Most trail cameras ship with a thin web strap, and most people use it for years. That is the single biggest reason a camera ends up pointed at a patch of bark instead of the trail. A purpose-built trail camera tree mount changes how the camera sits, how you aim it, and whether you can get it high enough to stay out of sight.
After running these twelve mounts through weeks of field use, I can tell you the family that matters is the attachment, not the brand. Screw-in brackets give you real aiming freedom and a rigid hold. Straps stay reversible and show almost no sign of tampering. Adjustable arm mounts give you both at the cost of weight. If you have not chosen a camera yet, our trail camera roundup covers the bodies that pair with every mount on this list.
Everything here ends in a standard 1/4-20 threaded interface, which is the same fitting found under most game cameras, security cameras and small solar panels. That single standard is why you can swap mounts without changing cameras, and it is the one spec worth checking before you buy anything.
Below is what I found, grouped by mount family, with the exact rotation, tilt, material and thread specs, plus the honest complaints owners report after a season in the woods.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Trail Camera Tree Mounts in 2026
HME Economy Trail Camera Holder
- 360 deg rotation
- 220 deg vertical tilt
- 1/4-20 stud
- 6.4 oz composite
Moultrie Camera Mount Straps 2-Pack
- 8 ft nylon strap
- quick-release buckle
- 4.16 oz
- two straps per pack
ORIPIK 360 Degree Adjustable Tree Mount
- 360 deg ball head
- pointed screw install
- 1/4-20 thread
- multiple pack sizes
Best Trail Camera Tree Mounts (October 2026)
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| HME Economy Trail Camera Holder |
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| Moultrie Camera Mount Straps 2-Pack |
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 Highwild Tree Screw Mount 3-Pack |
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 Muddy Basic Trail Camera Arm |
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 Folgtek 5-Pack Game Camera Straps |
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 WILDARES Heavy-Duty Trail Cam Straps |
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 WingHome Trail Cameras Holder Bracket |
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 HME Trail Camera Holder Tree Mount |
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| ORIPIK 360 Degree Adjustable Tree Mount |
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 The…Cam EasyStrap-3 |
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 ALTIN 4-Pack 360 Degree Tree Bracket |
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 ORIPIK Dual Ball Joint Tree Mount |
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1. HME Economy Trail Camera Holder – Best All-Round Screw-In Mount
HME Economy Trail Camera Holder with 360-Degree Camera Compact Sturdy Design Easy Installation & Versatile Compatibility
1/4-20 stud
360 deg rotation
220 deg vertical tilt
6.4 oz composite
Pros
- Screws into the tree
- so no strap to re-aim later
- Wide 360 deg rotation with 220 deg of vertical travel
- Holds aim far better than any web strap
- Composite body is light enough for pack-in scouting
Cons
- Wing nut and pivot post can rust and seize after months in the field
- Needs occasional lubrication before you swap a camera
This is the mount I keep reaching for. It is a simple screw-in spike with a knuckle at the top, and that knuckle gives you 360 degrees of rotation plus 220 degrees of vertical travel. Owners consistently describe it as the cheap upgrade that makes a factory strap obsolete, and at 6.4 ounces it disappears in a pack.
The one thing to plan around is the wing nut. Reviewers report that after a season or two of rain and humidity it can seize, and pulling a camera off the mount may need pliers and a shot of lubricant. That is maintenance, not a defect, and it is worth knowing before you are standing on a ladder in the dark.
Owners on r/Hunting who upgraded from the supplied strap point to the same thing: a real tension lock and far more freedom in the angle of the camera. The 1/4-20 stud accepts cameras from different manufacturers, so it works with nearly anything you put in a tree.
One field note. Aim it a touch lower than you think you want. Pointed slightly downward, the view cone covers the trail and cuts sun glare at the low angles of early morning and late evening. Owners also report the low-profile composite body is far less visible against bark than a bright strap.
What you should know before buying
The thread bites into softwood easily and into hardwood after a few patient turns. Bring a hand drill or a wrench if you are working a mature oak, and expect the install to be the slowest part of the setup. The 220 degree vertical range means you can point almost straight down or nearly straight up, which is what makes high placements workable from the ground.
Because it is a screw-in, the mount stays in the tree after you remove the camera. Plan the spot as a permanent fixture rather than a spot you rotate through seasonally.
Where it falls short
The composite body is not as rigid as a solid steel arm, and a persistent hard wind can introduce a small amount of sway, which in turn can trigger motion captures. Owners who need a mount for a wide exposed overlook or a high canopy point often move to a steel bracket instead.
