The Best Camping Tables for 2022
-
Loading... - Gael Galban
- 22 Jun 2022
- 201 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
If you are like me, an avid car camper, you probably have owned a camp table at least once in your life. In my nearly 10 years in four different campervans and several Subarus, I learned never to rely on campgrounds to have a picnic table, even when they say they do. Sometimes that table is not where you want to sit, or is in serious disrepair. Over the years, I have toted several types of portable tables across the country, and even one while long-distance backpacking. Now I am settled down in a small cabin with an incredible deck, so these tables get constant use for food prep, dining, and entertaining.
For this piece, I mainly focused on camping tables meant for the outdoors, as opposed to the folding tables seen at big events. There are a lot of models on the market, but here are some of the best camping tables that are some of my favorites, as well as some newer ones that I wish I had for the road.
How to Choose the Best Camping Table
With so many choices, your first decision is how you’ll use the table. Do you want it for large or small groups? What materials are you looking for in your table? Aluminum or soft sided? Do you want a solid surface or are slats ok? How sturdy and durable do you want it? Does it matter if you are just loading it in the car, or do you need one that can stow in a designated spot? Also, will you be using one of the best camp kitchens with your camping table?
The height of the table is important, too. A standard kitchen table stands about 30 inches tall and a side table can be between 18 and 22 inches tall. Will you be using your camping table for food prep? Do you want to eat meals around it? Do you want it for a side table or just to hold some drinks? Anything over 30 inches is best for standing and for potentially doing food prep. There are some tables that are adjustable, so can act as both a side and kitchen prep table.
One key piece of advice: set a prospective table up in a store before you buy it. Pictures on the packaging don’t do it justice. Ask a sales associate, and see if it comes with instructions and make sure you can follow them. It should not be rocket science to put a table up if, but some are more complicated than others. The last thing you want is to be at a campground in the dark and not know much about the table you brought.
Best for a Big Group: Dometic GO Compact Camp Table
Key Features
- 3-way height adjustment
- Made of beautiful bamboo
Why It Made the Cut
The look, feel, and functionality of this table upgraded our camp vibe, almost like we brought along our dining room table.Pros
- Sturdy
- Easy to adjust to 3 heights
- Easy setup
- Heavy
- Expensive
- Product Description
It is also the most beautiful camp table I’ve seen. The bamboo and sleek design makes it suitable for inside use, too. The complete surface of the table is 39½-by-25½ inches and can easily accommodate four grown adults around it. The legs lock into position without any hassle, and are positioned tight to each corner, allowing for optimal leg space when sitting around it.
The best feature is that this table has three different heights: 19 inches, perfect for a coffee table; 22½ inches, which works well as a side or picnic table when using smaller camp chairs; and 27 inches, which is best for food prep or eating around it with larger camp chairs.The downside is it’s a bit on the heavy side at 20 pounds, but this will last a lifetime and will impress every campground guest. Bonus: For an extra $40, you can buy a padded carrying case for additional protection while tossing it in and out of your vehicle.
Best Features: Coleman Mantis Space-Saving Full-Size Table
Key Features
- Stores perfectly
- Solid construction
- Rigid fabric surface
Why It Made the Cut
This is a nice-sized camping table with a simple hub system assembly and bonus cup holders
Pros
- Durable
- Storage bag
- Easy set up with instructions are on printed on the storage bag
Cons
- Top isn’t entirely rigid
- 3-pole construction
Product Description
The spring-loaded hub system guides you through the set up, then stores back into the base for easy assembly and breakdown. The bonus is that the two hubs in which the poles come out of convert to drink holders. You know how some tables and chairs don’t quite fit into the carrying case? This storage bag has two zippers that fully unzip, so no need to struggle when returning the table to its bag. It packs down to 26x7x5 inches, fitting into any small car and staying out of the way.
The accordion-style table top opens to a surface area of 24-by-30 inches, has two support poles that slip into each side length-wise and attaches to the base via a secure clip. The table sits 27½ inches off the ground, the ideal height for taller camp chairs.
The feet are rounded and about the size of a halved golf ball, so it can be set up on types of uneven surfaces, like rocky terrain. I left mine out in a downpour and it completely dried out in less than 20 minutes. Read More...
