The 10 Best Outdoor Side Tables [2024]

Whether you want a decorative piece to place outside your RV or a functional surface for placing drinks and food, outdoor side tables are exceptionally useful.

Finding the best option, though, can be a bit tricky. Should you look for a folding table or focus your search on a table with easy assembly? What about a sturdy structure? Look no further as we’ve done the research for you.

Things To Consider With Outdoor Side Tables

Besides the structural aspect and size, there are many other considerations to keep in mind when shopping for an outdoor side table.

You’ll probably want a side table that’s compact enough for carrying on a camping or RV trip, with foldable legs that still provide sufficient support, and one that features quality construction so it will last.

Here’s an overview of every important aspect you should consider:

Style and Motif

There are so many different designs when it comes to outdoor side tables that you shouldn’t have a problem finding something that matches your style.

Some side table designs, such as mosaic tile motifs for by-the-pool tables, never get old. Acacia wood is a great option for the garden, along with teak island designs. And the classic wooden table is a great solution if you don’t want an overly expressive table.

Usability and Sturdiness

Usability is another important aspect to look for. Just because a table looks great doesn’t mean it’s functional.

With sturdy-built legs that provide proper support, you can always enjoy a drink or even a meal while sitting outside your RV. Outdoor side tables also provide a convenient space for placing items such as gardening tools or your kids’ toys.

Bottom Line: Make sure your table combines usability with looks for the ultimate outdoor side table.

Build Materials

It’s hard to go wrong with a wooden side table. Still, it can’t hurt to mix things up a bit with a porcelain or ceramic piece, and don’t count out plastic. Quality plastic can be a great option, especially if you have kids running around and you’re looking for something durable and unbreakable.

Plastic and wooden folding tables are great for road trips, while ceramic or porcelain look sleek by the pool at home.

Dimensions and Weight

Outdoor side tables come in different shapes and sizes, so you need to find the one best suited to your needs. If you are looking for a small table, aim for 16 to 20 inches wide. If you plan on using your outdoor table for dining or drinking while camping, you can go larger — up to 30 inches.

Size also has a lot to do with weight support. You want to find a table with the space and strength to support all of your food or other items while traveling.

The 10 Best Outdoor Side Tables

There are a wide variety of uses for an outdoor side table. Take a look at our top 10 recommendations with your priorities in mind, whether they include a sturdy grip for support, foldable legs, or quality materials for traveling.

1. Excellent Outdoor Side Table for Traveling

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Adams Manufacturing Quick-Fold Side Table

The Adams Manufacturing Quick-Fold table is a great option for road trips with different colors suited to every taste. You can quickly assemble it since it comes with foldable legs that lock in place. When you’re done for the day, you can bring it inside and easily store it.

This table’s durable construction will support up to 25 pounds of weight. This makes it perfect for dining while providing more than enough space for your phone and other belongings.

Thanks to its lightweight plastic construction, this is a great option for easier RV storage. The UV-resistant colors remain bright in the sun, making this table a solid asset to your garden or patio decoration.

What We Like

• Powerful construction provides solid weight support

What We Don’t Like

• Too plain a design for decoration only

2. Side Table for Compact Storage

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GCI Outdoor Compact Camp Table

If you are looking for a multi-functional side table that’s compact enough for easy storage, the GCI Outdoor Camp table is one of the best pieces available.

The usability of this simple table surpasses its looks by far. But it’s a nice option for camping, providing dining space for up to 2 people. The durable construction and full-sized table legs, when assembled, allow you to use this table as a regular piece for eating and drinking.

Its telescopic aluminum legs guarantee simple and compact assembly in one move, making it great for storage.

What We Like

• Multi-functional table with great usability

What We Don’t Like

• Lack of ornamentation

3. Best Durable Solution for Cookouts

Camco 51695 White Large Adirondack Portable Side Table

Perhaps the best option for outdoor cookouts and camping is the Camco Adirondack portable table. Because of its height and durability, it’s a solid option for dining in the great outdoors. Its 20-inch height makes for comfortable seating.

You can use it while traveling or even on your home balcony, and thanks to its rust-resistant material, it will last you a long time. This table’s design matches other Adirondack furniture, such as traveling chairs, if you’re looking for a dining set.

You can rely on the stable structure of this side table for supporting phones, laptops, or tablets. In addition, thanks to its folding design, the Camco Adirondack table is both compact and convenient to use.

