[Make Family Camping More Comfortable] Introducing the Role of Camp Tables, How to Choose Them, and Recommended Products

Family camping allows families to share the same experience together in the great outdoors, in an extraordinary setting.

A "camping table" is an essential item for such family camping trips.

While the term “camping table” may seem simple,

• Size
• Design
• structure
• Material
• color

and more.

In addition to a main table for meals, it’s also convenient to have a side table for small items and smartphones.

In this article, we’ll cover the roles of family camping tables, key selection tips, and recommended products.

If you’re thinking of trying family camping or find that a main table alone isn’t enough, please use this as a reference.

The Role of a Camp Table

Even within the context of family camping, the number of people, age groups, and family composition vary from household to household. While the specific camping tables needed differ by family, the following types are generally useful:

[Main Table] 

A table large enough for the whole family to use during meals 

[Work Table]

A table placed next to the grill to serve as a work surface for food preparation and storing cooking utensils 

【Side Table】

A small side table placed next to low chairs or cots. Convenient for holding coffee cups or small items you don’t want to place directly on the ground. If you’re traveling with small children, it can also serve as a kids’ table.

How to Choose a Family Camping Table

When selecting a family camping table, be sure to check its practicality and functionality. Here are some key points to consider.

Tip 1: Check the tabletop size

First, decide on the "tabletop size." If it’s too small, it will be difficult to eat or work on, and if it’s too large, it will be hard to load into a car or carry.

Choose a size that suits the number of people.

−For a Main Table

The main table is used by the family three times a day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Therefore, if it’s too small, not everyone can sit down, or there won’t be enough room for food and dishes, which can be stressful.

For a main table, the width of the tabletop is crucial. Choose a size based on the “width” required when all family members’ chairs are arranged around it. 

For outdoor chairs, single-seaters typically range from 55 to 60 cm in width, while two-seaters are generally around 100 cm wide. For example, if four adults use single-seater chairs and sit two on each side, “60 cm chairs × 2 = 120 cm,” so a table with a width of 120 cm or more would be ideal. 

[Guidelines for Table Top Width by Number of People]

• 3 people: 90–120 cm
• 4 people: 100–120 cm
• 5–6 people: 120 cm or more
• 7 or more people: Use two tables

−For Side Tables

The optimal size of a side table depends on its intended use. 

For example, if you plan to place it next to a BBQ grill to prepare food, a table with a long, narrow tabletop where two adults can work side by side is convenient.

 If you want to use it as a place to set your coffee cup next to a low chair, having one small low table per person is very handy.

How to Choose #2: Choose Between Low-Style or High-Style

Modern camping styles are generally divided into “low-style” and “high-style.”

Choose a table height that suits your style: “low” for low-style or “high” for high-style.

−Features of Low Style

Low-style camping has gained popularity in recent years. This camping style involves using low tables and chairs to spend time close to the ground.

Because you can survey your surroundings from a low vantage point, the space feels more open and less cramped. You can also stretch out your legs and relax.

When enjoying a campfire, the close proximity allows you to gaze at the flames, listen to the crackling of the wood, and savor grilled dishes—all part of the charm.

Low-style camping is also ideal for family camping trips with young children or pets. Since your eye level is lower, you’re closer to your children and pets, making it easier to keep an eye on them.

The standard height for a low-style table is 30–40 cm. If you’re using it with low chairs, 40 cm is ideal, while 30 cm is more comfortable for a floor-seating style where you sit directly on a mat on the ground.

However, depending on the angle and material of the low chairs, sitting low and deep can put strain on your lower back when standing up.

−Features of the High Style

High-style camping involves spending time at the same height as the chairs and tables typically found in a home living room. 

Unlike the low-style, you cannot sit back and stretch your legs, so it is less comfortable.

However, the advantage is that it’s easier to move around. People with back pain or the elderly will likely find the high-style more comfortable.

Additionally, for those who dislike insects, the higher position reduces the likelihood of encountering them.

Tip #3: The Material Changes the Atmosphere of Your Campsite

When choosing a family camping table, the "material" is also important.

• For a rugged, wild-style campsite, stainless steel offers a cool, sleek look
• For a natural-looking campsite, choose wood

Choosing a material that complements your other gear will help create a cohesive look.

Be sure to understand the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of each material before making your choice.

−“Stainless steel” offers excellent heat resistance and durability

Stainless steel tables are characterized by their excellent heat resistance. You can place hot pots or Dutch ovens directly on them, and there’s no risk of the fire spreading even when used next to a fire pit.

They’re also resistant to rust and stains, so a quick wipe after use is all it takes. Since they can be washed with water, they’re easy to maintain and hygienic. Their simple, cool, and stylish look never gets old.

However, since stainless steel tables are heavy, depending on the size, they can be difficult to carry by yourself. Be sure to check the weight.

