what you need to know in order to make an informed purchase.

Comparison Table

Best Feature Dimensions Weight Height Material Pros Cons
5050
$
Check price for Lifetime 4428 Folding Table
Best Adjustable Folding Table
4428 Folding Table
4428 Folding Table
Lifetime
Check Price
48 x 24 x 29 in 19 pounds 24”, 29”, 36” HDPE
  • 3 different adjustable height settings
  • Folds in half for easy transport
  • Somewhat heavy
  • Lower weight capacity
5050
$
Check price for Beckworth & Co SmartFlip Bamboo
Most Stylish Folding Table
SmartFlip Bamboo
SmartFlip Bamboo
Beckworth & Co
Check Price
31.5 x 23.6 x 17 in 13.9 pounds 17”- 25.6” HDPE
  • Awesome Moso-Bamboo construction
  • Lighter & more portable than other tables
  • Not as sturdy as tables with non-adjustable legs
5050
$
Check price for Mountaineering ALPS Table
Best Lightweight Portable Table
ALPS Table
ALPS Table
Mountaineering
Check Price
28 x 43 x 28 in 12 pounds 28” Aluminum
  • Reputable company with lifetime guarantee
  • Innovative folding-slat tabletop design
  • Not as laterally sturdy
  • Carrying bag can be a bit tedious
5050
$
Check price for Coleman Outdoor Table
Most Compact Table
Outdoor Table
Outdoor Table
Coleman
Check Price
8 x 8 x 28.5 in 9.8 pounds 27” Aluminum
  • Small & Lightweight
  • Very affordable
  • Only sturdy when weight is on top of it
  • Smaller weight load limit than other camping tables
5050
$
Check price for Seatopia Aluminum Table
Most Portable Aluminum Table
Aluminum Table
Aluminum Table
Seatopia
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47.2 x 18.5 x 27.4 in 16.84 pounds 27.36” Aluminum/Nylon
  • Convenient zip-up storage compartments
  • Light & portable
  • A bit too small
  • Narrowness means that there is some danger of tipping
5050
$
Check price for KingCamp Alloy 3-Fold
Best 3-Fold Table
Alloy 3-Fold
Alloy 3-Fold
KingCamp
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47 x 32 x 28 in 13.9 pounds 27.6” Aluminum/MDF
  • Unique tri-fold design
  • Sleek & stylish design
  • Not very durable
  • Not as sturdy as other tables
5050
$
Check price for Outsunny 4′ Portable Folding Table
Best Table with Built-In
4′ Portable Folding Table
4′ Portable Folding Table
Outsunny
Check Price
24.99 x 28.99 x 4.99 in 14.5 pounds 26.5” Aluminum/Plastic
  • Built in seats (4x)
  • Convenient suit-case style design
  • Lower weight limit than is needed for a 4 person table with seats
  • Nuts & screws need tightening from time to time
Check price for Table in a Bag A2716 Low Table
Most Lightweight Table
A2716 Low Table
A2716 Low Table
Table in a Bag
Check Price
27 x 16 x 27 in 5 pounds 16” Aluminum alloy
  • Ultra-lightweight construction
  • Super easy setup & break down
  • Not very sturdy
  • Won’t last more than a few seasons
5050
$
Check price for Stansport Table Umbrella Comb
Best Table with an Umbrella
Table Umbrella Comb
Table Umbrella Comb
Stansport
Check Price
33.5 x 25.5 x 25.8 in 22.3 pounds 25.8” Plastic/aluminum
  • Suitcase-style construction
  • Included umbrella
  • Low weight capacity
  • Seats are quite low to the ground

Best Adjustable Folding TableLIFETIME 4428 Height-Adjustable Camping & Utility Table

Height 24”, 29”, or 36”
Weight 19 LBS
Tabletop dimensions 48” x 24”
Construction material High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Best feature 3 different height settings

There is no questioning that LIFETIME is capable of making some of the best plastic products that you can find. Chances are, if you have something in your house that is made of hard plastic and you use it all the time, it was likely made by these guys. Almost everything they do is with the material HDP, or high-density polyethelene, which is the same thing that you see in a kayak or canoe. So you know that this is going to be a sturdy table indeed.

