Understanding the Benefits of a Camping Shovel and Why You Need One

by John Wren

Camping shovels are essential tools for any outdoor enthusiast. A camping shovel can be used for many tasks, such as digging a firepit, burying waste, and even creating a shelter. In this article, we will discuss what a camping shovel is, the benefits of owning one, the different types of camping shovels, and how to choose the right one for you. We will also provide tips on how to use a camping shovel while camping and some popular camping shovels on the market.

Introduction to Camping Shovels

A camping shovel is a multi-purpose tool designed for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, backpacking, and even survival situations. It is usually made from strong and durable materials such as steel, aluminum, or titanium, and it is designed to be lightweight and portable. Camping shovels come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be used for a variety of tasks. They can be used to dig a fire pit, bury human waste, create a shelter, or even cut through tough roots and undergrowth.

Benefits of a Camping Shovel

The benefits of owning a camping shovel are numerous. Not only can it be used for a variety of tasks, but it is also lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry with you on your camping trip. Let’s take a look at the main benefits of owning a camping shovel.

Versatility

The versatility of a camping shovel is one of its main benefits. It can be used for a variety of tasks, such as digging a fire pit, burying waste, creating a shelter, and even cutting through tough roots and undergrowth. This makes it the perfect tool for any outdoor enthusiast.

Durability

Camping shovels are made from strong and durable materials such as steel, aluminum, or titanium, making them extremely durable. This makes them ideal for camping trips where you may have to dig through tough terrain or difficult conditions.

Comfort

Camping shovels are designed to be lightweight and portable, making them easy to carry during long hikes or backpacking trips. They are also designed with ergonomic handles, making them comfortable to use and reducing fatigue.

Types of Camping Shovels

There are several types of camping shovels on the market. Each type has its own unique features and advantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. Let’s take a look at the different types of camping shovels.

Folding Shovels

Folding shovels are the most common type of camping shovel on the market. They are designed to be lightweight and portable and can be folded up for easy storage. They are usually made from strong and durable materials such as steel, aluminum, or titanium.

Bestseller No. 1
RHINO USA Folding Survival Shovel w/Pick - Heavy Duty Carbon Steel Military Style Entrenching Tool for Off Road, Camping, Gardening, Beach, Digging Dirt, Sand, Mud & Snow.
  • AMERICAN OWNED, FAMILY OPERATED - Join the Rhino USA Family and Support a Father/Son Business With the Best USA-Based Customer Support.
  • 3-IN-1 MULTIPURPOSE - Features a Versatile Design With a 180-Degree Shovel, 90-Degree Pickaxe, and 90-Degree Pick hoe, Allowing you to Tackle Various Tasks With a Single Tool.
  • COMPACT AND PORTABLE - Measures a Full 23" Long When Extended, but Folds Down to Just 9" x 6" for Easy Storage in the Included Heavy-Duty Carry Case; Weighs Only 2 lbs for Effortless Portability.
  • CARBON STEEL CONSTRUCTION - Engineered From Carbon Steel with a Black Powder-Coated Finish for Enhanced Strength, Corrosion Resistance, and a Sleek, Durable Appearance.
  • REAL LIFETIME REPLACEMENT - All Rhino USA Products Come With a Lifetime Replacement. If you Encounter any Issues, We'll Ensure You're 100% Satisfied With a Replacement or Refund.
Bestseller No. 2
Extremus Folding Shovel- Heavy Duty Carbon Steel Military Shovel, Mini Portable Camping Shovel, Entrenching Tool for Off Road, Hiking, Digging Dirt, Sand, Mud & Snow
  • 3-Way Folding Shovel – The new Extremus Trench Camping Shovel folds in three directions so that it will store in a case that is only 8” long x 5” wide and 2 ½” thick. It can be used straight...
  • Solid Steel Construction – The Extremus Trenching Tool/Shovel has a handle and blade made of solid, high-carbon steel for dependable use under extreme conditions. Lightweight and easy to pack, this...
  • Multiple Uses – Designed to be the perfect camping shovel to dig fire pits or trench drainage lines around tents. A great tool to add dirt to extinguish a fire and make sure it is dead out to avoid...
  • Serrated Cutting Edge – The serrated cutting edge can be used to cut or chop small branches for kindling or fire building. Great for chopping ice, cutting through packed soil and more. The triangle...
  • STORAGE BAG – The Extremus Trench Camping Shovel comes packed in a reliable cordura travel case for easy storage and to protect the sharp edges from being damaged. It also protects the user from...
Bestseller No. 3
AstroAI 39" Folding Snow Shovel for Car, Extendable Snow Shovel with Thickened Aluminum Handle and Reinforced Iron Hinge, Portable and Multifunctional for Cars, Snowmobiles, Camping and Mud, Grey
  • Sturdy and Durable: The shovel head and reinforced extendable handle made of aluminum are sturdy and lightweight. Completed by a high-strength iron hinge, our aluminium snow shovel will not deform or...
  • Multifunctional: This sturdy folding snow shovel easily withstands the demands of shoveling snow and more. Use it year-round to shovel grains, leaves, mud, car, snowmobile and more
  • Adjustable Size: 3-level length adjustable, up to 38.4 inches, adjustable size suitable for people of all ages, more effort-saving
  • Portable and Fast Installation: This portable collapsible snow shovel has a reinforced hinge that connects the shaft and snow shovel, making it easy to fold. Simply extend the handle shaft and unfold...
  • Thoughtfully Designed: The D-shaped handle and flat telescopic shaft improve the snow shovel’s stability while removing snow. The shovel’s pointed bulge easily breaks apart thin ice. Always use a...

