Camping in Iceland: The Complete 2025 Guide

Camping in Iceland isn’t just a cheaper way to travel. It’s the only way to really see the place. No hotel lobby will ever beat a glacier view from your camper door. But it’s not 2015 anymore. Laws changed. Prices changed. 

So did the weather. This 2025 guide strips out the guesswork and gives you everything straight. What’s legal? What’s closed? Where to park. What to pack. If you’re planning on camping in Iceland, read this first or risk wasting time, fuel, and patience. 

Tent or campervan? You’ll know by the end. This is the guide locals wish tourists would actually read.

Why Choose Camping in Iceland?

Hotels give you Wi-Fi and buffet eggs. Camping in Iceland gives you sunrise over a lava field and no one parked next to you. You want untouched? This is how you get it. Campsites sit closer to waterfalls, fjords, and geothermal pools than any resort. And they don’t charge $250 a night for the privilege. 

Most stay around $20. That’s real savings, not marketing fuzz. Rent a camper and you control the clock. No tour schedule. No 16:00 check-in. Just the road and wherever you decide to pull over. You’ll reach places buses don’t. Think of places like Thakgil, Landmannalaugar, and the Westfjords. Real Iceland, not postcard Iceland. 

And when the tourists are posting their hotel breakfast, you’ll be soaking in a hot spring with the stars for company. Camping in Iceland isn’t rugged. It’s smart. It’s local. It’s what people here would do if they had a week off and knew where to go.

Potential Savings When Renting a Camper vs Hotels

This table speaks for itself. Do you still need more reasons to rent a campervan in Iceland through us? Here's what you could potentially save when coming here for a week:

Best Time to Go Camping in Iceland

The best time for camping in Iceland depends on what you’re after. Each season has its ups and downs. But to give you a better picture of what you’re up against, let’s spell it out for you loud and clear:

Summer (June–August): Midnight Sun & Mild Weather

If you're looking for the best time for camping in Iceland, this is it. Long days, mild nights, and a full lineup of open campsites. You can see more, do more, and stress less. But it’s not all perfect skies and waterfall selfies.

Pros

• Nearly 24 hours of daylight, no rushing or flashlight panic.
• Roads are dry, open, and 2WD friendly, no need for a 4x4.
• All campsites open with hot showers, power, and real toilets.
• Ideal for families, kids, and first-time campers.
• Festivals and local events everywhere, easy to stumble into something great.
• Safe conditions for hiking, driving, and sleeping under the sky.

Cons

• Everything costs more, peak pricing across the board.
• Campsites get crowded, especially near popular spots.
• Camper rentals and tours book up fast.
• No darkness means no Northern Lights.

Winter Camping: Northern Lights & Challenges

Winter camping in Iceland is not for the faint-hearted. It’s cold, dark, and absolutely worth it if you know what you're doing. From November to March, you’ll get fewer people, more stars, and a real shot at catching the aurora. But this is camper-only territory. Tent camping? That’s for people who pack trauma blankets.

Pros

• Stunning Northern Lights views from rural campsites.
• Fewer tourists, more solitude.
• Snow-covered landscapes make every view surreal.
• Reykjavík Campsite, Egilsstaðir, and a few others stay open year-round.
• Perfect for well-equipped campers with heaters and studded tires.

Cons

• Winter camping means dealing with road ice, zero visibility, and actual frostbite risks.
• Many campsites are closed or limited to daytime access.
• Requires full insulation, snow-rated gear, and serious planning.
• Daylight lasts 4 to 6 hours, so timing is everything.

Types of Camping in Iceland

Not all camping in Iceland looks the same. Some people pack a tent and chase sunsets. Others roll into the Highlands with a heated mattress and a fridge full of Skyr. Here’s how to figure out which version fits your budget, your sanity, and your tolerance for wet socks.

Tent Camping

Tent camping in Iceland is for the bold, the broke, or both. If you're doing it, make it summer. Anything outside June to August is asking to wake up frozen or waterlogged. The wind here doesn’t play nice. 

Your ultralight Amazon tent won’t last five minutes in a proper storm. Bring gear tested for 50 km/h gusts and sideways rain. And know this: you can’t just pitch a tent wherever the moss looks soft. It’s illegal to camp outside designated sites without permission. 

No exceptions. Campsites will be your only legal and semi-dry option. Stick to flat, sheltered ground and avoid exposed ridgelines. Local trick? Use turf walls or rocks to shield your tent. Don’t camp in valleys where water pools. 

Campervan & Motorhome Camping

Campervan camping in Iceland isn’t just an upgrade. It’s a full setup. Think heater, bed, stove, storage, and just enough space to boil noodles without punching your travel partner. It’s ideal if you’re moving across regions or dealing with shoulder-season weather. 

Most vans come winter-ready, but always check for insulation, studded tires, and working electrics. You’ll need to plan around dump stations, fresh water fills, and legal overnight spots. 