The best part about their 4428 model table is that it offers three different height settings, a feature that is so simplistic and convenient that we are over here wondering why we don’t see it on more camping tables. After all, not all camping chairs are built to the same height, so why would all camping tables be?

The dimensions here are big, one of the bigger tables on our list. However the fact that it folds for carrying means that it really isn’t that big of a hassle. At 19LBS, this doesn’t quite fit the bill for hiking trips, but is more than adequate for car camping applications.

Pros
  • 3 different adjustable height settings
  • Folds in half for easy transport
Cons
  • Somewhat heavy (19LBS)
  • Lower weight capacity

Most Stylish Folding Table for CampingBeckworth & Co. SMART FLIP Bamboo Portable Outdoor Picnic Table

Height 17”- 25.6”
Weight 10.2 LBS
Tabletop dimensions Moso Bamboo
Construction material High-Density Polyethylene
Best feature Stylish Bamboo Construction

Just because you are out in the wilderness doesn’t mean that your table has to be all dirty. And you know that it will be, considering that most of these camping tables are made from that white or grey polyethylene that easily picks up dirt and is rarely stain resistant. For the style-conscious outdoor enthusiast, the answer is simple The Beckworth & Co. SmartFlip outdoor picnic table is one of the coolest looking tables that we reviewed.

And it’s not just a laminate print, either. This tabletop is made from real, premium Moso Bamboo, which is extremely lightweight but also very firm; the perfect combination for something that you want to be portable and durable.

The legs on this table are telescoping aluminum. This allows for the height to be adjusted at any point between 17” and 26.5”, as opposed to other tables where the adjustment levels are set. This design, although innovative, leads to a slight decrease in stability over time. We imagine the time will come when these legs start to wear out and the height will not be able to be adjusted anymore.

Pros
  • Awesome Moso-Bamboo construction
  • Lighter & more portable than other tables
Cons
  • Not as sturdy as tables with non-adjustable legs

Best Lightweight Portable Table for DiningALPS Mountaineering Dining Table

Height 28”
Weight 12 LBS
Tabletop dimensions 28” W x 43” L
Construction material Aluminum
Best feature Innovative fold-up design

There are a lot of different outdoor manufacturers out there, too many perhaps to even know if the product you are getting is going to be any good. That’s why we can totally understand why someone would not mind paying a few extra bucks for a product from a company with a solid reputation and a lifetime warranty. After all, there is no better way to get peace of mind with your purchase.

Those are the things you’re getting with ALPS MOUNTAINEERING, a company that is not only known for solid, durable construction but also wonderful technical and customer service. The lifetime warranty is a pretty incredible thing here … there are only a few companies out there that can offer this on something as traditionally cheap as a camping table.

Here’s how it works: as opposed to other tables that fold in half or simply collapse into the legs, the ALPS table utilizes a tabletop of interconnected aluminum panels that are capable of folding down into a smaller position. This means that the whole table is capable of fitting inside a convenient shoulder carrying bag. For camping excursions and backpacking trips, this is an invaluable design. Because the table legs are on either side of the table and do not feature lateral supports, there is less sturdiness than we would prefer. In addition it can be a bit frustrating trying to get the whole thing in the carrying bag, but with a little practice it becomes totally possible.