Multi-Tool Shovels

Multi-tool shovels are designed to be multi-purpose tools. They usually feature a shovel, a pickaxe, and a saw, as well as other attachments such as a bottle opener and a compass. They are great for camping trips where you may have to dig through tough terrain or difficult conditions.

Bestseller No. 1
RHINO USA Folding Survival Shovel w/Pick - Heavy Duty Carbon Steel Military Style Entrenching Tool for Off Road, Camping, Gardening, Beach, Digging Dirt, Sand, Mud & Snow.
  • AMERICAN OWNED, FAMILY OPERATED - Join the Rhino USA Family and Support a Father/Son Business With the Best USA-Based Customer Support.
  • 3-IN-1 MULTIPURPOSE - Features a Versatile Design With a 180-Degree Shovel, 90-Degree Pickaxe, and 90-Degree Pick hoe, Allowing you to Tackle Various Tasks With a Single Tool.
  • COMPACT AND PORTABLE - Measures a Full 23" Long When Extended, but Folds Down to Just 9" x 6" for Easy Storage in the Included Heavy-Duty Carry Case; Weighs Only 2 lbs for Effortless Portability.
  • CARBON STEEL CONSTRUCTION - Engineered From Carbon Steel with a Black Powder-Coated Finish for Enhanced Strength, Corrosion Resistance, and a Sleek, Durable Appearance.
  • REAL LIFETIME REPLACEMENT - All Rhino USA Products Come With a Lifetime Replacement. If you Encounter any Issues, We'll Ensure You're 100% Satisfied With a Replacement or Refund.
Bestseller No. 2
iunio Folding Survival Shovel, Camping Shovel w/Pick, Military Style Entrenching Tool, Multitool, Foldable Collapsible Spade, for Camping, Backpacking, Gardening, Snow, Trenching, Hiking,Car Emergency
  • Portable Folding Shovel w/pick (18.3in): Designed and produced by many experienced outdoor enthusiasts, it is the perfect emergency shovel for RV camping, hiking, gardening, backpacking, off-roading,...
  • Versatile Military Shovel: Features a regular survival shovel doesn't even have: shovel board, saw, bottle opener, whistle, pickaxe, nail extractor, hoe, compass. iunio collapsible shovel is assembled...
  • Sturdy & Built to Last: iunio camping folding shovel blade and handle are made of high-carbon steel which is high-strength and wear-resistant. The grip on the handle is made of rubber and this shovel...
  • Portable & Compact: The foldable shovel full 18.3" long extended but only 8.7" x 5.1" when folded into included carry BAG with a belt loop to carry at your side. A must-have camping accessories for...
  • iunio Survival Shovel Lasts for Life: At iunio, We Stand Behind Our Products. If You Ever Experience Any Defects or Damage, Contact Our Customer Service Team and Receive A Replacement On Us
Bestseller No. 3
iunio Survival Shovel Multitool with Axe, Camping Shovel Hatchet, Tactical Shovel, Folding with Carrying Bag for Camping, Hiking, Backpacking, Entrenching, Car Emergency
  • Folding Shovel and Camping Axe Built from Strong Material - The shovel head and axe head is made from steel, the handle and extension bars are made from Aluminum Alloy. Designed and produced with the...
  • Multitool Spade and Survival Hatchet with Multi-functions - All-in-one Functions of iunio camping shovel: Dig, Trench, Chip, Saw, Open, Cut, Scale, Hammer, Climb, Extracting Nails. This shovel and axe...
  • Perfect Gift for Outdoor Enthusiasts with Unique Folding Design - This survival shovel multitool with axe has extension bars, thus the length of the handle is adjustable according to your needs. It...
  • Portable to Carry and Use - All tools fit in this convenient carrying pouch with strap, amazingly compact and portable, and thus makes it the best emergency tool for outdoor camping, hiking and...
  • Simply contact us through Amazon if you have any issues or concerns with our tool kit at any time and we will provide you a free replacement or refund your money without any issues in 24 hours

