A good table provides a sturdy and dependable space for cooking, eating, or keeping your gear off the dirt. It is essential to find one that is stable, durable, and capable of supporting some weight, while also being portable and easy to set up.
We researched over thirty camp tables of all shapes and sizes and hit the road with top contenders from brands like Mountain Summit Gear, REI, Helinox, and GCI Outdoors. We spent a season cooking, playing games, and setting up our gear at our favorite car camping spots in the Rocky Mountains. These tables have been exposed to snow, gravel, sand, and rain, and we have selected the best one for each type of camper.
And for more info, check out some of our other popular gear guides:
Quick Picks for Camping Tables
Check out this quick version of our list or keep scrolling to see the in-depth reviews.
Best Camping Table Overall: Mountain Summit Gear Heavy Duty Roll Top Table ($130)
Best Budget Side Table: GCI Outdoor Compact Camp Table 20 ($40)
Best Camp Table for Two: REI Camp Roll Table ($90)
Best Budget Camp Table: Coleman Compact Roll Top Aluminum Table ($74)
Most Portable Large Camp Table: Portal Outdoors Quick Adjust Roll-Up Table ($135)
Lightweight, Compact, and Durable Camp Table: Helinox Table One Hard Top ($170)
Best Side Table with Adjustable Legs: Nemo Moonlander Dual-Height Camp Table ($160)
Great Cook Station: GCI Outdoor Master Cook Station ($160)
Best Cook Station with Storage: Mountain Summit Gear Deluxe Roll Top Kitchen ($150)
Best Large Table with Adjustable Legs: REI Camp Prep Table ($150)
What’s new
After another season of car camping, we have found some new tables that may be perfect for what you need:
- The Mountain Summit Gear Heavy Duty Roll-Top Table offers great value with its stability, size, surface area, and simple setup.
- The REI Camp Roll Table is lightweight, easy to set up, and the perfect size for dinner for two.
- The Coleman Compact Roll Top Aluminum Table fits a stove or cookware for two, is lightweight, and offers a great price for those on a budget.
- The NEMO Moonlander Dual-Height Camp Table is a durable side table with adjustable legs, allowing you to sit on a blanket or in chairs to eat or play games.
Mountain Summit Gear Heavy Duty Roll Top Table
Best Camping Table Overall
CleverHiker Rating: 4.9/5.0
Price: $130
Dimensions (LxWxH): 37 x 28 x 28 in.
Weight: 15 lb. 3.2 oz.
Material: Aluminum and steel
Weight Capacity: 70 lbs
Pros
- Great value
- Large surface areas
- Durable
- Easy set-up
Cons
- Not adjustable
If you need one table for all your needs, look no further than the Mountain Summit Gear Heavy Duty Roll Top Table. Made of steel and aluminum, this durable and sturdy table can support the weight of your gear or even the kitchen sink (if you brought it). Despite the materials, it weighs only 15 pounds, making it one of the lighter large tables on the market. It is also easy to carry from the car to the campsite in its convenient carry bag.
The separate aluminum slatted tabletop is easy to set up, with clips on each corner to securely attach it to the frame. The legs are not adjustable, but the frame’s construction is sturdy and built for durability, making it a great value for the price. At a height of 28 inches, the Roll Top Table provides a perfect spot to gather for meals, games, or prep. If you primarily do car camping, this table offers excellent value and durability.
More: Mountain Summit Gear Heavy Duty Roll Top Table Full Review
GCI Outdoor Compact Camp Table 20
Best Budget Side Table
CleverHiker Rating: 4.8/5.0
Price: $40
Dimensions (LxWxH): 20 x 18 x 24 in.
Weight: 4 lb. 13 oz.
Material: Aluminum
Weight Capacity: 60 lbs
Pros
- Light
- Easy set-up
- Compact
- Telescoping legs
Cons
- No carry bag
Chosen as Clever Hiker’s Editor’s Pick, we can’t get enough of the GCI Outdoor Compact Camp Table 20. This side table is lightweight and sturdy enough to hold up to 60 lbs. It’s the perfect companion to keep your drinks, games, and electronics off the dirt. It would also work well as a dinner table for one.
When folded, it is so slim it can fit into almost any space, and setup takes seconds with a simple pull from either side of the tabletop. To add to this table’s appeal, you have two height options, and its telescoping legs stay stable in sand and snow. If that isn’t convincing enough, the affordable price makes it hard not to consider this as an option for your next adventure.