Pros
  • Reputable company with lifetime guarantee
  • Innovative folding-slat tabletop design
Cons
  • Not as laterally sturdy
  • Carrying bag can be a bit tedious

Most Compact Portable Camping TableCOLEMAN Outdoor Compact Table

Height 27”
Weight 10 LBS
Tabletop dimensions 27” H x 27” W
Construction material Aluminum
Best feature Small & Lightweight table

The tables we have looked at thus far all share one thing in common: they are all just slightly too big to carry on a long distance backpacking trip. And while any backpacker will tell you that you are crazy to bring a whole table with you into the wilderness, there are times when you just can’t be without it, such as a mid-summer grill & chill up at your favorite mountain lake that cannot be accessed by vehicle.

The COLEMAN Outdoor Compact table is one of the smallest camping tables that we had the pleasure to review. At a very satisfying 27” x 27” x 27”, it is small enough for just about any adventure you can think of.

The total weight limit on this table is probably about 60 pounds, even if the manufacturer claims something slightly higher. It is important to remember that aluminum, although sturdy and lightweight, also has a tendency to bend much easier than other metals. Because of this, extended periods exceeding the recommended weight limit might lead to permanent bends and eventual damage. One thing is for sure … you certainly don’t want to be using this table as a chair.

The only problem with the COLEMAN table is that it is only sturdy when there is something on top of it to hold everything in place. When there is no weight on top it can be a bit unwieldy, but with a camping grill on top it seems to be quite stable indeed.

Pros
  • Small & Lightweight
  • Very affordable
Cons
  • Only sturdy when weight is on top of it
  • Smaller weight load limit than other camping tables (<60 LBS)

Most Portable Aluminum Camping TableSEATOPIA Aluminum Folding Table with Storage Organizer

Height 27.36”
Weight 16.84 LBS
Tabletop dimensions 42.4” L x 18.5” W
Construction material Aluminum / Nylon
Best feature Additional Storage Compartments

In the world of outdoor gear, it is never a bad idea to distinguish yourself from the competitors. Sometimes the easiest way to do that is to add a feature so simple and convenient that it immediately sets your product apart. That’s why we’ve really got to hand it to SEATOPIA for giving us one of the first folding camping tables with additional storage compartments. This is honestly something that we have never seen until it was released last year, but already we are predicting that other manufactures are going to follow suit.

So what’s the deal with the Storage Organizer? It’s basically a fabric container, fully collapsible, that attaches to the legs beneath the table, acting something like an under-the-counter cupboard. It features two large zip-up pockets that divide the space into two distinct compartments, making it easy to organize everything from foodstuffs to cutlery to dishes and cups. She’s only about 1.5 feet wide, which is a little narrow than we usually like our camping tables to be. It’s so narrow that there is some danger of tipping if you’re not careful about how you are loading everything both on top of it and inside the storage compartments.

Pros
  • Convenient zip-up storage compartments
  • Light & portable
Cons
  • A bit too small
  • Narrowness means that there is some danger of tipping

Best Tri-Fold Camping Table for Camping ChairsKING CAMP Aluminum Alloy 3-Fold Camp Table with Carry Bag

Height 27.6”
Weight 13 LBS
Tabletop dimensions 47.2” L x 32.5” W
Construction material Aluminum (Legs), MDF (Surface)
Best feature Unique tri-fold design

When we first saw the KING CAMP 3-fold camp chair, we were a bit perplexed at how it would work. This might be the first tri-fold camping chair that we have seen, though no doubt there are more than a few imitations out there on the market.

The functionality of this design is admirable. It does make for easier breakdown and carry, though we are unsure if it makes the table any more lightweight or stable.

The overall stability leaves a little something to be desired. The legs aren’t as firmly installed as they are on other models, and the tabletop is not actually aluminum (as you might think it is if you look at any of the pictures online). Instead it is a melamine (MDF / particle board) paneling with a plastic coating. This means that the KING CAMP table is not going to take any extra abuse before it decides to break.

However this is a cool-looking, sleek camping table that is portable enough to carry out to the river for afternoon cocktails, so we are giving it our recommendation.

