An Iceland adventure is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can come at a pretty hefty price tag if you don’t have a few insider tricks up your sleeve. The Iceland Camping Card is one of these budget-saving hacks that’s not to be missed.
So, if you’re planning on having an outdoor camping adventure in Iceland or you’re planning on road-tripping around the island in a campervan rental, then this article is for you. Read on to see how the Camping Card means getting more bang for your buck.
What is the Iceland Camping Card?
In a nutshell, the Camping Card (better known as Útilegukortið in Iceland) is your gateway to super affordable accommodation and incredible discounts all across Iceland. Here’s what you need to know:
How the Card Works
The Camping Card has rapidly gained popularity since its introduction in 2007, and it’s not hard to see why. You purchase the card for a one-time fee of €179 (+/- $210), which allows a family of up to 2 adults and 4 children to camp at select campsites around the island for 28 days.
This counts for both traditional campers and those traveling in motorhomes. Please note that you will be required to present your card when booking or upon your arrival. Thanks to a partnership with Olis, cardholders can also receive additional discounts on a variety of products, including gas, food, and car products, at Olis fuel stations nationwide.
To give you an idea of the types of savings we’re talking about, our cheapest campsites usually charge $20 per person per night. So, when you start doing the math and also consider all the Olis benefits, the Camping Card can make a real difference to your holiday budget.
Validity, Rules, and Who Can Use It
As with most things in life, there are a few Ts and Cs you’ll need to be aware of:
- Only children under 16 years of age are eligible for the Camping Card special offer.
- The Camping Card is valid for one year, from May to September. That’s because most campsites are open due to the nice weather and the summer holidays.
- As mentioned, the Camping Card is only valid at specific participating campsites across the island (but there are more than 35, though).
- The Camping Card camping offer is only eligible per stand. In other words, you can have everyone taking advantage of the special spread out over multiple stands.
- The Iceland Camping Pass does not include additional extras, such as electricity or access to other paid facilities, amenities, or activities on-site.
How Much Does the Camping Card Cost?
As already mentioned, the Iceland Camp Card will leave you €179 out of pocket, but it can lead to savings of more than that. Check it out:
Iceland Camping Card vs. Pay-as-You-Go Camping
We also touched on the general prices of campsites already (+/- $20 per person per night), so you don’t need to be a math whizz to see the value of having a Camping Card in Iceland. That being said, it may mean more to some than to others. See in which category you fall:
|
Solo Traveler |
Couple |
Family of 4 (2 Adults & 2 Children) |
|
|
Price of Camping with Camping Card (Excl. All Other Discounts and Provided You Stick to the Camping Card Ts and Cs) |
+/-$210 |
+/-$210 |
+/-$210 |
|
Compared to the Average Traditional Camping Price (Excl. Any Additional Extras Like Electricity or Showers) |
28 x $20 pppn = $560 |
28 x $20 pppn x 2 = $1120 |
28 x $20 pppn x 4 = $2240 |
Real-World Examples: When It Saves You Money (And When It Doesn’t)
The above math doesn’t lie, and it’s very clear that most people planning on going camping in Iceland can benefit from purchasing the Camping Card (whether a family or a solo traveler. However, there are a few times that the Camping Card won’t make sense. These situations include the following:
- You will be spending a total of 10 days or fewer in Iceland.
- You’re planning on camping for 10 days or less while on the island.
- Your specific road trip route will require you to stay at campsites that are not in partnership with the Camping Card, and the only times you’ll be camping at Camping Card campsites are 10 days or less.
- Your children are over the age of 16, and the additional costs don’t make sense in relation to the number of days you’ll be camping.
- If you’re planning on visiting Iceland during the winter season, when many campsites are closed, and the Camping Card won’t be active.
- If you’re planning on exploring more remote regions of the island. This includes places such as the Highlands, and where you need a 4x4 vehicle to navigate rougher roads.
Where Can You Use the Iceland Camping Card?
As mentioned, the Camping Card offer is only valid at participating campsites. Here’s what you need to know when planning your trip:
Overview of Participating Campsites
The following are the campsites that fall under the Camping Pass in Iceland:
West Iceland
East Iceland
North Iceland
South Iceland
Westfjords
Interactive Map: Plan Your Route Around the Card
You can use our handy map below detailing all the above-mentioned campsites to plan out your road trip route:
Are Highland Campsites Included?
Unfortunately, the Camping Card doesn’t cover Highland campsites. Even though it covers the Westfjords (which is a fairly remote region in Iceland), most of the Camping Card sites are found along the main road around the island (the Ring Road, or Route 1) and in the more populated areas.
Where to Buy the Iceland Camping Card
You essentially have two options when it comes to buying a Camping Card in Iceland:
Buy It Online
A Camping Card is just a click away when on the official website or the website of a reseller. Needless to say, in these instances, the card will be in digital format, and you’ll get it via email. Many prefer this since it makes it easy to access wherever you are, and there’s no need to keep track of a physical card.
Buy It On-site
You can buy a physical card at a few sites, such as (you guessed it) Olis fuel stations, as well as tourist centers and campsites. There are even motorhome rental agents where you can purchase the card when picking up your rental vehicle.
Camping Legally in Iceland with a Camper Van
There have been a few changes to local camping rules and regulations since 2015, so we recommend you take special note of the following:
Wild Camping Restrictions and Fines
Due to issues regarding privacy and the destruction of the environment and private property, certain restrictions and limitations have been placed on wild camping in Iceland. This includes the following:
- You are no longer allowed to park or camp overnight if it’s not a dedicated and marked overnight parking or camping spot.
- You are only allowed to park/overnight on private land with the explicit permission of the landowner (and please note that many areas in Iceland may look so far and remote that you may not think it’s private property, but it is).
- Even with the landowner's explicit permission, you are only allowed to stay for up to 48 hours.
It is essential to adhere to these rules. Otherwise, you may be staring a very angry local or a very hefty fine in the face.
Why Campsites Are the Best Option for Campervan Users
Campsites inherently have more perks than overnight campervan parking. This can range from basic amenities, such as laundry rooms and showers, to additional amenities and facilities, including swimming pools and mini golf. Most campsites will also have designated disposal sites where you can dispose of your waste responsibly.
Using the Camping Card to Plan Stress-Free Overnight Stops
Having the Camping Card and planning your trip around its partnering campsites also adds to having a stress-free trip. You no longer need to worry about where to stay, whether you’ll find a spot, or how much you’ll need to fork out. You can just focus on the road and enjoy the ride!
Final Tips for Using the Camping Card on a Camper Road Trip
Below are a few more tips to help you save money with the Camping Card:
- Combine the perks of the Camping Card with other special deals and discount cards, such as the Reykjavik Card. This way, you’ll not only save on accommodation and gas but also attractions and activities.
- There are plenty of free sights and activities to enjoy on the island, such as hiking and our breathtaking waterfalls. So, why not combine your Camping Card road trip with a few of these freebie favorites to create the ultimate budget-friendly trip?
- Remember to make use of the Olis partnership discounts and plan out your refuels so you only do that at Olis gas stations.
Make the Most of Your Camping Card and Enjoy a Memorable Iceland Adventure
As you can see, there’s no reason why a once-in-a-lifetime Iceland adventure should require you to remortgage your house to afford it. If you plan ahead and use a bit of insider know-how, you can enjoy the exciting scenery and activities Iceland has to offer without breaking the bank. So, what are you waiting for? Start mapping out your dream road trip, rent a motorhome in Iceland, and let the Camping Card take care of your stays, refuels, and snacks.
