Iceland Camping Guide 2026
Camping in Iceland
63 verified campsites with GPS coordinates, facilities & prices — from midnight sun beaches to highland lava fields.
63
Verified Campsites
8
Regions Covered
6
Highland Sites (F-Roads)
16
Pre-bookable Online
⚠️ Camping Rules in Iceland
- 🏕 You must camp on designated campsites unless on uninhabited highland land
- 🔥 Open fires are banned in most of Iceland — use camp stoves only
- 🚽 Never go to the toilet near water sources — use facilities or dig a cat hole 70m away
- 🚗 Driving off-road is illegal and damages fragile moss that takes centuries to regrow
- 🛖 Camping in Reykjavík without a permit is prohibited — use official campsites
- 📅 Highland (F-road) campsites are typically only open June–September
🏔north-iceland
10 campsites
camping.typeMunicipalAkureyri Tjaldsvæði
📍 Akureyri, north-iceland
A large, well-equipped campsite in Akureyri beside Eyjafjörður fjord and within walking distance of the town center.
GPS: 65.6780, -18.1008
camping.typePrivatePre-bookableBjarg Campsite
📍 Mývatn, north-iceland
A remote seaside campsite in Strandir offering quiet wilderness views across the North Atlantic coastline.
GPS: 65.6402, -16.9152
camping.typeMunicipalBlönduós Campsite
📍 Blönduós, north-iceland
Blönduós is a town on the Blandá river on the North Coast of Iceland. The campsite is well-maintained and a practical stopping point on the Ring Road between Akureyri and the Westfjords. Home to the Textile Museum of Iceland, Blönduós is also the main centre of the Húnaþing district.
GPS: 65.6603, -20.2787
camping.typeMunicipalDalvík Campsite
📍 Dalvík, north-iceland
Dalvík is a town on the shores of Eyjafjörður, the departure point for the ferry to Grímsey island — the only part of Iceland that lies above the Arctic Circle. The campsite is near the harbour and is ideal for whale watching tours, exploring Eyjafjörður or taking the ferry to cross the Arctic Circle.
GPS: 65.9718, -18.5270
camping.typeMunicipalHofsós Campsite
📍 Hofsós, north-iceland
Hofsós is a small village in Skagafjörður, famous for one of Iceland's most beautiful swimming pools — Hófsóslaugin, which appears to float directly in the fjord with breathtaking views. The campsite is in the village, close to this remarkable pool and the Icelandic Emigration Centre.
GPS: 65.8977, -19.4120
camping.typeMunicipalHúsavík Campsite
📍 Húsavík, north-iceland
A scenic campsite in Húsavík near Skjálfandi Bay, perfect for whale watching and exploring North Iceland.
GPS: 66.0475, -17.3439
camping.typePrivateMývatn – Hlíð Campsite
📍 Mývatn, north-iceland
A scenic campsite at Lake Mývatn surrounded by volcanic landscapes, pseudocraters, and geothermal attractions.
GPS: 65.6039, -16.9961
camping.typeMunicipalSauðárkrókur Campsite
📍 Sauðárkrókur, north-iceland
Sauðárkrókur is the largest town in Skagafjörður, known as 'Iceland's Horse Country'. The campsite is well-equipped and a great base for exploring Skagafjörður, Glaumbær — one of Iceland's finest turf farm museums — and Hólar í Hjaltadal, one of the country's oldest cultural centres.
GPS: 65.7449, -19.6398
camping.typeMunicipalSiglufjörður Campsite
📍 Siglufjörður, north-iceland
A scenic fjordside campsite in Siglufjörður surrounded by mountains and historic harbor views in North Iceland.
GPS: 66.1496, -18.9101
camping.typeMunicipalVarmahlíð Campsite
📍 Varmahlíð, north-iceland
Varmahlíð is the service hub of Skagafjörður and the starting point for white-water rafting on the Héraðsvötn and Austari Jökulsá rivers. The campsite is convenient to the Ring Road and serves as a central base for exploring North Iceland. Glaumbær turf farm museum is just 10 minutes away.