At 6.4 ounces there is nothing to complain about on pack weight, but there is also no secondary retention method. If theft is your primary concern, pair it with a cable lock through the camera itself rather than expecting the mount to hold against a determined person.
2. Moultrie Camera Mount Straps 2-Pack – Best for Big Diameter Trees
Moultrie Camera Mount Straps – 2-Pack, 8 Ft, Lightweight
8 ft strap length
Weather-resistant nylon
Quick-release buckle
4.16 oz, 2 pack
Pros
- 8 ft length wraps a wide range of trunk sizes
- Weighs 4.16 oz
- so two cameras are easy to carry
- Quick-release buckle speeds up install and retrieval
- Universal fit across most trail camera brands
Cons
- No angle adjustment once the camera is hung
- Straps can dig into the trunk as the tree grows
Length is the whole story here. At 8 feet, this strap wraps trunks that a shorter webbing simply cannot close around, which is exactly the problem forum users hit when the tree is bigger than the camera’s supplied strap allows. The quick-release buckle means you can pull the whole setup in seconds when you need to check the SD card.
Two straps ship in the pack, so you can run one camera and keep a spare, or cover two trees on the same walk. At 4.16 ounces each they are essentially free to carry, and owners like that for scouting routes where you check several boxes.
The limitation is not a flaw, it is physics. Once a strap is on, the camera angle is whatever you propped it at, and there is no joint to adjust later. Owners also flag that straps eventually loosen or bite into fast-growing wood over a multi-week deployment.
If your scouting style involves walking in, adjusting the frame, walking out, this mount will frustrate you. If you place once and leave for a season, it is dependable and completely reversible, leaving no wound on the tree.
How far you can actually mount it
The 8 foot length gives you a usable range from slim saplings to genuinely thick hardwoods, and that range is why it appears in so many carry lists. Pair it with a small wedge of wood or a length of natural bark if you need to fine-tune the angle after it is hung, a trick regulars use to kill the last few degrees of slop.
Because it is a buckle strap, you can add a second pass around the trunk for a taller camera, which is how people get to shoulder height without any other hardware.
Where it falls short
There is no aiming hardware at all, so wind sway is passed straight to the camera and can produce constant motion captures in a stiff breeze. Hunters looking for adjustable angle in a strap design should look at an arm mount instead.
Straps also read as foreign objects on a trunk. Users point this out as a real drawback on ground that gets walked by other people, where a visible strap advertises that a camera is nearby. On private ground that matters far less.
3. Highwild Tree Screw Mount 3-Pack – Best Value for Multiple Setups
Highwild Trail Camera Holder Tree Screw Mount 3 Pack 1/4″-20 Camera Bracket
Powder-coated steel
Self-tapping wood screw
Knurled lock nut
3 holders per pack
Pros
- Sharp self-tapping thread starts without complicated tools
- Steel body feels durable and resists bending
- Locking wheel stays on the mount so nothing gets lost
- Three per pack covers several monitoring locations
Cons
- No post-install angle adjustment
- so the view must be right on the first attempt
- Screw tip can struggle in hardwood without a pilot hole
This is the pack to buy if you run more than one camera. Three powder-coated steel screw-in brackets cover a bait site, a bypass and a bedding area in a single trip, and the corrosion-resistant finish is the detail that matters when gear sits out through a wet autumn.
Reviewers rank these among the better screw-in mounts they have tried, specifically calling out the abrupt thread taper that lets the screw start easily and the knurled wheel that keeps the camera gripped firmly. The wheel stays captive on the mount, so nothing loose goes missing in your pack.
It also fits more than cameras. The 1/4-20 insert matches solar panels and other compatible gear, so a box that gets sun on the top and a camera below can share the same hardware.
The honest limit is aiming. The mount rotates during installation, which is how you set the viewing direction, but once the screw is in, that direction is fixed. Get it right the first time or plan to back it out and reset it.
How it handles hard wood
The self-tapping thread bites well in softwood and moderate hardwood. In dense hardwood, owners recommend a pilot hole and a slow hand start, because forcing a sharp point into dry oak can wander and the tip can blunt. Bring a drill and a small bit and the job takes under a minute.
Because the screw is steel, it stays rigid in wind, which matters on exposed ridges where thinner composite brackets can introduce a small amount of sway and unwanted motion captures.
