17 Best Camping Shovels To Make Your Campsite Habitable In 2023

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Camping is fun if you possess the right travel-friendly tools. A portable shovel is one of the essential tools you need to make your campsite habitable. Most camping shovels have multiple features that do not require you to spend a considerable amount on other camping gear. A shovel can serve as a saw, hammer, ax, compass, fire starter, and bottle opener. Therefore, it helps you bury waste, dig trenches, build fire pits, and much more.

Here, we have compiled a list of the best camping shovels that make essential tasks effortless to both beginners and experienced campers alike.

Types Of Shovels

Portable shovels are available in multiple shapes and sizes. However, they are of two types based on their additional accessories and features.

1. Simple shovel:These models are efficient in clearing the ground or for pitching a tent. They are smaller and serve a single purpose. You can find them in both foldable and stretchable models.

2. Multipurpose shovel:These models are versatile and serve multiple purposes. They will work as pickaxes, fire starters, saws, emergency whistles, screwdrivers, and more. A multipurpose shovel is an all-in-one kit suitable for beginner campers as it can meet most outdoor requirements.

17 Best Camping Shovels

1.Best Lightweight:SOG Folding Shovel

Constructed from tempered high carbon steel, this heavy-duty camping shovel ensures durability. It is compact and can handle tougher jobs effortlessly. This foldable camping shovel is a convenient, portable, and multipurpose tool that can be bent into three angles as per requirement. Have a look atthis videoto learn more about the folding shovel.

Pros

• Serrated edge for cutting off branches
• Comes with a carrying bag and belt loop
• Secure lock prevents the latch from opening
• Solid and lightweight build
• Can be used as a pick or hoe

Cons

• Relatively smaller in size
• Non-adjustable handle

2.Best Portable Design:Rhino USA Folding Shovel

Weighing only two-pounds, the Rhino USA’s Folding Military Shovel is made of powder-coated carbon steel. Even with a length of 23 inches, it can fit well into its carry pouch when folded. The sharp serrated edge on one end of the shovel increases the functionality of this tool. Check outthis videothat has useful information about the versatile shovel with pickaxe for camping.

Pros

• Durable and portable design
• Heavy-duty build
• Multipurpose model
• Convertible into an ax by twisting the head

Cons

• Locking mechanism may be complicated

3. Best With Multiple Attachments:Tac9er Survival Shovel

Stay ready for any situation during camping with Tac9er’s survival camping shovel that features an ax, hex driver, serrated knife, wire cutter, hoe, harpoon, saw, rescue knife, bottle opener, safety hammer, head bit, flathead bit, and fire starter. This durable and foldable shovel is made with a mix of carbon steel and aircraft-grade aluminum and has a threaded lock system that keeps the shovel’s blade in place while you work.

Pros

• Lightweight and compact
• Easy to assemble
• Shovel with for starter for camping
• Includes a nylon carrying pouch
• Backed by a five-year warranty

Cons

• Some might find the accessories smaller than expected
• Handle might have a slight bend

4.Best Durable:Redcamp Camping Shovel

The military camping shovel by Redcamp has sharp serrated edges for digging and cutting the bushes. You can also cut roots, mulch, and plow sand or snow with this multipurpose tool made of aluminum. Itscompact and lightweight design enables the shovel to fit well into your glove boxand be carried around with ease. Learn more about this entrenching camping shovel inthis review video.

Pros

• Durable design
• Suitable for camping, fishing, and hunting
• Angle of the shovelhead can be altered as per the requirement
• Strong and thick blade
• Includes a one-year warranty

Cons

• Locking mechanism might be flimsy

5.Best Quality:Gerber Gorge Folding Shovel

The Gerber Camping Shovel’s serrated edge can be used for chopping roots or clearing bushes in the camping area. It features a glass-filled nylon handle and powder-coated steel shovelhead. Foldable and rigid, this shovel with serrated edge for camping can plow through the hardest of soils effortlessly.