GPS: 65.5695, -19.4609
🏔highlands
9 campsites
camping.typeHighlandPre-bookableÁlftavatn Camsite (Laugavegur)
📍 Álftavatn, highlands
Álftavatn is the second rest stop on the Laugavegur — Europe's most famous long-distance hiking trail. The campsite sits beside the blue waters of Lake Álftavatn in the heart of the southern highlands, surrounded by volcanoes and glaciers. Accessible only on foot or via F-roads.
GPS: 63.8933, -19.2017
camping.typeHighlandDreki Campsite (Askja)
📍 Askja, highlands
Dreki is the base camp for excursions to Askja — one of Iceland's most dramatic volcanic calderas. Here you will find Víti — a warm crater lake you can swim in — and Öskjuvatn — Iceland's deepest lake. The campsite is in the middle of the highlands and is accessible only by 4x4 vehicles on F-roads.
GPS: 65.0376, -16.5946
camping.typeHighlandPre-bookableEmstrur – Botnar Tjaldsvæði (Laugavegur)
📍 Emstrur, highlands
Emstrur (Botnar) is the third rest stop on the Laugavegur hiking trail, between Álftavatn and Þórsmörk. This is one of the most remote and wild campsites on the route, deep in the highlands between Mýrdalsjökull and Entujökull glaciers. Distant views of Katla volcano and unforgettable glacier scenery.
GPS: 63.7495, -19.3720
camping.typeHighlandHveravellir Campsite
📍 Kjölur Route (F35), highlands
A remote Highland campsite beside geothermal hot springs between Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers.
GPS: 64.8672, -19.5456
camping.typePrivatePre-bookableHvítárvatn Campsite
📍 Kjölur Route (F35), highlands
A remote Highland campsite beside Hvítárvatn lake with views toward Langjökull glacier along the Kjölur Route.
GPS: 64.6132, -19.8438
camping.typePrivatePre-bookableKerlingarfjöll Tjaldsvæði
📍 Kjölur Route (F35), highlands
A remote Highland campsite surrounded by colorful rhyolite mountains and geothermal valleys along the Kjölur Route.
GPS: 64.6366, -19.2694
camping.typeHighlandLandmannalaugar Campsite
📍 Landmannalaugar, highlands
A remote Highland campsite in Landmannalaugar surrounded by colorful rhyolite mountains and natural geothermal hot springs.
GPS: 63.9830, -19.0670
camping.typeHighlandNýidalur Campsite
📍 Sprengisandur, highlands
A remote Highland campsite in Nýidalur along the Sprengisandur Route surrounded by glaciers, rivers, and central Iceland wilderness.
GPS: 64.7078, -18.0205
camping.typePrivatePre-bookableÞórsmörk – Volcano Huts
📍 Þórsmörk, highlands
Þórsmörk, meaning 'Thor's Forest', is a sheltered highland paradise nestled between three glaciers — Tindfjallajökull, Eyjafjallajökull, and Mýrdalsjökull. Lush birch woodland covers the valley floor while glacier tongues and braided rivers frame the landscape. Volcano Huts campsite is one of the few accommodation options in this remote interior destination, accessible via river crossings by 4x4 or by highland bus. A premier base for the Fimmvörðuháls trail and the famous Laugavegur trek.
GPS: 63.6910, -19.5409
🏔westfjords
7 campsites
camping.typeMunicipalBíldudalur Campsite
📍 Bíldudalur, westfjords
A quiet fjordside campsite in Bíldudalur overlooking Arnarfjörður, close to Dynjandi waterfall and the Sea Monster Museum.
GPS: 65.6864, -23.6006
camping.typeMunicipalDrangsnes Campsite
📍 Drangsnes, westfjords
Drangsnes Campsite is a small seaside campground in the Westfjords, famous for its free geothermal hot pots right on the shoreline.
GPS: 65.6934, -21.4373
camping.typePrivatePre-bookableFlókalundur Campsite
📍 Vatnsfjörður, westfjords
A quiet roadside campsite in Vatnsfjörður, ideal for exploring Dynjandi waterfall and the southern Westfjords.
GPS: 65.5774, -23.1727
camping.typeMunicipalHólmavík Campsite
📍 Hólmavík, westfjords
Hólmavík is a village in Strandasýsla that houses the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft — the only museum in the world dedicated to magic and sorcerers. The campsite overlooks the sea and is a natural stopping point when travelling through Strandasýsla and the southern Westfjords.