Trowels

Trowels are small and lightweight camping shovels designed for digging smaller holes and trenches. They are usually made from aluminum or titanium and are designed to be lightweight and portable.

How to Choose the Right Camping Shovel

When choosing the right camping shovel for your needs, it’s important to consider the type of terrain you’ll be digging through and the tasks you’ll be using it for. Consider the size and weight of the shovel, as well as the materials it’s made from. Also, make sure to choose a shovel that is comfortable to use and fits your budget.

Tips for Camping with a Shovel

When camping with a shovel, it’s important to practice good safety habits. Make sure to wear protective gear such as gloves and goggles when using the shovel. Also, practice proper etiquette when using the shovel, such as not digging too deep or too close to other campers.

Popular Camping Shovels

There are many popular camping shovels on the market. Here are a few of the most popular ones:

Bestseller No. 1
RHINO USA Folding Survival Shovel w/Pick - Heavy Duty Carbon Steel Military Style Entrenching Tool for Off Road, Camping, Gardening, Beach, Digging Dirt, Sand, Mud & Snow.
  • AMERICAN OWNED, FAMILY OPERATED - Join the Rhino USA Family and Support a Father/Son Business With the Best USA-Based Customer Support.
  • 3-IN-1 MULTIPURPOSE - Features a Versatile Design With a 180-Degree Shovel, 90-Degree Pickaxe, and 90-Degree Pick hoe, Allowing you to Tackle Various Tasks With a Single Tool.
  • COMPACT AND PORTABLE - Measures a Full 23" Long When Extended, but Folds Down to Just 9" x 6" for Easy Storage in the Included Heavy-Duty Carry Case; Weighs Only 2 lbs for Effortless Portability.
  • CARBON STEEL CONSTRUCTION - Engineered From Carbon Steel with a Black Powder-Coated Finish for Enhanced Strength, Corrosion Resistance, and a Sleek, Durable Appearance.
  • REAL LIFETIME REPLACEMENT - All Rhino USA Products Come With a Lifetime Replacement. If you Encounter any Issues, We'll Ensure You're 100% Satisfied With a Replacement or Refund.
Bestseller No. 2
Extremus Folding Shovel- Heavy Duty Carbon Steel Military Shovel, Mini Portable Camping Shovel, Entrenching Tool for Off Road, Hiking, Digging Dirt, Sand, Mud & Snow
  • 3-Way Folding Shovel – The new Extremus Trench Camping Shovel folds in three directions so that it will store in a case that is only 8” long x 5” wide and 2 ½” thick. It can be used straight...
  • Solid Steel Construction – The Extremus Trenching Tool/Shovel has a handle and blade made of solid, high-carbon steel for dependable use under extreme conditions. Lightweight and easy to pack, this...
  • Multiple Uses – Designed to be the perfect camping shovel to dig fire pits or trench drainage lines around tents. A great tool to add dirt to extinguish a fire and make sure it is dead out to avoid...
  • Serrated Cutting Edge – The serrated cutting edge can be used to cut or chop small branches for kindling or fire building. Great for chopping ice, cutting through packed soil and more. The triangle...
  • STORAGE BAG – The Extremus Trench Camping Shovel comes packed in a reliable cordura travel case for easy storage and to protect the sharp edges from being damaged. It also protects the user from...
Bestseller No. 3
REDCAMP 22.8" Military Folding Camping Shovel w/Cover,Portable Shovel with High Carbon Steel, Tactical Entrenching Tool Tri-fold Handle Shovel for Camping Hiking Sand Mud Snow Beach, Green 2.5Lbs
  • OCCASIONS:Ideal for camping,hiking,backpacking,fishing,hunting,gardening outdoor activities.
  • MULTI-FUNCTIONAL:Digging,sawing,cutting,hammering,shoveling.Can be used either straight or at a 90°angle as a shovel, hoe, pick or saw
  • PORTABLE:Folds,small size,foldable with a carrying pouch.Head size is 8.2"/21cm.Total length 22.8"/58cm.Package size is 7.5"x10.2"/19cmx26cm.It weights 2.5lbs/1.15kg.Shovel thickness 1.5mm,strong...
  • PREMIUM MATERIAL:50# High-Carbon steel body and comfortable triangular handle are toughness.
  • GANURANTEEDG: REDCAMP offers a 365-day limited manufacturer warranty. If you're not satisfied for any reason, please contact us immediately and we will give you a reply within 24 hours
Bestseller No. 4
18'' Military Folding Camping Shovel, Offroad Survival High Carbon Steel Shovel (Olive) AugTouf by toolant
  • HANDY AND LIGHTWEIGHT - AugTouf Folding Shovel - 18.1" Full Length x 4.7" Blade Width (Weights only 25oz). Ideal portable mini shovel as a Camping Gear, Gardening Tool, Entrenching Tool, Hiking,...
  • VERSATILE CASE & OCCASIONS - Come with a Heavy-Duty Nylon Case, which has Loop backside and Sponge inside. You can easily attach it to your belt/backpack or use it as a knee pad when shoveling.
  • COMPACT & DURABLE - Made of 50# High-Carbon Steel Body, Heat-Treated 0.06" Thick Blades w/ Sawtooth, this tactical military shovel is rust-resistance & anti-deformation; Triangular large handle design...
  • EASY & FULLY FOLDABLE - 3 Fold Design compact E-Tool, AugTouf emergency shovel can be easily fold either straight or at a 90°angle. A must-have camping accessories for Entrenching, Shoveling,...
  • HASSLE-FREE WARRANT - AugTouf offers a 90-day Hassle-Free Warranty Policy. If you have any question about this folding shovel or not fully satisfied for any reason, please feel free to contact us via...
Bestseller No. 5
Apidgrowth Camping Shovel, 18.5'' Digging Shovel Portable Ergonomic High Carbon Steel Folding Shovel for All Occasions Outdoor Camping Hiking Garden (Black/Silver)
  • Convenient folding design, easy to carry: With its innovative folding design, the Apidgrowth Folding Shovel is lightweight and compact, and can be quickly folded into a portable compact form that fits...