No, gravel pullouts don’t count. Campsites are your base. Some even have kitchen huts and Wi-Fi. Bonus: many remote areas still have 4G signal, so you’re not totally off-grid unless you want to be. 

Pros and Cons of Each Option 

Campsites in Iceland

Campsites in Iceland aren’t just places to crash. They’re part of the experience and the logistics. Some are worth going out of your way for. Others are just gravel and regret. Here's what you need to look out for before you pull in and call it a night.

How Many Campsites & What Facilities to Expect

Most campsites in Iceland do the job. Some even do it well. You’ll find toilets, showers, charging stations, and a place to rinse dishes if you're lucky. Wi-Fi? Maybe. Don’t count on it. As of 2025, around 40 campsites stay open through winter, but the rest shut their gates once the tourists thin out. 

A few spots lean eco now. Compost toilets, solar panels, less plastic. You know, that kind of thing. And yes, some sit right next to hot springs. Just don’t be the person who treats it like a bathhouse. 

Respect the basics: no loud music at 1 a.m., no trash left behind, and absolutely no dumping grey water wherever you feel like it. These places aren’t free-for-alls. They're what keep Iceland campable. If you treat them like a back alley, don’t be shocked when locals start closing them off.

Top Campsites by Region

With so many campsites to pick and choose from, it could be a real headache to decide on where to go. Let’s make your life a little bit easier by showing you exactly what the top ones offer and how much bang you get for your buck:

Reykjavík Campsite

Urban, clean, and walking distance from downtown. Reykjavik Campsite is perfect for your first or last night. Crowded in summer but well-managed.

Thakgil Campsite (South Coast)

Thakgil Campsite is hidden between mossy canyons just inland from Vík. Feels remote, looks cinematic. No cell signal. You’ll hear sheep, not traffic. Worth the gravel road.

Laugarvatn Campsite (Golden Circle)

Laugarvatn Campsite is a calm spot halfway between Thingvellir and Geysir. Easy base for sightseeing loops. Close to the Fontana geothermal baths if you want a hot soak without hiking.

Egilsstaðir Campsite (East Iceland)

Egilsstaðir Campsite is efficient and central. Not much charm, but a great stop if you’re doing a Ring Road loop. Stores and fuel are close by. 

The Iceland Camping Card: How It Works

Iceland’s camping card sounds like a deal, and for the right kind of traveler, it is. For $210, you get access to 40+ campsites across the country for up to 28 nights. It covers two adults and accompanying kids, which means serious savings if you're moving around a lot. 

But here’s the fine print: it doesn’t cover electricity, hot showers, or extras. You still pay for those. What you do get is access to legal campsites with the basics such as toilets, dishwashing areas, charging points, maybe Wi-Fi if the signal gods are kind. 

You can buy it online or pick one up at tourist centers, gas stations, and some campsites. If you’re road-tripping for a few weeks and don’t care about luxury, Iceland’s camping card can pay for itself fast. If you plan to stay put or need hookups every night, skip it and pay per site. 

Rules and Regulations

This is where most tourists mess up. Not because they’re reckless but because they assume. Iceland’s rules around camping, parking, and driving aren’t optional and definitely aren’t forgiving. If you want to avoid fines, locals glaring at you, or worse, here’s what you need to know about Iceland’s camping rules.

Wild Camping Ban Explained

Wild camping in Iceland used to be a thing. It’s not anymore. Since 2015, sleeping in your car or pitching a tent outside of marked campsites has been illegal unless you have written permission from the landowner. 

That includes gravel pullouts, fields, beaches, and that ‘perfect hidden spot’ someone posted on Reddit. One night is not okay. The middle of nowhere is not okay. The ‘nobody’s around, so it doesn’t count’ logic? Still not okay. Iceland takes this seriously, especially in 2025, with overtourism pressure back on the radar. 

Fines can reach between $230 to 850, and yes, people have actually been ticketed for it. If you love Iceland, don’t trash it trying to save twenty bucks. Stick to legal campsites. They’re everywhere, most are affordable, and none will get you a call from the police or an angry farmer at 2 a.m.

Overnight Parking Rules

Knowing where to park your camper in Iceland is half the battle. Just because you’ve pulled over doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. If you’re sleeping in your vehicle, using a stove, or popping a roof tent, that’s considered camping in Iceland, and it’s only allowed in designated campsites or clearly marked overnight parking areas. 

Parking in a gravel lot is not the same as camping, no matter how discreet you think you're being. Some municipalities, like those along the South Coast or Golden Circle, have even stricter enforcement. 

They’ve seen it all, and they’re done being polite. Rest stops are for bathroom breaks and maybe a quick nap, not setting up your mobile kitchen

Driving and Road Safety Considerations

Driving and camping in Iceland looks easy on Google Maps. It isn’t. Roads can shift from smooth asphalt to loose gravel in under five seconds. F-roads are 4x4 only, often muddy, steep, or crossed by rivers. They open from mid-June to early September and are absolutely off-limits for regular campers. 