GPS: 65.7074, -21.6822
camping.typeMunicipalÍsafjörður Campsite
📍 Ísafjörður, westfjords
Ísafjörður is the largest town in the Westfjords and a historic trading hub surrounded by steep fjords with some of Iceland's most dramatic coastal scenery. The campsite is centrally located beside the town, within easy walking distance of restaurants, shops, and the Westfjords Heritage Museum. An excellent base for exploring the remote Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, local hiking trails, and the serene inner fjords of this seldom-visited region.
GPS: 66.0750, -23.1248
camping.typeMunicipalPatreksfjörður Campsite
📍 Patreksfjörður, westfjords
Patreksfjörður is the largest town on the Westfjords Horn and the main gateway to Látrabjarg — the longest bird cliff in Europe. The campsite is in town and is the perfect base for seeing puffins, razorbills and guillemots. The famous red-sand beach of Rauðasandur is also nearby.
GPS: 65.5869, -23.9931
camping.typeMunicipalÞingeyri Campsite
📍 Þingeyri, westfjords
Þingeyri is one of the oldest villages in the Westfjords and gateway to Dynjandi, the most spectacular waterfall in the Westfjords. The campsite is by the fjord and is peaceful — an ideal starting point for hiking in the Westfjords, including the Strandaleiðin coastal trail.
GPS: 65.8717, -23.4882
🏔west-iceland
9 campsites
camping.typePrivatePre-bookableBjarteyjarsandur Campsite
📍 Snæfellsnes, west-iceland
A peaceful farm campsite by Hvalfjörður fjord offering nature, coastal views, and a quiet countryside experience close to Reykjavík.
GPS: 64.3992, -21.5087
camping.typeMunicipalBorgarnes Campsite
📍 Borgarnes, west-iceland
A well-located campsite in Borgarnes overlooking Borgarfjörður, ideal for exploring West Iceland and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
GPS: 64.5446, -21.9105
camping.typeMunicipalBúðardalur Campsite
📍 Búðardalur, west-iceland
Búðardalur is a village between Dalasýsla and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known as part of the saga landscape associated with Eiríkur the Red and Leifur Eiríksson. The campsite is comfortable and relaxed — a great base for exploring Dalasýsla and Laxárdalur valley where the Laxdæla saga takes place.
GPS: 65.0878, -21.7872
camping.typeMunicipalGrundarfjörður Campsite
📍 Grundarfjörður, west-iceland
Grundarfjörður is the village with the most iconic view in Iceland — Kirkjufell mountain, the most photographed mountain in the country and a Game of Thrones filming location. The campsite is in town, giving you the chance to photograph the mountain in morning and evening golden light.
GPS: 64.9263, -23.2659
camping.typeMunicipalHellissandur Campsite
📍 Hellissandur, west-iceland
A quiet coastal campsite near Snæfellsjökull National Park on the remote western edge of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
GPS: 64.9176, -23.8837
camping.typeMunicipalHellnar Campsite– Snæfellsnes
📍 Hellnar, west-iceland
Hellnar is one of the smallest villages on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a beautiful fishing hamlet right at the foot of Snæfellsjökull glacier. The campsite is perched on the rocks by the sea — you can hear the surf and watch puffins and cormorants. Snæfellsjökull National Park is within walking distance.
GPS: 64.7445, -23.6207
camping.typeMunicipalReykholt Campsite – Vesturland
📍 Reykholt, west-iceland
Reykholt in West Iceland is the home of Snorri Sturluson, author of the Prose Edda and Heimskringla. The campsite is close to Snorrastofa museum and Snorralaug — a remarkable hot pool from the 12th century. Just nearby are Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, two of Iceland's most beautiful waterfalls.
GPS: 64.6630, -21.2910
camping.typeMunicipalSnæfellsnes – Ólafsvík Tjaldsvæði
📍 Ólafsvík, west-iceland
A scenic fjordside campsite in Ólafsvík on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula with views toward Snæfellsjökull glacier.
