Camping in Iceland offers an extraordinary chance to experience glaciers, waterfalls, volcanic plains, and hot springs up close. Renting a camper from Hertz Iceland gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, making it perfect for a summer camping adventure.This guide lists the best 11 campgrounds in Iceland, including its amenities, features, and directions from Reykjavik for camper travelers.
11 Best Campsites in Iceland
If you’re planning a camping adventure in Iceland, discover the 11 best campsites in Iceland.
1. Skaftafell Campsite
Nestled within Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell Campsite boasts stunning glacier and mountain views with options of hiking paths. It’s a hiker’s paradise with easy access to trails, including the path to the picturesque Svartifoss waterfall.
Facilities in Skaftafell Campsite
- Restrooms and showers
- Cooking facilities
- Information center
- washing machines
- Access to hiking trails
- Nearby visitor center with exhibits and information
How to Get There: From Reykjavik, take Route 1 (Ring Road) east towards Skaftafell. The journey takes about 4.5 hours, covering approximately 326 kilometers (202 miles).
Road Conditions and Recommended Stops Along the Way: The roads to Skaftafell are mostly paved and in good condition, making it an easy drive for a camper. Recommended stops include the charming village of Vik, Iceland’s black sand beach Reynisfjara, and Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon.
2. Þakgil (Thakgil) Campsite
Þakgil Campsite is located in South Iceland, in a valley surrounded by cliffs, mountains, and caves, making it one of Iceland’s hidden gems. One of its standout features is a communal dining area built inside of a cave, with BBQ grills, picnic tables, and even a fireplace. The campsite is spacious and rarely crowded with tourists.
Facilities in the Thakgil Campsite:
- Restrooms and showers
- Cooking facilities
- Picnic tables and BBQ grills
- Cottage rentals
- Hiking trails leading to scenic viewpoints and hidden waterfalls
How to Get There: From Reykjavik, drive east on Route 1 (Ring Road) for about 2.5 hours until you reach Vik. From Vik, take the road towards Þakgil, which is a gravel road that requires careful driving but is accessible with a 4X4 Hertz camper. The total journey takes about 3.5 hours, and is around 208 kilometers (129 miles).
Road Conditions and Recommended Stops Along the Way: The route to Þakgil takes you through the beautiful landscapes of southern Iceland, with views of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier and verdant valleys. The final stretch to Þakgil involves a gravel road that may be challenging in some sections, but it’s not classified as an Iceland F-road. Drive cautiously and consider stopping at the Dyrhólaey peninsula and Reynisfjara beach for coastal views along the way.
CC BY-NC-ND 2.0/Biosaurus
3. Landmannalaugar Campsite
Known for its colorful rhyolite mountains and hot springs, Landmannalaugar in the icelandic highland draws hikers from around the world. The campsite is located in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve and is the starting point for the famous Laugavegur Trail, which leads through some of the most stunning Iceland landscapes.
Facilities in Landmannalaugar Campsite:
- Restrooms
- Natural Hot springs
- Hiking trails of varying difficulty levels
- Mountain huts for additional accommodation options
How to Get There: From Reykjavik, take Route 1 east and then Route 26 north. Turn onto Route F208, which is a highland F-road road requiring a 4×4 vehicle. The journey is about 3.5 hours long and covers approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles).
Road Conditions and Recommended Stops Along the Way: The drive to Landmannalaugar features rugged and remote landscapes, with volcanic craters, lava fields, and Iceland river crossings. Route F208 can be a little rough, but there are plenty of opportunities to take in the dramatic scenery. If you’re heading to the campsite, we recommend stopping at the Hekla volcano viewpoint and the Ljótipollur crater lake.
4. Thingvellir National Park Campsite
Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site where campers can explore the park’s rift valley, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. The area is also significant for its role in Icelandic history, as the site of the ancient Althing, the world’s oldest parliament.
Facilities in Thingvellir National Park Campsite:
- Restrooms and showers
- Cooking facilities
- Visitor center with historical exhibits
- Hiking trails and snorkeling/diving opportunities in the Silfra fissure
How to Get There: Thingvellir is an easy 45-minute drive from Reykjavik. Take Route 1 north, then Route 36 east towards Thingvellir. The distance is about 45 kilometers (28 miles). The national park is part of the Iceland Golden Circle, the most popular tourist route in the country.
Road Conditions and Recommended Stops Along the Way: The roads are in excellent condition, with ample opportunities to stop and explore sites along the Golden Circle, such as the Þingvallavatn Lake, Almannagjá Gorge, and the Gullfoss waterfall. With a fully paved and well-maintained route, this campground is easy to access year-round with a Hertz campervan.
