You’ve landed in Iceland and want to see everything. Newsflash, buddy, you won’t. Not in one trip. Unless you’ve got half a year and unlimited PTO, you’ll need to pick your battles. Start smart.
Camping along the Golden Circle in Iceland is the first trip that actually makes sense. It’s got all the good stuff first-timers usually come for: Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, and so much more. All crammed into one loop just outside Reykjavík with no remote highlands or tricky F-roads. Just paved views, steamy eruptions, and waterfalls that’ll soak your camera lens.
And if you’re camping nearby with a campervan? Then you'll get it all before or after the tour bus circus. Camping is simply cheaper, quieter, and way more fun with a campervan. Let’s show you how it’s done.
Why Camp the Golden Circle in Iceland
If you’ve got a sense of adventure, then you should absolutely go camping in the Golden Circle in Iceland. If you rent a camper in Iceland, you’re not racing daylight or watching your watch. You’re drinking coffee at Þingvellir before the first tour van even pulls in.
You’re watching steam rise at Geysir long after the crowds have retreated to wherever crowds go. Tour buses? They roll in like clockwork between 10:00 and 16:00 and spoil just about everything. You’ll be done and gone by then.
How to Reach the Golden Circle
Getting to the Golden Circle is dead simple. Thingvellir is 45 minutes from Reykjavík. From Keflavík Airport, give it 1.5 to 2 hours. That’s it. You’re in. The loop runs along Route 36, 35, and 1.
The roads are open year-round, too. And the best part is that you don’t need a 4x4, no matter what some rental sites might try to upsell you. Fuel is easy to find near the city, but after Thingvellir, not so much.
Fill up before you leave civilization. If you’re using a Golden Circle Iceland map, you’ll see that the whole thing is barely 230 km or 140 miles. Just enough road to feel like a trip without becoming a mission.
What to See on the Golden Circle Route
They call it the Golden Circle because Gullfoss means ‘Golden Falls,’ and someone in marketing thought that sounded catchy enough to sell tours. Spoiler: it worked. And yes, it lives up to the hype. Keep reading to see what’s actually worth your time.
Þingvellir National Park
Þingvellir National Park is where Iceland’s story begins both politically and geologically. It’s the birthplace of Alþingi, the world’s oldest parliament, established in 930 AD. That alone makes it a big deal. But it also sits directly on the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
You can actually walk through the crack that’s slowly pulling Iceland apart. Now for the best part. If you’ve got your Open Water and Dry Suit certifications, do the Silfra diving tour. We highly recommend it. You’re diving between two continents in some of the clearest freshwater on earth. Visibility hits up to 100 meters, and the stillness down there is unreal.
Max dive depth is 18 meters. You can’t wear glasses in the mask, so bring lenses or a prescription mask. If temperatures drop below 0°C (32°F), they shorten the dive. Worth it anyway. Completely unique to Iceland.
Geysir Geothermal Area
The Geysir Geothermal Area is where the ground breathes, bubbles, and occasionally blasts boiling water up to 20 meters (65 feet) into the air. Strokkur is the main act here, erupting every 5 to 10 minutes without fail.
Just keep your camera ready and step back unless you want a free facial. The place smells like rotten eggs. That’s normal because of the sulfur. Wooden boardwalks keep you on the safe path and prevent those clueless tourists from wandering into steam vents.
The area is open year-round, and the contrast of hot steam and frozen ground in winter is worth seeing. Facilities? Yep. You’ve got the Geysir Center with parking, toilets, overpriced snacks, and a gift shop if you need a magnet to prove you were here.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss ranks amongst the best waterfalls in Iceland. It drops a total of 32 meters (105 feet) into a narrow canyon, split between an 11-meter (36 feet) upper fall and a 21-meter (69 feet) lower one. When the sun hits right, the mist glows gold. That’s how it got the name.
The viewing platforms are excellent. The upper one is wheelchair accessible with a wide panoramic view. The lower one gets you close, but might be closed in winter. If you’re camping along the Golden Circle in Iceland, this is your sunrise or sunset stop. The buses show up late in the morning. So, keep that in mind.
Parking is free with two lots. The upper one has restrooms, a café, a gift shop, and more tourists. The lower one is basic and quiet. Inside the visitor center, you’ll find geology displays and conservation info. Outside? Trails, mist, noise, and wind. Give it two hours. Maybe more if the light’s good.
