When you’re camping, chances are you’re going to bring plenty of camping gear? But did you know how important it is to bring the best camping shovel? Camping shovels can make many essential tasks possible. With the best shovel for camping, you’ll be able to turn over embers in a campfire in the fire pit, dig a latrine, bury organic waste, and many more! Beyond the standard digging tasks, a shovel can also do some quick chopping, cutting, and hammering! It’s a really useful tool that every camper should have. The only problem is that there are countless shovels on the market right now. Looking for the right one can be hard, especially if you’re a newcomer to camping. With that in mind, we’ve selected some of the best shovels for you! Give our list a read, and have fun selecting the one that you want!
Table of contents
- Texsport Heavy Duty Survival Shovel
- BANORES Camping Shovel
- TABOR TOOLS J35A Folding Shovel
- Zune Lotoo Stainless Steel Survival Shovel
- Schrade Telescoping Shovel
- SOG Folding Survival Shovel
- Smittybilt Tri-Fold Shovel
- FiveJoy Military Folding Shovel
- aiGear Folding Military Shovel
- OKOOLCAMP Survival Camping Shovel
- Overmont Military Folding Camping Shovel
- Gerber Gear Gorge Folding Shovel
- Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel
- How To Choose The Best Camping Shovels
- Do I need a shovel for camping?
- What does the tactical shovel do?
- What is a folding shovel used for?
Texsport Heavy Duty Survival Shovel
13
Our first best camping shovel is the Texsport Heavy Duty Survival Shovel. Sturdy and functional, it’s one of the most important pieces of camping gear that you should have. This shovel is made from thick steel with a black powder finish for extended use in rugged backcountry situations. Plus, it’s affordable! Costing you less than 20USD, this shovel is among the best in its price range.
The handle of this shovel can extend up to 24-inch long, and it can also be unscrewed and removed to expose a 5.5-inch blade saw for small cutting projects when your hand saw is too far away. Moreover, this amazing shovel can be used as a hoe or a pick using the company’s proprietary snap-lock system.
- What We Love:
- A heavy-duty shovel that cost way less than other similar models.
- Pros:
- Rugged steel
- Removable handle
- Versatile
- Budget-friendly
- Compact and lightweight
- Cons:
- No carry case
BANORES Camping Shovel
12
When you’re out camping, it’s important to have tools that have multiple uses. This will reduce the load of your baggage as well as make things much more convenient in the long run! Enter the BANORES Camping Shovel, the best shovel for camping that’s worth your money. This multi-tool measures about 9 inches when folded, and when extended, it measures at around 38.9 inches. Speaking of foldable stuff, have you checked out our best folding camping tables?
Meanwhile, the handle is made from high carbon stainless steel with a thickness of 7mm. This makes the tool extra tough and resistant to corrosion, which allows you to use it for a super long time. Apart from that, the shovelhead is fairly thicker than most other models on the market today!
- What We Love:
- It’s a convenient option that has multiple uses.
- Pros:
- Multiple uses
- Foldable design
- Extra tough
- Thick shovelhead
- Comes with an axe and other attachments
- Cons:
- The axe tends to unscrew when hit a certain way
TABOR TOOLS J35A Folding Shovel
11
The main appeal of the TABOR TOOLS J35A Folding Shovel is, without a doubt, its compact size when folded, making it an extremely portable shovel. It offers the standard straight-angle shovel mode and adjusts to a 90-degree angle as a spade. This item also comes with a sharpened side for digging and a serrated saw edge for cutting through roots or anything else you might find.
As with some shovels out there, this one comes with a carrying case so you can keep it in your car. Not to mention, this best shovel for gaming weighs a scant 1.3lbs, so for anyone looking for a lightweight shovel, this one might be for you! Meanwhile, the 19-inch handle offers great leverage in any situation. Being constructed from a hardened steel blade, it’s also remarkably durable.
