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A Traveler’s Guide to Iceland’s Campsites: The Best Places to Go Camping with Your Campervan

29-01-2025

Campsites in Iceland

    There are many reasons why camping with a campervan is one of the most convenient and comfortable accommodation options here on the island. But as a traveler, it can be hard to discern between the must-visit camping spots and the ones you should rather give a skip and which campgrounds offer the best facilities and amenities for campervan camping. This is why we decided to compile an easy-to-use guide outlining Iceland’s campsites, which are pure campervan perfection.

    So, if you’re thinking of visiting Iceland sometime in the future and you’ve been pondering how to explore the island and where to stay – this guide is for you! Find out why campervan camping should be your go-to and which places to consider when compiling that trip itinerary.

    Two travelers enjoying a scenic campsite in Iceland, sitting outside their campervan with a view of mountains and glaciers. A perfect example of a well-equipped camping spot for campervan travelers.

    Why Go Campervan Camping in Iceland?

    As mentioned, there are many benefits to going camping in a campervan in Iceland. If you’re considering renting a campervan in Iceland, here are some key reasons why it’s a great choice:

    • It’s one of the most convenient ways of exploring the island. Since both your transport and your accommodation are sorted, you can do a proper road trip all around the country and not have to live by stringent accommodation bookings.
    • Apart from glamping, it’s the most comfortable way of going camping with all the creature comforts you could possibly want.
    • It’s the most budget-friendly way of exploring Iceland. Accommodation is usually the most expensive part of any getaway, and with your transport and accommodation expenses combined, you’ve already saved some money. Add on something like the Camping Card that allows 2 adults and up to 4 kids per stand to stay at numerous campsites around the country for up to 28 nights, along with additional gas discounts, and you’ll struggle to find a cheaper way of exploring the island.
    • You’ll have incredible views and access to some of the most famous sights and attractions in Iceland. Many of the camping sites in Iceland offer breathtaking views of our beautiful landscapes and also get you the closest to some of our famous landmarks. You might be lucky enough to have one of our waterfalls practically on your front doorstep or a historic spot just a short walk away.
    • A campervan extends your opportunity for camping. Because you’re not so vulnerable to the elements in a campervan, you can still go camping, even when the seasons start to change and the weather conditions become harsher. The same goes for after the winter season when a lot of ice and snow still hasn’t melted entirely in springtime.

    A campervan driving along a scenic road in Iceland, surrounded by mountains and dramatic landscapes—highlighting the freedom and adventure of campervan travel on the island.

    Helpful Tips for Campervan Camping at Iceland’s Campgrounds

    If this is your first time going camping in Iceland or just the first time you’ll be campervan camping, the following tips can come in handy:

    Consider the Weather & Road Conditions During the Colder Months

    Although camping with a campervan extends your camping season, you’ll need to keep the weather and road conditions of Iceland during the colder months in mind, especially in the north, where it gets colder much quicker and weather conditions can be much harsher.

    Things such as snow, ice, and extreme winds can cause challenging road conditions or even sudden road closures of roads, attractions, and activities. So, if you’re planning on visiting the island during the colder months (October to April), you’ll need to prep and plan for that, as well as keep a close eye on the Icelandic Weather Forecast and the Icelandic Road Conditions.

    A scenic campsite in Iceland with tents set up on lush green grass, overlooking a peaceful lake and distant mountains—illustrating the beauty of Iceland’s designated campgrounds for campervan travelers.

    Make Advanced Bookings for a Peak Season Trip

    You need to remember that the summer (June to August), as well as the festive season till after New Year, is considered peak season on the island. That means you’ll need to book anything and everything from transport, accommodation, activities, attractions, etc., well in advance if you don’t want to be left disappointed or, at worst, stranded.

    Don’t Make the Mistake of Thinking That You Can Just Park Wherever You Want

    One of the questions we get most often when it comes to campervan camping is whether you can camp anywhere in Iceland. This question usually stems from a relative or friend who had a road trip/camping adventure in Iceland in the past or heard something from someone. While wild camping might’ve been a thing in Iceland once, those days are long gone.

    A white campervan parked at a designated rest area in Iceland, with mountains and a glacier in the background. Following Iceland’s camping laws, the vehicle is parked in an authorized spot to avoid fines and environmental damage.