Optional Stops
Optional stops along the Golden Circle add more bite to your route if you’ve got time. None of these are essential, but they’re perfect if you’re not racing the loop.
- Kerið Crater - A 55-meter (180-foot) volcanic pit filled with shockingly blue water and framed by red and black rock. It’s a quick stop but visually worth it. Entry costs 5 USD. The walk to the bottom is steep, loose, and not for flip-flops. Takes 10 minutes down, 20 up, depending on your legs and the wind. Good photo stop if you ask us.
- Laugarvatn Fontana - Geothermal spa right on the edge of the lake. Hot pools, wet steam rooms, and that earthy sulfur smell in full effect. They bake traditional rye bread in the ground here and serve it warm with butter if you time it right. Less polished than some of the bigger spas, but that’s part of the charm.
- Secret Lagoon - Iceland’s oldest pool, tucked away in Flúðir. The water is usually around 38 to 40°C (100 to 104°F), with constant geothermal flow. You’re soaking in a natural hot spring, not a luxury resort. There’s a path that loops around bubbling vents and a small geyser that does its thing every few minutes.
Benefits of Camping vs. Hotels on the Golden Circle
Camping along the Golden Circle in Iceland actually puts you in the trip, not just next to it. One camper handles your sleep, your meals, and your transport. That’s it. You don’t waste time searching for gas, food, and a check-in counter before dark.
You’re already parked where you want to be. Hotel people spend half their time driving back to town. You’ll be having breakfast near Gullfoss while they’re trying to find their rental keys. It’s cheaper, yeah. But more than that, it’s just smarter. Less hassle. More Iceland. The way it should be.
Best Time of Year for Golden Circle Camping
There’s no perfect season. Just trade-offs. Icelandic weather plays by its own rules, and motorhome camping in Iceland means adjusting to whatever mood it’s in. Here’s what to expect:
- Summer (June to August) - Longest days, warmest temps. Highs around 13 to 14°C (55 to 57°F), but nights still get cold. Campsites are open, accessible, and full. Great for first-timers. Expect wind, rain, and zero darkness to mess with your sleep.
- Shoulder season (May and September) - Cooler and quieter. Highs range from 4 to 11°C (39 to 52°F). Fewer crowds, more space. You get decent daylight but less predictability. One day, it’s calm. The next it’s sideways rain and early snow.
- Winter (October to April) - Rough, raw, and definitely not for beginners. Highs around 0 to 4°C (32 to 39°F). Snow, wind, frozen water lines, and limited campsites. But if you’re lucky, Northern Lights at 2 am.
Best Campsites Along the Golden Circle
You won’t be wild camping out here. These are the Golden Circle campsites worth knowing. Some are peaceful, some are rowdy, and some are just there to keep you dry and fed before the next stretch. Here’s what actually matters.
Þingvellir National Park Campground
Þingvellir National Park Campground is just 2 km (0.6 mi) from the park entrance. One of the few Golden Circle campsites that actually puts you inside the action.
Open Season
- Summer (June 1 to September 15): All areas open with full services.
- Winter (September 16 to May 31): Limited access at Nyrðri-Leirar, Syðri-Leirar, and Fagrabrekka. Showers may close during freezing temps.
Price (2025)
- $15 per adult per night
- $7.50 per senior (67+) or disabled person
- $3 overnight tax per unit
- $9 for electricity
- Stay 3 nights, get the 4th free
- 15% off for groups of 10 or more if paid together
Facilities
Toilets, hot showers (in some areas), dishwashing stations, and paid laundry (washer and dryer). Designated zones for tents and campervans. Showers may vary in temperature depending on where you’re parked. Visitor center and café across the road with more restrooms and a spot to pay. Rangers also collect fees in the evening or morning.
What Works
Right in the park, close to trails and rift views. No driving needed to access sights. Clean facilities overall. Feels less crowded than other spots. Heated bathrooms in some sections. Possible Northern Lights viewing in early autumn. Staff and rangers are helpful.
What Doesn’t
Campsites near the road pick up bus noise. Some areas have only cold water. Lakefront zones are scenic but basic. Bugs and flies show up now and then. Wind can make outdoor cooking a chore. Certain areas are tent-only, so campervans may need to relocate.
Local Tip
Aim for Nyrðri-Leirar if you want electricity and a better shot at hot water. If the wind picks up, forget the stove and head to the café across the road.
