Camping can be a lot of fun, but it’s not always as easy as just pitching a tent and sleeping under the stars. There are a lot of things that you need, and one essential piece of gear is a good camping shovel.
Not only can a camping shovel come in handy for digging trenches around your campsite, but it can also be used for other purposes such as creating a fire pit or clearing away debris.
In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of having a camp shovel and provide reviews of some of the best camping shovels on the market!
What Is A Camping Shovel?
A camping shovel is a small, lightweight shovel that is designed for use in outdoor settings such as campgrounds and hiking trails.
Unlike a regular shovel, a camping shovel is much smaller and can be easily carried in a backpack or daypack.
Additionally, most camping shovels are equipped with additional features such as a serrated edge which can come in handy for cutting through roots or clearing away brush.
Why You Need A Camping Shovel
A camping shovel is an essential piece of gear for any camper, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro. There are many benefits to having a shovel with you on your camping trips. One of the most important benefits is that a shovel can be used for digging trenches around your campsite. This is important for two reasons:
First, digging trenches can help to keep water from pooling around your tent and making it wet and uncomfortable. Second, trenches can also help to keep animals out of your campsite. If you dig a trench around the perimeter of your tent it will create a barrier that will deter animals from coming into your campsite.
Another benefit of having a folding shovel is that it can be used to create a fire pit. If you are camping in an area where there are no existing fire pits, you will need to create your own. This is fairly easy to do with a shovel. Simply dig a hole in the ground that is big enough to contain your fire, and then line it with rocks or logs. Once your fire pit is built, you will be able to enjoy cozy fires every night!
A camp shovel can also be used for clearing away debris such as leaves and twigs. If your campsite is looking a little messy, simply use your shovel to tidy things up. You’ll be surprised at how much of a difference this can make!
They’re great for digging a hole for a makeshift toilet if you’re camping in backcountry where there are no outhouses or other options.
Lastly, portable shovels are excellent to keep in your vehicle or RV for emergencies, as they fold up and store in a compact form but can be extremely helpful for getting you unstuck from mud, sand, or snow.
As you can see, there are many reasons why you need a folding camp shovel.
If you don’t already have one, be sure to add one to your camping gear list- you won’t regret it!
Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of having one, let’s take a look at some of the best options on the market.
The Best Camping Shovels
There are plenty of options of portable shovels on the market, and it can be tough to narrow things down.
Luckily, we’ve done the work for you. Here are our top picks for best camp shovel:
Banores Camping Shovel Axe Survival Kit
- Thicken & Lightweight Survival Shovel: Enlarged and thickened shovelhead, the size is 7.08x6.30 inch. The thickness is 3mm, which is stronger than other camping shovels on the market. Hard and Firm, sturdy and Durable, no distortion. Hardness up to 48±.
- Tough Hiking Axe – 3CR13 stainless steel camping axe is a mix of chromium and carbon, making it ultra-strong and rust resistant. The sharp blade makes mincemeat of both hard and softwood chopping projects. You can split firewood, hack off branches, use in self-defense, or break out of a vehicle with this tactical axe.
- Lengthen & Portable Folding Shovel: The shovel is only 9.05 inch when folded, which is lightweight and portable. When extended, the shovel can be up to 38.97 inches meet your any needs. Great for camping, backpacking, hiking, off-roading, fishing, emergency situations, hunting, gardening and more.
- Thicken Extension Handle: The handle thickness is 7mm, and made of high carbon steel. It has high strength and wear resistance, which can prevent the surface from oxidizing and rusting, enough to withstand the harshest conditions.
- All-in-one Multi-Tool: Including shovel, axe, stick, wrench, cutter, saw, hoe, screwdriver, bottle opener, whistle, fire starter, ice piton, scraping fish scales, spear and compass. Perfect for digging, chopping, sawing, cutting, picking, hammering, and even bottle opening.
The Banores Camping Shovel Axe Multifunctional Kit is a great option for those looking for a versatile tool.
Not only is it a shovel, but it also includes an axe, saw, hoe, whistle, compass, pick, fish spear, fish scaler, fire starter, and bottle opener all in one- making it perfect for any camping or survival situation.
The Banores Camping Shovel Axe Survival Kit is made from high-quality materials and is built to last, extending to a comfortable 40″ for easy use but only takes up 7″ when compacted.
It also comes with a carrying case, so you can easily take it with you on your next camping trip.
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line camp shovel that has all the bells and whistles, the Banores Camping Shovel Axe Multi Kit is the perfect choice for you!
