Small Camping Tables

C

Conestoga

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Alameda, Ca
Have been looking for a small camping table to use between the chairs. Always looking for something small and light weight. Found the Helinox table at the Overland Expo. Hadn't seen them before, but apparently their local office is just across the estuary from us in Oakland. Had occasion to put it to use this week for coffee and light breakfast in the morning, books and camera mid-day, and afternoon snacks before dinner. We bought the one with the drink holder in the middle which kept our coffee cups and water bottles securely held in place even when bumped. A bag to keep it clean is also a plus.

Definitely not large or overly strong, but for something small and light weight, it performed flawlessly.

Folding Camping Tables for Easy Campsite Setup


Cris & Rod
 

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I struggled with finding something and then one trip just used the folding work platform that I had been using as a step to get in and out of the camper. Now it does triple duty: step into camper, bench for putting on shoes, and table between chairs. It is big enough and stable enough that my dogs can use it to get into the camper. (Well, one cant use it since she went blind). The platform is similar to the one linked below but I got mine from Rocklers and it has a 330 lb capacity.


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Werner-39-1-2-in-x-12-in-x-20-9-16-in-Aluminum-Work-Platform-with-225-lb-Load-Capacity-AP-20/100662616
 
As it happens I was looking for a table earlier this week and was considering these....

Trekology Portable Side Table

Crazy Creek Roll Up Aluminum Table with Adjustable Legs

Camco Folding Bamboo-top Adjustable-leg Table

I liked the weight, packed size, and table-top size options of the Trekology table but wasn't sure I'd like the 16-inch height. And if you look at the video of it being assembled, you see the guy makes the rookie mistake of assembling it on an uneven surface and we're reminded of one of its shortcomings-- non-adjustable legs. Still, that three-pound weight (for the large) and 3" dimension on the folded down table are attractive for stowage.

The Crazy Creek one is twice the weight but I like that height can be adjusted between 27 and 33 inches. I also like the idea of leveling the table.... but only if it's not a hassle to adjust the legs.

I like the bamboo top one can hold 85 pounds, is height adjustable 18 to 25.5", has levelers, and a friendlier table surface. Looks good in the video but then again it weighs nine pounds.

(I'm still looking so appreciate seeing the Helinox one that started this thread. Thanks, Chris and Rod!)
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I have an adjustable height table. Unfortunately it gets sand in the legs and it makes adjusting the height very difficult. I have the little Camco table (nick named the origami table) and I love it.
 
Honda included a spare tire cover in their CR-Vs from 1997 to 2006 that, when removed from the vehicle has folding legs to make a table. They can be found on ebay for under $100 including shipping or better yet, probably found at Pick-N-Pull or your local auto wreckers.
 
The following is a little wide of the mark for the kind of table you are looking for but I thought I would post the information in case someone else that has not already purchased chairs and tables might be interested in our approach.

We have fold up "director" style chairs with attached folding side platforms (table tops) that we have used for many years. They are older versions of what I can find available now (the tags are faded and the manufacturer info no longer legible) maybe early GCI or REI models. They are well built, sturdy, comfortable and we have used them for many outdoor activities, picnics, beach, camping etc.

They look like the chair at the following link but without the side flap with pockets

https://www.amazon.com/ONIVA-Picnic-Portable-Folding-Sports/dp/B000NBED7W/ref=sr_1_16?keywords=coleman+camp+chair+with+side+table&qid=1561231103&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-16

We also have two roll up tables we can carry depending on the trip. We have had both for more than 5 years. I bought both from discount sources at good prices. I do not know if they can be found at discounted prices anymore

Usually we carry the square table at the following link and we really like it as a small dining table. It rolls up into a small package and is simple to assemble. It is a good size and height for two people. It is our go to camping table! It is a bit large and tall for a side table though.

https://www.amazon.com/Camp-Time-Roll-a-table-Table-Roll-A-Table/dp/B0018Q4UP6/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=roll+up+table&qid=1561230555&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-5

We also have an Alps roll up dining table which we mainly use for group outings (or on our back deck at home for outside dining)

https://www.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountaineering-8353011-Dining-Table/dp/B0038Q2ME0/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=roll+up+table&qid=1561230753&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-7

We are happy with the chairs and both of these tables. They are all adequately sturdy. Are easy to set up and take down and the tables store in bags I estimate are about 4 - 5 inches in diameter.