Skjol Campsite
Skjól Campsite sits right between Geysir and Gullfoss on Route 35. Geysir is 4 km (2.5 mi) away, Gullfoss is 6 km (3.7 mi), and Brúarhlöð 6 km (4 mi). You're surrounded by some of the biggest hitters on the Golden Circle route.
Open Season
May 15 to September 15. Outside that window, don’t expect service.
Price (2025)
- Around $24 per vehicle per night
- Electricity and showers may cost extra. Pay on-site.
Facilities
Hot showers, toilets, Wi-Fi, electricity, bar and restaurant, grill, picnic tables, jumping pillow, small football pitch, and tour bookings on-site. Pet-friendly. Wheelchair accessible. No indoor kitchen or camper lounge. Dishwashing sinks are outdoors with cold water only.
What Works
The location is great. It’s easy to reach the big-name spots, and you can grab dinner and a drink without leaving the site. Good for social campers or anyone looking for food, beer, and activity in one stop. The bar stays open late, the pizza’s decent, and there's usually something going on.
What Doesn’t
No communal kitchen. No proper shelter from wind or rain. Showers are pay-to-use and not always open. Bathrooms can be hit or miss, depending on when you show up. The whole setup leans more toward a restaurant with a field than an actual campground. Too exposed for tents in bad weather. Feels neglected outside of peak season.
Local Tip
Park at the edges if you want quiet. Don’t rely on the restaurant being open late. If the forecast looks bad, consider another spot with real facilities. But if the weather holds and you want a lively stop, this is one of the Golden Circle campsites where things don’t go dead after 8 pm.
View this post on Instagram
Laugarvatn Campsite
Laugarvatn Campsite is situated on the lakeshore in Laugarvatn. Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss are all within 40 km (25 mi). Fontana Baths are a 2-minute walk. You’re perfectly placed for the Golden Circle loop.
Open Season
May through September. Sometimes quieter in the early and late weeks, but fully operational in summer.
Price (2025)
- Around $19 per vehicle per night
- Electricity: extra $8
- 20% discount at Vinastræti Restaurant for campers
Facilities
Showers (included), toilets, sinks, electricity, picnic tables, outdoor grill, Wi-Fi, playground (coming summer 2025), info point, waste disposal, coffee, groceries, and hot spring access nearby. Swimming, fishing, horseback riding, and golf in town. Laugarvatn Fontana is within walking distance.
What Works
Spacious, quiet, and well-sheltered. You’re lakeside without the chaos. Great if you're camping along the Golden Circle in Iceland and want a break from the tourist crush. Fontana’s right there for a soak. Kids have space to run. Supermarket and restaurants within walking distance.
What Doesn’t
Close enough to the road that you’ll hear passing cars. The setup is still evolving. We find it basic for the price. No reception desk, just someone collecting fees in the morning. Showers are clean, but don’t expect hotel-level finishes.
Local Tip
Pitch on the lakeside if you want the view. Bring coins or a card with you. Some of the nearby spots (like Fontana) charge for lockers or showers separately. If you’re passing through on a Friday or weekend, arrive early. It fills up.
View this post on Instagram
Camping Selfoss (Gesthús Campsite)
The Selfoss campsite is situated in Selfoss town. A short walk from shops, gas, restaurants, the local swimming pool, and everything else you’ll want before hitting the road again. Great stop for the final night of your trip.
Open Season
Year-round. One of the few Golden Circle campsites that stays open through winter, snow or not.
Price (2025)
- $23 per adult
- $16 per senior
- $12 per teen (13-18)
- $3 lodging tax per unit
- $14 for electricity
- $8 per laundry cycle
- $4 for hot tub access
Facilities
Hot showers, toilets, large communal kitchen and dining room, Wi-Fi in public areas, washing machines and dryers, chemical disposal, 40 electric hookups, coffee, tea, wine, and beer sold on-site. Free parking.
What Works
The setup is simply great. Clean showers, good kitchen, indoor space to eat or chill, and enough pitches with electricity for larger vans. The staff know how to run a site. Plenty of hot water, even in winter. The location makes it ideal for your last night camping in the Golden Circle in Iceland before returning to Reykjavík or heading east. The town center is 10 minutes on foot.
What Doesn’t
Toilets and sinks can feel limited when it gets busy. The kitchen’s decent but not flawless. Water drainage can be slow, and equipment is basic. No privacy in showers. Prices are a little higher than at other campsites with more natural surroundings. Pitches can get muddy if it's been raining for days.