The first shovel on our list is the Coghlan’s Folding Military Shovel. This sturdy little shovel is made from heat-treated steel and has a serrated edge for sawing through roots and branches.
It also has a folding design, so it can be easily stored in your backpack. When you’re ready to use it, simply unfold it and you’re good to go!
Gerber E-Tool Folding Spade With Serrated Edge
- DURABLE SURVIVAL GEAR: The Gerber Folding Spade E-tool features a folding, anodized aluminum shaft, serrated blade edge, glass-filled nylon handle, locking mechanism for added stability, and powder-coated steel head for durability in outdoor environments
- INNOVATIVE DESIGN: Designed for outdoor living, durable glass-filled nylon handle features an open design, giving you room for a firm grip and increased leverage; Folds easily to pack in to campgrounds or hunting sites, on the job, or in the shop or shed
- CAMPING ESSENTIALS: The Gerber Folding Spade entrenching tool is made with an anodized aluminum shaft and carbon steel spade, and serrated edge that will stand the test of time and conveniently travel with you as essential camping gear
- VERSATILE CAMPING AND HIKING GEAR: Multi-purpose tactical gear great for any hunter, tradesman, gardener, and the everyday outdoorsman; Perfect addition to camping accessories and essentials, toolbox, work wear, and hiking gear
- COMPACT AND CONVENIENT: Lightweight for Easy Portability, 9.37" closed length and 2' overall length; 2 lb weight; Ideal for various outdoor activities; Backed by the Gerber Guarantee, a limited lifetime warranty
The next shovel on our list is the Gerber E-Tool Folding Spade.
This is another great option for campers who are looking for a compact and lightweight shovel.
It’s made from high-strength stainless steel and has a serrated edge for sawing through tough materials.
It also has a folding design, so it can be easily stored in your backpack when not in use.
Sahara Sailor 23-in-1 Folding Camping Shovel Axe & Survival Kit
- Unbreakable Survival Shovel - This survival tool set constructed with military-grade solid carbon steel with aerospace-grade anodized aluminum tubes that make it sturdy enough deal with survival activities or car/truck emergency
- Multi-functional - This ultimate survival shovel incorporates 12 other functions and tools, including a shovel, hoe, saws, bottle opener, cleaver, whistle, knife, fish scaler, emergency hammer, flat-blade screwdriver, and 4 size wrench. These functions will ensure you survive camping with your kids
- Collapsible and Portable - This camping shovel can be folded and expanded by twisting lock for secure storage and carrying. A durable carry storage bag is coming with the package as camping gifts
- Not just camping - This tactical shovel is perfect for camping, hiking, gardening, backpacking, hunting, traveling, expedition, car emergency, and outdoor survival
- Satisfaction Guarantee - Lifetime warranty with 100% satisfaction and zero hassle returns guaranteed. With this military-level survival shovel, you have the last piece of camping and survival tool you will ever need
The Sahara Sailor 23-in-Folding Camping Shovel Axe & Survival Kit combines 23 necessary tools into one kit that’s compact and lightweight while being easy to use.
It’s made from durable high-carbon stainless steel and folds into itself for easy transport.
The Sahara Sailor has a shovel head that also pulls double duty as an axe on one side and a saw on another, and also manages to provide a wire cutter, screwdriver, disgorger, hacksaw, whistle, fire starter, knife, and bottle opener.
The camp shovel head also pivots, allowing it to transform into a hook, hoe, or shovel for extra versatility.
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line camp shovel that has all the bells and whistles without the top-of-the-line price, then the Sahara Sailor is the perfect choice for you!
UST U-Dig-It Folding Camp Shovel
- dimensions: 9” L x 2.5” W x 1.25" D (open), 5.75" L x 2.5" W x 1" D (closed) and weighs 5.2 oz
- reliable: Useful for clearing rocks and debris, buring waste, plant removal, scaling fish and digging pits for campfires
- durable: Constructed of stainless steel and can even be heated if used as a cooking utensil
- convenient: Collapses to half the size for easy storage and transport
- be prepared: Ready for any situation whether you are in the garden or needed to dig small holes while camping or in the outdoors
Last but not least, we have the UST Folding Camp Shovel. This heavy-duty shovel is made from heat-treated steel and is built to withstand the elements. It has a serrated edge for sawing through roots and branches, and it also has a folding design so it can be easily stored in your backpack.
Lifeline Aluminum Sport Utility Collapsible Camping Snow Shovel
- 3 PIECE COLLAPSIBLE DESIGN: Breaks down to 3 pieces making it easy to store and carry
- LIGHTWEIGHT: Constructed of durable high-quality light aluminum weighing 1.3 lbs.