Pros
  • Unique tri-fold design
  • Sleek & stylish design
Cons
  • Not very durable
  • Not as sturdy as other tables

Best Folding Camping Table with Built-In Camping ChairsOUTSUNNY Portable Folding Outdoor Camp Suitcase Picnic Table w/ 4 Seats

Height 26.5”
Weight 14.5 LBS
Tabletop dimensions 33.25” L x 25” W
Construction material Aluminum & Plastic
Best feature Built-in chairs (4x)

Although the actual design for this kind of table was first released in the seventies, it has been some time since a product manufacturer has really nailed the concept of it. The OUTSUNNY Camp Suitcase Picnic Table is one of the best attempts at the “suitcase style” camping table that we have seen in some time, and we are more than a little bit excited to gush about it.

First things first: this table is only 14.5 pounds, which is about the same weight as all the camping tables on the market that don’t have built in seating for 4. In addition to the remarkable light weight, the suitcase style fold-down makes for one of the easiest setup / breakdown / transportation indexes that we have on our list.

If there is anything to be desired, however, it might be a little bit of a higher weight capacity. As it stands, this thing might not be actually able to support 4 full-grown adults, however it seems to be the perfect thing for a family where two members are children.

In addition to the lower weight capacity, some of the screws and bolts on this thing aren’t as tight as we would like them to be. In order to keep your table in best condition, we recommend tightening these nuts and screws before each use.

Pros
  • Built in seats (4x)
  • Convenient suit-case style design
Cons
  • Lower weight limit than is needed for a 4 person table with seats
  • Nuts & screws need tightening from time to time

Most Lightweight Camping TablePORLAE Foldable Portable Aluminum Table with Carry Bag

Height 16”
Weight 2.6 LBS
Tabletop dimensions 22” L x 15.7” W
Construction material Aluminum alloy
Best feature Ultra-Lightweight Construction

Here is a product that the backpackers & long-distance adventures are going to absolutely love. At a shockingly light 2.6 pounds, the PORLAE portable table is the lightest camping table on our list by a significant margin. This is the kind of weight that would be required if you are hoping to strap this thing to the backpack for a good long tramp through the woods; that’s about the weight of an ultralight sleeping bag.

So how does the PORLAE table hold up in terms of overall performance? We had to put it to a real outdoor test to find out.

The truth is: this isn’t the sturdiest table that you can get, but for good reason. The materials are so lightweight that it simply cannot support as much as other, thicker camping tables. And yet the recommended maximum weight capacity is listed at 55 pounds, so it’s hard to say. Our real recommendation is to reconsider that number, somewhere closer to 40 pounds if you want to keep your table in the best condition possible.

While great for the occasional excursion or road trip, don’t expect this table to last for more than a few seasons. But at this price, that’s still a pretty good deal.

Pros
  • Ultra-lightweight construction (2.5 LBS)
  • Super easy setup & break down
Cons
  • Not very sturdy
  • Won’t last more than a few seasons

Sturdiest Folding Table for CampingBEST CHOICE PRODUCTS Folding Camping Table

Height 29”
Weight 22 LBS
Tabletop dimensions 48” L x 24” W
Construction material High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Best feature 300 LB weight capacity

When it comes to absolute sturdiness, there is simply no product on our list that performs better than the table from BEST CHOICE. While there is nothing new or innovative about its bi-fold design, it has the greatest weight capacity (300 pounds) and sturdiest legs compared to any of the other tables that our team took a look at. The gravity-slide locking mechanisms keep the legs in placed, as opposed to come cheaper tables that might buckle on you if you’re not careful.

Some people might be averse to high-density polyethylene (HDPE) considering the prevalence of more fanciful materials like aluminum and bamboo. For one thing, HDPE certainly isn’t as light as those materials, and it is not as easy to clean as aluminum. But the rigidity and long-lasting durability of HDPE makes it the ideal choice for someone who is looking for a table that is going to last. The only complaint we have was that after 24 hours with 300 pounds of weight on it (this is how we do out weight testing) the table displayed a slight but noticeable sag along the middle fold line. We can’t say if this would lead to an eventual collapse, but it does mean that this table might be better for short term use rather than for long-term storage.

