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10 Best Camping Shovels 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Rhino USA Survival Shovel w/Pick - Heavy Duty Carbon Steel Military Style Entrenching Tool for Off Road, Camping, Gardening, Beach, Digging Dirt, Sand, Mud & Snow. (Recovery Shovel)

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,433
Size and Weight
Material
Additional Features

Most important from
12929 reviews

Size and Weight
This compact shovel, reminiscent of an Army Shovel, is perfect for tight spaces and tough digging tasks, making it invaluable for difficult jobs.
Material
Rhino products stand up to heavy abuse, and this shovel is no exception, offering excellent build quality and portability.
Additional Features
The pick feature is particularly useful for breaking through tough ground, enhancing the shovel's functionality.

The Rhino USA Survival Shovel is an excellent option for those who need a reliable and versatile tool for camping, gardening, and off-road adventures. One of its standout features is its 3-in-1 multipurpose design, allowing you to use it as a shovel, pickaxe, or pick hoe, making it highly adaptable for various tasks.

It's compact and portable, folding down to just 9 x 6 inches and weighing only 2 lbs, which makes it easy to carry in its included heavy-duty carry case. The shovel is constructed from durable carbon steel with a black powder-coated finish, ensuring strength and resistance to corrosion, adding to its longevity and sleek appearance. Additionally, Rhino USA offers a lifetime replacement guarantee, providing peace of mind and excellent customer support from a family-operated, American-owned business.

However, it's worth noting that the product's country of origin is China, which might be a consideration for some buyers. Also, while the shovel's compact size is advantageous for portability, it may not be suitable for very heavy digging tasks due to its smaller blade and overall size. This shovel is best for those seeking a lightweight, durable, and versatile tool for a variety of outdoor activities.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,433
Size and Weight
Material
Additional Features

Most important from
12929 reviews

Size and Weight
This compact shovel, reminiscent of an Army Shovel, is perfect for tight spaces and tough digging tasks, making it invaluable for difficult jobs.
Material
Rhino products stand up to heavy abuse, and this shovel is no exception, offering excellent build quality and portability.
Additional Features
The pick feature is particularly useful for breaking through tough ground, enhancing the shovel's functionality.
#2

iunio 35in Folding Shovel, Camping Shovel, Survival Shovel, Heavy Duty Carbon Steel Military Style Entrenching Tool, Collapsible Spade, for Camping, Off Road, Car Emergency (Premium E-tool)

Rating
9.6
Size and Weight
Material
Additional Features

Most important from
3663 reviews

Size and Weight
The tool extends to 35 inches, allowing comfortable digging and chopping while standing, with options to adjust length for tight spaces.
Material
Constructed from high carbon steel, the shovel is impressively strong and not flimsy, standing up well to tough use.
Additional Features
Its multi-function attachments make it more than just a shovel, adding value for camping, hunting, and emergency preparedness.

This Survival Folding Shovel offers solid versatility for camping and outdoor use, especially for those who value having multiple tools in one. It extends up to 35 inches, allowing you to dig comfortably without bending too much, which is a big plus. The shovel is made from high carbon steel, making it strong and wear-resistant, so it should hold up well under tough conditions. The rubber handle provides a comfortable grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.

Its blade design includes a pickaxe and other useful attachments like a saw, bottle opener, and fish scaler, making it more than just a simple shovel — great for survival situations or emergency car kits. It folds into a compact size and comes with a tactical waist pack, so it’s easy to carry on hikes or camping trips. At just under 4 pounds, it’s a bit heavier than some lightweight camping shovels, which might be noticeable when packing for long treks.

The number of attachments could feel overwhelming if you want a straightforward digging tool. This shovel excels for campers, hunters, and outdoor adventurers who appreciate multi-functionality and durability but might be less ideal if you want something very lightweight or simple. Positive customer ratings suggest most users find it reliable, and the included extras make it a handy all-in-one option for various outdoor needs.

