Heading out for a day of fun in the sun with family or friends at the beach? Everyone loves the fresh ocean air and feeling of warm sand between their toes, but dealing with all the chairs, tents, coolers, umbrellas, toys and towels can be a huge headache.
Making multiple trips, especially with young kids in tow, to haul all your gear can really put a damper on your outdoor outing.
Having the right beach cart or wagon solves this problem, and makes getting your gear from the vehicle to the beach a breeze. In this post, I’ll review the best beach carts and wagons for sand, mud, and anything else you come across.
These roomy beach carts and wagons are great for transporting lots of gear over soft sand, mud or gravel. Most have oversized wheels which make towing them through soft ground an easy task. They are not just for the beach either! These versatile carts are great for camping, gardening, sporting events, and concerts too.
Below are the best beach carts and beach wagons for sand available on the market today. Any one is a great choice for carrying all your gear to the beach.
Quick Answer: 6 Best Beach Carts
- Best Overall: Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsible Wagon
- Best Heavy Duty Cart: Challenger Mobility Folding Beach Cart
- Best Oversize Cart: Beau Jardin Folding Push Cart
- Budget Pick: Rio Brands Deluxe Wonder Wheeler Wide
- Multi Use: Tipke 2100 Marine Fold It Utility Cart
- Wagon-Lounger Hybrid: Mac Sports MAC Sports-Beach Day Lounger
Best Overall – Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsible Wagon
This high-quality, heavy-duty cart is the perfect pick for a day at the beach. The Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsible Folding Wagon Cart has a weight capacity of 150 lbs, so you will have no problem fitting all your gear inside. Manufactured by MAC Sport, who have been making quality recreational and sporting equipment since 1993, this is a product you can trust.
The interior of the cart measures a spacious 36.2″ x 21.4″ x 24”. That’s big enough to fit a ton of gear, no need to worry about it being too small. The frame is manufactured of durable metal and can withstand regular wear and tear. The wide, oversized wheels perform well on soft sand and do not sink into the sand like some carts with narrower wheels.
When folded up, the cart measures 31.5” x 21.4” x 9.7”. At less than 10” thick, it’s easy to fold up and store in the back of any car. The telescoping handle is also adjustable which allows you to set the handle height to your preference.
With a wide variety of patterns and colors, you can easily find the ideal looking cart for your day on the water. There are also two mesh cup holders on either side of the handle, so you can stash a few cold drinks for the trek to the beach!
Key Features
- High weight capacity.
- Wide wheels work well on soft sand.
- Adjustable handle.
- Two cup holders.
- HEAVY DUTY - Folding outdoor utility wagon has a large capacity interior, perfect for storing camping gear, beach toys, snacks, and any other outdoor essentials. The heavy duty frame allows loads up to 150 lbs. Interior measures approximately 36.2 x 21.4 x 24.59.
- COMPACT STORAGE - Wagon cart folds to only 10 thick for easy storage in a car trunk or coat closet. Folded size measures approximately 31.48 x 21.4 x 9.64. The durable 600D fabric can be easily cleaned so you can leave your messes outside.
- CUP HOLDERS - Foldable wagon features 2 mesh cup holders near the handle. Ensures that all of your drinks and snacks are close at hand!
- ADJUSTABLE HANDLE - Collapsible wagon includes an adjustable, telescoping handle for effortless transport. Perfect for drivers of any size.
- EASY TRANSPORT - Perfect for hauling gear to outdoor sporting events, concerts, trips to the park, and of course beach days. Once you’re back indoors, the wagon folds up for easy storage around the house and includes a carrying ca
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Best Heavy Duty Cart – Challenger Mobility Folding Beach Cart
This cart is a beast! The unique design of the Challenger Mobility Folding Beach Cart makes it one of the best choices for deep and soft sand. The frame is sturdy tubular steel with an epoxy powder coat. The oversized inflatable wheels are 7 inches wide, which enables the cart to glide effortlessly over sand, mud, gravel and most other terrains. You will have no problem with wheels stuck in the sand here.