Local Tip
Don’t expect nature. Expect convenience. This one’s about recharging, restocking, and drying off before your next stretch. If you're rolling in after dark, they’ll usually let you pay in the morning. Grab supplies at Bonus nearby and hit the town’s bakery or hot tub while you're at it.
View this post on Instagram
Other options nearby
- Flúðir Campsite - Big, basic, and close to the Secret Lagoon. Around 200 pitches with showers, toilets, and washing machines. Costs about $17 for parking and $9 for water or wastewater service. Open mainly June through August, with limited hours in May and September. Fine for one night if you’re soaking at the lagoon, but management and maintenance are hit or miss.
- Hella Campsite - Right off Route 1, about 94 km (58 mi) from Reykjavík. Spacious, easy access, and good for stocking up before heading east or into the Highlands. Showers, kitchen, Wi-Fi, and electricity available. Great base for seeing Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Expect $19 per adult and about $10 for power. Convenient, not memorable.
Suggested 2-3 Day Golden Circle Camping Itinerary
If you’re planning a short loop, this Golden Circle campervan itinerary keeps it simple and smooth.
- Day 1: Reykjavík to Þingvellir (45 min), then Laugarvatn (25 min). Camp lakeside. Stop at Kerið Crater if time allows. Hit Þingvellir early to skip the crowds
- Day 2: Laugarvatn to Geysir (30 min), Gullfoss (10 min), and Skjól Campsite for the night. Arrive at Geysir before 10:00 when the buses start. Gullfoss is quieter midday.
- Day 3: Skjól to Secret Lagoon (20 min), then Selfoss (40 min). Camp, rest, and drive back to Reykjavík (1 hr 10 min). Optional stop in Flúðir if you want one last soak.
Costs & Budgeting for Golden Circle Camping
Planning your Golden Circle campervan itinerary? Here’s what you’re realistically looking at for daily costs in 2025.
- Budget campervans start at $110 per day.
- Mid-range setups fall between $150 and $260.
- Premium rigs? Expect $300 or more.
- Campsites cost $11 to $19 per person, and electricity usually adds a few extra dollars.
- Groceries run about $22 per day for two people if you’re cooking.
- Eating out costs at least $30 per plate.
- Gas prices in Iceland are around $2.40 per liter.
Daily estimate for 2 adults:
- Low-end: $187
- High-end: $451
Golden Circle Camping Rules & Tips
A few key rules can save you hassle, fines, and cold showers. Here are the essential camping tips for Iceland when following the Golden Circle route:
- Wild camping is banned all over Iceland. Stay only in marked campsites or expect a fine.
- Use safetravel.is, vedur.is, and umferdin.is to check road and weather conditions.
- Not all showers are free. Bring a payment card or coins.
- Electricity is common but not guaranteed. Ask before parking.
- Always pack for wind and rain. The weather shifts fast.
- The Icelandic Camping Card costs about $190 and covers two adults and kids at select sites. It only makes sense for trips longer than 7 to 10 nights, and mostly if you’re traveling beyond the Golden Circle.
FAQs on Golden Circle Camping
Can I wild camp?
Not a chance. Wild camping is illegal, period. You need to stay in designated campsites or risk fines.
How much does it cost to camp?
Most sites charge around $11 to $20 USD per person per night. Some add extra for electricity or showers, so always check the details before parking.
Can I camp in winter?
Yes, but options are limited. Many sites shut down by late September. If you're going off-season, rent a heated van and call ahead to confirm availability.
Do I need to pre-book campsites?
In summer, yes. The popular sites fill up fast. In shoulder season or winter, you can usually just show up without booking in advance.
Are campsites family-friendly?
Definitely, Laugarvatn and Selfoss are great picks with space, good facilities, and locations that work well for families traveling with kids.
How to Make the Most of Camping Along the Golden Circle in Iceland
Camping along the Golden Circle in Iceland gives you the one thing every traveler wants: freedom. No hotel check-ins. No tour schedules. Just you, the road, and whatever pace you feel like keeping.
It’s budget-friendly, easy to navigate, and ideal for first-timers who want a taste of Iceland without overcommitting. The loop is short, the payoff is huge, and you’ll dodge most of the tourist noise by doing it your way.
Check out our camper rental options before you come. We’ve got campers fit for every type of traveler: solo, couple, family, budget, or full comfort, all ready to roll.