Edit: We have used the chairs and tables on a lot of uneven ground with no issues. We usually picnic and camp in places that are not in developed campgrounds.


Regards,

Craig
 
I agree that the director chairs with the table are the most comfortable. We have owned a set of the Coleman versions. Found that with the camper, we often haul fishing gear, waders,float tubes, and sometimes guests so space can be tight. That's why we went to the Pico chairs and Helinox table. As usual, there are many good ideas to solve the same problem.
 
Just keep in mind that any table or camp chair you choose must be able to survive being set up on un-even ground. Not all organized campgrounds have smoothed areas for your tent if you carry one, let alone for your tables/chairs. Likewise, the further you go out into the boondocks, the more likely your chosen campsite may also be on rocky/un-even ground.

So...the El Cheapo folding chairs may not last long, especially if they are a little low to the ground and you are a little heavier than you were in your twenties. Back in the day we had director-style folding camp stools and some versions of the lounger we camped with. Now those are rarely made with WOOD, now they have aluminum frames and are flimsy if used on uneven ground.

In the last few years I learned my lesson about buying those kinds of camp chairs....you spend more on QUALITY, but they will last much longer if you do.
 
PaulT said:
Looks like a nice table but expensive. We use these. https://www.amazon.com/Camco-51891-Aluminum-Fold-Away-Table/dp/B00JGJGQ5O was $25 on sale

Paul
Click to expand...
My parents just gave us one of those, not sure if it is the small or large, but I love it. It is small enough to just toss into the camper just about anywhere. We already have a similar table which is larger; it has the separate "roll" of aluminum slats on bungies that you clip onto the base after you unfold it. That big one is nice because we can put our Everest stove on it and have room for plenty of other things, but the new little table is great when we just want a quick table. I like to leave it near the rear door when we are camping.
 
We carry three small tables. A large one from REI with the shock corded slats that we use for cooking and eating, the medium sized table that I linked and its little brother. The two smaller ones are used as side tables next to our folding chairs. They are all very light and store most anywhere in the truck or camper. There is nothing wrong with the one you have. As a famous TV marketing guy in the Portland area used to say, "Free is a very good price!" :)

Paul
 
I've been using this table for probably ten years. Has a small storage pocket on the side which I put utensils/napkins in. Two levels and the lower one has cup holders. The lower level can support your feet if you want to nap in your camp chair. If you want to keep items out of the sun the lower level serves that purpose as well. I do wish I had the checkered top version. Reviewing the amazon pics the checkered version doesn't show the large pocket.
https://www.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountaineering-Eclipse-Table-Khaki/dp/B004QCNUDW/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=alps%2Btable&qid=1561394535&s=gateway&sr=8-4&th=1
91kz%2BjsKm-L._SL1500_.jpg




From a recent trip to Death Valley and the Inyos
20190608_112944-jpg.3371286


This is a good pic to compare the height of the plastic food prep table I use and the Alps.
20190603_083348-jpg.3358192
 
I have one of the Camco folding tables, one Crazy Creek and a couple Camptime Rolla-A-Tables with connectors to make them into a single table. The Crazy Creek hasn't held up as well as I'd have liked and I've had to realign the slats and plastic end pieces a couple times. Usually the Camco and a single Roll-A-Table go with us on trips.
 
I bought one of those cheap white plastic end tables from Ace years ago. Doesn't weigh much, fits on top of the end cabinet. in my Granby and does the job-this is my second one, the first one was lost to a sudden wind on the coast and sailed off to parts unknown.

Smoke
 
Purchased this table and two camp chairs from Kermit Co. Check them out for a quality product. Small company made in USA! Table and chairs come with quality storage bags and are very compact.
[ur]
 
Table is not really my top priority in camping gears, chair is. I use my mini coleman as our table and put all the food there. But in case you don't bring coleman then maybe you really need to have this table.
 
I’ve stopped packing tables and now use the Tail Gator Tire Table. One end fits over your tire and it then extends out. Comes with a drop down leg for extra security, measures about 2’ x 2’, always level. When packed up it takes no more room than a folding table. I liked my first one so much I bought another last weekend at the Offroad Expo.
 
I have the folding coleman tables that are versatile in height and configuration. These are basically two narrow tables that clamp together into a flat suitcase and fit under the dinette seat.
I also have a coleman folding suitcase grill table.
 
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