[Easy Storage & Setup] Explaining the Benefits and How to Choose a Folding Table for Camping

Benefits of Using a Folding Table for Camping

A folding camping table is an essential item for enjoying the outdoors.

Whether you’re enjoying a meal, having coffee, or sipping a drink while gazing at the campfire, a folding camping table is indispensable for holding all your essentials.

They’re also useful in a variety of other situations besides camping.

• Fishing
• Cherry Blossom Viewing
• Picnics
• Balcony
• Lunch in the garden

Since these are handy items that come in handy, many people are probably considering buying one.

However, even among camping folding tables, there are various differences in height, size, design, and materials, so it’s common to feel unsure when making a purchase.

To help you avoid buyer’s remorse, we’ll introduce the benefits of folding camping tables, key selection tips, and our recommended products.

Benefit 1: Compact and Easy to Carry

Unlike indoor tables, camping tables are designed to be loaded into cars or on motorcycles for use outdoors. Therefore, their most notable feature is that they are foldable and can be stored compactly.

They also feature thoughtful designs that enhance portability, such as included storage bags with handles for easy carrying, or a foldable design that makes the handle easier to grip. They are also recommended for camping trips where you’ll be walking to your destination.

Advantage 2: Wide Variety of Designs and Types

Folding camping tables come in a wide variety of designs and types.

• Large tables perfect for barbecues with a large group
• Low side tables for relaxing while gazing at the campfire
• A small mini-table just big enough to hold a coffee cup and a smartphone
  

You’re sure to find one that suits your needs.

Benefit #3: Can be used for dining, cooking, and work spaces

If you’re camping with a large group, consider bringing two or three folding camping tables.

They come in handy when you have multiple tables: place them next to the barbecue grill to chop and arrange ingredients, gather around them for meals, or use them as work surfaces.

How to Choose a Folding Table for Camping

There are many types of folding tables for camping.

Instead of choosing based solely on first impressions, consider the number of users, materials, and features to select a product that suits your needs.

Tip 1: Choose the Size Based on the Number of Campers

The most important factor is “How many people will be using it?” The size you need varies depending on the number of people going camping.

If you’ll be using the table for meals, make sure the tabletop is large enough to accommodate pots, dishes, and enough plates and cutlery for everyone.

For larger folding tables, also check the product’s weight capacity (an indicator of the maximum weight it can support when items are placed on it).

For solo camping, you’ll need to use a single table for drinking coffee, eating meals, and placing your camera or smartphone, so choosing the right size is crucial.

[Guidelines for Table Top Sizes]

• Solo Camping: Width 30–60 cm
• Duo Camping: Width 70–90 cm
• Family & Group Camping: 1,200–1,400 cm for 4 people, 1,400–1,700 cm for 6 people

How to Choose #2: Decide on the Material Based on Style and Maintenance

Folding tables for camping are primarily made from materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, wood, and fabric. Choose one that matches the style (atmosphere) of your campsite and is easy to maintain.

－Stainless Steel

The advantage of stainless steel is its resistance to rust and dirt.

Since tables are used outdoors, they often get wet from rain, snow, or morning dew,

and food or condiments are likely to be spilled frequently.

Dirt and moisture can be quickly wiped away, and since they can be washed with water, they are easy to maintain.

Another feature of stainless steel is its low thermal conductivity and high heat resistance. You can place piping-hot Dutch ovens or skillets directly on the surface, eliminating the need for a trivet. It’s also appealing because you can safely use burners or tabletop barbecue grills.

With a cool, stylish look, it complements both urban interiors and rustic settings.

－Aluminum

The main appeal of aluminum camping tables is that they are "lightweight and durable." They also have high heat resistance and corrosion resistance, so you can place hot pots directly on them.

If they get dirty, avoid using a scrub brush to prevent scratches; instead, gently wipe them down with a soft cloth or sponge dampened with water.

Lightweight aluminum is often used in compact, low-profile tables, and most models on the market are small-sized tables ideal for solo camping. They are relatively affordable, making them an easy purchase.

－Wood and Bamboo

Natural materials offer a charming, rustic appeal. Wooden and bamboo camping tables blend seamlessly into the great outdoors.

They are particularly well-suited for campsites featuring tents or tarps in natural colors like off-white or beige, or for sites with a charming, cozy atmosphere.

They create a stylish look, making them popular among those who prioritize Instagrammable photos.

While it’s important to care for them properly after use, you can also enjoy the unique patina that develops over time—a characteristic of natural materials.

A drawback is that many of these products are quite heavy.

－Fabric

Fabric camping tables are attractive for their light weight and compact size. While they are often made from sturdy materials like polyester, they also come in a wide variety of colors and printed patterns. You can choose a style that matches your campsite.

However, they are sensitive to heat, so you cannot place hot pots directly on them. Also, compared to other materials, they are less durable and stable, so it’s best to use them as a side table for light items like smartphones or children’s toys.

How to Choose #3: Decide on the Height

When choosing a camping table, “height” is also a very important factor. The optimal table height varies depending on whether your camping style is “low-style” or “high-style.”

－Low Style

As the name “low-style” suggests, this style involves keeping the height of furniture—such as tables, outdoor chairs, and shelves—low, allowing you to spend time with your line of sight close to the ground.

