The 10 Best Trail Camera for Public Land 2023 – Reviews & Complete Buying Guide

Trail cameras have made tracking movements of games a no-brainer for the hunters. It’s an essential gear of hunters for scouting.

Trail cameras save the hard work of scouting through woods for days, looking for traces of the animals.

I set trail cameras at places I anticipate my games’ movement, and stalk them year-round to capture pictures and know their positions for my next hunt during the seasons.

Moreover, while buying the best trail camera for public land, you need to check the detection rate, trigger time, image quality, battery life, memory, flash, price, and more. Does that sound like too much work?

Don’t worry because I have researched for you to list the ten best trail cameras for public lands.

And to help you decide which trail camera is the best, I have given a detailed buying guide on trail cameras at the latter part of the review.


10 Best Trail Camera for Public Land Reviews 2023


While hunting in public land, you will need a different strategy and setup planning than private land. You can’t expect to attract deers with corn in front of your camera. The security of the camera is also an issue in public lands.

I have written this review of the best wireless trail camera 2021, keeping all these factors in mind. The price range of the trail cameras is from 50-150 dollars.

 1. Alpha Cam Premium Hunting Trail Camera – 30MP

Alpha Cam Premium Hunting Trail Camera - 30MP
Alpha Cam Premium Hunting Trail Camera 30MP

The features of Alpha Cam Premium will keep you in awe. It is a premium cam in every way. It has a 30 MP camera, the second-highest on this list.

This stunning camera takes the most brilliant, clear, and vivid daytime images. The videos are as good as pictures. The 1080p H.264 30fps videos are the most lively wildlife you can record in a trail camera.

With this camera, you won’t miss any wildlife for its ultra-fast trigger speed of only 0.2 seconds. Not only that.

It can click more pictures during critical capture times for its fast recovery speed of only 1 second.

So, you get the quickest and best images and videos in its 90 feet motion sensor, which again is commendable.

It has IR Flashlight that covers 100 feet in the night. Unlike white flash, IR Flash is invisible and can click the best BnW night photos.

And the best part is that you can preview these stunning pictures and videos on the 2.4″ LCD Color Viewscreen of this trail camera.

But this viewscreen drains the battery very fast. However, it still has an excellent 30 Month Extended Standby Battery Life.

It requires 8 AA batteries. The construction of the trail camera is very sturdy. It has IP67 Waterproofing, unlike the standard IP66.

PROS

  • Stunning 30 MP Camera for the most precise pictures
  • 1080p H.264 30fps lively videos
  • 30 months battery life
  • Ultrafast 0.2-second trigger speed
  • 2.4-inch in-built LCD Viewscreen

CONS

  • Fairly costly

Note: You can check out the best budget broadheads for low poundage bows

2. TIDEWE Trail Camera 32MP 4K Hunting Camera

TIDEWE Trail Camera 32MP 4K Hunting Camera
TIDEWE Trail Camera 32MP 4K Hunting Camera

It has earned the second position on the list with its second to none features. It has a 32 MP Camera for the finest daylight pictures.

No more blurry or bad-quality pictures with this trail camera. This stunning camera can record 4K videos to get the liveliest wildlife videos you can expect in a trail camera.

The ultralight 0.2 seconds trigger speed doesn’t miss any action in its way, whether it’s day or night. It has excellent night vision.

The 45 advanced infrared LEDs click unparalleled black and white images at night. The advanced infrared rays emit invisible IR doesn’t disturb animals and ensure clear images at night.

The user can store the best-quality pictures in the 32 GB SD card included with the trail camera. The maximum capacity is 512 GB.

Another great feature that ensures the camera doesn’t miss any action in its detection area is the 120-degree wide-angle.

You get a broader surveillance area, and that means better images and clips. The camera has IP66 Waterproofing and a very study body for withstanding rough weather for months.

It requires 8 AA batteries to operate. It has a 2.4-inch viewscreen inside the camera box.’ The best part is, you get all these features and more at just 70 dollars!

The only problem is that it has a low detecting distance of 65 feet. But, if there is any game in that area, you know this camera won’t miss it.

PROS

  • 32 MP Camera
  • 4K lively and vivid video
  • 45 advanced infrared LEDs and rays for excellent nighttime vision
  • 0.2-second ultrafast trigger
  • IP66 Waterproofing
  • 120-degree wide-angle
  • Affordable

CONS

  • Low detection distance of 65 feet

Read More About backup iron sight reviews

3. Coolife Trail Game Camera, 21MP 1080P Hunting Wildlife Camera

Coolife Trail Game Camera, 21MP 1080P Hunting Wildlife Camera
Coolife Trail Game Camera , 21MP 1080P Hunting Wildlife Camera

It’s the cheapest trail camera on the list, still the third-best here. The credit goes to its outstanding features and amenities compared to its price.