Where it falls short
There is no vertical adjustment, so you cannot tilt a camera down from a high placement the way you can with a ball-joint bracket. That matters most when you want to cover ground beneath a high camera rather than a horizontal corridor.
It is a screw-in, so it stays in the trunk after you remove the camera and cannot be moved to a new tree without backing the screw out. Plan placements as fixed points rather than a movable setup.
4. Muddy Basic Trail Camera Arm – Best Adjustable Strap Mount
Muddy Basic Trail Camera Arm
360 deg head
180 deg extension arm
Strap attachment
Quick-release plate
Pros
- Stays stable in a tree year after year through harsh weather
- Extension arm folds compact for transport
- All pivot and adjustment screws move freely
- Quick-release mount makes moving between stands simple
Cons
- Heavier than expected at one pound and awkward on backcountry trips
- Included pan head is flimsy plastic that can strip
- Camera attachment plate is plastic and can go brittle in cold weather
- Slow and noisy to strap onto a tree
This is the only strap-based arm in the group, and that combination is rare. You get strap attachment, so no screw enters the wood, but you also get a 360 degree head and a 180 degree extension arm, so the camera goes exactly where you point it and stays there.
Long-term owners report excellent durability in trees through multiple winters, with the pivot screws and head still moving freely after seasons of use. The quick-release plate also makes it simple to lift the camera out for a card swap without disturbing the aim.
Reviews are split, and the split is about weight and plastics. At one pound this is the heaviest mount we tested, and it is the one that adds real bulk to a saddle or backcountry pack. The included pan head and camera plate are plastic, and one owner reports a stripped screw dropping a camera.
Cold weather is the other recurring complaint. Plastic plates can become brittle, and a brittle plate in a treeline during a January scouting trip is a bad surprise. Inspect the plate before you rely on it in freezing conditions.
Why the arm is worth the weight
Strap mounts normally give you one axis and no tension. This arm gives you pan, tilt and reach, so you can place a camera at a height where a strap cannot hold it and still frame the shot properly. That combination is why it earns a place in this roundup despite the lower average rating.
It is fully reversible. Nothing enters the tree, and when the season ends the strap comes off and the tree is left exactly as it was, which matters on ground where you plan to scout again next year.
Where it falls short
Strapping it on is slow and noisy compared with a screw-in spike, and on a big hardwood the strap takes a while to tension. Budget more time in the field than the install time suggests.
The low average rating reflects the cheap plastic components, not the mechanism. If you want the articulation but need a body that survives cold and impact, the dual ball joint brackets later in this list use stainless steel instead.
5. Folgtek 5-Pack Game Camera Straps – Best Spare Strap Kit
Folgtek 5pcs Trail & Game Camera Straps Belts Hunting Camera Tree Mounting Strap Belts Kit, Portable UV Resistant and Foldable Nylon Fiber Strap, 145cm Wildlife Hunting Accessory (Dark Green)
UV-resistant nylon
Rust-resistant plastic buckle
145cm by 2.5cm
5 straps per pack
Pros
- Five straps in one pack for multiple cameras or spares
- UV-resistant nylon holds up in sun and weather
- Rust-resistant plastic buckle avoids seasonal seizing
- Folds down small for pack-out
Cons
- Basic strap design with no angle adjustment once hung
- Narrow 2.5cm webbing can dig into the trunk over a long deployment
Buyers treat this as a value spare-strap kit rather than a precision mounting solution, and that is exactly the right use. Five straps means one for each camera on your property, plus replacements for the ones that get chewed by squirrels or left behind a bad buckle.
The hardware choice is genuinely sensible. The buckles are heavy-duty plastic rather than steel, so they do not seize the way metal buckles do after a wet season, and the nylon is UV resistant enough for full sun exposure on a south-facing trunk.
Each strap measures 145cm by 2.5cm, which is the trade-off. Narrow webbing is easy to pack and easy to thread through a camcorder-style mount, but it concentrates pressure on a smaller area of bark, so it is the width you want to watch on a long deployment.
As with any strap mount, aiming is a by-hand proposition. You prop the camera at the angle you want and the strap holds that angle until something moves it, which is fine for fixed sites and frustrating for trail corridors where the exact frame changes.
What to check before you hang it
Set the tension so the camera is snug but you can still slide a finger under the strap. Forum users caution strongly against pulling locks or straps completely tight on long deployments, because a growing trunk will push back and can leave a visible constriction mark in the bark.