- BE PREPARED: You'll never know what adverse weather conditions you may run into
- ADJUSTABLE: Shovel can adjust from 21” to 26” to 32”
The Lifeline Aluminum Sport Utility Collapsible Camping Snow Shovel is the perfect choice for those who are looking for a durable and lightweight snow shovel for camping.
This shovel is made from high-quality aluminum and adjusts from 25″-32″ for different uses. It’s compact and can be easily stored in your backpack, car trunk, or RV when it’s not needed.
It’s only 1.3 lbs and disassembles into 3 pieces so it won’t take up precious space, and comes in six different colors.
Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel With Pick
- AMERICAN OWNED, FAMILY OPERATED - Join the Rhino USA Family and Support a Father/Son Business With the Best USA-Based Customer Support.
- 3-IN-1 MULTIPURPOSE - Features a Versatile Design With a 180-Degree Shovel, 90-Degree Pickaxe, and 90-Degree Pick hoe, Allowing you to Tackle Various Tasks With a Single Tool.
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE - Measures a Full 23" Long When Extended, but Folds Down to Just 9" x 6" for Easy Storage in the Included Heavy-Duty Carry Case; Weighs Only 2 lbs for Effortless Portability.
- CARBON STEEL CONSTRUCTION - Engineered From Carbon Steel with a Black Powder-Coated Finish for Enhanced Strength, Corrosion Resistance, and a Sleek, Durable Appearance.
- REAL LIFETIME REPLACEMENT - All Rhino USA Products Come With a Lifetime Replacement. If you Encounter any Issues, We'll Ensure You're 100% Satisfied With a Replacement or Refund.
If you’re looking for a durable and reliable survival shovel, the Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel With Pick is a great option.
This folding camp shovel has a shovel head that features a sharp serrated saw blade on the edge and a fold-out pick on the other end of the shovel head so you can tackle almost any situation, including digging trenches and sawing wood.
The shovel head twist locks in place to keep everything secure, and measures 23″ when fully extended, but folds down to a compact 9″ x 6″ for storage in the included carrying case.
Rhino USA backs their gear with a 100% satisfaction money-back guarantee as well, so you know you’re getting gear they stand behind.
Camping Shovel Buying Guide
Now that you know the benefits of having a camp shovel and have seen some of the best options on the market, it’s time to choose the right one for you.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Material
The material of your shovel is important because it will determine how durable it is.
- Stainless Steel is an affordable and durable material used in many camp shovels.
- High Carbon Steel is more common in tactical gear and holds a sharper edge for longer periods of time.
- Aluminum is lightweight and affordable, but not very durable, making it better for basic folding camping shovels.
If you plan on using your shovel frequently, or if you expect to encounter tough materials such as roots and branches, look for a model made from heat-treated steel or high-strength aluminum.
These materials are built to withstand heavy use and will last for many years.
Blade Design
The blade design is also important to consider.
Some models have serrated edges, which can be helpful for sawing through tough materials.
Others have straight blades, which are better for scooping and shoveling.
Choose the blade design that best suits your needs.
Handle Design
Your camping shovel’s handle design is another important factor to consider.
Some models have ergonomic handles, which can make them more comfortable to use.
Others have telescoping handles, which can be handy for storage or transportation.
Consider the type of handle that will best suit your needs before making your purchase.
How To Use A Folding Shovel On A Camping Trip
Now that you know what to look for in a portable shovel, it’s time to learn how to use one.
When using a folding shovel on a camping trip, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- First, always dig your trench at least two feet away from the edge of your campsite. This will help prevent collapse and protect your gear.
- Second, when digging your trench, make sure to angle the blade away from yourself. This will help prevent injury if the blade slips.
- Third, always carry your shovel with the blade pointing down or folded. This will help prevent accidental injuries.
- Finally, when you’re done using your shovel, be sure to clean it off and dry it before storing it away. This will help prevent rust and corrosion.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to make the most of your camp shovel on your next camping trip. So get out there and start exploring!
Wrapping Up Our Guide To The Best Camping Shovels
With these factors in mind, you should be able to find the perfect camp shovel for your next adventure!
Have you ever used a survival shovel? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments below.
Check out our other helpful camping guides while you’re here:
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- The best camping string lights
- How to lock a tent
- What is a tent vestibule?
- The best e-port tents
- How to make a DIY camping bed
- Tents that fit a queen air mattress
- How long does wood take to dry after rain?
- How long does Jetboil fuel last?
- The best heated camping chairs
- The best tent waterproofing spray
- Our guide to cowboy camping