Are camping shovels worth it?

If you are going on a camping trip, you can greatly benefit from bringing a camping shovel with you. Not only can you use it for digging, but you can also count on the versatility of a proper camping shovel for cutting, fishing, sawing, and hammering.

What should I look for in a camping shovel?

Before you make a final decision on a camping shovel, you should consider its length, weight, size, build materials, and assembly procedure (if it’s a folding multi-tool shovel).

What material should camping shovels be made of?

To ensure high durability, most camping shovels are made of durable carbon steel or similar materials that make them last for ages. Some classic shovels come with hardwood handles. The extension materials vary.

Are all-in-1 shovels better than classic camping shovels?

A regular shovel will suffice if you need a camping shovel solely for digging and hammering tent stakes. However, multi-tool shovels make a far better option if you need a more versatile shovel that incorporates other tools such as a hoe, saw, hook, or pick.

The 10 Best Camping Shovels for Outdoor Adventures [2023]

Going on a camping trip without the proper equipment can be a headache, and one of the crucial tools you need to bring is a camping shovel. Using a quality camping shovel can turn digging a toilet hole, setting up tent stakes, or even building a fire pit into a breeze.

Any experienced camper can tell you it’s an irreplaceable tool. If you’re interested in discovering everything you ought to consider before purchasing a camping shovel, keep reading.

Table of contents

Things To Consider in a Camping Shovel
The 10 Best Camping Shovels
Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

Things To Consider in a Camping Shovel
The 10 Best Camping Shovels
Final Thoughts

Things To Consider in a Camping Shovel

Before setting out on your mission to find the perfect camping shovel, you should know what to look for.

Whether you plan on taking a shovel in your backpack or simply storing it with your camping gear just in case, here are the features to look for in a camping shovel.

Versatility

Camping Shovel Versitility — Camping shovels have sturdy handles. Image Credit: Amar Hussain

If you are looking for an all-in-one tool for camping trips, it doesn’t get any better than camping shovels. Survival shovels are a great option because they cover a wide range of uses.

This type of camping shovel has sharp edges that you can use for digging holes or breaking through soft and hard materials with equal efficiency. For instance, they’re great for setting up a fire pit. You can also use the sturdy handle to hit a tree for fruit.

Compact Size

Compact Camping Shovel — Camping shovels can often be disassembled for compact storage. Image Credit: Amar Hussain

While camping, you won’t be able to make use of a traditional shovel because of the inconvenience of carrying such a large tool with you. On the other hand, camping shovels are the perfect size for storing in your backpack.

Bottom Line: A compact shovel is your friend when you need to ration storage space. It’s lightweight, and it won’t crowd your other necessities.

Saw Edges

Camping Shovel Saw Edge — A camping shovel with a saw edge is a useful tool. Image Credit: Amar Hussain

You’ve likely found yourself in an unexpected situation while camping where you needed to cut wood or another hard material. A camping shovel with a saw edge is your answer in this situation. They are just as good at digging toilet holes as they are sawing branches or small trees for firewood.

Additional Tools

Some camping shovels come with additional tools such as wrenches, knives, bottle openers, and hammers built directly into the handle. If you can find an all-in-1 camping shovel, chances are that you will use it at least once on every trip you make.

These multi-functional shovels can be a lifesaver when you need a specific tool while camping.

The 10 Best Camping Shovels

If you want to get your money’s worth in a camping shovel in terms of versatility and compact features, this list will provide you with your best options. Whether you need a cutting tool or a practical solution for setting up tent stakes and pressing them into the ground, these shovels will give you what you need.

1. Steel Folding Camping Shovel

9,573 Reviews

BEST OVERALL: RHINO USA Folding Survival Shovel

This is a great foldable shovel if you find yourself needing to dig while on the go. It's great to keep in your RV or with your camping or hiking gear.

Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty camping shovel made of carbon steel with a sturdy grip and a sharp edge, the Rhino USA folding survival shovel is your best bet. This camping shovel covers a wide range of uses, and most importantly, it’s compact enough to fit into your backpack.

This shovel has sharp, rugged saw teeth that enable swift and precise cutting. You won’t have a problem setting up a tent or cutting through wood. This camping shovel even has a useful pickaxe function.

The twist-lock mechanism allows the shovel head to lock at 90 degrees for use as a hoe or pickaxe. It has a tough handle designed for an easy grip, and when folded, it’s small enough to bring on hiking trips.