Pros

• High-quality and durable construction
• Doesn’t have any fiddly parts
• Lightweight and portable design
• Handle can be used as a hammer
• Easy to operate

Cons

• Bracket that attaches the blade to the handle is flimsy

6.Best Secured Locking Mechanism:Coleman Folding Shovel

The Coleman multipurpose tool is made of durable steel construction with a serrated edge for sawing. Its tempered steel shovelhead is intended to last long, while the rear end can be extended to be used as a pick. The camping shovel with a saw blade is lightweight and comes with a carry pouch for portability.

Pros

• Secured locking mechanism
• Ergonomic handle with ridges offers firm grip
• Can also be used to clear snow
• Compact and versatile

Cons

• Relatively smaller in size

7.Best Versatile Tool:FiveJoy Military Folding Shovel

Designed for high outdoor functionality, Fivejoy’s Military Camping Shovel could be the best choice if you are a backpacker. It is a lightweight tool offering multiple features that a camper might need during their trips. You can use the shovel’s serrated edge for clearing bushes and adjust the handle’s length for additional convenience.

Pros

• Durable camping shovel with carbon steel construction
• Versatile tool including an ax, hammer, and an emergency whistle
• Lightweight and portable
• Shovelhead can be adjusted to multiple angles as per requirement

Cons

• May not be durable

8. Best Stainless Steel:Yeacool Backpacking Shovel

Yeacool’s multifunctional shovel can work as a shovel, saw, ruler, nail extractor, hex wrench, paracord, and even a spare tent stake. Its one-piece construction prevents the handle from bending or breaking off. In addition, this rugged, high-strength stainless steel shovel is strong enough for digging in rocky ground, making it suitable for metal detecting and rockhounding.

Pros

• Rust-resistant stainless steel blades
• Has a paracord-wrapped handle
• Carrying pouch with belt attachment
• Comes with a shovel sheath

Cons

• Some might find its length shorter than expected
• Might be on the bulkier side

9.Best Sturdy Build:UST Light Duty Shovel

The UST portable camping shovel barely takes up any space in your backpack. It is a foldable camping shovel made of rust-free finish aluminum for durability. With its easy-to-attach carabiner, it is always within reach during emergencies. Its basic and simplistic design allows you to pitch atentor dig out a campfire.

Pros

• Lightweight and portable design
• Durable and sturdy build
• Convenient and suitable for hiking, backpacking, and hunting
• Curved angle for easy digging

Cons

• Handle may not have a comfortable grip
• Seems relatively small

10. Best Foldable:Oakvue Survival Shovel

Oakvue’s foldable shovel is made of 3CR13 stainless steel, chromium, and carbon alloy, making it durable and rust-resistant. This versatile and lightweight shovel also comes with camping tools such as a hex spanner, saw, multifunctional knife, window breaker, screwdriver, fire starter, whistle, and compass, making it an ideal kit for camping and hiking.

Pros

• Adjustable handle length
• Lightweight
• Adjustable angle makes it multi-purpose
• Comes with a practical waist pack
• Great camping shovel with compass

Cons

• Accessories may require re-adjustments
• Some might find it smaller than expected

11.Best Multipurpose:Tyger Auto Shovel

The Tyger Auto Shovel is a high-quality, indestructible camping shovel. It has an instant switch system and a threaded ergonomic handle for smooth camping trips. Made of solid carbon steel and aerospace aluminum tubes, this foldable, ergonomic camping shovel offers durability, versatility, and effortless survival during camping.

Pros

• Includes a one-year warranty
• Adjustable shovelhead suits most requirements
• Compact and portable shovel
• Includes a firestarter, ice pick, screwdriver, hammer, and more

Cons

• Too heavy for backpacking

12. Best Aluminum:TheTentLab Deuce Backpacking Trowel

TheTentLab’s upside-down backpacking trowel, made of 7075-T6 aluminum, comes in three sizes to enable you to choose the one that best suits your needs. The lightest trowel weighs about 0.45oz, the second in line is slightly heavier at 0.6oz, and the third and heaviest short-handle trowel weighs about 0.97oz and is suitable for dealing with difficult hole-digging situations.

Pros

• Anti-corrosion paint
• Smooth, round edges
• Short handles to make digging more effortless
• Available in various colors

Cons

• Might not be suitable for use on hard ground
• Some might find it smaller than expected

13. Best Heat-Treated Head:Vivosun Military Folding Camping Shovel

Vivosun’s multifunctional shovel can be used as a hand shovel, hoe, pick, or saw. The shovel’s high-carbon steel body and heat-treated head make it ideal for digging, sawing, chopping, and shoveling snow in the winter. Moreover, the three-way folding design of this military-grade camping shovel makes storage and portability easy.