    In fact, due to the extreme impact increased tourist numbers and the rise in popularity of wild camping had on the environment and ecosystems here on the island, a law was passed in 2015 prohibiting any campervan camping outside of a designated camping spot. As with most laws, you still have chancers risking getting caught, but before you lump yourself in with this lot, we have to tell you that Icelanders really do not look kindly upon rulebreakers.

    A weathered “No Camping” sign on a fenced-off area in Iceland, with snow-covered mountains in the background—highlighting the strict regulations against wild camping.

    So, if you ever find yourself on the wrong side of the campervan camping laws, you might end up in a face-off with a very angry Icelander (some have even been known to run “invaders” off their property in quad bikes!) or you’ll get stuck with such a hefty fine that you might have to cut your entire trip short.

    A well-maintained campervan campground in Iceland, featuring designated parking spots, green spaces, and various campervans parked—highlighting some of the best sites for campervan travelers.

    The Best Campervan Campgrounds in Iceland

    Below, you will find a little “cheat sheet” to some of the best campervan campsites in Iceland that are usually open all year round (except for some unforeseen circumstances, of course).

    These sites have been carefully selected based on their facilities, scenic surroundings, and accessibility throughout different seasons. Whether you’re looking for a campsite with full amenities or a remote spot surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, this list will help you find the perfect place to park your campervan and fully enjoy your Icelandic adventure.

    Choosing the right campsite can make all the difference in your campervan adventure. While some sites offer modern amenities like electricity, showers, and kitchen facilities, others provide a more rugged, back-to-nature experience. Many of these campgrounds are strategically located near Iceland’s top attractions, allowing you to wake up to breathtaking views of glaciers, waterfalls, or black sand beaches. No matter your preference, planning ahead and knowing where to stay will ensure a comfortable and hassle-free trip, especially during peak travel seasons.

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    Campground

    Location

    Price

    A Few Highlights

    Facilities/Amenities

    Reykjavik Eco-campsite

    Sundlaugavegur, Reykjavik

    • Small campervans = 3 888 ISK (+/- $28.50 or €26.00)
    • Supersize Stand = 6 948 ISK (+/- $50.50 or €47.00)
    • Eco-certified.
    • 2 Kilometers from the city center.
    • Public transport options with a bus stop right in front of the campsite.
    • Electricity at Supersize Stands
    • Restrooms
    • Showers
    • Communal Kitchen
    • Lounge Area
    • Barbecue Area
    • Laundry
    • Water Filling Station

    Uthlid Campground

    Uthlid, Blaskogarbyggd

    • Per person per night = 2000 ISK (+/- $15 or €14)
    • Additional Camper = 333 ISK (+/- $2.50 or €2.30)

     

    • Great campground for those looking to go horseriding (offered on-site) and golfing (golf course nearby).
    • Restrooms
    • Showers
    • Hot Tub
    • Restaurant with Free WiFi
    • Laundry

    Hveragerdi Campsite

    Hveragerdi, Reykjamörk

    • Per adult per night (anyone 16+ years old) = 2000 ISK (+/- $15 or €14)
    • Per child per night (anyone 15 years and younger) = Free

     

    • Restrooms
    • Laundry
    • Electricity supply at an additional 1000 ISK (+/- $7.20 or €6.85)
    • Swimming Pool
    • Playground
    • Restaurant

    Ulfjotsvatn Campsite

    Ulfjotsvatn, Selfoss

    • Per adult per night (anyone 17+ years old) = 1950 ISK (+/- $14.10 or €13.05)
    • Per teen per night (anyone between 13 and 17) = 750 ISK (+/- $5.45 or €5.05)
    • Per child per night (anyone 12 and younger) = Free
    • Seniors and the disabled = 1150 ISK (+/- $x or €7.70)

     

    • Many camping spots right next to the lake where you can go fishing if you have a permit.
    • Pet-friendly campsite.
    • Restrooms
    • Water Outlets.
    • Electricity supply is at an additional cost per night = 1100 ISK (+/- $8.00 or €7.35)
    • Shop
    • Barbecue facilities.
    • Playgrounds

     

    Hofn Camping Ground

    Hafnarbraut, Hofn i Hornafirdi

    • Campervan, including 2 people = 4000 ISK (+/- $28.95 or €26.75)
    • Campervan, including 1 person and a motorbike = 2400 ISK (+/- $17.35 or €16.05)

     

    • Known for its breathtaking views of the mountains and glaciers.
    • Walking distance away from town.
    • Restrooms
    • Cooking facilities
    • WiFi
    • Laundry
    • Playground
    • Electricity supply.