The trail camera has a 21 MP Camera and 1080P HD videos for clear images and videos. The trail cameras at this price range usually offer 12 MP cameras, so it’s a big plus.

The videos have great sound quality with ultra-high resolution. The night vision is also impressive in this camera. It has 49 IR LEDs, four more than the TIDEWE Trail Camera.

These LEDs work even better for the 120-degree wide-angle range. You get clear pictures both day and night at a very wide angle.

Plus, the 0.2 seconds trigger speed captures the swiftest action in a blink. The detection distance in this trail camera is 85 feet.

It also has a 2.4 inches in-built LCD screen to preview the images. The IP67 waterproofing protects the camera better than many other premium brands.

The camera comes with a 32 GB SD card, mounting ropes, and three screws. You get all these features for under 50 dollars!

Generally, the 21 MP Camera can’t click as clear pictures as 30 or 34 MP cameras, but it still gives a commendable competition.

PROS

  • Very affordable
  • 120-degree video angle
  • Clear images and videos
  • 2.4 inches in-built LCD screen
  • 85 feet detection distance
  • Excellent night vision 49 IR LEDs

CONS

  • 21 MP Camera

4. BlazeVideo Game Camera & Deer Hunting Trail Cam

BlazeVideo Game Camera & Deer Hunting Trail Cam
BlazeVideo Game Camera & Deer Hunting Trail Cam

It has many unique and handy features that we haven’t seen on any camera on the list so far. For instance, it has a time-lapse mode that can take pictures and videos simultaneously at a fixed interval.

This mode is ideal for capturing the life-cycle of animals at every step or for good scouting. You can adjust the timing according to your need.

There is also a password setting option for the security of your camera and clicked images and records.

The trail camera also sets code according to locations. It helps multi-camera users to determine the location of any image.

Aside from these unique features, the camera and sensor of the trail camera are equally good too.

The 24 MP camera clicks clear and vivid HD pictures, but its video is even better. H.264 1296P video with MP4 format is the handiest feature for wildlife photographers.

They can directly share the video to any social media platform in the cam+video mode. And the quality of the video is too good for any trail camera.

The night vision of this camera is at the mark too. 36 no glow infrared LEDs ensure brilliant nighttime images within 75 ft.

The trigger speed is quick 0.3 seconds, but it works in 0.2 seconds when side motion sensors are enabled.

It works within -4 to 60 degrees Celsius, and the IP66 waterproofing makes it suitable in all weather. The battery lasts eight months in standby mode with 8 AA batteries.

PROS

  • Best quality videos
  • Good battery life
  • Unique modes like time-lapse, cam+video, and more
  • Password security
  • Built-in 2.4-inch LCD screen
  • Energy efficient

CONS

  • Less megapixel of the camera than competitions

5. BlazeVideo 2-Pack Game Trail Deer Cameras

BlazeVideo 2-Pack Game Trail Deer Cameras
BlazeVideo 2-Pack Game Trail Deer Cameras

I have already reviewed a 2-pack trail camera from Agitato, and here is the second one from BlazeVideo. I have already reviewed this trail camera at number 4 on this list.

It’s the most efficient and convenient trail camera on the list, with many unique features. It has a time-lapse, password setup, cam+video mode, MP4 format, and much more.

The 20 MP camera, 1296P video with MP4 format, 36 no-glow infrared LEDs within 75 ft, quick 0.3 seconds trigger speed are some of its fascinating features that I have already mentioned before.

The 2-Pack is super handy when hunting in public lands.

PROS

  • Best quality videos
  • 2-in-1 pack
  • Good battery life
  • Unique modes like time-lapse, cam+video, and more
  • Password security
  • Built-in 2.4-inch LCD screen
  • Energy efficient

CONS

  • Less megapixel of the camera than competitions

6. Agitato 2-Pack No Glow Game & Deer Trail Cameras

Agitato 2-Pack No Glow Game & Deer Trail Cameras
Agitato 2-Pack No Glow Game & Deer Trail Cameras

Most of the hunters use multiple cameras, especially in public lands. Multiple cameras are required to cover all the potential spots in vast lands.

So, it is the reason why hunters prefer buying trail cameras in packs. The Agitato 2-Pack No Glow Game & Deer Trail Cameras is a great choice of trail camera for public land hunters.

It is the fastest trail camera on this Best Trail Camera for Public Land list. It has a trigger speed of only 0.1 seconds with a recovery speed of 0.5 seconds.

So, you don’t have to worry about missing any slightest detail with this camera. The 24MP camera clicks sharp images and 1296P videos of 20 frames per second.