Single-lane bridges, blind hills, and sheep with no road sense are part of the deal. Wind is worse. It can slam doors off hinges or tip a van if you're careless. Check Umferdin.is and SafeTravel.is before every drive. 

For peace of mind, we highly advise you to get gravel protection and sand and ash insurance with your rental. Standard coverage doesn’t include the stuff Iceland actually throws at you. 

Essential Tips for Camping in Iceland

Planning the trip is one thing. Actually surviving it comfortably? That takes the right gear, smart food choices, and a healthy respect for Iceland’s unique climate. Whether you're in a tent or a camper, there are a few things you need to know before you pack, cook, or get caught in a storm. These are the camping tips for Iceland that actually matter.

What to Pack

If you pack like you’re going on a summer beach trip, you’re going to suffer. Here’s what you actually need to bring to stay warm, dry, and not completely screwed:

• Waterproof and windproof gear: Jacket, pants, boots. Layers are fine. Soaked is not.
• Sleeping bag rated to 0°C (32°F) or lower: Yes, even in July. Nights get cold fast.
• Stove and gas: Gas canisters aren’t allowed on flights. Buy them in Iceland. Stock up early.
• Lighter or waterproof matches: Obvious until you forget one.
• Power banks and inverters: Many campsites have limited plugs. Don’t rely on them.
• Flashlight or headlamp: Especially if you’re camping outside peak summer.
• Offline maps: Phones die, signals drop, and Google doesn’t care. Maps.me works well here.
• Optional rentals: We offer sleeping bags, cookware, and even Wi-Fi. View our full list of extras if you’re packing light or arrived unprepared.

Cooking & Eating on the Road

Food in Iceland isn’t cheap, and cold noodles get old fast. If you’re cooking on the road, do it smart, clean, and without ticking off other campers. Here are the camping tips for Iceland that’ll keep you fed without burning through your budget:

• Use a portable gas stove: Open fires are banned at most campsites. Cook on your table, not the ground.
• Buy gas early: Small towns may not stock canisters. Pick them up in Reykjavík or Akureyri.
• Stick to no-fuss meals: Pre-cooked pasta, instant noodles, canned soup, Skyr. Cheap, fast, and surprisingly filling.
• Bring your own cookware: Don’t count on campsites to provide pots or pans.
• Clean up properly: Campsite kitchens aren’t your personal dumpster. Leave it better than you found it.
• Shop smart: Bonus and Krónan are the budget grocery chains. Avoid gas stations unless you're desperate or rich.

Staying Safe in Iceland’s Weather

Icelandic weather can be dangerous. One hour you’re boiling pasta, the next you’re holding your tent down with your entire body weight. Staying safe is less about heroics and more about paying attention.

• Learn the alert system: Yellow means be careful. Orange means think twice.
• Check Vedur.is every morning: Iceland’s official weather site. Skip it and you’re guessing.
• Expect temperature swings: 15°C (59°F) in the afternoon can drop to 2°C (35°F) by night.
• Coastal winds are hectic: Especially in the south and west. Secure everything or lose it.
• Volcanic ground holds water: Moss and lava fields turn swampy fast. Don’t trust soft terrain.
• If in doubt, wait it out: Iceland doesn’t reward risk. It rewards people who respec

FAQs About Camping in Iceland)

Is wild camping legal in Iceland?

No. Wild camping in tents or vehicles is banned unless you have written landowner permission. Stick to designated campsites or risk a fine and angry locals.

Can I camp in winter?

Yes, but only in a winterized camper. Tent camping in winter is dangerous and not recommended. Many campsites close or reduce services between October and April.

Are campsites open year-round?

Only about 40 stay open all year. Most campsites close by late September. Always check ahead, especially in remote areas or outside of summer.

Do I need to book in advance?

Usually not, but summer weekends and popular sites fill up fast. Book ahead if you’re heading to tourist hotspots or traveling in July and August.

What’s the cost of an average campsite in 2025?

Expect to pay 20 to 30 USD per person per night, depending on location and facilities. Extras like electricity or showers cost more.

Can I rent camping gear in Iceland?

Yes, you can rent sleeping bags, cook gear, and inverters all from us. Some shops in Reykjavík also offer gear rentals if you’re tenting.

What are the best apps for Iceland camping?

Use Parka, Tjalda, or Google Maps for campsite locations and info. Vedur for weather, Umferdin.is for driving conditions, and SafeTravel for alerts. Download maps offline.

Is Camping in Iceland Worth It?

Camping in Iceland isn’t just a way to save money. It’s the way to do it right. You’ll get wet, something will break, and dinner might blow off the stove. Good. 

That’s part of it. Iceland doesn’t reward comfort. It rewards people who show up ready, pay attention, and roll with whatever the island throws at them. If you can handle rain in your coffee and moss in your socks, you’ll be just fine. 

Check out our line of campers, grab one that fits your chaos tolerance, and hit the road. Or browse our 10-day route itinerary and make it better.