REI Camp Roll Table
Best Camp Table for Two
CleverHiker Rating: 4.7/5.0
Price: $90
Dimensions (LxWxH): 27.5 x 27.5 x 27.5 in.
Weight: 8 lb. 8 oz.
Material: Aluminum
Weight Capacity: 100 lbs
Pros
- Sturdy
- Easy set-up
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not adjustable
The REI Camp Roll Table features a square tabletop and stands 27 inches high, making it perfect for meal prep, dining for two, or enjoying a game by the campfire. Its aluminum legs and heat-resistant aluminum slat top keep it lightweight yet durable enough for hot pots and pans. Eight utility hooks along the table’s structure offer space to hang dish towels, a small garbage bag, or even a jacket.
Setting it up is simple, with a frame that quickly extends and a tabletop that snaps onto two lightweight, removable poles. The water-repellent carry bag makes transportation from the car to the campsite easy. This table is affordable, sturdy, and durable for any car camping adventure.
Coleman Compact Roll Top Aluminum Table
Best Budget Camp Table
CleverHiker Rating: 4.6/5.0
Price: $74
Dimensions (LxWxH): 27.6 x 27.6 x 27.6 in.
Weight: 9 lb.
Material: Aluminum and steel
Weight Capacity: 100 lbs
Pros
- Affordable
- Sturdy
- Easy set-up
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not adjustable
Voted as Clever Hiker’s Budget Buy, the Coleman Compact Roll Top Aluminum Camping Table balances price and dependability. Although this table doesn’t have the largest surface area, it is designed to seat four comfortably and can easily hold a stove and prep items if used as a cook table. Its steel frame and aluminum tabletop are built to last while remaining lightweight enough to carry in its bag.
The separate foldable tabletop snaps on quickly to the frame and sets up in seconds. While the legs are not adjustable, they offer excellent stability on most terrain. This Coleman roll top table can serve as a side table, dinner table, or cook table, and with its lightweight, compact size, and durability, it provides great value.
Portal Outdoors Quick Adjust Roll-Up Table
Most Portable Large Camp Table
CleverHiker Rating: 4.6/5.0
Price: $135
Dimensions (LxWxH): 27.6 × 47.2 × 17.5-25.5 in.
Weight: 13 lb. 3.2 oz.
Material: Aluminum and steel
Weight Capacity: 132 lbs
Pros
- Large surface area
- Adjustable height
- Lightweight and compact
- Mesh organizer under table
Cons
- Clamps on adjustable legs are plastic
If you want a table with a large surface area and adjustable height, the Portal Outdoors Quick Adjust Roll-Up Table is an excellent choice. As the name suggests, this table is wide enough to accommodate a family of four or all your cookware, and it folds into a compact carry bag. Setting it up is straightforward, with the frame easily unfolding and the slatted tabletop snapping into place.
Independently adjustable legs provide stability on any terrain. Although the clamps are made of plastic, they held tight throughout the season and never showed signs of breaking or snapping off. A mesh bag underneath the table takes just a moment longer to set up but provides a space for books, towels, a deck of cards, and other items you don’t want in the dirt.
More: Portal Outdoors Quick Adjust Roll-Up Table Full Review
Helinox Table One Hard Top
Lightweight, Compact, and Durable Camp Table
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $170
Dimensions (LxWxH): 29.9 x 22.4 x 19.7 in.
Weight: 1 lb. 13 oz.
Material: Aluminum alloy and polyester
Weight Capacity: 110 lbs
Pros
- Lightweight
- High weight capacity
- Sturdy
- Compact
Cons
- Pricey
The Helinox Table One Hard Top is highly versatile—light and compact yet strong enough to satisfy both the casual backpacker and the weekend car camper. It folds down small and weighs about as much as a liter of water, with enough surface area to hold drinks, a meal for one, or several smaller items from your backpack.
The DAC aluminum alloy poles easily snap together and remain stable on uneven ground. The polyester tabletop is rigid and keeps drinks upright, though it can be difficult to clean if you spill honey on it. (Like we did!) While the price may cause some sticker shock, Helinox is a trusted brand known for durable gear, and this table proves that.