What We Like:

High versatility in a compact-style

What We Don’t Like:

Users need to be very careful with the serrated cutting edge

2. Multi-practical Tool Shovel

UPGRADE PICK: Folding Shovel Multitool

This is a fantastic tool for any camping or outdoor situation. You get 23 tools in 1 compact place, including a shovel. It's all made of heavy-duty steel as well.

BESROY Folding Shovel Multi-Tool

If you’re looking for a multi-tool shovel with versatile properties, you should definitely add the BESROY folding shovel to your shortlist. This shovel features high usability with 23 tools in 1 shovel and a 180-degree folding mechanism.

It’s perfectly portable for camping trips as it is compact enough to fit in even the smallest places when folded. Constructed from manganese steel alloy, this shovel has incredible durability and a thick, sturdy handle for grip support.

You can use it for cutting rope, sawing, hammering tent stakes, and digging. It even includes a magnesium rod for starting a fire. The assembly is easy enough, and it only takes a few seconds to adjust the length of the handle. Even better, it can fit 3 different shovel sizes with a metal upgrade accessory.

What We Like:

23-in-1 sturdy camping shovel tool

What We Don’t Like:

Might be a bit complex

3. Entrenching Camping Shovel Tool

DISCOUNT: 17%

SOG Entrenching Tool

Digging has never been easier than with this little tool. It weighs just over 0.5 pounds and folds up so it can be stored in a compact fabric carrying bag.

SOG Specialty Knives Entrenching Tool Folding Survival Shovel

If you’re looking for an extremely sharp camping shovel, the SOG Specialty Knives entrenching tool is for you. This collapsible shovel has a trifold design that allows it to fold up into the smallest possible size to easily fit into your gear.

Other than its compact size, this tool offers high usability, especially for cutting, thanks to the carbon steel knife at the top. The blade also rotates and can be used as a pick or a hoe. It can function as a hiking shovel, digging shovel, and cutting tool.

The lightweight build and high-quality carbon steel construction make this tool one of the best options on the market.

What We Like:

Top of the line sharp edge with several functions

What We Don’t Like:

Sturdiness depends on how hard you adjust the folding handle

4. Camping Shovel With Saw Edge

REDCAMP Military Folding Camping Shovel

This shovel folds 3 ways to make it compact enough it practically fits in your hand. The shovel also has a serrated edge if you need to cut through weeds.

REDCAMP Military Folding Camping Shovel

The REDCAMP Military folding shovel is a great option for those looking for that extra something in terms of camping shovel usability. It has multiple purposes, including digging, cutting, hammering, sawing, and shoveling.

Moreover, it can be used not only as a shovel but as a hoe, pick, or saw. The 1.5-millimeter-thick blade enables swift cutting through even the hardest materials and works perfectly for sawing and building with wood while camping.

The carbon steel material offers long-lasting quality, while the triangular handle can be used for numerous purposes. The REDCAMP Military shovel can also be used at a 90-degree angle.

What We Like:

Extremely efficient for cutting

What We Don’t Like:

Has an unnecessarily large handle

5. Camping Shovel With Pick

Coleman Folding Shovel and Pick

Since this tool comes with a shovel and a pick all in the same model, it's a great tool for gardening on the go. It can also be used for camping trenches.

Coleman Folding Shovel and Pick

If cutting isn’t your primary concern with a camping shovel, the Coleman Folding shovel and pick is a good choice. It can be used as a pick and is extremely lightweight for maximum convenience in use and efficiency in digging holes.

You can use it to dig fire pits and toilet holes or to set up a tent. It can also be used to break snow or ice during winter camping trips. It’s best used as a pick, but it includes a serrated edge for sawing.

It folds down to just 7 inches and its compact size enables you to easily store it in your camping backpack.

What We Like:

Great for digging holes and breaking the ice

What We Don’t Like:

It lacks a sharp edge for cutting

6. Mini Shovel With Sturdy Grip

DISCOUNT: 6%

Bond Manufacturing LH047 Mini D-Handle Square Head Shovel

This shovel might be short, but it's got the same durable quality you'd expect from a full-sized model. It's great for digging small holes or trenches for camping and hiking.

Bond Manufacturing LH047 Mini D-Handle Square Head Shovel

For those looking for a basic tool without frills, the Bond LH047 mini shovel fits the bill. Despite being small enough for easy storage, it can replace the function of a larger shovel surprisingly well.

