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10 Best Folding Camping Shovels 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,301
Material
Weight
Size

Most important from
13423 reviews

Material
The compact design makes it easy to store, and the blade is tough enough to handle digging through dirt, mud, and even snow.
Weight
Despite some saying it's too heavy for a backpack, it remains highly portable and practical.
Size
Perfect for emergencies and small projects, folds down easily and comes with a handy carrying case.
Blade Shape
The pick feature is a nice touch when needing to break through tougher ground.
Handle Design
The handle is segmented with various tools like a flint and whistle, and the quality is top-notch.

The RHINO USA Folding Survival Shovel is a versatile and durable tool designed for various tasks, such as camping, off-road adventures, and gardening. Made from heavy-duty carbon steel, the shovel is strong and resistant to corrosion thanks to its black powder-coated finish. This makes it suitable for handling tough digging jobs in dirt, sand, mud, and snow.

Its 3-in-1 design, featuring a shovel, pickaxe, and pick hoe, is particularly useful for those who need a multi-functional tool in compact form. When extended, the shovel measures 22 inches, but it folds down to a compact size of 9 x 6 inches, making it highly portable and easy to store in the included carry case. Weighing only 2 pounds, it is lightweight and won't add much burden to your gear.

The blade length of 8.2 inches offers decent digging depth and leverage. This shovel is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a reliable, multi-purpose tool that supports a family-owned American business with excellent customer service and lifetime replacement guarantee.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,301
Material
Weight
Size

Most important from
13423 reviews

Material
The compact design makes it easy to store, and the blade is tough enough to handle digging through dirt, mud, and even snow.
Weight
Despite some saying it's too heavy for a backpack, it remains highly portable and practical.
Size
Perfect for emergencies and small projects, folds down easily and comes with a handy carrying case.
Blade Shape
The pick feature is a nice touch when needing to break through tougher ground.
Handle Design
The handle is segmented with various tools like a flint and whistle, and the quality is top-notch.
#2

PLACHIDAY Digging Shovel, 18.5'' Lightweight Camping Shovel Portable High Carbon Steel Folding Mini Shovel for Outdoor Camping Backpacking Hiking Car Emergency Home Garden

Rating
8.2
Material
Weight
Size

Most important from
420 reviews

Material
This compact shovel fits perfectly in a camping box and feels very durable for general outdoor tasks like leveling tent pads and cleaning fire pits.
Weight
Its lightweight and small size make it ideal for minimalist outdoor enthusiasts who value multi-functionality in their gear.
Size
Its lightweight and small size make it ideal for minimalist outdoor enthusiasts who value multi-functionality in their gear.

The PLACHIDAY folding camping shovel is a sturdy and compact tool designed for outdoor use like camping, hiking, and emergencies. Made from high-carbon steel, it promises durability and resistance to rust, which is useful if you plan to use it in different weather conditions, including snow. Weighing just 7.5 ounces, it’s light enough to carry comfortably without adding much bulk to your gear. When folded, it shrinks down to about 7.5 inches, making it easy to store in its included nylon bag.

Its blade is versatile, featuring a serrated edge that can help with cutting small branches, which is handy for setting up campfires. The triangular handle design offers a comfortable grip, and the shovel folds via an aluminum alloy screw that locks the blade securely in place, so you won’t have to worry about it collapsing during use. The folding mechanism is thoughtful, allowing the shovel to fold in three directions, which enhances portability.

At 18.5 inches long when open, it’s on the smaller side compared to some full-size shovels, which might limit digging depth or leverage for tougher tasks. The blade shape is practical but not specialized for heavy-duty digging or chopping. Also, the locking system relies on a screw nut, which might require occasional tightening. This shovel is suitable for campers, hikers, and survivalists who want a lightweight, multi-use tool that doesn’t take up much space. It may not be ideal for heavy-duty or prolonged digging but excels as a compact accessory for general outdoor and emergency use.

Rating
8.2
Material
Weight
Size

Most important from
420 reviews

Material
This compact shovel fits perfectly in a camping box and feels very durable for general outdoor tasks like leveling tent pads and cleaning fire pits.
Weight
Its lightweight and small size make it ideal for minimalist outdoor enthusiasts who value multi-functionality in their gear.
Size
Its lightweight and small size make it ideal for minimalist outdoor enthusiasts who value multi-functionality in their gear.
#3

Yeacool Folding Shovel, (24.21'') Camping Shovel, Survival Off Road E Tool Shovel, with Pickaxe, Portable Bag, High Carbon Steel, for Digging, Backpacking, Hiking, Gardening, Emergency, Outdoor

Rating
8.2
Material
Weight
Size

Most important from
2673 reviews

Material
Durability shines through with high-temperature resistance and rugged use in challenging environments like campfire management and building shelters.
Weight
This shovel combines lightweight design with surprising strength, making it ideal for a variety of outdoor tasks from digging to chopping.
Size
The compact size and modular handle design allow easy transport and clever storage of survival items inside the handle.
Blade Shape
Its multifunctional features like the integrated axe, saw blade, and pick work exceptionally well, adding great value beyond just digging.
Handle Design
The compact size and modular handle design allow easy transport and clever storage of survival items inside the handle.