The detachable wheels are inflatable and can be easily inflated with the included hand pump or an electric pump. When you finish using the cart, it folds up and will fit comfortably into a car trunk. The handle is also adjustable, from 29” to 49”, so it’s suitable for pretty much anyone.
Most importantly, this cart can handle a ton of gear. With a weight capacity of 165lbs, and the bottom platform measuring a roomy 14” wide and 14.5” deep, you can load this cart up with all your beach stuff and have room to spare. There is a strap included for cinching things to the frame, ensuring everything stays in one place while you comfortably wheel down to the waterside. If you’re looking for one of the best beach carts for soft sand, then this is the one!
Key Features
- Oversize wheels float across the sand.
- Air pump included.
- Folds up for easy storage.
- Can handle any terrain.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & PORTABLE: Weighs only 18 lbs and fits in the trunk of even the smallest car!
- Holds up to 165 lbs. and can easily carry all your beach or camping gear. Platform dimensions: 14W x 14.5D.
- Made from weather-resistant, heavy duty tubular steel with an epoxy coating for extreme weather durability.
- EASY TO USE: The height-adjustable telescopic handle makes it easy to pull all your beach or camping gear and adjust 29 to 49. Air pump included.
- FUN & VERSATILE: The Beach Cart makes going to the beach or camping with all your gear a breeze! Easily carries your cooler, towels, beach chairs, camping equipment, and mo
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Best Oversize Cart – Beau Jardin Folding Push Wagon
If maximum towing capacity is what you’re after, then the Beau Jardin Folding Push Wagon is the cart for you. With a weight capacity of 300 lbs, this heavy-duty collapsible cart is the heavyweight champ of beach wagons. It has a similar design to the MAC but with greater dimensions and weight capacity.
Like the MAC, it can be quickly folded up into a compact profile which is easy to store away. The collapsible steel frame is durable and able to support a good deal of weight. The handle differs slightly from the MAC’s, with both a standard handle and a one-piece handle that runs the width of the cart. This is a nice design as it allows two people to pull the cart simultaneously if need be.
The large rubber wheels are extra wide at 7” x 4″, which makes pushing or pulling this card through sand a cinch. The handles also articulate forward so you can adjust the height of the handle on the fly. If you have a lot of gear to move, you’d be hard pressed to find a better beach cart.
Key Features
- Extra-Large 300 lbs. capacity.
- Two adjustable handles.
- Folds up quickly.
- Wide wheels work well on soft sand.
- Two integrated cup holders
- LARGE CAPACITY: Large load Folding beach wagon cart outside dimensions approx 49.2Lx19.7Wx31.5H. The collapsible utility Wagon cart inside size is 33.5Lx20Wx10.6H. Ground to the top of the handle is 31.5. Two cups in the fabric cup holders are not included.
- WEIGHT CAPACITY: The wheel of the canvas beach wagon is 2.8 Wide and 7.9 in diameter, The utility Wagon collapsible heavy duty frame. The spacing of the wheels can be Adjusted randomly to suit different Road surfaces. The folding wagons cart fabric material 600D polyester, and it is removable for easy hand or hose washing, camping Wagon cart frame material steel, The outdoor utility Wagon cart sturdy Black Steel frame is more stable.
- 360 DEGREES WHEELS AND ADJUSTABLE HANDLE : The folding beach wagon come with heavy duty PU Foam wheels - rotates 360,the spacing of the wagon cart wheels can be adjusted randomly to suit different road surfaces.Telescoping handle provides an easy control on most terrains,camping wagon cart handle can be adjusted height and adapted to the different height person push the cart.
- EASY TRANSPORT: Sets up in seconds, no assembly required! Folding into the carry bag for convenient storage. Small enough to fit in closet, on the wall or in the trunk of any standard car. Folding utility beach wagon cart is perfect for transporting shopping, on family outings or as a goods Trolley, and great for trips, travel, vacation, garden, park, camping, grocery store, zoo, outdoor sporting events, or just move things.