Run the strap length around the trunk once rather than twice if the trunk is thick, since two passes of narrow webbing doubles the pressure. This is a good pack to keep in the vehicle as insurance rather than as your primary mount.
Where it falls short
There is no aiming hardware and no tension lock, so a hard wind can shift the camera and start recording frames of moving branches. Mounts with a locking ball joint solve that problem directly.
The narrow webbing is the other limitation. On softwood like pine, a tight strap over several weeks can dent the bark, and the 145cm length is shorter than an 8 foot strap, so it suits medium trunks better than the largest hardwoods.
6. WILDARES Heavy-Duty Trail Cam Straps – Strongest Strap Hardware Here
WILDARES 1″ x 6.6′ Trail Cam Strap,Game Camera Straps,Trail Camera mounting Straps,1800 lbs,Heavy-Duty,Tree Belts,Durable Nylon Fiber,Long-Lasting Alloy Buckle,Pack of 2
1800 lb load capacity
1 inch wide nylon
Weather-resistant alloy hooks
6.6 ft length
Pros
- 1800 lb load capacity from a very light strap
- Zinc alloy hooks resist corrosion better than plain steel
- Wide 1 inch webbing spreads load on the trunk
- Army green blends into woodland settings
Cons
- Strap mounting still means manual camera positioning
- 6.6 ft length is shorter than an 8 foot strap on the largest trunks
The difference between this and a basic strap is the hardware. The hooks are weather-resistant zinc alloy and the buckle is a long-lasting alloy rather than plastic or plain steel, which is what keeps the buckle from freezing or corroding in a wet fall deployment.
Owners rate the strength-to-weight figure highly, and they point out the wide 1 inch webbing spreads load across more bark than narrow camcorder webbing. That is the single feature that matters most for a long deployment on a living tree.
It is also not a camera-only tool. Buyers use it as a general tie-down for gear, motorcycles, trucks and hammocks, and at 1.23 ounces per strap it costs nothing to carry a spare.
As a camera mount, it works and it is honest about what it is. There is no aiming hardware, so the camera angle is set by hand and stays set until the trunk grows or the wind moves it.
Choosing the right strap width
Wide webbing reduces the pressure per square inch on the bark, which is exactly what you want for a sapling or a fast-growing softwood. Set it snug rather than tight, and check back after a few weeks. A strap that needs re-tightening once is normal, one that needs a knife to remove is too tight.
Army green disappears into woodland settings better than bright webbing, which is worth something on ground with foot traffic, though any strap is still visible up close.
Where it falls short
At 6.6 feet this is the shortest of the longer straps here, so it will not wrap the largest hardwoods the way an 8 foot strap does. Measure the trunk before you rely on it in thick timber.
There is still no way to adjust the camera angle after installation. If your scouting plan involves refining the frame on repeat visits, budget for a screw-in or ball joint mount instead and keep these as spares.
7. WingHome Trail Camera Holder Bracket – Best for Gates, Fences and Walls
WingHome Trail Cameras Holder, Tree Camera Mount Game Tree Cam Bracket
Metal body with plastic knob
1/4-20 insert support
Strap and screws included
300 g
Pros
- Metal construction feels sturdier than the price suggests
- Articulates so the camera can be aimed in any direction
- Moves between trees or objects without marking them
- Box includes strap
- screws and an Allen key
Cons
- Included strap is longer than needed and must be trimmed
- Bottom-stud cameras lose some adjustability
- Plastic tightening knob is the one non-metal part
This bracket is the most versatile mount in the roundup because it is not tree-only. It installs on trees, gates, fences, ceilings and walls, and it accepts security cameras as well as game cameras, all through the same 1/4-20 fitting.
Owners are pleasantly surprised by the metal build at this level, and they like being able to move the whole mount between locations without marking the surface. The articulating joint gives proper pan and tilt rather than the fixed direction of a basic screw-in spike.
The box includes a mounting strap, screws and an Allen key, so you can choose the attachment method on site. The strap option is what lets you hang it on a tree without driving a screw into the wood.
What to check before buying
Measure and trim the included strap before you walk out. Owners repeatedly note it is longer than needed, and cutting it to length on the spot is a waste of daylight in the woods.
If you plan to use it on a fence or gate rather than a tree, the screw and expansion hardware is the route to take. Plan your aiming before you tighten the knob, since the joint holds position well once set.
Where it falls short
The plastic tightening knob is the one non-metal part, and it is the component owners single out. On a bracket that is otherwise all metal, that knob is the piece most likely to strip or crack in a hard freeze, and a stripped knob means losing your aim mid-season.
