8 Best Camping Shovels in 2021

There are so many different types of shovels for camping. For example, there’s the basic shovel, which is made out of metal or plastic depending on how much weight you want to carry. Then there are the heavy-duty military style survival shovels, which are awesome but not a necessity for casual campers.

In this camping shovel review, I have handpicked eight of the best camping shovels for 2021. We’ve got a variety of different types – so you’ll definitely find what you’re looking for here, no matter what that is.

As per usual, I will let you know if I had any issues and whatever negatives each shovel might have – as well as the strengths. This way, you can decide if the con is worth all of the pros.

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Best Camping Shovels – Top 8

#1 Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel

The Rhino USA folding shovel is really great to keep with you when you’re going car camping, especially off-roading.

The shovel itself has dimensions of 2.7 x 9.9 x 6.4 inches, but when folded it’s only 9 x 6 inches. Most shovels only fold up twice, but this one folds three times so that it can be really compact. It even comes inside of a carry case.

It’s really affordable and multi-functional. With a really simple twist locking system, you can turn the head of the shovel 90 degrees to transform it into a hoe and a pickaxe. The pickaxe can break through a 6-inch rock with ease.

At first glance, it appears like it would weigh much more than it actually does. Even though it’s made out of heavy-duty power coated carbon steel, it only weighs 2.65lbs/1.2kg.

Being lightweight is one of the things that make it one of the best portable shovels out there, and it’s useful as a survival shovel thanks to its multi-purpose.

There are sharp rugged teeth on one side of the shovel head that is good for cutting wood.

Despite this sawtooth side, you should still sharpen the rest of the shovel every now and then. Simply use a file to deburr it, because in time the hard ground will dull the blade and once it gets in a dull state it’s very difficult to recover its sharpness.

Most shovels have a square shaped head, but this ‘pointed’ one is better because it can easily penetrate the ground and even cut any ground roots on its way in.

Square shaped shovel heads are only better if you’re in snowy or sandy areas.

The size and shape provide improved versatility, which is important for when you need plenty of space to maneuver while swinging the shovel. However, because of the length, you wouldn’t want to use this shovel in severe conditions because you will end up with back pain.

In my opinion, this one is best to keep as a secondary shovel. Most people tend to overlook the necessity of a secondary shovel, but picture this – you’re going car camping or on a road trip and your car gets stuck. Unless you’re all by yourself, the person in your passenger seat can grab the secondary shovel and help out. This way, the work load is split and it gets done in half the time.

The Rhino military-style shovel is a great addition to your off-road recovery kit.

I find it perfect to carry around in the small carry bag that it comes with, but you can alternatively mount it in the roof rack of a car with the shovel fully extended.

#2 REDCAMP Military Folding Shovel

Redcamp offer a few different options – there are two colors (black or green) and two different shovel head shapes (round or pointed).

This tactical shovel is ideal for camping, hiking, backpacking, gardening, fishing, hunting, and almost any other outdoor activity there is.

It’s made out of high-carbon steel, which is sturdy and durable. The more rounded shovel head weighs 2.5lbs, whereas the newer pointed one weighs 3lbs.

The triangular handle provides more comfort and a good grip.

All of the shovels have the same dimensions, except for the green heavy duty one.

The shovel head is 21cm, with a total length of 58cm, weighing at 2.5lbs, and the blade thickness is 1.5mm.

Now, the green heavy duty one weighs 3lbs, and when unfolded the dimensions are 58.5cm x 15.5cm. The handle’s height is 23.5cm, and when the shovel is folded up the size is 25cm x 15.5cm.

It’s really easy to store this shovel in your backpack or car without taking up much space at all – which is what makes it one of the best compact shovels. It even comes with a small nylon carry pouch to keep it in.

One side of the shovel head has sharp saw edges that help a lot when shoveling snow and sand or cutting roots and clearing bushes.

This shovel is also great for sawing, digging, and hammering. With the twist locking system, you can turn the shovel head 90 degrees and you can use it as a hoe or pickaxe.

Rest assured that this shovel will help get your tires out if they get stuck in mud, sand, snow, or whatever it may be.