This Yeacool folding camping shovel is a versatile tool designed for outdoor enthusiasts like campers, hikers, and gardeners. Made from high carbon steel, both the blade and handle promise good durability and strength for digging and light chopping tasks. At just 1.35 pounds and about 24 inches long when unfolded, it’s lightweight and compact enough to carry comfortably during backpacking or emergency situations.

The blade is 7.4 inches and shaped to handle digging efficiently, while the handle is made from segmented tubes that screw together. This unique design lets you store small survival items inside the handle, adding practical storage without extra bulk. The ergonomic grip helps with comfort, and the shovel folds down into a compact size that fits into a sturdy canvas bag for easy transport.

Additional features like an integrated pickaxe, saw, whistle, compass, and bottle opener increase its usefulness beyond just digging. The modular handle may require careful assembly and might not feel as solid as a single-piece handle during heavy use. Given its reasonable price and thoughtful multi-functionality, this shovel is a solid choice for those needing a portable, all-in-one digging tool for outdoor adventures.

Rating
8.2
Material
Weight
Size

Most important from
2673 reviews

Material
Durability shines through with high-temperature resistance and rugged use in challenging environments like campfire management and building shelters.
Weight
This shovel combines lightweight design with surprising strength, making it ideal for a variety of outdoor tasks from digging to chopping.
Size
The compact size and modular handle design allow easy transport and clever storage of survival items inside the handle.
Blade Shape
Its multifunctional features like the integrated axe, saw blade, and pick work exceptionally well, adding great value beyond just digging.
Handle Design
The compact size and modular handle design allow easy transport and clever storage of survival items inside the handle.

Buying Guide for the Best Folding Camping Shovels

Choosing the right folding camping shovel can make a big difference in your outdoor experience. A good shovel can help you with tasks like digging a fire pit, clearing a campsite, or even as a makeshift tool for emergencies. When selecting a folding camping shovel, consider the following key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs.
MaterialThe material of the shovel is crucial for durability and performance. Common materials include steel, aluminum, and plastic. Steel is the most durable and can handle tough digging tasks, but it is heavier. Aluminum is lighter and still quite strong, making it a good balance between weight and durability. Plastic is the lightest but is less durable and best suited for light-duty tasks. Choose a material based on the type of terrain and the intensity of the tasks you expect to encounter.
WeightWeight is an important factor, especially if you plan to carry the shovel over long distances. Heavier shovels are generally more durable and can handle tougher tasks, but they can be cumbersome to carry. Lighter shovels are easier to transport but may not be as robust. Consider how much weight you are comfortable carrying and the type of activities you will be doing. If you are backpacking, a lighter shovel might be more suitable, whereas for car camping, a heavier, more durable shovel could be a better choice.
SizeThe size of the shovel when folded and unfolded is important for portability and usability. A compact shovel is easier to pack and carry, but it may have a smaller blade and handle, which can make digging more difficult. Larger shovels provide better leverage and a bigger blade for more efficient digging but can be bulkier to transport. Think about the space you have available in your gear and how much digging you expect to do. If space is limited, opt for a more compact shovel; if you need to dig larger holes, a bigger shovel might be more appropriate.
Blade ShapeThe shape of the blade affects how well the shovel performs in different tasks. Flat blades are good for scooping and moving loose materials, while pointed blades are better for cutting through tough soil and roots. Some shovels have serrated edges for cutting and sawing. Consider the type of terrain you will be dealing with and choose a blade shape that matches your needs. For general use, a versatile blade with a combination of features might be the best option.
Handle DesignThe design of the handle can impact comfort and efficiency. Ergonomic handles are designed to reduce strain and improve grip, making them more comfortable to use for extended periods. Some handles have additional features like non-slip grips or adjustable lengths. Think about how long you will be using the shovel and choose a handle design that offers comfort and ease of use. If you have specific needs, such as a longer reach, look for handles that can be adjusted.
Locking MechanismThe locking mechanism ensures that the shovel stays securely in place when in use. A reliable locking mechanism is important for safety and efficiency. Common types include twist locks, push-button locks, and lever locks. Twist locks are simple and effective, push-button locks are quick and easy to use, and lever locks provide a very secure hold. Consider how easy the mechanism is to operate and how secure it feels. If you need a shovel that can handle heavy-duty tasks, a strong and reliable locking mechanism is essential.

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