- What We Love:
- An easy-to-carry option that also happens to be cheap.
- Pros:
- Carrying case included
- Compact and lightweight
- Sturdy construction
- Offers great leverage
- Sharpened side
- Cons:
- Doesn’t perform that well on hard surfaces
Zune Lotoo Stainless Steel Survival Shovel
10
Are you hunting for a stainless steel camping shovel? Then the Zune Lotoo Stainless Steel Survival Shovel should be your go-to option. This unbreakable shovel is super sturdy and durable, thanks to its 100% German Martensitic stainless steel construction. The head is designed with increased thickness as well, allowing you to work smoothly and efficiently.
Furthermore, this is a versatile tool! This best camping shovel can perform 32 functions like cutting, digging, chopping, and others! We also love the anti-slip rubber handle that ensures safety and more comfortable use. Plus, you can easily store this shovel in your vehicle or the included backpack!
- What We Love:
- A premium option that’s extremely sturdy and versatile.
- Pros:
- Versatile
- 100% German Martensitic stainless steel construction
- Anti-slip handle
- Adjustable shovel head
- Compact
- Cons:
- The most expensive option on this list
Schrade Telescoping Shovel
9
The Schrade Telescoping Shovel combines the compactness of a folding shovel with the convenience of a longer shovel shaft. Thanks to its telescoping shaft, this item is more comfortable to dig with and allows you to get better leverage on rocky soil. Though it’s not as cheap as some of the options on this list, the quality helps justify its price tag.
Additionally, the blade is made from 3CR13 stainless steel, which provides ample durability and is shaped specifically to help maximize the amount of soil you can move at once. For added grip, this shovel features a T-shaped handle. It provides better control, even while shoveling in super wet conditions.
- What We Love:
- A solid option that campers can use in all conditions.
- Pros:
- Offer better leverage on rocky soil
- Perform well in wet conditions
- Incredibly durable
- Sharp blade
- Extendable shaft
- Cons:
- The handle isn’t great for gloves
SOG Folding Survival Shovel
8
For rough environments, you can always depend on the SOG Folding Survival Shovel. This best camping shovel is made from a tempered steel blade and aggressive serrated teeth, so you can use it to dig through the firm ground or saw away small tree roots. Thanks to the large triangular handle and wide grip, you can dig without any pain or discomfort.
Speaking of which, the handle can be flipped around in only a few seconds to quickly convert the shovel into a hoe for faster soil removal. Sounds super convenient, right? Plus, it comes in a small nylon carry case that can be stored in your pack or attached to your belt for easy transport.
- What We Love:
- A versatile shovel that’s not only easy to use but also highly durable.
- Pros:
- Great for rough environments
- Wide grip
- Can be converted into a hoe
- Comes with a small nylon carry case
- Foldable design
- Cons:
- The blade is too small for some campers
Smittybilt Tri-Fold Shovel
7
Next, we have the Smittybilt Tri-Fold Shovel. This best shovel for camping is 26-inch long when fully extended, but it packs down to 9-inch in its included carry case, thanks to its tri-fold design. Made from durable black powder-coated carbon steel, you can rest assured that this shovel is durable. Its sharpness is also long-lasting, which is a huge plus.
What’s more, there are two serrated edges that can be used as an emergency cutting device or when digging through root-filled soil. We also love the fiber-reinforced nylon handle that allows for increased durability and vibration reduction while digging. That way, shoveling won’t be that tiring anymore!
- What We Love:
- A small but mighty shovel that’s designed with your comfort in mind.
- Pros:
- Tri-fold design
- Comes with a carry case
- Double serration blades
- Fiber-reinforced nylon handle
- Pretty durable
- Cons:
- Limited versatility
FiveJoy Military Folding Shovel
6
There might be plenty of camping shovels on the market, but the FiveJoy Military Folding Shovel is arguably one of the most versatile options. The best camping shovel comes with a burly shovel, knife, magnesium fire starter, bottle opener, paracord, and whistle. Though it’s a tiny bit pricier than some shovels, they’re worth the money considering the extras that you get.