What We Like

• Sufficient height for outdoor dining

What We Don’t Like

• It comes only in white

4. Best Polypropylene Outdoor Table

COSCO Adjustable Height Personal Folding Activity Table

If you value a table’s functionality over its looks, the COSCO Activity table is a great choice for several reasons. First, the adjustable height of this table makes it a good option for both kids and adults.

In addition, its polypropylene construction guarantees long years of usage, while a quick setup makes it great for camping trips.

This table is not the best option for dining, but it makes a great tabletop addition for camping. The rubber leg tips also enhance stability, so you can use this table for weight placement.

What We Like

• Adjustable height suitable for both children and adults

What We Don’t Like

• Only enough space for 1 person to use it

5. Clever Built-in Drink Holders

Camping Table’s Portable Outdoor Picnic Side Table

One of the best universal solutions for camping and picnics is Camping Table’s portable picnic side table. The best thing about this side table is that it’s made out of canvas and can be carried in a bag.

It’s a breeze to assemble, and it provides 2 flat surfaces for food and personal items, along with 4 inlets for bottles and glasses. Sturdy metal legs provide much-needed support for this lightweight table.

Moreover, the canvas can be removed from the table frame to allow for easier cleaning.

What We Like

• 2 flat surfaces and 4 bottle inlets

What We Don’t Like

• Can’t handle more than 25 pounds of weight

6. Wooden Folding Side Table

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Shine Company 4108N Adirondack Round Side Table

If you’re looking for a table that’s easy to fold up in just one move, the Shine Company’s 4108N Adirondack side table is a great option for both camping and home use. Crafted from durable cedarwood, this table provides ample space and has a natural resistance to decay.

It has a simple yet beautiful design that makes it a great addition to any outdoor space. The standout feature of this table is that it’s built to last. It has a simple folding mechanism that doesn’t require any repairs or fixes.

Also because of its wooden construction, you can use this side table for years without worrying about rust.

What We Like

• Simple foldable wooden construction

What We Don’t Like

• It doesn’t come with any decorative elements

7. Stylish and Sophisticated

Christopher Knight Home 312744 Hilton Outdoor Side Table

Yet another great option for a wooden side table is the Christopher Knight Home Hilton outdoor side table. This table sports a slat design that is stylish yet muted enough to fit into almost any décor.

The acacia wood material guarantees wear-and-tear resistance and will not darken over time. Its durable hardwood construction will stand up to outdoor elements.

The legs lock in place and can be easily folded up again for compact storage or transport.

What We Like

• Exotic with high durability

What We Don’t Like

• Might be more suited for home usage

8. Fun and Innovative Outdoor Side Table

Trademark Innovations Portable Side Table

This table is a winner when it comes to the ease of preserving and cleaning it, and it comes with a few features for greater outdoor usability.

For instance, 2 drink holders are integrated into the table’s surface. It can be cleaned with a damp cloth, and folding it for storage is easy and quick.

But it is also functional. Constructed out of durable Textilene and iron tubes, it provides a flat surface and weight capacity sufficient for outdoor cookouts

What We Like

• Fun and simple design

What We Don’t Like

• Looks a little basic

9. Compact Wooden Side Table for Camping

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CleverMade Tamarack Folding Table

Made out of acacia wood, this table is one of the best-looking compact portable side tables. You can pair this pretty piece with a couple of wooden stools for a stylish seating area. And it won’t even take up much of your storage space.

This lightweight table is easy to carry and requires no assembly, while the long-term durability of acacia wood gives it lasting power. And it’s strong enough to support 2-person dining.

This option blends all the things you most want in a side table — it’s compact and useful while boasting an attractive design.

What We Like

• A stylish and useful addition to any outdoor space

What We Don’t Like

• Lack of motifs and colors

10. Vintage Outdoor Side Table

HANGYUAN Square Bamboo Outdoor Folding Side Table

If you are looking for a vintage-style side table for traveling and home usage, this table is as good as possible. With the Square Bamboo outdoor folding table, you can have a piece of furniture that’s useful and great for decoration.

With a cherry finish adding a touch of style to it, and its durable bamboo construction, this table will be a patio favorite for years to come. It also provides enough stability to serve as a mini dining table.

Not only is it stylish and functional, but it’s also easy to assemble and move around.

What We Like

• Durable bamboo wood material

What We Don’t Like

• It comes in only 1 size and design

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the perfect side table depends on your individual needs. Some tables are better for camping and traveling, while others make great garden additions with stylish yet useful design elements.

Discovering the right solution for your situation will serve you and your family well as you enjoy summer cookouts, camping, and road trips.