Rating
9.6
Size and Weight
Material
Additional Features

Most important from
3663 reviews

Size and Weight
The tool extends to 35 inches, allowing comfortable digging and chopping while standing, with options to adjust length for tight spaces.
Material
Constructed from high carbon steel, the shovel is impressively strong and not flimsy, standing up well to tough use.
Additional Features
Its multi-function attachments make it more than just a shovel, adding value for camping, hunting, and emergency preparedness.
#3

iunio 31in Folding Camping Shovel, Survival Shovel w/Pick, Heavy Duty Carbon Steel Military Style Entrenching Tool, Foldable Collapsible Shovel for Off Road, Gardening, Snow, Trenching, Car Emergency

Rating
9.3
Size and Weight
Material
Additional Features

Most important from
3663 reviews

Size and Weight
The 31-inch version strikes a better balance between size and functionality compared to the longer 35-inch model.
Material
The shovel is solid and sturdy, offering a robust feel that stands out compared to typical lightweight e-tools.
Additional Features
Its multipurpose design includes a variety of handy gadgets, making it a comprehensive tool for camping and emergency situations.

This folding camping shovel is a versatile and solid tool for outdoor enthusiasts, combining multiple functions into one compact package. Its 31-inch length, which can be extended or shortened with additional bars, offers flexibility to adapt for different digging tasks or user heights. At 2.29 pounds, it strikes a balance between being robust yet portable, and folds down to a handy size that fits into a tactical waist pack for easy carrying.

The blade and handle are made from high-carbon steel, known for its strength and wear resistance, which means it’s built to handle tough jobs like trenching or cleanup during emergencies. The rubber grip on the handle adds comfort and better control, which is important during prolonged use. The shovel blade is designed as a multipurpose tool, also including a pickaxe and accessories like a saw, bottle opener, fish scaler, hammer, and emergency whistle. These extras make it more than just a shovel, useful for camping, hiking, gardening, and survival situations.

The complexity of multiple pieces might feel a bit bulky or overkill for very simple digging needs. While the carbon steel is strong, it requires some maintenance to prevent rust if exposed to moisture. Its folding design is convenient for storage but may not feel as sturdy as a fixed shovel during heavy digging. This shovel is best suited for campers and outdoor hobbyists who value multifunctional gear and portability, rather than those looking for a lightweight or minimalistic digging tool.

Rating
9.3
Size and Weight
Material
Additional Features

Most important from
3663 reviews

Size and Weight
The 31-inch version strikes a better balance between size and functionality compared to the longer 35-inch model.
Material
The shovel is solid and sturdy, offering a robust feel that stands out compared to typical lightweight e-tools.
Additional Features
Its multipurpose design includes a variety of handy gadgets, making it a comprehensive tool for camping and emergency situations.

Buying Guide for the Best Camping Shovels

Choosing the right camping shovel can make a significant difference in your outdoor experience. A camping shovel is a versatile tool that can be used for digging fire pits, clearing debris, and even as a makeshift hammer. When selecting a camping shovel, it's important to consider various specifications to ensure it meets your needs and enhances your camping experience.
Size and WeightThe size and weight of a camping shovel are crucial factors to consider. A compact and lightweight shovel is easier to carry and pack, making it ideal for backpacking and hiking trips. However, a larger and heavier shovel may offer more durability and leverage for tougher digging tasks. If you plan to carry the shovel over long distances, opt for a smaller, lighter model. For car camping or situations where weight is less of a concern, a larger shovel may be more suitable.
MaterialCamping shovels are typically made from materials like steel, aluminum, or plastic. Steel shovels are the most durable and can handle heavy-duty tasks, but they are also heavier. Aluminum shovels are lighter and still quite strong, making them a good middle ground. Plastic shovels are the lightest and often the most affordable, but they may not be as durable for demanding tasks. Consider the type of camping you will be doing and choose a material that balances durability and weight according to your needs.
Handle DesignThe handle design of a camping shovel can affect its usability and comfort. Some shovels have straight handles, while others have ergonomic or folding designs. A straight handle is simple and sturdy, but an ergonomic handle can provide better grip and reduce hand fatigue. Folding handles are convenient for packing and storage but may have more moving parts that can break. Think about how you will be using the shovel and choose a handle design that offers the best combination of comfort and practicality.
Blade ShapeThe shape of the shovel blade can influence its effectiveness for different tasks. A pointed blade is great for digging into hard or rocky soil, while a flat blade is better for scooping and moving loose materials. Some shovels have serrated edges that can be used for cutting roots or small branches. Consider the types of tasks you will be performing and select a blade shape that matches those needs. A versatile blade with multiple features can be a good choice for general camping use.
Additional FeaturesMany camping shovels come with additional features such as built-in saws, bottle openers, or fire starters. These multi-functional tools can be very handy and save space in your camping gear. However, they can also add to the weight and complexity of the shovel. Evaluate which additional features are truly useful for your camping style and choose a shovel that offers the right balance of functionality and simplicity.

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