Pros
  • Great weight capacity
  • Sturdy gravity-lock legs
Cons
  • HDPE is heavier and harder to clean than other materials
  • Can sag in the middle over time

Best Camping Table with an UmbrellaSTANSPORT Picnic Table & Umbrella Combo

Height 25.8”
Weight 22.3 LBS
Tabletop dimensions 33.5” W x 25.5” L
Construction material Plastic & anodized aluminum
Best feature Included umbrella

We love suitcase-style camping tables. There is nothing quite as satisfying as folding the whole kit and caboodle into a portable and compact unit that you can literally carry just like a suitcase. It used to be that this style of camping table required thicker metals, which means heaver weights in the range of 30 to 40 pounds. Fortunately, that is no longer the case. New aluminum alloys and hard plastics have got this one down to 22.3 pounds, which is heavier than many camping tables, but lighter than those that have chairs. Then there’s the umbrella to consider, which is probably a few pounds itself.

The biggest problem with suitcase style camping tables is that they do not offer the same kind of weight capacity as simpler bi-fold tables. The STANSPORT picnic table is no exception to this rule unfortunately. The result is that this table is perhaps more suited to children than it is for adults. We recommend putting no more than 200 pounds on each side of the table at a time, and certainly no more than 200 pounds on top of the table at any given time.

Our only qualm aside from the weight capacity is that the seats are somewhat low to the ground. This makes sense, I guess, if you are using this table with children, but for a full grown adult it’s not the most ideal of circumstances.

Pros
  • Suitcase-style construction
  • Included umbrella
Cons
  • Low weight capacity
  • Seats are quite low to the ground

Conclusion

For each table we tested, we looked at a few things. First we looked at how well the table performed according to its suggested weight rating. Then we looked at sturdiness and how well the table could stand on its own with pressures were applied to different parts of the table. Then we considered all the extra features and special construction methods that might have been used. This gave us a pretty good idea of which foldable camping tables really stood out above the others.

For sturdiness and weigh capacity, there is no better option than the BEST CHOICE PRODUCTS folding camping table. It has the highest weight capacity of all the tables on our review and has the dense surface of HDPE plastic, meaning it is built to last.

But if you are one of those campers that likes to go the extra mile to see what the real backcountry has to offer, then you might want to take a closer look at the PORLAE foldable aluminum table, as it is by far the lightest and most easily transportable camping table that we have ever seen.

Folding Camping Table Buyer’s Guide

(& how to choose the best one for you)

Narrowing down our review guide to only 10 camping tables was hard enough, but selecting one to be crowned best camping table above all others is outright impossible. That’s because these tables differ in ways that make them suited for different purposes. Finding one for you is all about taking into consideration how the table will be used.

Here are some of the things you should look at when shopping for a new folding picnic table:

Overall Weight

We all know camping tables are supposed to be light, but just how light to they need to be?

  • Ultralight (2 lbs – 5 lbs)

Perfect for: Backpacking & long distance hiking

Not great for: Big family picnics

Folding Picnic Table

  • Lightweight (6 lbs – 10 lbs)

Perfect for: Day picnics & car camping

Not great for: Long term storage

Outwell Picnic Folding Table

  • Mid-weight (10 lbs – 18 lbs)

Perfect for: Big old picnics & parties, car camping

Not great for: Long distance hiking

  • Heavy (19 lbs – 25 lbs)

Perfect for: Storage, big parties, heavier camping gear

Not great for: Backpacking or hiking

Folding Picnic Table with Seats

Height Adjustability

Look: we already know that not all camping chairs are going to be the same height, so it stands to reason that camping tables are going to be the same way. Fortunately, some manufacturers figured this out, and are offering camping tables with height adjustability. Not only does this allow you to fit the table to the camping chairs that you already have, but you can also change the height based on the activity you are using it for.

