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I love camping, it’s something that my family does every summer. And with the kids it can be a little bit chaotic! Even with the picnic table and RV, there’s still limited space to prep. That’s why I tracked down the best outdoor prep table for camping to make the job easier.
An outdoor prep table can be used for a few different things when camping. First, like the name suggests, you can prepare food that you plan on cooking over the fire or inside the RV, or make cold foods that you will eat outside.
Second, an outdoor prep table can also be used to put your camping grill or griddle on top of in order to have a surface for cooking (plus a little extra space for tools and dishes.)
What to Look for in an Outdoor Prep Table for Camping
Since you’re going to be taking this table on your camping trip there’s a few things that you should look for in a prep table to make things easier.
Folding
All of the prep tables on this list fold down for easy transportation and storage. They can easily be tucked inside the RV when you’re on the move or fit into your vehicle if you’re tent camping.
Folding tables are also easier to carry if you have to bring your camping equipment out to a more remote site away from your vehicle.
Height
Some tables are height adjustable so you can set them up low to use close to the ground, or higher if you want to stand and prepare foods. Before picking up a prep table make sure that it goes to the height that you’ll feel most comfortable with.
Storage
Some camping prep tables are plain, others provide additional storage. The kind that works best for you will depend on what your cooking set up is. If you’re tent camping and cooking by the fire then one with more storage can hold your dishes and cooking accessories.
If you have an RV and just need a small, simple prep table then extra features like storage may not be worth it.
Surface Area/Features
Like anything else, outdoor prep tables for camping come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Some have dedicated spaces for outdoor cooking stoves, some feature hooks for your lantern, and others are very quick to unfold and set up.
In some cases, a big table is going to work best. In other situations, you may just want a small, easy to set up folding table or maybe two that you can move around as you need to.
Material
Some prep tables are made of solid metal, others are MDF and metal. The material and construction is going to affect two major points: the first being durability, especially when it comes to how much weight the table can hold.
The second is weight. Aluminum and canvas generally weighs less than a steel frame that has an MDF tabletop.
Generally speaking, the lighter materials hold less weight – so think how you will be using the table when choosing the best one for your camping trip.
Heading to the beach after your campsite breakfast? Check out these picnic blankets that are made for lounging on the sand!
Our Picks: The Best Outdoor Prep Table for Camping
Camp Field Aluminum Table with Adjustable Height Legs
This little 2 foot folding camping table is super cute and traditional. It’s super easy to set up (just unfold and lock it) so you don’t have to spend time messing around getting things set up. While it’s not very big, it does hold up to 70lbs of weight.
Buy on AmazonThe legs are adjustable so you can lower it if you’re sitting around the campfire and want a small table for prepping smokies or smores.
Pros:
- Very easy to set up and take down
- When folded, it’s self contained and has a handle for carrying
- Sturdy and holds up to 70lbs
Cons:
- Not good for putting portable BBQs that get warm on it because of the tabletop material (a Coleman stove is fine)
- Small surface area doesn’t fit much
- Height isn’t very tall when you’re standing up and preparing food (meant to be sat at)
Camco Deluxe Folding Grill Table
This folding table is designed for a grill to be set on top. Then there’s two shelves on the sides that you can use to put food, plates, or store dishes that you’re not using. Even if you’re not grilling, though, the table top is handy prep surface that sits at a good height for most people.
Buy on AmazonTo set up, you just unfold the table and then hook in the table top and middle grate. There are also handy hooks to keep your tools from getting everything dirty. The only downside is this table isn’t super waterproof so keep it under cover when it’s set up.
Pros:
- Great table if you do outdoor grilling while camping or set up a small stove
- Top height is comfortable when standing to cook
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- Not a large surface area, instead it’s 3 smaller ones
- Table top doesn’t hold up great to water
- Lightweight considering the construction, but still weighs over 27lbs so it may be difficult to carry for a long distance
Aluminum Table Height Adjustable Folding Table
Aluminum table tops are handy because they’re sturdy and relatively resistant to water and heat. I like that it weighs only 10lbs so it’s easy to carry to a remote campsite or picnic area. When not in use, the table folds up without tools and fits inside the included carrying bag.
Buy on AmazonWhile it’s not a huge table, I like that you don’t need to worry about rains and spills. It also cleans up easily – which is handy if you’re camping and preparing food in an area with critters or bears.
Pros:
- Sets up in minutes without any tools
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Sturdy, durable, and waterproof
Cons:
- Aluminum is study, but is prone to denting
- Not tall enough for some people, especially taller folks
- Weight limit could be higher but that comes as a result of the thin and lightweight frame
GCI Outdoor Master Cook Portable Folding Camp Kitchen
This camp kitchen has a little bit of everything and is a perfect addition to your campsite. It would be especially handy if you’re camping in a tent or van and don’t have access to another kitchen or food prep area.
Buy on AmazonThe surface area provides plenty of space to work on, and under are storage areas for all your cooking equipment and dishes. On top, a hook is provided to hang a lantern so you have some light when cooking in the dark. There’s even a sink!
Pros:
- Plenty of features in this camping kitchen including lamp holder, sink, storage, and large work surface
- Folds easily for set up and tear down
- Study and well constructed
Cons:
- Height isn’t adjustable
- Sink can get clogged easily and isn’t very hardy
- Does not have anything to level it on uneven ground
CampLand Folding Cooking Table Outdoor Portable Cook Station
This little cook station is perfect for food prep or housing your camping BBQ. There’s an aluminum surface with a guard, and a great smooth prep table to the side. Underneath, there’s some storage for your dishes or cookware.
Buy on AmazonOne thing I like about this table is the closed storage. You won’t need to worry about bugs or dirt getting on your clean dishes when they’re zipped inside, which is nice. There’s also a lantern pole so you don’t have to cook in the dark.
Pros:
- Versatile prep table that has an area for cooking and food prep
- Good quality storage including some enclosed storage
- Only weighs 10lbs for easy transport (it folds up too)
Cons:
- Lantern pole isn’t great quality and may not support a heavy light
- Shelves are handy but not great quality
- Aluminum surface is prone to dents and scratches
What is the Best Outdoor Prep Table for Camping?
It may come as no surprise that the best outdoor prep table for camping has to be the GCI Outdoor Master Cook Portable Folding Camp Kitchen. It has a decent amount of prep space, sits at a good height for making food, and even has a sink to wash your dishes.
For those camping in a tent or RV that doesn’t have a kitchen, this table solves most problems that usually come up when camping. The sink even drains into a bucket so you can properly wash dishes and rinse food.
The only downside is that the drain can clog easily since the holes on the other end are small. You’ll need to scrape dishes before you wash them.
Since the table top is aluminum you can also put a camping stove on top too.
Best Outdoor Prep Table for Camping – Final Thoughts
As a camper myself, I’d love any of these outdoor prep tables. Since we have an RV, I’d personally go with something that folds up quickly and has a sturdy table top since it would mostly be used for holding drinks or food we’re cooking over the fire.
Whatever your needs are, these prep tables will make camping easier and more fun!