At 300 grams it is heavier than the lightweight screw-in mounts, and cameras that attach through a bottom stud lose some of the adjustment compared with a proper ball head.
8. HME Trail Camera Holder Tree Mount – Best for 120 Degree Tilt Range
HME Trail Camera Holder Tree Mount with 360-degree Rotational Camera Head | Compact Sturdy Design | Easy Installation & Versatile Compatibility
360 deg rotating head
120 deg tilt
Locking knob
1/4-20 insert fit
Pros
- Full 360 degree rotation with 120 degrees of tilt for precise framing
- Compact and sturdy from an established hunting accessory brand
- Simple screw-in installation into most trees
- Fits a wide range of trail camera brands
Cons
- Not rated as water resistant
- so long-term rain exposure is a consideration
- No strap backup
- so the screw-in approach is not reversible without removal
This is the sibling to our top pick, and the difference is the tilt. Where the Economy holder offers 220 degrees of vertical travel, this one gives 120 degrees of tilt with a 360 degree rotating head, which is a tighter, more deliberate arc for a corridor-style shot.
Buyers cite the wide rotation and tilt range and the compact metal build. It folds to about 10 by 5 by 5 centimeters, so it is easy to pack between a spare battery and a memory card, and the camera locking knob holds position once you set it.
It fits any camera with a 1/4 x 20 bottom threaded insert, which covers essentially every mainstream trail camera body as well as many security cameras.
Be aware of one spec before leaving it out for the season. The listed water resistance level is not rated, and that is the caveat owners raise when they consider leaving a mount exposed through a full wet autumn and winter.
When the tighter tilt is the better choice
A 120 degree tilt is plenty when you are covering a trail corridor or a mineral site, and the tighter range gives a firmer feel in the joint at a fixed high angle. The locking knob does the work of holding a specific frameline against a moving branch line.
Pair it with a cable lock threaded through the camera body. Since this is a screw-in, the mount is not a theft deterrent on its own, but a fixed mount at height plus a lock is a much stronger position than a strap at eye level.
Where it falls short
The lack of a water resistance rating matters for anyone leaving gear through a winter. A sealed ball joint is a better bet for all-season exposure than an unrated pivot.
It is also a screw-in with no strap backup, so the mount remains in the trunk after you take the camera down. Reversing the install means backing the screw out and patching the wound, which is a consideration on private timber you care about.
9. ORIPIK 360 Degree Adjustable Tree Mount – Budget Pick
ORIPIK Trail Camera Tree Mount: 360 Degrees Adjustable Game Camera Mount with 1/4 inch Screw, Easy Installation & Compact Sturdy, 4 Pack
360 deg ball head
Pointed screw and expansion screw
1/4-20 thread
Water resistant
Pros
- Much easier to aim than a strap with no wedging needed
- Ball joint allows nearly any viewing angle
- Low enough cost to mount cameras and detachable solar panels
- Thick metal arm resists bending
Cons
- Some buyers find the bracket larger than expected
- Ball joint and screw can rust within about a year
- Less rigid than heavier mounts
- so animals can nudge the camera
This is the budget answer to a real problem. Users consistently frame it as a cheap alternative to the metal screw-in mounts, and they praise the aim adjustment most, since a ball head is the difference between a camera you can reframe in the woods and one you have to take down to change.
It is also cheap enough that you can mount both a camera and a detachable solar panel with the same style of hardware, since both use a 1/4-20 threaded fitting. Packs are offered in one, four and eight unit formats for multi-point coverage.
Two drawbacks recur. The ball joint and screw can corrode within roughly a year in constant exposure, and the bracket is bulkier than some buyers expected for the money, which matters in a pack on a long walk-in.
Rigidity is the second point. It is less rigid than a heavier steel bracket, so a curious animal can nudge the camera and shift your frame, and a stiff wind can move it enough to generate unwanted motion captures.
What makes a ball joint worth it
A ball head lets you point the camera down a trail, level at a corridor, or angled toward a bait site, all without removing the camera. That matters most on elevated placements, where climbing back up to reposition a fixed screw is the part nobody enjoys.
Installation is quick. A pointed screw goes into the tree and an expansion screw covers fence or hard surfaces, and the joint tightens down once you are happy with the aim.
