If you are searching for the best camping shovel, we have broken it down in this article to help you figure out exactly what you will need. A good camp shovel is usually an overlooked piece of useable equipment that we think every camper should own.
You will want to leave your rusty old garden shovel at the house because it will weigh a lot and take up all your vital storage space.
In this post, we will identify what you need to look for and give you 5 of our favorite camp shovels to pick from that will suite your camping needs.
What is a Camp Shovel?
A camp shovel is a small, strong shovel that’s used on your camping trips to help you move coals in the fire or move dirt out of your way. You never know when you might need one at your site so getting one that is small enough to be packed in your gear and taken with you is exactly what we are searching for.
If you are a tent camper, you will want one that folds easily into your gearboxes. If you are camping in an RV or popup travel trailer, you will want one that can be stored easily in a storage compartment.
Why Do You Need a Camp Shovel?
We use our camping shovel for various things. A common one is for digging a small hole when you need to use the restroom and there are no facilities nearby. (this is more common than you might think…everyone needs to poop at some point on your trip.) Another is to move coals around your campfire, especially if you are cooking with a dutch oven.
They are also great for emergencies like getting stuck in the mud or if it happens to snow. You can also use the edges of a shovel to kill an unwanted poisonous snake that might happen into your site or to cut rope or firewood.
It’s also a great idea to use your camp shovel to dig a trench around your fire pit for safety. It may not seem like a big deal but firestops are always a good idea when camping. Sometimes, if you are camping in a more primative site, you might even need to dig out your own firepit area. In this case, it would be very important to dig a good trench.
Tent campers could use it to clear a spot for their tent and footprint. You might also need to clear small branches or make minor modifications to your spot.
What to Look For in a Camping Sovel?
You will want something durable and well made. You will also want to consider the size and weight. This will be necessary for storage and portability.
A shovel that folds down or collapses is another great quality to seek when looking at them. This will help it to fit into smaller spaces or stroage boxes.
You will want to consider the design of the blade and what it is made of. Many camp shovels have a serrated blade on one side and a sharper straight blade on the other. The sharp side is great for using like a knife.
One of our favorite features in a camping shovel is the pick axe end. Not only because our smallest boy likes to dig with it but it also helps you to break up tough terrain.
The handle needs to be made to be comfortable and durable during use.
You can also get a shovel that has several other usuable features like a wrench, compass, knife or bottle opener.
The price is also a huge deciding factor. It needs to fit into your budget while providing you the durability and features you are searching for.
Whats the Difference Between a Survival Shovel and Tactical Shovel?
Tactical Shovel
A tactical shovel is a multipurpose shovel with sharp sides that are used to cut and a side with a blade similar to a saw. You can use the sharp side for a weapon, like killing the poisonous snake we mentioned earlier. The saw blade side is for cutting.
You can also break ice, break other various things, and even dig a trench or holes for a tent stake.
Survival Shovel
Similar to the tactical shovel, the survival shovel can be used in many situations while outdoors. There are many different designs available when shopping for one. You can also get one with lots of options too. Some are like a multitool.
- Knives
- Compass
- Fishing/Hunting Spear
- Ice Axe
- Fire-Steel
- Emergency Whistle
- Bottle Opener
- Hatchet
- Screwdriver
- Wrench
5 Best Camping Shovels of 2022 (in no particular order)
Rhino USA Survival Shovel
The Rhino USA shovel is made of heavy duty carbon steel. It has a sawtooth side and a blade side. It folds down for easy storage. It also has a pickaxe and other multitool accessories to be used on your camping trips.
You can easily dig in sand, mud or snow. It’s 23″ inches long when fully opened and folds up into a 9″ inch by 6″ inch bag for storage. .
Suprock Survival Shovel
This shovel is made from thick high carbon steel making it strong and durable. It’s a 24 in 1 multi-function shovel. They offer a lifetime replacement warranty which promises you can use it forever.
When it is fully assembled, it is 32.4″ inches long. It folds down into a 10″ inch by 9.4″ inch carrying bag.
Black Spade Bravo Shovel
This shovel is a veteran owned company and the inspiration for the shovel design is from actual military equpiment that the US paratroopers used. This sovel has a pick axe, a shade shovel head and a serrated edge perfect for camping. It is compact and portable measuring at 23″ inches when its open all the way and 5.5″ inches by 8.25″ inches when it is folded up.
Gerber Gear Shovel
The Gerber shovel is a simple yet sturdy design that would make a perfect basic camping shovel. It has an easy to use push button slide and is simple to figure out. Its versitle and powerful. It is 16.25″ inches when it is fully extended and folds over to be 9.25″ inches.
The blade is made from carbon steel and can be sharpened. It is ergonomic and has a fiberglass-filled nylon handle with rubberized overgrip for a secure, comfortable hold.
Sahara Sailor Survival Shovel
This survival shovel is a 24 in 1 tool that has a shovel, hatchet, saw, hoe, wrench, knife, spear, screwdriver, bottle opener, compass, blade, fire starter, whistle and so many other useful tools. Its made from heat treated military grade carbon steel and can withstand sny situation its put into. The handle is extendable up to 39.5″ inches and is folded down to 9.05″ inches by 6.06″ inches.
This shovel comes with a collapsible stock, which screws out in two or three sections. Its highly versitle, easy to use and is high performing.
Conclusion
Now that you have an idea of what you will need in a camp shovel, it’s time to pick one to add to your gear. You don’t realize how much you need it until you have it ready for use. It might even suprise you how much you will use it. We highly recommend every camper have a shovel.