     

    Gesthus Selfoss

    Engjavegur, Selfoss

    • Campervan, including 1 adult = 3500 ISK (+/- $25.30 or €23.40)
    • Additional cost per adult (anyone 15+ years) = 1800 ISK (+/- $13.05 or €12.05)

     

    • As a family-run business, they pride themselves on adding a personal touch to their visitor’s stay.
    • A 10-minute walk from town.
    • Restrooms
    • Laundry
    • Kitchen
    • Dining Room
    • WiFi
    • Electricity Supply
    • Water outlets

    Camp Egilsstadir

    Kaupvangur, Egilsstadir

    • Per adult per night (anyone between 13 and 67) = 2750 ISK (+/- $19.80 or €18.85)
    • Per child per night (12 and younger) = Free
    • Per senior per night (67+ years) = 2000 ISK (+/- $14.40 or €13.70)
    • Overnight tax per campervan = 400 ISK (+/- $2.90 or €2.75)
    • Open 24/7
    • The city center is a mere walk down the street.

     

    • Restrooms
    • Laundry
    • Kitchen
    • Luggage Storage
    • Playground
    • WiFi
    • Electricity Supply at additional 2000 ISK per 24 hours (+/- $14.40 or €13.70)

     

     

    ·         

    Hamrar Campsite

    Hamrar, Akureyri

    • Per adult per night = 2450 ISK (+/- $17.65 or €16.80)
    • Per child per night (Younger than 18 years) = Free
    • Per senior per night (anyone 67+ years) = 2000 ISK (+/- $14.40 or €13.70)
    • Overnight tax per campervan = 450 ISK (+/- $3.25 or €3.10)
    • The campsite is built on top of the original settlement of Helga Magra.
    • Restrooms
    • Laundry
    • Playground
    • Electricity Supply 1450 ISK per night (+/- $10.45 or €9.95)

     

    CJA Campsite

    Hjalli, Laugar

    • Per adult per night (18+ years) = 1900 ISK (+/- $13.70 or €13.00)
    • Per child per night (between 13 and 17 years) = 600 ISK (+/- $4.35 or €4.15)
    • Per child per night (between 0 and 12 years) = Free
    • Overnight tax per campervan = 500 ISK (+/- $3.60 or €3.45)
    • Practically on the popular Diamond Circle road trip route.
    • Famous for its large camping spots (between 80 and 160 square meters), which are separated by privacy hedges.
    • Restrooms
    • Cooking Facilities
    • Laundry
    • Playground
    • Electricity Supply per night = 800 ISK (+/- $5.75 or €5.50)

    Hlid Campground

    Hraunbrun, Myvatn

    • Per adult per night (anyone 17+ years of age) = 2700 ISK (+/- $19.55 or €18.05)
    • Per child per night (anyone 16 and younger) = Free
    • Overnight tax per campervan = 333 ISK (+/- $2.45 or €2.25)

     

    • Just 1 kilometer from the famous Lake Myvatn
    • Restrooms
    • Cooking Facilities
    • Playground
    • Electricity Supply for 24 hours = 900 ISK (+/- $6.50 or €6.20)

     

    Bjarteyjarsandur Campsite

    Bjarteyjarsandur, Hvalfjordur

    • Per adult per night (anyone 14+ years of age) = 2000 ISK (+/- $14.45 or €13.40)
    • Per child per night (anyone 13 and younger) = 1000 ISK (+/- $7.25 or €6.70)

     

    • Just a 10-minute  drive from our famous Glymur Waterfall.
    • Restrooms
    • Restaurant
    • Electricity Supply = 1000 ISK (+/- $7.20 or €6.85)
    •  

     

    Start Making Your Way Through the Campgrounds in Iceland

    We have many popular road trip routes here in Iceland, with some of our most famous attractions along the way. Routes such as the Ring Road, the Diamond Circle, the Westfjords Way, and the Golden Circle. So, pick the path that takes your fancy and use our helpful guide to Iceland’s campsites to plan your overnight stops.

    Just remember that if you’re going to be renting a campervan in Iceland during our peak seasons, you’ll need to book in advance. It’s the best way to explore the island, and we’re not the only ones who know it. So, start planning, prepping (and booking!) for that road trip through Iceland – it promises to be the experience of a lifetime!

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