Costco's Convenient Outdoor Item Is The Cooking Upgrade Your Camping Setup Has Been Missing

After a day spent exploring the outdoors, there's nothing better than returning to camp for a hot meal. Almost anything tastes edible when you're sitting around the campfire — but not all camp cuisine is created equal. Sure, a can of baked beans warmed up in the embers of the dying fire can keep you fed, but to impress your fellow campers with mouthwatering meals, you're going to need to invest in some quality cooking gear.

There are a few common camping essentials that no one should be without. Camp stoves and coolers are necessary to prepare meals. Having a smooth and stable place to prep ingredients and cook is also crucial. If you're looking to invest in some gear to create the perfect camp kitchen, head to Costco.

The popular membership-based warehouse sells some great products to upgrade your cooking experience while camping, including a high-quality table that's perfect for preparing meals. A cooking table is a total game-changer when tent camping. Costco is currently selling the CORE Flexrail Table, a foldable option that is perfect for road trippers and tent campers who want to make their campsite as comfortable as possible.

When you invest in a great cooking set up at camp, you can quickly transform your basic campsite into a luxurious glamping experience. Instead of resorting to basic meals like hot dogs and baked beans, you can curate a mouthwatering menu for your friends and family. Enjoying a delicious meal surrounded by nature is a wonderful way to bond with your loved ones and create memories that will last a lifetime.

One of my favorite childhood memories involves my dad busting out his giant cast-iron skillet while camping. He'd use the pan and his Coleman grill to cook a massive pancake that was capable of feeding at least six people. He called it a "mountain cake" and served it with jam, syrup, and breakfast sausage. Simple things like warm pancakes in the morning feel like luxuries when you've been camping for a few days, but preparing food without your usual kitchen essentials can be somewhat challenging, especially if you're new to camping.

Set yourself up for success by creating a designated area for cooking. The CORE Flexrail Table from Costco measures 5 feet long and a little over 2 feet wide, so there's plenty of space for food prep. Half of the table is crafted from durable plastic, which is perfect for preparing ingredients like meat and veggies. The other side is heat-resistant metal, so you can safely place your portable grill or camp stove on it. The table is advertised as lightweight, but it depends on who you ask because some reviews on Costco's website mentioned that it was too heavy. It weighs a little less than 30 pounds.

The CORE Flexrail Table is ideal for people who are traveling in an RV, car camping, attending a music festival, or tailgating. Due to its weight and size, it isn't a feasible adoption for wild camping excursions. When folded, the camping table measures 27.5 inches deep, 3.3 inches tall, and 31 inches wide. Since it's collapsible, it can easily fit within a variety of vehicles. When it's set up, you can adjust the height to four different levels. The maximum height is about three feet, which is the standard for most kitchen counters.

What really stands out about the CORE Flexrail Table is its many features. It comes with a built-in accessory bag and multiple hooks for your cooking utensils, spices, and other essentials. It also comes with cupholders, so you can enjoy a nice cold drink while you prepare food for your camp. A built-in paper towel holder makes cleaning up spills easy, and a trash bag holder helps ensure that your cooking area stays tidy.

People who have purchased the table are thrilled with the quality. "This table is AMAZING. Seriously, can't believe how far beyond in capability this table is compared to others of similar size and price. 10/10 couldn't recommend more," Lauren F wrote in a review posted on Costco's website. "It truly is a dream table for camp food prep and cooking," BigSur wrote in their review. Other reviewers also mention that the table is high-quality and holds up well. In total, there are more than 20 five-star ratings on the site. At the time of writing, it cost $119.