NEMO Moonlander Dual Height Table
Best Side Table with Adjustable Legs
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $160
Dimensions (LxWxH): 19 x 16 x 4-15 in.
Weight: 5 lb. 3 oz.
Material: Nylon top and aluminum frame
Weight Capacity: 100 lbs
Pros
- Sturdy
- Versatile
- Adjustable height
- Durable
Cons
- Pricey
The NEMO Moonlander Dual Height Table is versatile and unique in every feature. This side table has a heat-stabilized nylon top and aluminum poles similar to tent poles that twist and lock into place for maximum stability. When the poles are removed, the table sits at four inches and provides a solid top for a low picnic blanket setup.
At both heights, the table is remarkably stable—we tested it on uneven rock at picnic level, and our beverages stayed secure without any movement. Its case is sleek and slim, with a handle for easy transport. The Moonlander is built like a sturdy dining room table but designed for outdoor use. Although the price might be a tough pill to swallow, this table should last forever, and if it doesn’t, NEMO offers a lifetime warranty.
GCI Outdoor Master Cook Station
Best Cook Station
CleverHiker Rating: 4.4/5.0
Price: $160
Dimensions (LxWxH): 70.1 x 68.3 x 22.2 in.
Weight: 22 lb. 6.4 oz.
Material: Aluminum and plastic
Weight Capacity: 48 lbs
Pros
- Lots of countertop space
- Ergonomic height
- Lantern pole
- Dishwashing sink
- Handle for portability
Cons
- Pricey
For car camping and cooking for families, the GCI Master Cook Station is as functional as outdoor kitchen stations get. It offers ample counter space and several features that make it almost as easy as cooking at home. The countertop provides enough room for a two-burner stove, food prep area, and storage for condiments.
A sink at one end also makes doing the dishes more manageable. A lower rack is useful for storing extra supplies, and hooks on the end tables hold your cooking utensils or a garbage bag. Bonus features include a telescoping lantern pole, cupholders, and a paper towel holder. Even with every shelf on this table full, it remains stable and reliable. You won’t be disappointed when using this to cook your next award-winning meal in the woods.
Mountain Summit Gear Deluxe Roll Top Kitchen
Best Cook Station with Storage
CleverHiker Rating: 4.4/5.0
Price: $150
Dimensions (LxWxH): 56.2 x 18.9 x 31.5 in.
Weight: 13 lb. 8 oz.
Material: Aluminum
Weight Capacity: <50 lbs
Pros
- Removable storage compartment
- Ergonomic height
- Large surface area
- Carry bag for portability
- Adjustable legs
Cons
- Pricey
- Aluminum can bend easily
If you enjoy home-cooked meals at the campsite, the Mountain Summit Gear Deluxe Roll Top Kitchen provides ample counter and storage space to prepare a gourmet-inspired meal outdoors. The large surface offers enough room for a two-burner stove and prep area, while the removable storage compartment can hold extra food and keep it dry.
The adjustable legs help keep everything stable on uneven ground, even when it’s loaded. Plus, we were impressed by how easy it is to pack up and stow away in its convenient carry bag. The Roll Top Kitchen is a great option for those who want some creature comforts from home but prefer a low-maintenance setup.
REI Camp Prep Table
Best Large Table with Adjustable Legs
CleverHiker Rating: 4.2/5.0
Price: $150
Dimensions (LxWxH): 49 x 24 x 22-31 in.
Weight: 19 lb. 12 oz.
Material: Aluminum, steel, and plastic
Weight Capacity: 100 lbs
Pros
- Large surface area
- High weight capacity
- Adjustable legs
Cons
- Heavy
- Plastic snaps to adjust legs
The REI Camp Prep Table is durable and simple to set up. Just two steps are enough to get the table standing, and the adjustable height helps it stay stable on uneven ground. The lever locks are easy to operate for adjusting the legs, and although we were worried about the plastic’s durability, they remained strong after multiple uses during the season.
The aluminum tabletop is heat-resistant and ready for cooking. While it’s a bit heavier than the other tables on this list, it easily slides into its carry bag with a handle and is portable from the car to camp. This table is an excellent choice for cooking, staging gear, or enjoying a meal with a few friends.