5. Vogar Campsite (Lake Myvatn)
Situated near Lake Myvatn in North Iceland, this spacious campsite has great views of Mount Hverfjall and Hlíðarfjall and is ideally located near many natural attractions and activities in the Myvatn region. The area is a renowned bird-watching site, especially in summer, and has many geothermal features like Iceland hot springs and mud pots.
Facilities in Vogar Campsite:
- Restrooms and showers
- Cooking facilities
- Pizzeria onsite
How to Get There: From Reykjavik, head north on Route 1. The drive is about 6 hours and covers approximately 475 kilometers (295 miles). Along the way, you’ll pass through Akureyri, where we recommend stopping for supplies.
Road Conditions and Recommended Stops Along the Way: The journey to Lake Myvatn takes you through northern Iceland’s diverse landscapes, including fjords, mountains, and agricultural areas. The roads are well-maintained, and you can make stops at the Snæfellsnes peninsular for a detour. It is good idea to allocate 2-3 days to travel from Reykjavik to North Iceland and make reasonable stops in between.
photo from Visit North Iceland
6. Ásbyrgi Campsite
Ásbyrgi is a horseshoe-shaped canyon within Vatnajökull National Park, and it’s a popular spot for campers due to its stunning location and close proximity to other outdoor activities.
It’s a great area for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers, and there are many good walking paths in the area. The campground is large, accommodating up to 500 people, but it’s also very popular during the summer so you’ll want to book a spot in advance.
Facilities in Ásbyrgi Campsite:
- Restrooms and showers
- Laundry facilities
- Electricity hookups
- Playground
- Visitor center
How to Get There: Drive north from Reykjavik on Route 1, then take Route 85 towards Húsavík. From Húsavík, continue east to Ásbyrgi. The journey takes about 6.5 hours and covers around 500 kilometers (310 miles).
Road Conditions and Recommended Stops Along the Way: The roads are mostly paved, with gravel sections near Ásbyrgi. Recommended stops include the town of Húsavík, known for whale watching, and the Dettifoss waterfall, one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls.
7. Seyðisfjörður Campsite
Located in a picturesque fjord in the charming town of Seyðisfjörður, Seyðisfjörður Campsite is conveniently located with easy access to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. With colorful wooden houses and a vibrant arts scene, it’s an ideal base for exploring the Eastfjords.
Facilities in Seydisfjordur Campsite:
- Restrooms and showers
- Cooking facilities
- Laundry facilities
- Access to local shops and restaurants
How to Get There: From Reykjavik, take Route 1 east towards Egilsstaðir, then Route 93 east to Seyðisfjörður. The journey takes about 8 hours and covers approximately 680 kilometers (422 miles).
Road Conditions and Recommended Stops Along the Way: The roads to Seyðisfjörður are in good condition, with occasional steep and winding sections. Recommended stops include the town of Egilsstaðir and the Hallormsstaður forest, Iceland’s largest forest.
8. Egilsstaðir Campsite
Egilsstaðir is the largest town in East Iceland, offering various amenities and access to hiking trails and beautiful waterfalls. The campground, which is open year round, is located directy in the town, meaning there is easy access to restaurants and shops, and it serves as a great hub to explore the Eastfjords.
Facilities in Egilsstadir Campsite:
- Restrooms and showers
- Laundry facilities
- Cooking facilities
- Visitor center
- Access to local shops and restaurants
- Bike rental
- Playground
How to Get There: Drive east from Reykjavik on Route 1. The journey takes about 7.5 hours, covering approximately 640 kilometers (397 miles). You can take either the route through North Iceland, or South Iceland.
Road Conditions and Recommended Stops Along the Way: The roads are well-maintained, with opportunities to stop at scenic locations in the South like the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Skogafoss, Vik, or the North Iceland attractions like Dettifoss, Akureyri, Gofafoss.
photo from Visit Egilsstadir
9. Kirkjubær II Campsite
Kirkjubæjarklaustur Camping Site and Cottages is located in the small village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur in southern Iceland. The campsite offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, including rolling hills, rivers, and fields and is known for its peaceful and quiet setting.
Facilities Kirkjubær II Campsite in South Iceland:
- Restrooms and showers
- Cooking facilities
- Cottages available to rent
- Picnic areas
- Laundry facilities
How to Get There: The route from Reykjavik is approximately 240 kilometers (180 miles) along Route 1 to the south and takes around 5 hours.
Road Conditions and Recommended Stops Along the Way: Road conditions are generally good in the summer, but can be narrow and winding in some sections. The drive wil take you past some of Iceland’s most popular natural attractions including Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Reynisdrangar sea stacks, and Vík í Mýrdal.