GPS: 64.8443, -22.6533
camping.typeMunicipalStykkishólmur Tjaldsvæði
📍 Stykkishólmur, west-iceland
A scenic harbor-side campsite in Stykkishólmur with views across Breiðafjörður and easy access to Snæfellsnes Peninsula attractions.
GPS: 65.0710, -22.7316
🏔east-iceland
9 campsites
camping.typeMunicipalBorgarfjörður Eystri Tjaldsvæði
📍 Borgarfjörður Eystri, east-iceland
Borgarfjörður Eystri is one of the most secret and beautiful villages in the East Fjords, known as the 'capital of the elves' with the Álfaborg rock formation at its centre. The campsite gives access to one of Iceland's finest puffin colonies at Hafnarhólmi. Outstanding hiking trails surround the village.
GPS: 65.5148, -13.8070
camping.typeMunicipalBreiðdalsvík Campsite
📍 Breiðdalsvík, east-iceland
Breiðdalsvík is a small village in the East Fjords, known for excellent arctic char fishing in the Breiðdalsá river and peaceful surroundings. The campsite is close to both the sea and the mountains — a quiet and scenic spot in the eastern fjords. A great mid-point stop on a Ring Road journey.
GPS: 64.7892, -13.7900
camping.typeMunicipalDjúpivogur Campsite
📍 Djúpivogur, east-iceland
Djúpivogur is a village by Berufjörður, famous for Eggin í Gleðivík — 34 giant stone eggs along the harbour representing local bird species. The campsite is near the waterfront and makes an excellent stop before heading into the East Fjords or west towards the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
GPS: 64.6574, -14.2807
camping.typeMunicipalPre-bookableEgilsstaðir Tjaldsvæði
📍 Egilsstaðir, east-iceland
A well-equipped campsite in the service center of East Iceland near Lagarfljót lake and Hallormsstaðaskógur forest.
GPS: 65.2583, -14.4069
camping.typeMunicipalFáskrúðsfjörður Campsite
📍 Fáskrúðsfjörður, east-iceland
Fáskrúðsfjörður, also known as 'Frenchman's Fjord', was home to hundreds of French fishermen in the 19th century. The campsite is in the village, which preserves this history — signs are in both French and Icelandic and the old French seamen's hospital still stands. A beautiful fjord with great cycling and walking routes.
GPS: 64.9295, -13.8843
camping.typeMunicipalHöfn í Hornafirði Campsite
📍 Höfn, east-iceland
A well-located campsite in the fishing town of Höfn with excellent views of Hornafjörður and Vatnajökull glacier. A perfect base for visiting Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and the dramatic Vestrahorn mountain at Stokksnes.
GPS: 64.2552, -15.2088
camping.typePrivateJökulsárlón – Glacier Lagoon Campsite
📍 Jökulsárlón (Vatnajökull National Park area), east-iceland
A scenic campsite near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon surrounded by icebergs, glaciers, and black sand coastal landscapes.
GPS: 64.0784, -16.2306
camping.typeMunicipalSeyðisfjörður Campsite
📍 Seyðisfjörður, east-iceland
A scenic fjordside campsite in Seyðisfjörður surrounded by waterfalls, mountains, and colorful historic village streets.
GPS: 65.2602, -14.0095
camping.typeMunicipalStöðvarfjörður Campsite
📍 Stöðvarfjörður, east-iceland
Small village campsite with ocean views and access to mineral collection sites. Petra's Stone Collection nearby.
GPS: 64.8337, -13.8760
🏔south-iceland
13 campsites
camping.typeMunicipalFlúðir Campsite
📍 Flúðir, south-iceland
Flúðir is famous for the Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin), one of Iceland's oldest natural geothermal pools. The campsite is near this gem of a swimming spot and sits in the heart of the Hrunamannahreppur area, where natural springs and tranquillity reign. On the Golden Circle route, close to Gullfoss.
GPS: 64.1327, -20.3243
camping.typePrivatePre-bookableHamragarðar Campsite
📍 Seljalandsfoss, south-iceland
A scenic campsite beside Seljalandsfoss waterfall with views toward Eyjafjallajökull glacier.