Product Comparison Table
| oSort | Product | Price | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Weight | Material | Weight Capacity | Stability & Durability | Surface Area & Weight Capacity | Portability | Ease of Setup | 0 |
Mountain Summit Gear Heavy Duty Roll Top Table View at REI View at Caddis Sports 
|
$130 | 37 x 28 x 28 in. | 15 lb. 3.2 oz. | Aluminum and steel | 70 lbs | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 1 |
GCI Outdoor Compact Camp Table 20 View at REI View at Amazon
|
$40 | 20 x 18 x 24 in. | 4 lb. 13 oz. | Aluminum | 60 lbs | 4.6 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 2 |
REI Camp Roll Table View at REI |
$90 | 27.5 x 27.5 x 27.5 in. | 8 lb. 8 oz. | Aluminum | 100 lbs | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 3 |
Coleman Compact Roll Top Aluminum Table View at Amazon 
|
$74 | 27.6 x 27.6 x 27.6 in. | 9 lb. | Aluminum and steel | 100 lbs | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4 |
Portal Outdoors Quick Adjust Roll-Up Table View at Amazon
|
$135 | 27.6 × 47.2 × 17.5-25.5 in. | 13 lb. 3.2 oz. | Aluminum and steel | 132 lbs | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5 |
Helinox Table One Hard Top View at REI View at Backcountry |
$170 | 29.9 x 22.4 x 19.7 in. | 1 lb. 13 oz. | Aluminum alloy and polyester | 110 lbs | 4.9 | 4.3 | 4.9 | 4.6 | 6 |
NEMO Moonlander Dual Height Table View at REI View at NEMO |
$160 | 19 x 16 x 4-15 in. | 5 lb. 3 oz. | Nylon top and aluminum frame | 100 lbs | 4.9 | 4.2 | 4.9 | 4.5 | 7 |
GCI Outdoor Master Cook Station View at REI View at Amazon |
$160 | 70.1 x 68.3 x 22.2 in. | 22 lb. 6.4 oz. | Aluminum and plastic | 48 lbs | 4.4 | 4.8 | 4.3 | 4.7 | 8 |
Mountain Summit Gear Deluxe Roll Top Kitchen View at REI View at Amazon |
$150 | 56.2 x 18.9 x 31.5 in. | 13 lb. 8 oz. | Aluminum | <50 lbs | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 9 |
REI Camp Prep Table View at REI |
$150 | 49 x 24 x 22-31 in. | 19 lb. 12 oz. | Aluminum, steel, and plastic | 100 lbs | 4.0 | 4.9 | 4.7 | 4.8 |
|---|
How We Test
We evaluated each camp table based on five criteria: stability and durability, surface area and weight capacity, portability and weight, height, and ease of setup. We spent a season living out of our trucks in the Rocky Mountains and setting up these tables on various terrains, including snow, sand, rock, and, of course, regular dirt. We also used the tables in several ways—to stage gear, cook, play games, and eat.
STABILITY & DURABILITY
We consider stability and durability the most important features of a camp table. What is a table for if it can’t be trusted to hold your items safely off the ground, regardless of terrain?
Luckily, Colorado offers various terrains, where our gear analysts traveled with these tables. We set them up on gravel, sand, snow, and on very windy days, and used tables at different heights when applicable.
Durability was tested during travel, as they were moved around, packed and unpacked, and inevitably dropped during transport. We also didn’t hesitate to place gear on top of the tables to test the strength of the aluminum slats.
SURFACE AREA & WEIGHT CAPACITY
We brought the whole kitchen sink with us when we traveled and loaded each table near its maximum weight limit, making sure the tables wouldn’t topple or collapse while being set up on different types of terrain.
We cooked big meals, had dinner for four, made hot toddies, and played games, testing how much surface area each table could handle.
PORTABILITY
Portability and weight have different levels of importance depending on whether they are for car camping or backpacking.
We packed and unpacked each table multiple times while traveling to various locations and tested the weight based on how far our campsite was. We became very familiar with how easy or difficult each table was to pack in and out.
EASE OF SETUP
We set up these tables in wind, snow, and freezing temperatures. If the tables had instructions, we chose not to use them to test their intuitiveness and ease. In some cases, we had to keep our gloves on, which also affected whether the tables could be built without full dexterity in our hands.
Why Trust Cleverhiker
We spent a long winter testing these tables in the Rocky Mountains, which means their stability and durability have been proved through snow, sand, and gravel. They endured extreme cold, sunny days, and high winds.