However not all tables have this feature, so be sure to check the product specifications to make sure you are getting what you are looking for.

Included Seating

One feature that is only available on some camping tables is built in seating. This is usually only available in suitcase-style camping tables, where each of the four seats is built into the same structure and frame as the table itself, and the whole thing folds out from one piece.

Camping table with Seats

While this style of camping table is super cool and innovative, it generally comes with a reduced weight capacity that make them unsuitable for use by four full-grown adults. They are much better for children who weigh a lot less.

Construction material

There are three main materials that camping tables are made of, each with their own benefits and drawbacks.

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

Benefits
  • Durable
  • Waterproof
Drawbacks
  • Heavy
  • Harder to clean

Aluminum Alloys

Benefits
  • Very lightweight
  • Easy to clean
Drawbacks
  • Can bend under excess pressure
  • Not as durable as HDPE

Hard Plastics

Benefits
  • Affordable & cost-effective
  • Lightweight
Drawbacks
  • Not a very durable material
  • Lower weight capacity

HDPE vs. Aluminum: What’s the Better Material for Camp Tables?

If you are interested in learning more about the ongoing debate between HDPE and aluminum (as well as other various metals) hop on over to MakeItFrom.Com where they’ve got a great Guide to Aluminum vs. HDPE.

Portability

The ability of a camping table to fold down into a smaller size is one of the most important aspects of its construction. If not for this ability it would be hardly possible to take them any farther than you could carry a regular table, which defeats the whole purpose.

Bi-fold camping tables fold down the middle. These are the most common type of folding table, whether or not it was designed for camping, because it is usually quite sturdy and can hold a decent about of weight.

Tri-Folding camping table folded and in carying suitcase

Tri-fold camping tables are newer and less common than bi-folds, and are designed to allow for a bigger table to be carried and the same folded dimensions as a bi-fold table. The downside is that they are not as sturdy or weight resistant as bi-folds.

Suitcase Style folding tables are kind of like bi-folds, but they include four small chairs that fold into each half of the table itself. Just as portable as bi-fold chairs with the added benefit of having included seating available for all occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

q: Which table is most heat resistant?
a:

If you are talking about “heat resistance” and “camping table” in the same sentence, then you are likely worried about the open flames of a campfire, or the burner of a camp stove. It is a good thing to be worried about, however, most of these tables are made with materials that are designed to sustain significant heat.

Aluminum camping tables can handle a much higher heat without melting,    but they are not impervious to damage. HDPE camping tables will melt when high temperatures are applied, so it is best to not have them sitting beneath a direct heat source.

q: Can they be used as a computer desk?
a:

Because a lot of these tables have adjustable legs, they can be set to the perfect height to match your camping chair. For this reason, these tables will work quite well as a computer table. However you want to be careful about jostling, as these tables tend to be not as sturdy with light loads (i.e., laptops) as they are with heavier loads (double burner camping stove)

q: Can it be used to put a tabletop gas grill on it or will it melt?
a:

The only way that a tabletop gas grill will melt the table is if the heating element or hot griddle surface comes into contact with the plastic of the table. Because most tabletop grills have their own legs and support structure, they will not damage the table just by sitting on it.

However, if you are concerned about how much heat the grill is putting off, you might want to go for an aluminum table as it can sustain more heat.

q: Smooth or textured surface?
a:

One of the chief differences between HDPE plastic and aluminum is that the former has a slightly textured surface, while the latter is smooth. However the latter also sometimes features interlocking metal slats as opposed to a singular flat surface, so it won’t perform the same as a regular table. This only really makes a difference if you are trying to write on top of the table or something like that. Smooth surfaces are also much easier to clean, whereas HDPE-type plastics have a tendency to lock in dirt and grime, but can be cleaned with a nylon-fiber brush and soapy water.

Best Folding Camping Table
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