GPS: 63.6207, -19.9893
camping.typeMunicipalHellaCampsite
📍 Hella, south-iceland
Hella is a village on the banks of the Ytri-Rangá river, renowned for some of Iceland's best arctic char fishing. The campsite is close to Mount Hekla — one of Iceland's most active volcanoes — and makes a great base for exploring the Fljótshlíð area, Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk. Good facilities and services.
GPS: 63.8343, -20.4036
camping.typeMunicipalHveragerði Tjaldsvæði
📍 Hveragerði, south-iceland
A peaceful campsite in Iceland’s geothermal town of Hveragerði, perfect for visiting Reykjadalur hot river and the Golden Circle region.
GPS: 63.9989, -21.1816
camping.typeMunicipalKirkjubæjarklaustur Campsite
📍 Kirkjubæjarklaustur, south-iceland
A peaceful campsite in Kirkjubæjarklaustur surrounded by lava fields, waterfalls, and scenic South Coast landscapes.
GPS: 63.7890, -18.0531
camping.typeMunicipalPre-bookableLaugarvatn Campsite
📍 Laugarvatn, south-iceland
A lakeside campsite in Laugarvatn along the Golden Circle, known for geothermal bathing and scenic countryside views.
GPS: 64.2121, -20.7148
camping.typePrivatePre-bookableLeirubakki Campsite (við Heklu)
📍 Leirubakki, south-iceland
Leirubakki is the farm at the foot of Hekla, one of Iceland's most famous and feared volcanoes. This is considered the best vantage point for watching Hekla — an up-close display of Iceland's geological power. The campsite is part of the Leirubakki guesthouse and is the ideal starting point for the Hekla hiking trail.
GPS: 63.9843, -19.8620
camping.typeMunicipalSelfoss Campsite
📍 Selfoss, south-iceland
A central campsite in Selfoss beside the Ölfusá river with easy access to South Iceland and Golden Circle routes.
GPS: 63.9318, -20.9997
camping.typeNationalParkSkaftafell – Vatnajökulsþjóðgarður Campsite
📍 Skaftafell, south-iceland
A scenic national park campsite in Skaftafell surrounded by glaciers, waterfalls, and hiking trails in Vatnajökull National Park.
GPS: 64.0155, -16.9716
camping.typeMunicipalStokkseyri & Eyrarbakki Campsite
📍 Stokkseyri, south-iceland
Stokkseyri and Eyrarbakki are two of Iceland's oldest fishing villages on the South Coast, known for the Ghost Centre, lobster soup and tales of mysterious sea voyages. The campsite is by the seafront with unique views over the Ölfusá river estuary and rich birdlife in the wetlands.
GPS: 63.8326, -21.0449
camping.typePrivatePre-bookableÞakgil Campsite
📍 Þakgil, south-iceland
Hidden gem nestled in a dramatic canyon with stunning mountain views. One of Iceland's most beautiful campsites with cave shelters and unique geology.
GPS: 63.5309, -18.8887
camping.typeNationalParkPre-bookableÞingvellir Þjóðgarður – Campsite
📍 Þingvellir, south-iceland
Þingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Iceland's most historically and geologically significant locations. The campsite sits within the national park, positioned between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates — a rare spot where two continents visibly drift apart. This is where Iceland's parliament, the Alþingi, was founded in 930 AD, making it sacred ground for the nation. The campsite offers immediate access to rift valley walks, Öxarárfoss waterfall, and crystal-clear Silfra fissure for snorkelling.
GPS: 64.2822, -21.0764
camping.typeMunicipalPre-bookableVík í Mýrdal Campsite
📍 Vík, south-iceland
Vík í Mýrdal is Iceland's southernmost village on the mainland and one of the most iconic stops on the South Coast. The campsite provides an outstanding base for exploring the dramatic black sand beach at Reynisfjara, the basalt sea stacks of Reynisdrangar, and the sweeping volcanic coastline. The looming Katla volcano and Mýrdalsjökull glacier form a dramatic backdrop to the village, and on clear days the views stretch across the beach to the sea.
GPS: 63.4177, -18.9974
🏔reykjanes
3 campsites
camping.typeMunicipalGarðurCampsite
📍 Garður, reykjanes
Garður sits at the northern tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula, where two historic lighthouses stand by the shore. It is one of the best birdwatching spots in the area and offers spectacular views across Faxaflói bay. The campsite sits between the two lighthouses in a beautiful and peaceful setting.