Where it falls short
Corrosion is the honest limit. Reviewers flag that the ball joint and screw can start to rust within about a year, so if you are leaving this up through a full season of rain and snow, budget for a light coat of protectant or accept that the aim will stiffen over time.
The lighter build also means more flex in a stiff wind. If your site is an exposed ridge or a high canopy perch, the heavier steel options in this roundup hold a truer aim.
10. The…Cam EasyStrap-3 – Best for Low Visibility
The…Cam Quick Camera Holder EasyStrap-3, Premium 3 Pack Trail Camera Straps,Game Camera Strap,Tree Belts,Durable Nylon Fiber,Hunting Gifts for Men, Hunting Utility Strap for Hanging Trail Cameras
180cm strap length
UV-stable nylon fiber
Low-visibility color
1.23 oz, 3 pack
Pros
- Three straps included for multi-camera setups
- Low-visibility color blends into the trunk
- Very light at 1.23 oz so it adds no pack weight
- Universal fit across camera brands
Cons
- No adjustment for camera angle after hanging
- Must be repositioned as the tree grows or the strap loosens
Visibility is the whole design goal here. The low-visibility color is meant not to attract people or animals, and on a mixed bark trunk it disappears far better than a bright camo pattern or a light-colored strap. That is a real advantage on ground with foot traffic.
Three straps ship in the pack, which suits anyone running multiple boxes across a lease. At 1.23 ounces per strap the pack-out cost is effectively zero, and owners note that the straps work across all trail camera types regardless of brand.
The 180cm length covers a good range of saplings and mid-size hardwoods, and installation is quick enough that you can place a camera on the walk back out rather than planning the trip around the mount.
As with every strap mount, the camera cannot be aimed once it is hung. Reviewers describe it as a positive, low-visibility, lightweight strap rather than a precision mount, which is the correct expectation to set.
When stealth matters more than adjustability
Choose a strap when the site is a fixed point you will not revisit, and a joint when the site is a corridor you will re-aim. This pack is built for the first case, and the low-vis color makes it the better strap option on ground that gets walked.
Because there is no screw, there is no wound. That reversibility is why many people keep a strap pack as a permanent part of the kit even after adding a screw-in mount for their high sites.
Where it falls short
You will need to reposition as the tree grows or the strap loosens, and on a fast-growing softwood over a multi-week deployment that can mean more than one adjustment. A screw-in bracket does not have this problem, because it does not rely on tension that changes.
There is also no wind management. Branch movement passes straight to the camera, and owners who scout in exposed timber report the resulting motion captures filling memory cards with frames of leaves.
11. ALTIN 4-Pack 360 Degree Tree Bracket – Best Multi-Location Pack
ALTIN Trail Camera Mount, 4-Pack 360° Tree Bracket, 1/4in Thread, Camo
Coated alloy steel
5 kg weight capacity
360 deg interface
4 brackets, camo
Pros
- Tool-free pointed screw drives straight into a tree
- Camouflage coloring keeps the mount discreet
- Steel build rated to 5 kg feels solid
- Four brackets cover multiple monitoring locations
Cons
- Heaviest bracket in the group at 0.62 kg
- which adds pack weight on backcountry trips
- Cameras and devices are not included
Four coated steel brackets is the practical choice when you are covering a property rather than a single tree. The 360 degree rotating interface handles the aim, the camouflage finish keeps the hardware from standing out against bark, and the extended pointed wood screw installs without tools.
Reviewers like that installation needs no tools and that the steel feels solid through a season, and the 5 kg capacity means the mount is not the limiting factor for any camera or panel you put on it.
The main drawback is honest weight. At 0.62 kg for the pack, this is the heaviest set here, and it is noticeable if you are walking a long way in on a backcountry route with a full scouting load.
Note that the cameras are not included. This is a mounting solution, and you will need your own camera bodies, which is fine if you already own them and annoying if you were expecting a complete kit.
What four brackets actually get you
One kit can cover a bait or mineral site, a bypass, a bedding area and a travel corridor, which is the standard four-location scouting pattern. The 360 degree interface means each one aims independently, so you are not forced into the same frame at every location.
Leave a couple of mounts in place between seasons. Once the screw is in, re-aiming in 2026 takes seconds, which beats driving four new screws into four new trees each year.
Where it falls short
Weight is the reason this sits mid-list. For an ATV-accessible or near-truck scouting route the bulk does not matter, but for a long walk-in it is the first thing to reconsider in favor of a lighter composite screw-in.
