Picnic tables on tent only sites?

[hummingbird]

Just wondering if picnic tables are present at all sites, or only those with shelters?
(If not, do any seasoned trekkers have advice on rigging up a level, clean cooking surface?)

[Tom]

As a general rule, you're only going to find picnic tables the same camps you'll find shelters. (I'm trying to think of an exception, but one doesn't come to mind..) - It's mostly a logistics issue; if they can't get the materials there to build a shelter, they're not carrying in a picnic table...
Even then, the picnic tables are rarely level.

I have a fold out base for my MSR stove, and that tends to stabilize things a bit better than the legs alone. Depending on your stove, they might make a similar system..

[goatrodeo2010]

Things bring a question to my mind. What about the group sites? I have read and view campsite maps and learned that no shelters are available at the group sites, but what about picnic tables?

[Tom]

Correct, group sites are tent pads only. However, from what I recall, they have picnic tables, just like the regular tent sites. I have a picture I took at a McCargoe group site and it shows a table, so you're safe with that one!
Indeed, a picnic table goes a long way in helping make camp comfortable!

[Ingo]

Specifically, if a campsite has a dock, it has shelters and picnic tables. For reasons Tom pointed out--getting them there. Probably safe to assume that groups sites at docks have tables, too. Pretty sure I saw them at Moskey, but I don't usually explore the group sites.

[Tampico]

If I remember correctly, the group site(s) at Chippewa (back by the schoolhouse) had a picnic table also.

This was in 2007, though.