The Mini D handle shovel has a sturdy grip, enabling easy moving of campsite objects. With a powerful fiberglass handle and rust-resistant paint, this option is great for campers who wish to get years of use out of a shovel.

In addition, it comes with sharpened edges for breaking up tough ground for easier hole digging.

What We Like:

Extremely efficient small-scale shovel

What We Don’t Like:

Doesn’t fold

7. A Classic Compact Shovel

DISCOUNT: 5%

Cold Steel Spetsnaz Tactical Camp Shovel Tool for Camping

This shovel won't rust, dent, or break, even if you regularly use it. It's made out of military-grade material and is perfect if you need to dig a latrine or trench.

Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel

The classic, straightforward Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel is a must-have for camping trips. It looks like a regular shovel for digging and cutting, but this item has a 2-millimeter-thick head made of medium carbon steel.

The hardwood handle allows for the sturdy grip needed for successful shoveling. It doesn’t fold in any way, but it’s lightweight and compact enough to fit into your pack.

It’s a great option if you need a classic shovel for regular camping purposes like digging holes for tent stakes.

What We Like:

Compact and lightweight standard camping shovel

What We Don’t Like:

Lacks any additions for cutting and sawing

8. Multi-practical Survival Shovel Tool

TAC9ER Survival Shovel Multitool

An emergency tool you have to have. This model comes with a serrated blade for cutting through roots and weeds. It also has a hammer, a bottle opener, and more.

TAC9ER Tactical Multitool 15-in-1 Shovel

Having a multi-tool camping shovel like the TAC9ER Tactical multi-practical tool is essential if you want to be fully equipped for your camping trip. With this shovel, you get a 15-in-1 tool that includes a digging shovel top, a knife, a hex driver, a flathead bit, a saw, an ax, and other additions.

The carbon steel and aluminum construction is built to last. The shovel head can be swapped out for any of the other tools that are included. The set even comes with its own carrying case, which in turn can be stored in your camping backpack.

With this option, you can be prepared for any problem that might occur while on the road with your family.

What We Like:

Complete multi-tool

What We Don’t Like:

It takes some time to figure out how to swap out the additions

9. Camping Shovel Axe Made of Military-Grade Materials

Check on Walmart

Sunkoon Survival Shovel Axe

One of the best folding camping shovels with multi-practical properties is the Sunkoon Camping Axe shovel. The sturdy handle can fit several extensions, including a digging shovel, an axe, a saw, a hoe, a hook, and a wrench.

Moreover, there are several lengths you can use for the handle, which features a built-in compass, screwdriver, tactical knife, and harpoon for fishing. If there’s a camping activity you love, this shovel likely includes a tool for it.

They’ve even found a way to engineer a survival whistle, a bottle opener, and an ax into it.

What We Like:

All-in-one camping shovel and ax solution

What We Don’t Like:

It might be a bit bulky with all the extensions

10. Military Cutting Camping Shovel

MOSFIATA Axe-Type Camping Shovel Set

You'll have trouble thinking of a tool that doesn't come with this shovel. It's a 30-in-1 option that allows you to survive and thrive in any weather or environmental conditions.

MOSFIATA Folding Camping Shovel Axe

One of the best multi-functional options you can find for a camping shovel is the MOSFIATA folding shovel ax. It has a thick spear-shaped manganese steel shovelhead. The size-adjustable handle can reach a maximum size of 40 inches and allows for 3 attachments — a shovel, a hook, and a hoe.

With a 2.5-millimeter-thick blade and a serrated edge, this option is perfect for cutting and peeling. The handle features a lock that keeps your choice of attachments secure for heavy-duty use.

This shovel is best used as a knife, shovel, bolt driver, or harpoon. But if you want to use it solely for its compass attachment, you can do that too!

What We Like:

Extremely sharp for cutting through tough materials

What We Don’t Like:

Weighs nearly 3.5 pounds

Final Thoughts

The camping shovels on this list are all great options covering a wide range of applications. You can easily carry one in a backpack while on the go.

There are several multi-practical shovels with switchable extensions, and all of them are made of durable materials. Make sure to consider a shovel’s functionality for various purposes — such as cutting, digging, sawing, and peeling — before deciding on the best camping shovel option for your needs.