  • Ergonomic handle for comfortable grip: With a special focus on the user experience, the Apidgrowth Folding Shovel's handle has been carefully ergonomically designed to conform to the natural curvature...
  • Versatility, one shovel for many uses: As an emergency life-saving multi-purpose shovel, the Apidgrowth not only has the digging capabilities of a traditional shovel, but also integrates multi-tool...
  • Reliable Performance: We understand the importance of having a dependable tool in critical situations. That's why our Camping Shovel is engineered to deliver reliable performance when you need it the...
  • Essential Camping Gear: When it comes to camping essentials, a sturdy and reliable shovel is a must-have. Our Camping Shovel is specifically designed to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. From...
Bestseller No. 6
Yeacool Folding Shovel, (24.21'') Camping Shovel, Survival Off Road E Tool Shovel, with Pickaxe, Portable Bag, High Carbon Steel, for Digging, Backpacking, Hiking, Gardening, Emergency, Outdoor
  • Camping Shovel with Pickaxe. Cool design, lightweight, and multi-functional! Imagine all of the uses: shovel for digging, pickaxe for gardening, saw for cutting, whistle for help, compass for...
  • Trenching tool with modular design! Compared to traditional folding shovels, it uses segmented tubes to make the handle. The tube section has available space for small first aid kit components,...
  • Folding Shovel Multi Tool comes with a canvas storage bag, making it easy for carrying! It folds down and fits into a simple sleeve for easy travel or belt up to carry with you. Also, the carry bag is...
  • Great gift idea for outdoor enthusiasts! It is compact, sturdy, very well built and engineered at a super affordable price. Gift shopping for the loved one in your life? Great for campers, hikers,...
  • Order with Confidence. Yeacool customer satisfaction means all! We fix any problem quickly and offer the best solution to our valued customers in a polite, fast, courteous, and efficient way!! Simply...
Bestseller No. 7
DARTMOOR Mini Folding Shovel High Carbon Steel, Portable Lightweight Outdoor Tactical Survival Foldable Mini Shovel, Entrenching Tool, Camping, Hiking, Digging, Backpacking, Car Emergency
  • PREMIUM MATERIALS: Carefully constructed with high-carbon steel, this heat-treated mini folding camp shovel is built to last with rust-resistance & anti-deformation. The tactical military shovel is a...
  • COMPACT & VERSATILE: This ergonomically designed handle measures 11.8” while the 6.3” x 4.7” shovelhead increases your digging volume. It’s handy as a car camping trowel, beach shovel, or...
  • THICKENED CUTTING BLADE: Thanks to the reinforced blade our foldable rescue shovel can dig into gravel with ease - a must-have for backyards, gardens, farmland, campers, forest rangers, and...
  • LIGHTWEIGHT & EASY TO STORE: This military shovel weighs only 28 oz and comes with a nylon carry case (11.8” x 6.5”) so you can take this on the go anywhere
  • ADVENTURE+SURVIVAL SHOVEL: Whether you are backpacking on a wilderness adventure or preparing for an emergency, this emergency shovel is a vital necessity in the great outdoors
Bestseller No. 8
Sahara Sailor Unbreakable Tactical Shovel-180 Degree Folding Shovel-Camping Shovels - 23 in 1 Survival Gear and Equipment Multifunctional Camping Gear Survival Tools for Caping Hiking
  • Unbreakable Survival Shovel - This survival tool set constructed with military-grade solid carbon steel with aerospace-grade anodized aluminum tubes that make it sturdy enough deal with survival...
  • Multi-functional - This ultimate survival shovel incorporates 12 other functions and tools, including a shovel, hoe, saws, bottle opener, cleaver, whistle, knife, fish scaler, emergency hammer,...
  • Collapsible and Portable - This camping shovel can be folded and expanded by twisting lock for secure storage and carrying. A durable carry storage bag is coming with the package as camping gifts
  • Not just camping - This tactical shovel is perfect for camping, hiking, gardening, backpacking, hunting, traveling, expedition, car emergency, and outdoor survival
  • Satisfaction Guarantee - Lifetime warranty with 100% satisfaction and zero hassle returns guaranteed. With this military-level survival shovel, you have the last piece of camping and survival tool you...
Bestseller No. 9
FLYEGO 9-1 Backpacking Trowel Camping Shovel Hiking Trowel Ultralight Shovel Small Potty Multitool for Digging, Metal Detecting, Gardening and Outdoor Survival Accessories (Black)
  • Multifunctional Backpacking Trowel: FLYEGO 9 In 1 trowel offers multiple functions: shovel, saw, ruler, nail extractor, hex wrench, rope cutter, and survival paracord. It comes with a convenient...
  • Sturdy Steel Shovel with Comfort-Grip Paracord Handle: Our camping shovel features high-strength stainless steel for durability and leverage. It resists rust and scratches, staying sharp and easy to...
  • Versatile Gardening Trowel: This trowel’s serrated edge cuts small roots while digging. Its one-piece design prevents bending or breaking. It is easy on the hand and makes gardening much easier....
  • Lightweight Hiking Shovel: This compact, lightweight trowel is designed for ultralight backpackers and is strong enough to dig through rocky or compacted ground. Ideal for camping, hunting, fishing,...
  • Durable Construction: Crafted from high-strength stainless steel, FLYEGO's trowel is built to last. It resists bending, rust, and scratches. The 9ft paracord-wrapped handle provides a comfortable grip...

