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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
9.7
Chosen by1,264
Size and Weight
Material
Additional Features

Most important from
13300 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
9.7
Chosen by1,264
Size and Weight
Material
Additional Features

Most important from
13300 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

Camping Shovel Axe Outdoor Survival Shovel Set with High Carbon Steel Camping Gear for Men Outdoor Caming Hiking Backpacking Emergency

Rating
9.4
Size and Weight
Material
Handle Design

Most important from
1015 reviews

Size and Weight
Compact and easy to store, the shovel set is a great addition for off-roading and outdoor adventures.
Material
The shovel is solid and well-built, perfect for various outdoor tasks like digging fire pits or clearing debris.
Handle Design
The extended poles are thoughtfully designed and securely tied, ensuring stability during use.

The Camping Shovel Axe Outdoor Survival Shovel Set by HUZSV is a versatile and compact tool ideal for camping, hiking, and emergency situations. It features an impressive 28-in-1 tool set including essentials like a shovel, axe, saw, flashlight, and more, making it highly functional for various outdoor and survival activities.

The shovel is constructed from high carbon steel, ensuring durability and resistance to wear and tear. The handle is made from military-grade materials, offering strength and the ability to withstand significant impact without damage.

The portable design allows the shovel to fold down to 9.45 inches, making it easy to carry, while the extended length of up to 40.1 inches ensures it meets various needs efficiently. This shovel set is perfect for those who need a comprehensive survival tool kit in a compact form but may not be the best choice for those looking for a single-purpose, lightweight camping shovel.

Rating
9.4
Size and Weight
Material
Handle Design

Most important from
1015 reviews

Size and Weight
Compact and easy to store, the shovel set is a great addition for off-roading and outdoor adventures.
Material
The shovel is solid and well-built, perfect for various outdoor tasks like digging fire pits or clearing debris.
Handle Design
The extended poles are thoughtfully designed and securely tied, ensuring stability during use.
#3

DARTMOOR Camping Shovel, 24" Larger Folding Shovel with Saw Edge, Portable Outdoor Survival Snow Shovel for Off Road Camping Hiking Digging Backpacking, Car Emergency, Entrenching Tool, Green

Rating
9.1
Size and Weight
Material

Most important from
2768 reviews

Size and Weight
Small, lightweight, and tough—perfect for camping in the wilderness.
Material
Quality made product that's very solid and folds as intended.

The DARTMOOR Camping Shovel is a versatile tool designed for outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable companion for camping, hiking, and emergencies. At 24 inches in length and weighing 3.1 pounds, it strikes a balance between portability and functionality. Its foldable design ensures it can be easily packed and stored, making it suitable for backpacking or stowing in a car for emergency situations.

Constructed from heat-treated manganese steel, the shovel is durable and corrosion-resistant, able to handle tough tasks such as digging trenches, sawing branches, or breaking up ice. The carbon steel handle provides a sturdy grip, although users might find it slightly less comfortable during prolonged use due to its standard grip design.

One of the standout features is its fast-rotating locking system, which allows the user to quickly transform the tool from a shovel to a pickaxe or hoe. This multifunctionality can be a significant advantage for those who need a versatile tool in various outdoor settings. The saw edge of the shovel blade is particularly handy for cutting through tougher materials like branches or ice, adding to its utility in different scenarios. Despite its robust construction, the shovel remains lightweight and portable, further enhanced by its compact foldability and the included nylon carry bag.

Potential users should be aware that its compact nature might limit the volume of material moved in a single pass compared to larger shovels. Also, while its performance is well-rated with a customer satisfaction score of 4.4 out of 5 stars, the standard grip might not be as ergonomic as some other designs, which could affect comfort over extended periods. In summary, the DARTMOOR Camping Shovel is an excellent choice for those needing a multi-functional, durable, and portable tool for a variety of outdoor activities and emergency situations. Its versatility and build quality make it a top contender in the camping shovel category, particularly for users who value a balance between practicality and compactness.

Rating
9.1
Size and Weight
Material

Most important from
2768 reviews

Size and Weight
Small, lightweight, and tough—perfect for camping in the wilderness.
Material
Quality made product that's very solid and folds as intended.

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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