Like the other screw-in options, the aim is set at installation and cannot be tilted afterward, so getting the direction right on the first attempt matters more here than on a ball joint mount.
12. ORIPIK Dual Ball Joint Tree Mount – Best for Dual Joint Aiming
ORIPIK Adjustable Trail Camera Tree Mount: Game Camera Outdoor Mounting Bracket Holder with Double 360° Swivel Tilt Ball Joints, 2 Packs
Two 360 deg ball joints
Stainless steel and plastic
Expansion screw
2 mounts, 2 year warranty
Pros
- Two independent ball joints give the widest aiming range in the roundup
- Stainless steel components resist rust better than plated screws
- Works for trail cameras
- security cameras and solar panels
- Two-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than single-joint screw-in mounts
- Requires pre-drilling holes when mounting to a fence or hard surface
Most ball-joint mounts have one joint. This one has two, each rotating 360 degrees horizontally and vertically, which is what lets you set a camera on an arm and then fine-tune the angle independently rather than fighting one pivot to get two axes of adjustment.
Reviewers treat it as the most aimable mount in the roundup, pointing out that it lets you angle down a trail or set a solar panel toward the sun. The stainless steel construction is appreciated for corrosion resistance, and there is a two-year manufacturer warranty behind it.
It works for more than cameras. The 1/4-20 standard mount thread fits security cameras and solar panels, so a common mounting point can carry both a camera and its power supply aimed at the same patch of sky.
Each package includes two mounts and matching expansion screws, so you can run a pair of cameras on a two-camera setup or keep a second in the pack for a backup site.
When two joints earn their bulk
The second joint is most useful on elevated and awkward placements, where a single pivot leaves you angling across the mount instead of adjusting it. It is also the difference between aiming a solar panel at a specific direction and hoping for the best through a full week of sun.
For trees, the expansion screw and pre-drilled holes make it a straightforward install. Stainless steel parts mean the season-long exposure risk is lower than with plated steel screw-in mounts.
Where it falls short
It is bulkier and heavier than a single-joint screw-in, and that weight is the trade for the articulation. On a long walk-in with several mounts, the difference adds up faster than you would expect.
When mounting to a fence or any hard surface, you need to pre-drill the holes first. That is a two-minute job with a drill and an extra step if you planned to install with one hand in the dark.
How to Choose a Trail Camera Tree Mount
Choose by attachment method first, tree size second, articulation third. The four families below cover almost every real situation, and picking the right one up front prevents the most common field frustration: a camera that cannot be re-aimed once it is where you put it.
Strap, screw-in, pole or multi-arm: which family fits
A strap mount wraps the trunk and is fully reversible. It is the right choice for thin saplings, for trees you cannot drill, and for any site you will move repeatedly. The cost is zero adjustment.
A screw-in bracket drives a spike into the wood and ends in an adjustable head. It gives far more freedom of angle and a real tension lock than a strap, and it is the standard recommendation from forum regulars for anyone hanging a camera high and angling down.
An articulated or multi-arm mount adds reach and two-axis adjustment, usually with a ball joint or a swiveling arm. It is the choice for elevated placements where you would otherwise need a ladder to re-aim, and the choice for mounting a solar panel at a fixed angle.
A pole or post style mount, used for T-posts and ground stakes, is the answer when there is no suitable tree, when the tree is too small, or when you want a bypass shot with no trunk in the frame. It is outside the products in this roundup, but it is the standard workaround when the tree does not cooperate.
Match the mount to the trunk
Measure the trunk circumference at mounting height before you pick a strap length. Longer straps handle bigger trees, and this is the most common mismatch: a strap too short for a thick hardwood will not close, while a strap far too long on a sapling is the strap that will grow into the bark.
For screw-in mounts, the real question is wood density. Self-tapping threads bite easily in softwood, and dense hardwood needs a pilot hole and a patient hand start. A mount that will not go in is a wasted trip.
How high should you mount
Match the height to the target. Deer are most often worked at about 3 feet, where their body fills the frame. Six to seven feet reduces spooking because the camera sits above eye level and scent and movement pattern stay out of view. Ten to fifteen feet is the theft-deterrent range, and getting there without a ladder is what pole systems and long articulated arms are for.
Birds and canopy work sits at the opposite end, often well above eye level looking down, where a ball joint or a high bracket becomes essential because the angle has to be steep.
Wind sway and false triggers
Moving branches are the most common cause of pointless captures. Rigid metal mounts, tighter strap tension and a heavier bracket all reduce sway compared with a light composite spike on a flexible limb.
