Best Camping Shovels of 2026

"I've kept this folding shovel in my Jeep for several years, and it's still going strong. The handle is sturdy, and the joints remain tight, even after use in sand, snow, and dirt. While the storage bag has a tear from bouncing around, a little tape fixed it right up. This is a quality tool that’s lasted through real-world use."

"The RHINO USA folding shovel is built like a tank and has proved its worth on camping trips, off-roading, and even digging through frozen ground. It’s compact, heavy-duty, and incredibly versatile. The pick is perfect for tough soil, and the carrying case is a bonus. If you need a dependable emergency tool, this is it."

"This shovel immediately reminded me of my time in the military thanks to its robust build and versatility. I’m confident it’ll be invaluable if I ever get stuck in mud or snow. Definitely worth the investment."

"I’m really impressed with the sturdy build and compact size of this collapsible camping shovel. It’s made from high-carbon steel and feels solid, easily handling tough soil. The smooth folding and secure locking mechanism gives me peace of mind while using it. I especially appreciate its versatility—serving as a shovel, root-cutter, and pick—and it’s lightweight enough for my backpack or car. It’s been a reliable companion for camping, off-roading, and even clearing snow. For outdoor enthusiasts or anyone needing a dependable emergency tool, this is a smart buy."

"As someone who values minimalism and multi-functionality, this little shovel hits the mark. It’s super compact, easy to carry, and performs well for camping or light digging. While it’s not the toughest tool out there (mine bent a bit with heavy use), for the price it’s more than fair. Great for clearing debris, digging small trenches, or tossing in a backpack—just don’t expect it to handle hardcore jobs. Simple design, easy to use, and overall very handy."

"This shovel worked perfectly for my last camping trip, especially since the campground had no water or toilets. It’s bigger than a hand trowel but smaller than a standard shovel, and the combination pickax/shovel feature is a plus. Folding and unfolding is a breeze, and the carry case is sturdy. Worked great in forest soil, though it might struggle with clay or rocks. The blade isn’t sharp enough for roots, but the steel seems good quality. Very satisfied for its intended use."

"I bought this to keep in my car for emergencies, and it's exactly what I needed. It's compact enough to store easily and seems sturdy enough for clearing snow or dirt around tires."

"I was looking for a tougher scoop for kitty litter, and this little shovel is exactly what I needed. The metal build is strong enough to handle even the toughest clumps. I definitely recommend it for pet owners!"

"Picked this up for camping trips with my RV. It folds up small, so it's easy to pack, and has been perfect for tasks like cleaning out fire pits and moving gravel at campsites."

"I picked up this REDCAMP folding shovel as a gift and ended up getting one for myself because the quality really impressed me. The shovel and pick combo works great, and the compact pouch fits perfectly in my trunk. It's become an essential for me, especially when traveling through snowy or muddy areas. I love how affordable and well-made it is."

"I use this shovel mainly when camping and for emergencies. It’s super compact and stores easily in my car. It came in really handy when I had to empty a campsite fire pit. This is one of those items you don't realize you need until you really do—definitely reliable when it counts."

"I was actually surprised by how heavy duty and sturdy this shovel is, especially at this price. It feels nearly identical to my old military-issued tool. The handle has a good grip and it's sharp enough for a variety of tasks. I appreciate the carry case, even if it's basic. All in all, it's a bargain for the quality you get."

"I'm really impressed with the exceptional build quality of this SOG entrenching tool. The heavy-duty steel construction and sharp, serrated edge make it perfect for cutting through tough roots, and the ergonomic handle feels comfortable during use. It's a bit heavier than some other shovels, but I think the added durability and performance are worth it for any serious backpacker or camper."

"I recently started using this 18.25-inch folding survival shovel and it has quickly become an essential part of my outdoor kit. Its compact size makes it easy to pack for hiking or keep in my car for emergencies. The versatile blade with a saw edge is great for tackling small branches, and I love the included carrying case with multiple transport options. The sturdy construction gives me confidence it will last for years."

"At first, I thought the shovel wouldn't lock properly, but after figuring out the locking mechanism, it turned out to be a well-engineered and sturdy tool for camping or adding to a bug-out bag. While it's not meant for heavy-duty digging like a full-size shovel, it's perfect for average camping needs and emergency situations."

"I love how light and sturdy this little trowel is. It’s become my go-to for camping because it’s so much more reliable than the plastic ones—I watched a friend’s melt by the campfire while mine handled the heat perfectly."

"What stands out for me is the ultra-lightweight and compact build. I appreciate that it’s easy to find in the dark, and the serrated edge is great for cutting through roots. I might wrap the handle for more comfort, but overall, it’s a solid backpacking tool."

"This shovel is perfect for backcountry trips—it’s incredibly light and durable. I just clip it to my pack and it’s always ready to dig a quick hole when I need it. Great value and very functional!"

"I've bought a few of these shovels for myself and others because the sturdiness and versatility are unmatched. It’s survived all kinds of tough use and I keep finding new jobs for it around the house. Feels like it will last forever."

"I keep this shovel in my truck for emergencies and it’s proven to be exceptionally reliable for digging and chopping when needed. I love the solid, no-joint design—no risk of it folding or breaking down. It’s also handy for clearing snow or getting traction under stuck tires."

"The first thing I noticed was the impressive build quality—it’s extremely solid and sharp right out of the box. After seeing my friend use his, I knew I had to have one. Definitely a worthwhile addition to my gear."

"I use this as a packable trowel for backpacking and love that it's lightweight aluminum. It fits perfectly in my kit and digs far better than plastic trowels, especially with the serrated edge for roots. The handle is a bit thin, so I usually wrap it or wear gloves for longer digs, but overall it’s solid for the price and weight if you’re on typical trail soil."

"After years with a plastic trowel, I bought this one for the metal edges and lower weight. It’s simple, very light, and the serrated edge is handy for small roots. My only concern is the sharper edges might puncture my dry bag, so I keep it separate. Still, it’s a good ultralight choice if you want to keep weight down."

"This shovel is sturdy, compact, and highly portable—great for camping and hiking. The serrated edge is useful, and it’s easy to attach to a pack with the handle holes. It’s a good value compared to pricier options. Fits my needs for a lightweight travel shovel."

"I really appreciate how compact and durable this shovel is. It's not too heavy, so I can use it for longer periods without any issue, and it definitely feels like it’s built to last. The flat shovel head was a bit of a surprise, but it still gets the job done."

"This is a great little camping shovel. It slides right into my backpack without hogging space, which is perfect for my outdoor trips."

"The strength and sturdiness of this shovel stand out to me. I bought it for my grandsons to play in the sand since their plastic ones always break. It's about the size of my hand and has a flat blade, so it might not hold as much, but it’s much tougher and comes in a nice case."

"I found this kit to be perfect for my needs—it's compact enough to leave in my car and serves as an excellent emergency kit. Having it on hand gives me real peace of mind."

"After trying out the survival kit, I was genuinely impressed by the quality and utility, especially considering how affordable it is. The knife feels solid and reliable, and the shovel is durable enough for any camping task. I also appreciate the well-designed extension poles for extra reach. It's a great addition to my camping gear and I would definitely recommend it to fellow outdoor enthusiasts."

"This set has become my everyday carry at work due to its sturdy build and practical weight. I plan to get another one just for my car—it's that useful."