Conclusion

A camping shovel is a multi-purpose tool designed for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, backpacking, and even survival situations. It is usually made from strong and durable materials such as steel, aluminum, or titanium, and it is designed to be lightweight and portable. Camping shovels come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be used for a variety of tasks. They are great for digging fire pits, burying waste, creating a shelter, and even cutting through tough roots and undergrowth. When choosing the right camping shovel for your needs, it’s important to consider the type of terrain you’ll be digging through and the tasks you’ll be using it for. There are many popular camping shovels on the market, each with its own unique features and advantages. With the right camping shovel, you’ll be prepared for any outdoor adventure. So what is a camping shovel and why you need one? A camping shovel is an essential tool for any outdoor enthusiast and can be used for a variety of tasks. With the right camping shovel, you’ll be prepared for any outdoor adventure. Make sure to check out all our other great articles on camping, such as our generators for enjoying the outdoors.

You may also like

Outdoors Magazine

Embracing the Great Outdoors is a compelling blog dedicated to celebrating the beauty and thrill of outdoor activities, weaving tales of awe-inspiring hiking trails, serene fishing spots, strategic hunting expeditions, and invigorating camping adventures to inspire and guide like-minded enthusiasts.

Edtior's Picks

Latest Articles

©2025 Outdoors Magazine. All Right Reserved.