- FREE STANDING FUNCTION & DOUBLE BRAKES : The back wheel comes with 2 supports that can make the cart free standing.The front wheels with two brakes, which can make the wagon brake even on the slo
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Budget Pick – Rio Brands Deluxe Wonder Wheeler Wide
The Rio Brands Deluxe Wonder Wheeler Wide stroller style beach cart is the classic beach cart design. It’s a perfect choice for families who need lots of storage space and won’t break the bank! With large, wide rear wheels and small articulating front wheels, this beach cart is designed to be pulled rather than pushed along the sand. When on pavement or another hard surface, you can either push or pull it.
It has a spacious storage capacity of 15 cubic feet and a weight capacity of 100 lbs. The X shaped metal frame is designed to hang up to four full-sized beach chairs. The 4 inch wide wheels on this model have been redesigned to create a larger footprint in the sand, which distributes the weight over more area and allows you to pull the cart through the sand easily.
Some other cool features Rio has added to this model are a side umbrella holder and a detachable mesh tote bag. The tote is a decent size, and easily holds plenty of snacks, drinks and more.
Key Features
- Wide wheels work well on soft sand.
- Removable tote included.
- Quick assembly.
- Large storage compartment.
- FOLDING BEACH CART: Multi-use and versatile utility cart holds a 48 quart cooler and 4 beach chairs, perfect for a day trip to the beach or lakefront
- EASY MOBILITY: 10 rubber tread wheels make it easy to pull the cart through uneven terrain, like sand, grass, and dirt
- STORAGE CART CAPACITY: Heavy duty utility cart can hold up to 100 lbs.
- PREMIUM BEACH CART: Features a large mesh storage pouch, perfect for storing beach towels, beach toys, sunblock, and more. Insulated beverage compartment keeps drinks and snacks cold
- STORAGE ON THE GO: Includes a removable tote with shoulder strap for taking your personal items on the go
- ASSEMBLED DIMENSIONS: 27 W x 36.5 D x 40.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Best Multi-Use Cart – Tipke 5800 Foldit Marine Utility Cart
While not strictly made for the beach, the Tipke 5800 Marine Fold-It Utility Cart all-purpose utility cart is a great choice for anyone looking for a cart that can handle a variety of tasks well. With a whopping 330 lbs. weight capacity, this cart can easily handle any beach related activity you can throw at it. The cart is manufactured of marine-grade aluminum, which is specifically designed to withstand salt water without rust or corrosion. This also gives it far more durability than canvas beach carts.
It folds up nicely into less than 2 square feet of space and will fit in a car trunk easily. Unlike most typical beach carts this cart has only one set of wheels. Tipke designed the cart to distribute the load over the wheels which gives it great maneuverability. The handle is fully retractable and folds away into the sides of the cart when collapsed.
The wheels are slightly narrower than beach carts made specifically for the sand. It can handle regular sand, but if you plan to use it on particularly soft sand look for a cart with wider wheels. That said, this cart is truly a great multi-use item. It works great for gardening, camping, and is great as a bike trailer with a hitch as well.
Key Features
- Great multi-use cart.
- Ideal for the marine environment.
- High weight capacity.
- 2-Year warranty.
- This sturdy bicycle hitch is compatible with the Tipke Manufacturing Company Foldit Marine Utility Cart; Material: Aluminium
- Tavel anywhere with your existing bicycle confidently with this marine-grade aluminum bicycle hitch; Dimensions (L x W x H): 44 x 28 x 6 inches
- Easily attaches to most bicycles using a single arm with secure and stable durable hitch clamp
- Allows for regular function of your bicycle, turning and pivoting as you need on any road, path, or smooth surface
- Hitch assembly comes complete with the wishbone arm which provides even distribution of weight for a smooth r
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Wagon-Lounger Hybrid – Mac Sports MAC Sports-Beach Day Lounger
Part beach cart, part beach lounger – this innovative product is what you get when you combine a pull cart wagon and a comfortable lounge chair! It’s constructed from a powder-coated aluminum frame covered in a durable, easy-to-clean 600 denier fabric. An adjustable telescopic handle lets you drag it through the sand with ease, while the entire frame folds completely flat for easy transport.