The video is available in convenient MP4 format. Another brilliant feature of this trail camera is the Sony Starvis Super Low Light sensor that can click colorful images in very low-light and high-quality night version images in no light.

The 36 no-glow IR LED lights to click no-blur clear night pictures within 100 ft. And the detection distance of the cameras is 82 feet.

It has a 2.4-inch LCD screen to view the clicked images and videos. Like the others, it also uses 8 AA or Lithium batteries.

PROS

  • Colorful images in low light
  • High-quality MP4 videos
  • Ultrafast 0.1-second trigger speed
  • 82 feet detection distance and 100 feet night vision pictures
  • IP66 waterproofing

CONS

  • Lower MegaPixel Camera than competitors

7. XTU WiFi Trail Camera

XTU WiFi Trail Camera
XTU WiFi Trail Camera

Imagine getting the pictures clicked by your trail camera on your phone immediately. You can view, edit, and share the images from your phone without climbing and fetching the camera from the location.

Just download an app, and that’s it. The XTU WiFi Trail Camera has built-in WiFi. The user only needs to download the Hunting Cam Pro App and connect it with the in-built WiFi of the trail camera from the setup.

It’s one of the best cellular game cameras in 2021. The WiFi range of the camera is approximately 65 feet. You can see the clicked images on your mobile from home.

The app is available for both iOS and Android. The upgraded version of the app might face connection problems in Androids. C

Even if your house is not at that distance, checking clicked images from mobile saves effort and gives a fast update.

The images are not only easy to get, but they are also of high quality and resolution. The 24 MP camera clicks sharp images and 1296P HD videos.

The night vision of the camera is praiseworthy. 35 850 nm infrared LEDs ensure clear and noise-free nighttime black and white images.

The trail camera has a quick trigger speed of 0.4 seconds. You can change the sensor settings from the menu.

The triggering distance is a maximum of 65 ft. The 120-degree wide-angle misses no action in the detection distance. A 32 GB SD card is included with the camera.

The camouflage print on the box is effective and conceals well. The IP65 waterproofing is decent but not very reliable in heavy rainfall or adverse weather.

PROS

  • In-built WiFi and App Control
  • Easy view, edit, and share images from the phone
  • Wide-angle lens
  • Clear night vision images and videos
  • Full HD pictures
  • WiFi range of 65 ft

CONS

  • The waterproofing is not very reliable
  • Low storage

8. Usogood Trail Camera 20MP 1080P

Usogood Trail Camera 20MP 1080P
Usogood Trail Camera 20MP 1080P

It’s one of my most favorite and popular trail cameras in the market. It has gained fame with its brilliant features and customer service.

The 20-megapixel camera takes bright and vivid pictures and records high-quality 1080P videos with clear audio.

The 0.2 trigger speed clicks the most extraordinary moments in precision, and the high-definition camera makes sure the picture is vivid, clear, and perfect.

The night vision in this camera is perfect with 42 pcs 940nm Infrared LEDs. It is the second most powerful Infrared Leds on this list.

So, you get extraordinary night vision with this camera. The viewscreen is the same usual 2.4 inch LCD screen. The waterproofing of the camera is a strong IP66.

The customer service of Usogood is active 24/7 with 12-month quality support. So, rest assured about the service you would get from here.

PROS

  • HD pictures and videos
  • Excellent night vision
  • Affordable
  • 120-degree Wide-angle view
  • Fast 0.2 seconds trigger speed
  • IP66 Waterproofing

CONS

  • Low storage

9. Stealth Cam G42NG No Glo Trail and Wildlife Camera

Stealth Cam G42NG No Glo Trail and Wildlife Camera
Stealth Cam G42NG No Glo Trail and Wildlife Camera

Stealth camera claims themself to be the industry leader of trail cameras. They have been in the market for twenty years, and their trail cameras are still on the best trail camera 2021 list.

They have made revolutionary inventions in trail cameras. So, they deserved a place on this Best Trail Camera for Public Land list.

The G42NG No Glow Trail camera is considered one of the best No-Glow trail cameras in the market. If you are a Stealth Cam lover, then this is the one for you.

It has a 10 MP camera. It is the lowest on this list but the highest that G42NG offers. The trigger speed of 0.5 seconds is not disappointing.

There are four different settings, including burst images. It clicks nine images in one trigger. However, these are not the highlights of the Stealth Cam G42NG.

The main feature is the 42 IR Emitters that click the best no-glow nighttime images in 100 ft range. It also has a security look option. The camera has many modes but is user-friendly and easy to set up.

PROS

  • No light 42 Infrared emitters for excellent nighttime images
  • 100 ft IR nighttime vision
  • 9 images in 1 trigger, burst mode
  • Average trigger speed

CONS

  • Not value for money
  • Low megapixel camera

10. Foxelli Trail Camera – 14MP

Foxelli Trail Camera – 14MP
Foxelli Trail Camera – 14MP

Foxelli trail camera has pretty much the same features as the last BlazeVideo game trail cam. The only reason why Foxelli lagged is its 14 MP Camera. 