Meanwhile, the shovel blade is made from high carbon steel to help it retain an edge, while the shaft and knife are lightweight aerospace-grade aluminum. The shaft of the shovel can be adjusted to different angles for use as a hoe, hook, or shovel. Aside from that, the design of this shovel is also pretty unique. It has a hollow shaft that serves as a storage area for all of the device’s extra tools. Then, it all disconnects and fits into 2 included storage pouches for transport.
- What We Love:
- An all-in-one survival tool that’s super useful.
- Pros:
- Comes with tons of extra tools
- Lightweight
- 2 storage pouches
- Super durable
- Versatile
- Cons:
- A bit bulky
aiGear Folding Military Shovel
5
If you want the best camping shovel that can be adjusted easily, the aiGear Folding Military Shovel is a nice consideration. Instead of the traditional unfolding method, this shovel has extension tubes that you can add or remove to find the length you want. Aside from that, you can also adjust the angle of the spade!
Furthermore, this best shovel for camping comes with some great extra features too, including a saw, fire starter, bottle opener, glass breaker, and screwdriver. Plus, the spade has a military-grade solid carbon steel construction for strength and rust protection. With everything this best camping shovel offers, it’s hard not to want to get it!
- What We Love:
- A highly adjustable camping shovel that can last for years.
- Pros:
- Comes with many extra features
- Military-grade spade
- Adjustable length and angle
- Durable construction
- Portable
- Cons:
- Some people find assembling the attachments pretty frustrating
OKOOLCAMP Survival Camping Shovel
4
The OKOOLCAMP Survival Camping Shovel is perhaps the toughest camping shovel you can find right now. This is due to its alloy steel construction, which has superior strength and wear-resistance than similar carbon steel models. In addition to that, the steel also boasts a 48-55 HRC hardness thanks to the cold and hot forging process it undertook.
If you think it’s just the blade that’s impressive, you’re wrong! The super secure handle also adds to this best camping shovel’s reliable performance. What’s more, it has an enhanced O-ring seal that keeps out mud and water and provides a secure grip even in wet conditions. While it’s certainly not the cheapest shovel you can find, it’ll last for years and won’t let you down!
- What We Love:
- An insanely tough and durable camping shovel that’ll impress all campers.
- Pros:
- Superior strentgh
- Anti-blunting blade
- Secure handle
- Offers a secure grip even in wet conditions
- Multipurpose
- Cons:
- A tiny bit more expensive than its competitors
Overmont Military Folding Camping Shovel
3
Let’s be honest; not all campers need a shovel with lots of impressive features and extras. If you’re one of those who are looking for an economical shovel that’s strong and gets the job done, we’re sure you’ll love the Overmont Military Folding Camping Shovel. Despite costing less than 10USD, this shovel is surprisingly sturdy and durable.
Aside from being super durable, this best camping shovel is also lightweight. Weighing at 2.5lbs, it can be tri-folded into a compact shape! What’s more, it comes with a portable storage bag, which you can hang on your camping backpack or waist or store in the corner of your car boot. Lastly, its 90-degree angle rotation means you can use it to dig, hammer, or saw, and the 1.5mm thick blade can effortlessly crush gravel or ice. By the way, did you know that Overmont also produces some of the best dutch ovens for camping?
- What We Love:
- An extremely affordable option that gets the job done.
- Pros:
- Insanely cheap
- Premium material
- Lightweight
- Foldable design
- Comes with a portable storage bag
- Multipurpose
- Cons:
- Not as durable as other more expensive models
Gerber Gear Gorge Folding Shovel
2
Another highly popular shovel that campers love is the Gerber Gear Gorge Folding Shovel. It’s a budget-friendly tool that features a compact folding design with an extendable handle and an included carry case for easier transport between campsites. Though inexpensive, this best camping shovel is still packed with many superb features.
