10 Best Folding Camping Shovels 2026 in the United States

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.

The DARTMOOR Mini Folding Shovel is constructed from high-carbon steel, making it durable and resistant to rust and deformation, which is excellent for outdoor use. This material ensures that the shovel can handle heavy-duty tasks such as digging, shoveling, sawing, chopping, and even entrenching.

It is lightweight at 1.47 pounds (28 oz) and compact, with an ergonomic handle design that measures 11.8 inches, making it easy to carry and store. The blade is 6.3 inches long and reinforced, allowing it to dig into gravel effortlessly, which is beneficial for various outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and backpacking. The product dimensions are 18.1 x 5.1 x 2 inches, which is relatively small, adding to its portability. The shovel also comes with a nylon carry case for convenience.

The design includes a locking mechanism to ensure stability during use. Despite its compact size, the shovel's high-carbon steel construction means it can perform multiple tasks effectively, making it a versatile tool for both adventure and emergency situations. One drawback might be the handle length of 7.7 inches, which might be a bit short for users needing more leverage and comfort during extended use.

The SOG Entrenching Tool is a compact and robust folding shovel designed for camping, hiking, and survival situations. At 18.25 inches when unfolded and weighing just 24.5 ounces (around 1.5 pounds), it strikes a good balance between portability and functionality. Its folding design reduces its size to about 10 inches when packed, making it easy to carry without taking up much space in your backpack.

The blade is made of high-carbon steel, which means it's strong and durable enough to dig through various surfaces like dirt, sand, or even snow. An added bonus is the wood saw edge on the blade, allowing you to cut small branches or gather kindling, which is very handy at a campsite. The handle is made of wood with an ergonomic shape, giving a comfortable grip for digging, chopping, or slashing. The triangular handle design also adds strength, helping with tough jobs.

One of the shovel's best features is its 3-way folding mechanism that lets the blade adjust to work as a pick or hoe, increasing its versatility for different outdoor tasks like digging fire pits or trenching drainage lines. While the shovel is sturdy and multifunctional, the wooden handle might not be as weather-resistant or durable over time compared to synthetic materials. This SOG model stands out as a multi-use, lightweight, and easy-to-carry shovel with a solid build and useful extra features like a saw edge, making it an excellent choice for those who value versatility in outdoor tools.