Camping in Iceland
Sleep under the midnight sun, wake up beside glaciers. Iceland has over 170 campsites — from Reykjavík city parks to remote highland valleys.
Camping Card Iceland
Best ValueIcelandic: Tjaldferðakort — ~24,900 ISK/card
The Camping Card covers 28 nights at 170+ sites for 2 adults and all children under 18. If you're camping for more than 5–6 nights it pays for itself immediately.
- ✓28 nights at 170+ campsites nationwide
- ✓Up to 2 adults + children under 18
- ✓Includes most national park campsites
- ✓Valid from 1 June – 15 September
- ✓Instant digital card — no waiting
⭐ Top Campsites in Iceland
The most popular and spectacular options across Iceland
Reykjavík Campsite (Laugardalur)
📍 Capital RegionThe most centrally located campsite in Iceland, right next to Laugardalur swimming pool and thermal park. Very popular — book early in peak summer.
Þórsmörk (Volcano Huts)
📍 South IcelandDramatic highland valley between glaciers — base camp for Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls hikes. Accessible only by 4WD river crossing or hikers' bus.
Skaftafell Campsite (Vatnajökull NP)
📍 South IcelandHuge campsite at the edge of Vatnajökull National Park. Perfect base for glacier hikes, Svartifoss waterfall and Jökulsárlón day trips.
Landmannalaugar (FÍ)
📍 HighlandsRemote highland campsite surrounded by rhyolite mountains and natural hot springs. Start of the famous Laugavegur trail. No F-road access until late June.
🗺️ More Campsites by Region
Mývatn Campsite
1,900 ISK/person📍 North Iceland · Near Reykjahlíð village · 🗓️ June – September
Midges aside — this is an excellent base for the geothermal wonders of Mývatn. Close to Dimmuborgir, Skútustaðagígar and Námaskarð.
Akureyri Campsite
2,000 ISK/person📍 North Iceland · 🗓️ June – September
Well-serviced campsite in Iceland's second city. Good base for exploring the north — whale watching, Goðafoss and Siglufjörður.
Snæfellsnes Campsite (Ólafsvík)
1,700 ISK/person📍 West Iceland · 🗓️ May – September
Good base for exploring Snæfellsjökull glacier and the charming fishing towns of the peninsula.
Ísafjörður Campsite
1,800 ISK/person📍 Westfjords · Near the town swimming pool · 🗓️ June – August
Central campsite in the dramatic capital of the Westfjords. Close to Hornstrandir ferry and fjord hikes.
Egilsstaðir Campsite
1,800 ISK/person📍 East Iceland · 🗓️ May – October
Convenient stopover campsite in East Iceland's main town. Located by the river Lagarfljót.
Höfn Campsite
1,900 ISK/person📍 South Iceland · 🗓️ May – September
Scenic campsite in the lobster capital of Iceland. Great views toward Vatnajökull. Ideal Ring Road stop between Jökulsárlón and East Iceland.
🏔️ Highland Camping Tips
- 🚙 F-roads to Highland campsites (Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk) require a high-clearance 4WD and experience with river crossings.
- ⛽ Fill up on fuel before entering the Highlands — no petrol stations inside the interior.
- 🌡️ Temperatures drop sharply at night even in summer. A 4-season sleeping bag is recommended.
- 🗺️ Register your route at safetravel.is before entering the Highlands.
- 📱 Bring offline maps — mobile coverage is limited in the interior.
- 🏕️ Book Highland campsites well in advance — Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk fill quickly in July–August.
📋 Camping Rules in Iceland
No Wild Camping on Private Land
Wild camping is NOT legal on private or cultivated land in Iceland. You must always have permission from the landowner or use designated campsites.
National Parks — Designated Sites Only
Vatnajökull, Þingvellir and Snæfellsjökull national parks only allow camping in designated areas. Fines apply for camping elsewhere.
Leave No Trace
Iceland's environment is fragile. Pack out all rubbish, use campsite toilet facilities, and never leave fire rings or disturb vegetation.
Open Fires Prohibited
Open campfires are prohibited in most of Iceland due to vegetation damage and wind risk. Use your camp stove only at designated cooking areas.
Respect Farmland
Iceland is heavily farmed — close all gates, do not disturb livestock, and keep a respectful distance from farms.
Season Matters
Most campsites are open June–August. Some open from May or extend to October. Highland campsites and F-road access often delayed until late June.
🔗 Useful Links
Camping Card Iceland
Buy your 28-night card online
Ferðafélag Íslands (FÍ)
Iceland Touring Association — huts and highland campsites
Íslandsstofa Camping Guide
Official camping directory
Safe Travel Iceland
Register your route before highland camping
Road Conditions (road.is)
Live F-road open/closed status
Iceland Met Office (vedur.is)
Weather forecast before setting up camp
Related Travel Guides
✈️ Book with Trip.com
Complete Travel Services
🚐 Getting Around Iceland
Airport Transfers & Sightseeing Rides
Pre-book a private transfer from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík, or explore Iceland by private sightseeing ride. Fixed prices, professional local drivers, instant confirmation.