Photo from Tjaldsvæðið Kirkjubær II. Cottage and camping.
10. Vik Camping (Vik i Myrdal)
Vik Camping is located near the black sand beaches of Vik i Myrdal, offering dramatic coastal views and easy access to the Dyrhólaey peninsula and Reynisfjara beach. The area is known for its basalt sea stacks and birdlife.
Facilities in Vik campingsite:
- Restrooms and showers
- Cooking facilities
- Cabins available
- Access to local shops and restaurants
How to Get There: Drive east from Reykjavik on Route 1. The journey takes about 2.5 hours and covers approximately 187 kilometers (116 miles).
Road Conditions and Recommended Stops Along the Way: The drive to Vik is one of the most scenic in Iceland, with coastal views, waterfalls, and lush green landscapes. The roads are in excellent condition, with recommended stops at the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, as well as the Eyjafjallajökull volcano visitor center.
11. Grundarfjörður Campsite
Located near the iconic Kirkjufell mountain on Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Grundarfjörður Campsite offers stunning views of the fjord and access to excellent hiking and photography opportunities. The area is popular with photographers, especially during the midnight sun and northern lights seasons.
Facilities in Grundarfjörður Campsite:
- Restrooms
- Showers (extra fee)
- Swimming pool (extra fee)
- Playground
- Access to local shops and restaurants
How to Get There: From Reykjavik, take Route 1 north to Route 54 towards Grundarfjörður. The journey takes about 2.5 hours and covers approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles).
Road Conditions and Recommended Stops Along the Way: The roads are well-maintained, with recommended stops at the Arnarstapi sea cliffs and the village of Stykkishólmur for its charming harbor and historical sites.
Map with All 11 best Campsites Marked
Are there campsites in Iceland open all year? where are they?
Iceland does have some campsites open all year round, but most of them only open during the summer months, typically open from mid-May until mid-September. If you are considering camping in Iceland off-season, it is always great to check the most update opening time of each before arrival.
Here you can find a map labelling the campsites opening only in summer (colored in blue)and those open all-year round (colored in Green):
*Information updated in 2024 July, please refer to the latest update on their official website.
Why Rent a Camper or RV with Hertz Iceland
Hertz Car Rental allows you to rent a campervan with safety, security, and comfort while traveling around Iceland. Our extensive car coverage and protection packages provide security, and there are plenty of different campervan sizes to best suit your travel group.
Tips for Iceland Camping Trip
Keep these important Iceland camping tips in mind before leaving.
What to Bring and Wear
- Warm Clothes and Layering: It is important to know that the weather in Iceland is very changeable even during summer. One needs to carry thermal layers, waterproof jackets, and windproof clothing.
- Rugged Hiking Shoes: These are very much useful to make one’s way through the rough terrain and to stay comfortable while hiking long distances.
- Cold-Weather Sleeping Bags: The nights can be pretty cold, so carry a good sleeping bag.
Equipment Provided with Hertz Campers
- Beddings: Mattresses and pillows.
- Basic Cookware: Portable stove, pots and pans, and some utensils.
- Camping Chairs and Table: At an additional price.
Safety and Etiquette
- Check weather forecasts and road conditions; Icelandic weather can change very fast.
- Stay on Marked Trails: There are many warning signs, particularly in geothermal areas and close to glaciers.
- Leave No Trace: No trash left behind; clean up and pack out to keep the area pristine.
- Respect Quiet Hours: Respect other people at your campsites.
- Stay away from wildlife: both for the safety of you and them
Camping Laws in Iceland
IIt is important to adhere to these camping regulations in Iceland because Iceland has an environment that it cherishes and protects. Wild camping, or camping in the wilderness with a camper van, is not allowed; the same applies if you pitch a tent by your rental car—it has to be in a camping ground. Please read more detailed information on our Camping in Iceland Guide.
How much does it cost to camp?
Cost of camping: The cost of camping in Iceland is not free, and it usually falls within the range of 1,500 to 2,500 ISK per night, per person. The fee allows one access to certain facilities on site, like restrooms, showers, and cooking areas. Some campsites also charge for electricity if it is used on the particular site.
Here are two ways you might want to try if you are interested in saving some budget: Reserve your campervan early to secure the best price. There are further discounts and a wider choice of vehicles with an early reservation. Get a camping card and reduce those summer month expenses of paying the campsites one by one.
Explore the Best Campsites in Iceland
Renting a camper from Hertz Iceland provides the freedom and flexibility to discover the country’s most beautiful and remote locations at your own pace. These best campsites will serve as the perfect base for your Iceandic trip. Book with Hertz Iceland today and get ready to embark on a memorable camping adventure!