GPS: 64.0643, -22.6866
camping.typeMunicipalGrindavík Campsite
📍 Grindavík, reykjanes
Grindavík is a fishing village on the Reykjanes Peninsula, just 3 km from the famous Blue Lagoon. The campsite is simple but well-located as a base for exploring Reykjanes — volcanoes, geothermal areas, bird cliffs and the Reykjanes lighthouse. Great last stop before a flight from Keflavík.
GPS: 63.8426, -22.4338
camping.typeMunicipalSandgerði Campsite
📍 Sandgerði, reykjanes
Sandgerði is a small community on the western coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula, known for its Nature Centre and excellent birdwatching and marine life along the shoreline. The campsite is quiet and comfortable — a good base for exploring the lesser-visited western side of the peninsula.
GPS: 64.0372, -22.7065
🏔capital-region
3 campsites
camping.typeMunicipalHafnarfjörður Campsite
📍 Hafnarfjörður, capital-region
Hafnarfjörður, known as the 'Village in the Lava', is Iceland's most famous town for elves and hidden people. The campsite is in a peaceful area close to the local golf course and several restaurants in the old town. Easy access between Reykjavík and the Reykjanes Peninsula.
GPS: 64.0579, -21.9649
camping.typeMunicipalMosfellsbær Campsite
📍 Mosfellsbær, capital-region
A lakeside campsite in Laugarvatn along the Golden Circle, known for geothermal bathing and scenic countryside views.
GPS: 64.1724, -21.6918
camping.typeMunicipalPre-bookableReykjavík Campsite – Laugardalur
📍 Reykjavík, capital-region
A large, well-equipped campsite in Reykjavík’s Laugardalur valley within walking distance of swimming pools, parks, and city attractions.
GPS: 64.1462, -21.8760
Essential Camping Tips for Iceland
🌦 Weather & Gear
- Iceland weather changes in minutes — bring a 4-season tent that can handle 100 km/h winds
- Waterproof everything: sleeping bag liner, dry sacks, quality rain gear
- Even in July nights can get cold — pack a sleeping bag rated to -5°C
- The midnight sun (May–August) means you need a good eye mask to sleep
🚗 Getting Around
- A 4×4 vehicle is required for all highland (F-road) campsites
- The Ring Road (Route 1) connects most regional campsites
- Book highland campsites (Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk) well in advance
- Campervans are very popular — book early and compare prices between providers
💰 Budget & Costs
- Average campsite cost: 1,500–2,500 ISK (~€10–18) per person per night
- The Ferðafélag Íslands (FÍ) card gives discounts at many mountain huts and campsites
- Municipal campsites are usually the cheapest; national park sites best maintained
- Wild camping near towns is not allowed — always use official sites
✅ Leave No Trace
- Iceland's moss and vegetation is extremely fragile — never walk or camp off designated areas
- Pack out all rubbish — bins may not be available at remote sites
- Use biodegradable soap and wash at least 70m from water sources
- Respect wildlife — seabirds nest on cliffs and in clifftop fields May–August
Frequently Asked Questions
Is wild camping allowed in Iceland?
Wild camping is only permitted in uninhabited highland areas, away from roads, farms and towns. Anywhere near populated areas you must use a designated campsite. This law has been strictly enforced since 2015.
When is the best time to go camping in Iceland?
June to August is peak camping season: long daylight hours, warmest temperatures (10–15°C), most sites open. May and September are quieter and cheaper but colder.
Do I need to book campsites in advance?
For popular sites like Þórsmörk, Landmannalaugar, Skaftafell and the Reykjavík campsite in July–August, booking in advance is strongly recommended. Most smaller municipal sites work on first-come, first-served basis.
Can I reach highland campsites in a normal car?
No. Highland (F-road) campsites require a 4×4 vehicle. Driving a regular car on F-roads is both illegal and dangerous — insurance will not cover damage.
Is it safe to drink water from Icelandic rivers?
Cold, fast-flowing glacial rivers are generally safe to drink from but avoid streams near geothermal areas and any water downstream of farms.