However, it can make 1080P Full HD videos with clear audio of 10 minutes. Other trail cameras mostly make 5 minutes videos, so it’s another plus. 

The night vision of the camera isn’t compromised for the low megapixel. It’s compensated with 42 Low Glow IR LEDs. So, you get clear night vision images and videos. 

The detection distance of the motion sensor is 65 ft. So, you don’t miss any clear pictures and videos from a 120-degree wide-angle. 

The trigger time is 0.5 seconds. Higher trigger time ensures clicking fast images, so you don’t miss any game or action.

The average trigger time required is 0.5 seconds. So, you get clicks from the slightest movement within the detection distance. 

It also has an in-built LCD viewscreen and user-friendly keys below the screen. This trail camera is very easy to set up.

The IP66 waterproofing is ideal for protection in all types of weather. The expected battery life is eight months in standby mode. 

Moreover, Foxelli is a reliable brand. They provide 120 days money-back guarantee and one year warranty.

PROS

  • Long HD Videos
  • Excellent night vision
  • User-friendly setup
  • 120-degree wide-angle
  • IP66 waterproofing
  • 120 days money-back guarantee and a 1-year warranty

CONS

  • 14 MP Camera
  • Low trigger speed compared to competitions

The Ultimate buying guide of trail cameras

The Ultimate buying guide of trail cameras

Hunters are the primary users of trail cameras. With the help of trail cameras, they can keep track of their games and find potential targets without stepping into the wood.

It saves a lot of time and effort. The wildlife photographers also click extraordinarily close and noise-free pictures with this camera that won’t have been possible in person.

No matter the purpose, there are a few features that you must check before buying a trail camera. They are:

Image Quality

best trail camera for public land 2022

The higher the megapixel of the camera. There are also some other factors like light sensitivity, Retina, HD, and more. But, the megapixel is the most basic unit to judge.

The more, the better. The least megapixel of your trail camera should be 7 megapixels for clear images.

Trigger time

It’s the speed at which the camera clicks a picture when it senses any action. The lower the trigger time, the better.

Battery and power options

trail camera Battery

Most trail cameras use 8 AA or Lithium batteries. Look for a trail camera with at least six months of battery life and a battery indicator on the viewscreen.

Detection circuit

It is the distance in which the trail camera can detect any motion. More expensive ones will cover a larger distance. The average detection distance is 60-70 feet.

Memory

trail cameras memory

As your camera will click pictures for months in any movement at the detection distance, you will need good storage to store all those images safely. The SD card storage can range from 8 to 32 GB.

Flash

trail cameras flash

It’s the most important feature to check while buying trail cameras. Make sure it has IR LEDs to ensure no-light flash for clear black and white images in the dark.

Video quality

Most trail cameras make videos with excellent audio. If you are a wildlife photographer, look for the best HD or 4K videos with higher megapixels. And don’t forget to check the audio too.

Security

trail cameras security

Trail cameras are often stolen from public lands. Though it is very difficult to find the stolen camera, you can take the necessary measures to prevent that.

Buy trail cameras with strong boxes and tie them with anti-theft cables. You can also buy a steel security box to cover your camera.

Also, look for a password feature in trail cameras for protecting your clicked images.

Price

Well, it all shells down to how much you are willing to spend. There are trail cameras of all ranges in the market now.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I have some of the most common queries regarding trail cameras in this section.

1. Can I set up a trail camera in a national park?

Well, you can’t randomly set a camera in a national park. You need permission from the authority to do so.

2. What is the most reliable trail camera?

Stealthcam is the industry leader of trail cameras, so it’s safe to say their cameras are reliable. Moreover, Usogood trail cameras are also great.

3. What is the best trail camera for the money?

It has to be the Coolife Trail Game Camera. It is the best budget-friendly trail camera under $50.

4. Do mature bucks avoid trail cameras?

Some mature deers do seem to avoid trail cameras. It depends on the game’s personality and the camera’s performance too.

5. Are trail cameras legal in Massachusetts?

If the camera doesn’t invade an individual’s privacy, then usage of trail cameras is legal in Massachusetts.

6. Are trail cameras worth it?

To put it simply, yes, they are. I am sure your answer is the same after reading the trail camera reviews.

Final Thoughts:

I hope this review has helped you choose the best trail camera for public land. Make sure you position your trail cameras at the potential places where you anticipate the movements of your game.

Keep your cameras in a shady place for better pictures and avoid direct sun rays. Wish you a good hunt on your next escapade!

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