This shovel has a burly forged steel head with a sharp point designed to penetrate hard ground. It’s also strong enough to be used as a hammer for pounding in stakes. Moreover, this best shovel for camping manages is lightweight! That’s because it uses a glass-filled nylon handle that provides a solid grip for quick digging in harsh conditions.
- What We Love:
- This best camping shovel is an economical option that’s packed with plenty of premium features.
- Pros:
- Lightweight
- Foldable design
- Comes with a nylon carry case
- Solid glass-filled nylon handle
- Can penetrate hard ground effortlessly
- Affordable
- Cons:
- Can’t be used as a pick
Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel
1
The number one best camping shovel on this list is the Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel. It’s a versatile work tool for campers that has an impressive 23.8-inch length, promising a more comfortable and efficient shoveling experience. As the name suggests, this best shovel for camping can fold down to a compact 9-inch size. Plus, it can be stored inside its small carry pouch for easier transport or your storage container for camping gear.
Additionally, this shovel can be used as a digging tool, saw, or camping ax, thanks to its adjustable shaft design and serrated edges. It also offers a wide grip handle that’s designed to fit gloves for wintertime digging. Even better, it has a reasonable price. Lastly, this product is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee. So, if you’re not satisfied with this shovel (we doubt so), the company will return your money!
- What We Love:
- A rugged folding shovel that makes shoveling effortless.
- Pros:
- Foldable design
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Wide grip handle
- Versatile
- Comes with a carry pouch
- Durable
- Cons:
- Pretty heavy for its size
How To Choose The Best Camping Shovels
Picking the best camping shovel can be a tricky task. To make sure you get the right item, make sure always to consider the following features:
Size
When you’re camping, you’ll need the best shovel for camping that’s portable enough to fit in your backpack. Lightweight shovels are great for longer camping trips. However, note that smaller shovels can be trickier to dig with as they don’t have long shafts for leverage. So, portability in a camping shovel is always a trade-off between compactness for transport and convenience while digging.
Blade material
Usually, camping shovel blades are made from one of these three main materials:
- Stainless steel: This material is durable and affordable, making them a popular choice. While they don’t hold an edge as well as high carbon steel alternatives, stainless blades are generally found in budget-friendly models.
- High carbon steel: Popular amongst tactical gear makers, this material can stay sharp for an extended period of time. For shovels, this edge retention is useful because it allows you to quickly slice through tree roots and other debris while digging.
- Aluminum: Though less commonly used as a blade material for shovels, it’s lightweight and relatively affordable. It’s usually used for smaller camping shovels.
Versatility
Before buying any shovel, look for the number of things you can do with this single shovel. Don’t go for a high number if you don’t need them, and don’t go for less than three where they can at least perform basic functions like shoveling, digging, and sawing. If you go for little more expensive shovels, you might find that they can be used as an ice breaker, fire starter, compass, emergency hammer, shoveling, sawing, ax, chopping, and others.
Handle design
The handle is as important as the blade! Many tri-folding shovels have handles made from durable steel, which allow you to put a lot of weight on the shovel in rugged conditions. Or, they might feature a T-shaped handle that offers a great gripping surface for digging.
Do I need a shovel for camping?
Why not? Having a shovel will make your camping experience way more convenient. It can be used to dig a hole for defecation, move embers around in a campfire, dig a rain trench around your tent, level the ground to pitch a tent, and many more. If you need help setting up your blackout tent, check out the best hammer cordless drills for camping!
What does the tactical shovel do?
A tactical shovel will allow you to saw, chop, trench, dig, start fires, find your direction, open bottles, use screwdrivers, whistle for help, use paracord, break glass, ice pick, and much more.
What is a folding shovel used for?
A folding shovel is super useful when you’re on the road and camping. When folded, it’s incredibly compact and lightweight, which is what you want when camping.