A large detachable mesh basket attaches to the frame in seconds, converting it from a lounger into a cart capable of hauling all your beach gear. With a 100-pound weight capacity and 4 cubic feet of storage, it has enough capacity to stash your beach cooler, blankets, toys, and plenty more.
Mac has included an excellent set of wide wheels with the cart, so you’ll have no problem wheeling it over soft sand, grass, pavement, or other surfaces. Beyond beach use, it works well for camping, sporting events, and the park.
When it’s converted into a lounger – you can rest comfortably with 4 different recline positions and an integrated pillow headrest. Part of the frame becomes your armrests, giving a rock-solid perch to lean back and soak up the rays!
Key Features
- Weighs just 18.25 pounds.
- Folds completely flat for easy storage.
- Converts from a lounge chair to a beach cart in seconds.
- Impressive storage capacity.
- MULTIPURPOSE CHAIR: 2-in-1 lounger chair folds into a wagon turning into the ultimate beach tool to carry your stuff and relax
- 4 SITTING POSITIONS: Adjusts to 4 positions to fit your needs and comfort
- EASY TO STORE: Folds compactly under 10 inches for easy storage
- LARGE CHAIR & BASKET: Large seating area for extra comfort; Features easy to snap locks for a mesh basket with a large capacity; Cart weight capacity: 100 pounds; Chair weight capacity: 200 pounds; Cart dimensions (L x W x H): 30.3 x 33.9 x 40.9 inches; Chair dimensions (L x W x H): 60.6 x 30.3 x 23.6 inches
- ALL-TERRAIN WHEELS: 2 thick, durable, all-terrain wheels will go through sand or grass with ease; Telescoping adjustable handle for easy transportat
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
What to Look for When Buying a Beach Cart or Wagon
There’s a lot to consider when deciding on the right beach cart or wagon for your needs. They vary considerably in quality, price and ideal use case. Below are a few factors to keep in mind when selecting one of the best beach carts for sand.
Portability
Most people will need a cart that folds up and will fit comfortably in the back of a vehicle. All the models reviewed here fold up to a compact size. Make sure you check the dimensions of the cart or wagon when it is collapsed to see if the size is right for you.
Some models are also much lighter than others. Most people find a lighter cart easier to use so if you’re going to be carrying less stuff opt for a lighter cart.
Durability
We all expect our gear to last a long time and withstand regular wear and tear. Beach carts are no exception. Look for a cart with a metal frame and some sort of waterproof or rust-resistant coating to ensure it will hold up to the salt water environment. If you plan on using your cart a lot, it may be worth spending a little more and getting a cart that can take more punishment.
Terrain
It’s important to consider what type of terrain you will be using the cart or wagon on primarily. If you plan on using it on super soft sand, then opt for a cart with inflatable tires. These carts are the best beach carts for very fine sand. If you will be using it on typical beach sand, then carts with hard wheels will work just as well.
Many beach carts are also useful for other environments besides the beach. Particularly, the wagon-style carts with a low center of gravity. They can be useful for gardening, going to the park, outdoor events, and camping.
Price
Of course, price is always an important factor when making your decision. Buying the cheapest model available is not the way to go when it comes to selecting a beach cart. You often end up with a vastly inferior product.
Look for companies with years of experience designing and manufacturing sporting goods, they know how to make a quality product that will last.
Storage capacity
Pay attention to the weight capacity and storage area of the cart. Most beach carts will hold between 100 – 250 lbs. If you’re the type of person that tends to bring beach chairs, umbrellas, large beach blankets, tents, and even fishing gear with them to the beach, look for a cart with a higher weight capacity. The wagon-style carts tend to hold more weight than the upright stroller style carts.
If you’re looking for a dedicated fishing cart, check out my in-depth review here.