Gear Analyst Nichole Sellon has spent several summers living out of the back of her truck across the West and has tried many styles of camp tables to find the perfect one. She is also an experienced fastpacker and trail runner who has tested lighter, smaller tables suitable for long days on the trail.
Analysis & Results
STABILITY & DURABILITY
When it comes to stability in a table, we evaluated how well it withstands a full load based on its listed weight capacity, making sure there was no wobbling, tipping over, or collapsing under pressure. Durability considers the material and whether all the pieces remained intact despite frequent setup, takedown, and regular wear and tear.
The overall winner in this category was the Mountain Summit Gear Heavy Duty Roll Top Table. When fully loaded, the steel frame remains strong and steady, and the aluminum slats do not bend or break under pressure. Following closely behind, both the Helinox Table One Hard Top and the NEMO Moonlander Dual-Height are highly reliable side tables. Even on uneven terrain, the aluminum legs stayed firm. The polyester top of the Helinox is tight and durable, and the hard top of the Moonlander endures over time and will provide years of service for any camper.
SURFACE AREA & WEIGHT CAPACITY
The Mountain Summit Gear Heavy Duty Roll Top Table and the REI Camp Prep Table are equally excellent in terms of surface area and weight capacity. Both tables are large and sturdy enough to hold all your gear or kitchenware and comfortably seat more than four people for a game of cards or dinner by the fire.
The GCI Master Cook Station lives up to its name and has enough surface area to fit everything you need while cooking, with extra shelves for storage. It remained stable and secure when fully loaded and proved reliable for staying upright while cooking on it.
PORTABILITY
In terms of portability and weight, the Helinox Table One Hard Top and the NEMO Moonlander Dual-Height are the top choices. Both of these tables weigh only a few pounds and collapse into small carry cases that will fit almost anywhere. The GCI Compact 20 is a close second. It is incredibly light and, when disassembled, is slim enough to slide into most storage spaces, but it doesn’t come with its own carry case.
For a larger table, the Mountain Summit Gear Heavy Duty Roll Top Table has a manageable weight to carry in its bag from the car to the campsite.
EASE OF SETUP
The GCI Compact 20 earns the top spot for easy setup. In just one step, the table locks into place, is ready to use, and is just as simple to fold and break down. The REI Camp Prep Table ranks second, with a straightforward two-step process of unfolding the top and snapping the legs into place.
It’s also worth mentioning the GCI Master Cook Station. Despite its larger size and multiple moving parts, we were pleasantly surprised by how easily it unfolded, and everything snapped into place. Once you learn how to set it up, it can be ready in under a minute.
How to Choose a Camp Table
STABILITY & DURABILITY
Stability and durability are essential features of a camp table. After all, what’s a table for if you can’t rely on it to keep your gear safely off the ground, regardless of the terrain? Consider whether individual leg adjustments are needed for your specific use, or if the frame’s wide enough base can support some weight. When it comes to durability, the material of the table is an important factor to consider.
SURFACE AREA & WEIGHT CAPACITY
Depending on the type of camper you are, surface area and weight capacity are key factors to consider. Do you enjoy car camping with creature comforts? Do you have a large family or several friends you want to cook for? Are you bringing lots of gear? Consider exploring larger tables with more surface area that can support the weight of a stove, backpacks, or climbing gear. If you’re more of a minimalist, a smaller, lighter side table might be the best choice for you.
PORTABILITY
Portability and weight are less important for car camping than for backpacking, but it’s still wise to consider how easy it is to travel with a table. If you often visit sites accessible by car, a larger, heavier table might suit your needs. However, if you’re packing in or traveling a longer distance on foot with a table, you should think about how it packs down, whether it has a carry case, and how heavy it is.
EASE OF SETUP
No matter the size, height, or weight of the table you choose, ease of setup is important, especially when arriving at camp in the dark or trying to break down before the rain starts. You want a table with few pieces, an intuitive build that doesn’t require instructions, and a carry bag that is the right size to fit the table without difficulty.
Conclusion
Tables come in all shapes and sizes depending on their use, and it’s important to find the right one for your outdoor lifestyle. We hope we can guide you in the right direction with our comprehensive list that caters to every style of outdoor enthusiast. Happy camping!
