camping
Camping in Iceland Guide
Plan camping in Iceland with real campsite recommendations from across the country, plus campervan advice, weather, Highlands access, packing, legal overnight rules and road-trip planning.
How Camping in Iceland Works
Camping is one of the best ways to travel slowly through Iceland, but the trip works best when you plan around real campsites rather than simply looking for somewhere to stop at the end of the day. Campsites differ greatly in location, shelter, facilities, seasonal opening and access, so a good route combines reliable overnight options with enough flexibility for weather and road changes.
Use designated campsites and legal overnight locations. A scenic lay-by, attraction car park or private land should not be treated as a campsite simply because you are travelling in a campervan. In remote areas, especially the Highlands, confirm both road access and campsite operation before setting out.
Recommended Campsites in South Iceland
South Iceland has some of the easiest campsites to combine with the Golden Circle, waterfalls, glaciers and the South Coast. These are existing GoIceTravel campsite records, so their images and core place information stay connected to the canonical Sanity content.
Hella Campsite
A practical Ring Road base in Hella, useful for South Iceland day trips and for breaking up longer drives.
Skaftafell – Vatnajökulsþjóðgarður Campsite
One of the strongest camping bases for hikers and glacier scenery, with direct access to Skaftafell routes in Vatnajökull National Park.
Kirkjubæjarklaustur Campsite
A useful South Coast stop near village services and well positioned between Vík and the glacier-lagoon area.
Stokkseyri & Eyrarbakki Campsite
A quieter coastal camping option for travellers who want to explore the south-coast villages and wetlands away from the busiest overnight stops.
Recommended Campsites in West Iceland & the Westfjords
West Iceland and the Westfjords reward slower travel. These campsites work well as overnight bases for Snæfellsnes, saga country and remote fjord driving.
Búðardalur Campsite
A relaxed base between Dalasýsla and Snæfellsnes, useful for travellers exploring saga country and the western road network.
Hellnar Campsite– Snæfellsnes
A scenic coastal option on Snæfellsnes with easy access to the national park and nearby seaside walks.
Hólmavík Campsite
A natural stop for travellers heading through Strandir and the eastern Westfjords, with useful services in town.
Bíldudalur Campsite
A quiet fjordside base for the southern Westfjords, especially useful when combining Dynjandi and Arnarfjörður.
Recommended Campsites in North & East Iceland
North and East Iceland offer excellent campsites for longer Ring Road itineraries, whale-watching bases and slower fjord travel.
Seyðisfjörður Campsite
A particularly scenic fjordside campsite with mountain and waterfall surroundings, ideal for a slower Eastfjords stop.
Siglufjörður Campsite
A strong North Iceland base for travellers following the Tröllaskagi coastline and historic harbour towns.
Highland Campsites for 4x4 Trips
Highland campsites are a different category of travel: access is seasonal, services are limited and road conditions matter as much as the campsite itself. These should only be used when the route and vehicle are appropriate.
Hveravellir Campsite
A classic Kjölur-route campsite beside geothermal landscapes between Langjökull and Hofsjökull.
Hvítárnes Campsite
A remote lakeside option with Langjökull views, suited to travellers already undertaking a proper Highland route.
Landmannalaugar Campsite
One of Iceland's most famous Highland camping bases, surrounded by rhyolite mountains, hiking routes and geothermal scenery.
Tent, Campervan or Motorhome
Tents are simple and economical but exposed to wind and rain. Campervans provide shelter and route flexibility but are still vulnerable to strong crosswinds and require legal campsite planning. Larger motorhomes need more conservative parking, turning and road choices. Your vehicle changes comfort and route options, but it does not change where overnight stays are permitted.
Weather Is the Main Planning Constraint
Wind can turn a comfortable campsite into a poor choice quickly. Check forecasts and warnings, choose more sheltered sites when needed and carry a sleep system suitable for colder nights than the daytime temperature suggests. A good camping itinerary should always have an alternative overnight option rather than depending on one exposed campsite.
Camping in the Highlands
Highland camping is more remote and weather-dependent than normal Ring Road camping. F-road access is seasonal, fuel and services are limited, and a suitable vehicle may be required. Do not assume a campsite is reachable because it is open: confirm the road route, current access and river conditions separately.
Do not use a campsite as proof a road is safe
A campsite can be operating while the route you planned is unsuitable for your vehicle or current conditions. Check official road and weather information before driving into the Highlands or remote regions.
What to Pack for Camping in Iceland
Prioritise wind and rain protection, warm insulating layers, a reliable sleep system, charging, offline navigation and food and water buffers for remote areas. Summer does not eliminate cold nights or severe wind. If you are tent camping, secure equipment for exposed conditions rather than planning around ideal weather.
Build Your Route Around Good Overnight Bases
The best camping trips do not require changing campsite every night. Two-night bases can make a road trip calmer, reduce unnecessary driving and give you more flexibility when weather changes. Choose campsites close to clusters of attractions, then build day trips around them instead of turning every day into a long transfer.