With a low-style setup, you can sit back and relax with your legs stretched out in front of you, and you can enjoy the campfire up close.

It’s also safer for those traveling with pets or small children, as the low height makes it easier to keep a watchful eye on them.

For low-style camping tables, a height of about 40 cm is ideal, while a height of about 30 cm is suitable if you’re sitting directly on the ground.

－High Style

As the name suggests, the high-style involves using tables and chairs at a height similar to that of a living room.

It is suitable for camping trips where the main activity is a barbecue with a large group that involves frequent standing and sitting, or for trips with elderly members who have weak legs or hips.

For tables used in high-style camping, we recommend a height of 60 cm or more. Because of the increased height, greater stability is required compared to low-style setups.

For foldable high-style tables, be sure to check the sturdiness and stability of the legs when the table is set up with its legs spread out.

Tip 4: Bonus Features Are a Plus

When camping, you naturally want to minimize the amount of gear you carry. Folding camp tables with extra features are even more convenient.

For example, a model with a shelf underneath allows you to store small items that won’t fit on the tabletop, freeing up more space on the surface.

Additionally, if there’s a bar with hooks, you can hang mini lanterns or mess kits, and if the table can be connected to others, you can expand the surface area to accommodate the number of campers, making it extremely useful.

TOKYO CRAFTS Folding Tables

With the concept of “delivering a sense of satisfaction that’s hard to put into words—one you only feel when you hold the product in your hands,” TOKYO CRAFTS releases original camping gear that perfectly balances design and functionality.

Here, we introduce the brand’s highly acclaimed folding camping table.

Zika Table

While most standard folding mini-tables for solo camping are "A4 size," the Zika Table is 39 cm wide—10 cm wider than that. This provides ample space for cooking and eating comfortably on the table.

Made of aluminum with a modern black anodized finish, and featuring resin legs, it weighs less than 500g, making it ultra-lightweight. You can easily carry it with you on bike tours or hiking trips.

It’s also very easy to use—simply spread the legs and set the folding tabletop in place.

▼ Zika Table Reviews

Compact and easy to set up

It becomes very thin and compact when stored. Once you get the
hang of it, setup is quick and effortless—just one simple action. It can also be used as
the lower tier of the Coside Table, and since it’s larger than an A4-sized table, it’s incredibly practical. TOKYO
CRAFTS products often feature unique designs, making them a joy to use.

Coside Table

The Coside Table is a low-profile mini table that’s easy to set up—simply open the legs and place the folding tabletop.

An X-shaped base forms beneath the tabletop, providing a space to store small items.

You can also set the Zika Table’s folding tabletop underneath the Coside Table to use it as a two-tier table.

Finished with a modern black anodized coating, this table boasts a stylish design that adds a chic touch to any space.

▼ Coside Table Reviews

A Coside Table Like No Other

It’s fantastic—it’s compact when folded, easy to unfold, has the perfect height, and is made of a material that can handle hot items. I also really appreciate that it’s designed to be used with the Zika Table. I’m sure I’ll be using this for years to come.

Sleek Modern Table

The Sleek Modern Table is a folding camping table with a beautiful natural wood grain tabletop.

Fold the legs, then fold the tabletop in half to create a compact, flat board. The black frame surrounding the tabletop doubles as a handle, making it easy to carry.

When the tabletop is unfolded, hooks are built into the frame, making it convenient for hanging items like a Sierra Cup.

It’s a low-profile table, sized to comfortably accommodate 2 to 4 people.

▼ Reviews of the Sleek Modern Table

A Quick and Stylish Table

Just as the title says, it unfolds quickly and easily, making setup a breeze. Plus, it looks cool and stylish. The weight is a bit of a concern, but it provides excellent stability. I’d love to see a storage case or a net that can be attached to the tabletop, even as an optional accessory.

Cord Unit

A cord unit featuring a stainless steel tabletop and X-shaped legs.

It can be used as a foldable mini camping table that’s easy to set up.

Its key feature is its high expandability: use one as a mini side table, connect multiple units to create a large table, stack them vertically to make a mini shelf, and more.

If you place the separately sold multi-bag under the tabletop, you can use it as a mini table with built-in storage.

▼ Cord Unit Reviews

Versatile Usage

I bought the starter set, two units, and two tabletops for this fall’s camping trip.

I brought other tables with me, but they never got used!!

With just this product, I can use it as a table or a storage unit however I like, and since there are so many ways to combine the pieces, this convenience means I can get by with just these units for my camping trips. From now on, I’ll be able to enjoy compact and hassle-free camping with just these units!

I personally prefer stainless steel products for both their appearance and usability, so I think this is an excellent product in every way!!

Find your ideal folding table and enjoy camping!

There are so many types of folding tables for camping that it’s hard to decide which one to choose.

Please use the selection tips introduced here as a guide to find the ideal table that suits your camping style. TOKYO CRAFTS offers a wide variety of outdoor camping tables, including the Zika Table, Zika Manai, COORDUNIT, MFT, and Coside Table, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your camping style. In particular, the MFT Multi-Frame Table—released in 2025 and compatible with IGT standards (a table that supports flat burners)—has received an overwhelmingly positive response thanks to its innovative design.