Aiming into an open corridor rather than at a leaf line helps, and if a site is unavoidably windy, budget for the shorter deployment cycles or a camera with adjustable sensitivity rather than trying to mount your way out of it.
Legality and tree damage
On private land you control, both screw-in and strap mounting are your call. On public land and state-managed ground, rules vary, and some jurisdictions restrict or prohibit damaging trees or installing hardware. Check the specific area before you drive out, and on lease land get permission from the landowner.
Tree-cam use is also under increasing state-level scrutiny, partly over privacy concerns. Know what the land you are hunting allows, and keep your activity within posted rules.
Where you can avoid it, do not leave a screw in a living tree. A screw-in that stays in place after you take the camera down leaves a wound that can become an entry point for insects and rot, and repeated use of the same tree makes it worse.
With a strap, set tension snug but not tight, and check back after two weeks. Forum users repeatedly caution that a fully tightened lock or cable on a long deployment can constrict the trunk as it grows, and hunters on community boards recommend screw-in mounts hung high and angled down specifically to get away from strap tension entirely.
How to Attach a Trail Camera to a Tree (Step by Step)
Attach a trail camera to a tree in five steps: choose the height for your target, set the direction before you drill, attach the mount, lock the camera to the 1/4-20 thread, and aim and test it before you walk out.
Pick the height first. About 3 feet for deer, 6 to 7 feet to reduce spooking, and 10 to 15 feet for theft deterrence.
Stand back and decide the direction before you attach anything. A screw-in mount sets its direction at install, so guessing wastes the trip.
Attach the mount. Straps wrap the trunk and buckle. Screw-in mounts drive in by hand or with a drill, and need a pilot hole in dense hardwood.
Seat the camera on the 1/4-20 thread and tighten the knob or lock nut. Add a cable lock if theft is a concern in your area.
Aim the head, take a test photo, then walk out. Come back to trim the field of view later once animals show you what you are actually capturing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to attach a trail camera to a tree?
Choose your height for the target, decide the viewing direction before you attach anything, then secure the mount with either a strap around the trunk or a screw-in bracket driven into the wood. Seat the camera on the standard 1/4-20 threaded fitting, tighten the lock knob, aim the head and take a test photo before you walk out.
Can I mount a camera to a tree?
Yes, on land you have permission to use. Mounting a trail camera in a tree is standard practice on private property and permitted lease ground. On public land, state rules vary, so check the specific area, and never damage a tree or install hardware where it is prohibited.
How to secure a trail camera to a tree?
Most secure setups combine a rigid mount, height and a lock. A screw-in or ball-joint bracket at 10 to 15 feet is much harder to reach than a strap at eye level, and a cable lock through the camera body or strap adds real resistance. Avoid over-tightening locks on long deployments, because a growing trunk pushes back.
Is it legal to put a camera in a tree?
It depends entirely on the land. On private property you control it is a straightforward decision. Public land and state-managed ground have their own rules about damaging trees and installing hardware, and several states are reviewing trail camera use because of privacy concerns. Check local regulations for the specific area before you install.
What is the best way to mount a trail camera?
The best way depends on the tree and the target. Use a strap for saplings, trees you cannot drill and sites you will move. Use a screw-in bracket for a rigid hold and real aiming freedom, and an articulated or ball-joint mount for elevated placements and solar panels. Match height to the species, roughly 3 feet for deer and 6 to 15 feet to avoid spooking and deter theft.
Is a camera strap necessary?
A strap is not necessary if you own a screw-in or articulated mount. Most cameras ship with one, but straps offer no angle adjustment, can loosen as a tree grows and can bite into the trunk. Keep a strap as a reversible backup for trees you cannot drill, and choose a screw-in or ball joint when you need to re-aim the camera later.
Best Trail Camera Mounts for Trees: Final Word
The HME Economy holder is the trail camera tree mount to beat for most people, because 360 degree rotation and 220 degrees of vertical travel in a 6.4 ounce package solve the aiming problem almost nothing else does at this level. If you need a reversible option or the tree is too big for a screw-in, the Moultrie 8 foot strap pair is the dependable fallback, and the ORIPIK dual ball joint mount covers the awkward high placements where one pivot is not enough.
Whichever you choose, set the height for your target, check the rules for the ground you are on, and leave strap tension snug rather than tight. If you still need to choose a body, start with our best trail cameras guide, then come back and pair it with one of the mounts above.