Pros

• Shovel head has a blade-like pattern for easy digging
• Has a sturdy and stable handle
• Available in two colors
• Nylon carry case included

Cons

• Might be a little smaller than expected
• May not be completely rust-proof

14.Best Diamond-Patterned Design:Zune Lotoo Survival Camping Shovel

With six adjustable angles by the simple touch of a button, the Zune’s best tactical shovel serves as a hand saw, bottle opener, saw, wire cutter, and more. Its stainless steel head paired with an aluminum handle offers high strength and durability to this product. This multipurpose camping shovel with bottle opener weighs only four pounds, making it a compact and easy to carry gear.

Pros

• Comes with a lifetime warranty
• Diamond-patterned design offers efficiency
• Packs in a multipurpose, high-quality bag
• Easy to assemble

Cons

• Mixed reviews on durability

15. Best Rust-Resistant:Gold Armour Camping Shovel

Gold Armour’s multifunctional shovel is made of durable and long-lasting manganese and stainless steel. The multifunctional rust-resistant shovel is ideal for camping, hiking, gardening, digging, chopping, and many more activities. In addition, this collapsible camping shovel features a locking system that allows the blade to function at three different lengths and angles.

Pros

• Anti-slip camping shovel with adjustable handle
• Collapsible design for easy carry
• Includes a carrying pouch
• Baked by a 15-year warranty

Cons

• Handles might require frequent re-adjusting
• May not be completely scratch-proof

16.Cofit Retractable Snow Shovel

Constructed from aluminum alloy, this camping shovel is suitable for most campers, as its handle can be extended up to 43in. Its lightweight design reduces labor, and its detachable design makes it fit well into its compact carry pouch for portability.

Pros

• Can be used for snow removal
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• Can withstand heavyweight
• Advanced coating gives smoothness and strength to the shovel
• Triangular handle for a convenient and firm hold

Cons

• Plastic handle can be fiddly

17.EST Gear Survival Shovel

EST Gear’s heat-treated carbon steel and aerospace-grade aluminum tactical camping shovel is specially designed for campers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its small size and lightweight design make it convenient and travel-friendly. The multi-purpose shovel set includes a saw, camping ax, knife, hunting spear, bottle opener, fire starter, hoe, wire cutter, hexagon wrenches, nail puller, ice pick, ruler, and hook.

Pros

• Corrosion-resistant material
• Easy to assemble and disassemble
• Includes a waterproof nylon storage bag
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• Some might find the material slightly flimsy
• Some tools may not stay locked in place

How To Choose The Right Camping Shovel?

You need to decide on the type of shovel to buy based on your camping needs. Here are some features for you to consider while buying a camping shovel.

• Material:Shovels are usually made of stainless steel, carbon steel, and aluminum materials. Steel is heavier but durable. Aluminum is a lightweight material but may not be as strong as steel. The higher the price of a shovel, the more durable the material is.

• Handle:The strength of a shovel lies in its handle. An anti-slip handle with grooves offers a firm grip. Handles with adjustable and foldable lengths are convenient to use. Metal handles are durable and stronger compared to plastic ones.

• Size:It depends on the usage. Digging or trenching requires larger shovels.

• Portability:You require a lightweight, compact, and foldable shovel if you are going backpacking. A slightly heavier shovel may be suitable for vehicle campers.

• Additional features:Some shovels come with additional tools, and they are versatile and highly functional. If you are a new camper and are in search of multiple camping tools, you can consider buying these models, and they are pocket-friendly too.

• Protection:Carrying cases prevent popping of the shovel handles during travel. They also help in the easy portability of the shovels.

Why Trust MomJunction?

Our team of writers and product reviewers bring you this list of the best backpacking shovels for camping after taking into account factors such as outdoor requirements, portability, material, and grip. We have compared several products from various websites and even considered user reviews before compiling this list. We present you with a detailed description of products, their pros and cons, and a buying guide to help you get your hands on the best one.

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