−Lightweight and highly heat-resistant "Aluminum"

Aluminum tables are just as heat-resistant as stainless steel tables, so you can safely use them to cook over an open flame by placing a stove on top or set down a piping hot pot.

Additionally, the biggest appeal of aluminum is its light weight. Taking advantage of this, there is a wide variety of side table styles available that are small and compact for easy storage.

Since they are relatively affordable, they are perfect if you want a side table for every member of the family.

However, since they are less durable than stainless steel, please handle them with care.

−Stylish "Wood"

Natural wooden tables blend seamlessly into any natural setting. They exude warmth and tranquility while creating a stylish atmosphere.

They also make your camp meals look great in photos, making them perfect for those who want to post stylish shots on social media.

Even though they’re made of wood, they come in a variety of finishes—from natural tones to chic, rich hues—so choose one that suits your campsite.

However, since wooden tables are heavier than those made of other materials, they can be difficult to carry depending on the size. If you want to keep the weight down as much as possible, we recommend designs with a wooden tabletop and an aluminum frame.

−Lightweight and Compact "Fabric"

Tables with fabric tops are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry—that’s their main appeal. They also come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. However, since they’re flammable, they can’t be used near a campfire. 

They are ideal for family camping trips, serving as side tables or small item holders.

How to Choose #4: Check the Setup Method

Unlike tables used at home, camping tables are designed with a focus on easy storage and portability.

There are two types of setup and storage methods, so choose the one that works best for you

− Folding Type

As the name suggests, a folding table features a tabletop and legs that are integrated into a single unit, allowing you to use it immediately after unfolding. 

Even beginners can set them up easily, making them convenient to use, but they don’t fold down very compactly, so they take up more space when stored.

When purchasing, consider whether it will fit easily in your car or in your home storage space.

−Roll-up style

Roll-up tables are assembly-style tables where the tabletop and legs are separate. 

The tabletop is not a single slab but consists of multiple thin slats connected together, allowing it to be rolled up like a bamboo blind for storage. 

Since the legs fold up, both parts fit snugly into the included storage bag, making it easy to carry, transport in a car, and store.

However, setting it up requires assembling the legs first and then unfolding the tabletop, so it takes a bit more effort than a folding table that’s ready to use as soon as you open it.

A Table from TOKYO CRAFTS Perfect for Family Camping

From "TOKYO CRAFTS," a brand that develops original camping gear combining functionality with high-quality design, we introduce a table perfect for family camping.

Sleek Modern Table

The Sleek Modern Table is perfect as a main table for up to four people.

It’s a foldable design that’s easy to set up, featuring a sturdy tabletop made of natural bamboo with a beautiful wood grain. The legs and frame are made of black aluminum, giving it a stylish look.

When folded, the frame doubles as a handle, making it easy to carry.

▼ Reviews of the Sleek Modern Table

A Quick and Stylish Table

Just as the title says, it unfolds quickly and is easy to set up. It also looks cool and stylish. The
weight is a bit of a concern, but it provides good 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

The Cord Unit is a stainless steel folding mini-table. It sets up easily—just open the legs and place the tabletop on them—and folds flat for easy transport, car storage, and home storage.

You can use a single unit as a side table, but connecting multiple units allows you to use them as a large main table.

You can stack them vertically to create a shelf or place separately sold storage boxes under the tabletop, offering a variety of uses. We also recommend the MFT Multi-Frame Table, which is multifunctional and compatible with IGT-standard burners.

▼ Reviews of the Cord Unit

Compact yet multifunctional

There are plenty of compact outdoor tables out there, but the COORDUNIT is unique in its versatility and convenience! It
adapts to different camping styles, and I’m really glad I bought it!

Rotar Reversible Low Table

The Rotaru Reversible Low Table is a foldable design that’s easy to set up. It flattens for storage, making it easy to carry and store.

The tabletop features two sides: one with a beautiful bamboo grain finish and the other made of heat-resistant aluminum with a black coating. You can simply flip it over to use both sides.

Since it’s sized for 1–2 people, it can be used as a side table for family camping trips.

Find your favorite camping table and enjoy family camping!

Camping tables are more useful than you might think when you’re outdoors.

Whether you’re looking for a main table to gather around for family meals or a side table to relax with a cup of coffee, imagine how you’ll use it and choose the perfect table.

TOKYO CRAFTS offers a wide variety of outdoor camping tables, including the Zika Table, Zika Manai, COORDUNIT, MFT, and Coside Table, so you can choose one that fits your camping style. In particular, the MFT Multi-Frame Table—a folding camping table released in 2025 that meets IGT standards (allowing the use of flat burners)—has received an overwhelmingly positive response for its innovative design.Whether for barbecues, as a campfire table for solo camping, or for family camping, its compact storage makes it incredibly convenient to use.