The Best Campsites in Iceland: Your Guide By Region

Camping is one of the best ways to experience Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, giving you the freedom to wake up beside mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, black-sand beaches and peaceful fjords. With campsites located along the Ring Road and throughout the country’s most popular regions, a campervan or motorhome makes it easy to combine accommodation and transportation in one flexible trip.

From the famous Golden Circle and South Coast to the remote Westfjords and rugged Highlands, this guide covers some of the best campsites in Iceland, what you can expect from each area, nearby attractions, essential camping rules and practical advice for planning your trip.

Iceland Camping Rules & Essentials Travelers Need to Know

Before setting off, it is important to understand that camping in Iceland is not the same as simply parking your campervan wherever you find a scenic view. Iceland’s natural environment is fragile, and camping regulations are designed to protect landscapes, vegetation and local communities.

For campervans, motorhomes, caravans and other motorized camping vehicles, overnight stays generally need to take place at designated campsites unless you have explicit permission from the landowner. Parking overnight at a roadside pull-off, viewpoint or ordinary parking area does not make it a legal campsite. Tent camping has some limited exceptions in rural areas, but these are subject to specific conditions and local restrictions.

For a detailed explanation of where you can stay, what applies to campervans and tents, and how to camp responsibly, read our guide to camping rules in Iceland.

It is also important to follow the Leave No Trace principle. Never drive off-road, leave rubbish behind or empty wastewater into nature. Use designated campsite facilities and dump stations whenever they are available.

The Top Campsites in South Iceland

South Iceland is one of the easiest regions to explore by campervan. The area combines excellent road connections with some of Iceland’s most famous attractions, including waterfalls, glaciers, geothermal areas and the black-sand coastline.

It is particularly convenient to go camping in Iceland’s Golden Circle because the route is relatively compact and offers several campsites within easy reach of Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.

Skaftafell Campsite

Skaftafell is an excellent base for exploring the southern part of Vatnajökull National Park. Staying here puts you close to some of Iceland’s most spectacular glacial scenery, with hiking trails leading into the surrounding mountains and valleys.

One of the area's highlights is Svartifoss, a striking waterfall framed by dark basalt columns. Longer hikes can take you deeper into the Skaftafell landscape, while nearby attractions include glaciers, viewpoints and the wider Vatnajökull region.

The campsite is particularly convenient for travelers driving the Ring Road and wanting to spend more than a few hours exploring the national park. Allow yourself plenty of time here: the surrounding hiking opportunities can easily turn a one-night stop into a full day of exploration.

Vík Campsite

Vík is one of the most popular overnight stops on Iceland’s South Coast. Its location makes it an excellent base for exploring Reynisfjara black-sand beach, the dramatic sea stacks at Reynisdrangar and the cliffs around Dyrhólaey.

The town itself has shops, restaurants and useful services, making Vík a practical place to restock before continuing along the Ring Road. The surrounding scenery is especially impressive in changing weather, with mountains, ocean and glaciers all within the wider area.

Because Vík is a popular stop on South Coast itineraries, it can become busy during the summer. Arriving earlier in the day can make settling into your campsite easier.

Camping Sites in East Iceland

East Iceland is characterized by dramatic fjords, fishing villages, winding coastal roads and quieter landscapes. It is generally less crowded than the South Coast, making it a rewarding region for travelers who want to slow down and explore beyond the main tourist routes.

Camp Egilsstaðir

Egilsstaðir is the main service hub of East Iceland and an excellent overnight base for a Ring Road adventure. Camping here gives you convenient access to supermarkets, restaurants, fuel and other essential services.

From Egilsstaðir, you can explore Lake Lagarfljót, the Hallormsstaður forest area and the surrounding Eastfjords. It is also a useful stop for planning the next stage of your journey, particularly before heading into more remote parts of eastern Iceland.

Seyðisfjörður Campsite

Seyðisfjörður is one of Iceland’s most picturesque fjord towns, surrounded by steep mountains and waterfalls. The journey into town is an attraction in itself, particularly when crossing the mountain pass from Egilsstaðir.

The campsite provides a convenient base for exploring the colorful town center, walking along the fjord and discovering local galleries, cafés and historic buildings. Outdoor enthusiasts can also find hiking opportunities in the surrounding mountains.

Seyðisfjörður is a great choice if you want your campsite stop to feel like part of the destination rather than simply somewhere to spend the night.

Where to Camp in North Iceland

North Iceland combines volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, whale-watching opportunities, mountains and charming towns. It is also one of the most varied areas to explore by campervan, with the Diamond Circle and attractions ranging from Lake Mývatn to the Arctic coastline.

Camping Hamrar (Akureyri)

Located near Akureyri, Camping Hamrar is a convenient option for exploring Iceland’s second-largest urban area. The campsite is surrounded by greenery and offers a peaceful setting while remaining close to the town.

Akureyri is useful for stocking up on food and supplies, enjoying restaurants and exploring local attractions. The area also provides easy access to Eyjafjörður and northern Iceland’s scenic roads.

For travelers driving the Ring Road, Hamrar is a practical place to take a break from driving and spend some time exploring Akureyri.

Ásbyrgi Campsite

Ásbyrgi is located within Vatnajökull National Park and offers an opportunity to stay surrounded by the distinctive landscapes of Jökulsárgljúfur.

The horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon is the main attraction, with dramatic cliffs, woodland and hiking trails. It is an especially rewarding stop for travelers who enjoy walking and want to experience a quieter side of North Iceland.

The area is more remote than Akureyri or Húsavík, so make sure you have enough fuel, food and supplies before heading into the region.

Húsavík Camping Ground

Húsavík is known as one of Iceland’s premier whale-watching destinations, making its campsite a natural choice for travelers who want to combine camping with a boat trip.

The town sits on the shores of Skjálfandi Bay and has a lively harbor, restaurants and museums. After exploring the town, you can continue toward Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss and other attractions in North Iceland.

Camping in Húsavík is particularly convenient if you want to spend a full day in town without having to drive back to another overnight base.

Siglufjörður Campsite

Further north, Siglufjörður is a beautiful former herring-fishing town surrounded by steep mountains. The journey along the coast is scenic, with tunnels, fjords and dramatic mountain views.

The town is best known for its maritime heritage and the award-winning Herring Era Museum. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, local cafés and walks around the historic harbor.

A night in Siglufjörður adds a quieter, more remote feeling to a North Iceland road trip.

West Iceland & The Snæfellsnes Peninsula

West Iceland is ideal for travelers who want to combine dramatic scenery with shorter driving distances from Reykjavík. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is particularly famous for its volcanic landscapes, fishing villages, lava fields, beaches and the distinctive Snæfellsjökull glacier.

The region is also home to Kirkjufell, one of Iceland’s most recognizable mountains. Fans of the series can visit the location associated with the Game of Thrones mountain.

Hellissandur Campsite

Hellissandur sits on the western tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and is a convenient base for exploring Snæfellsjökull National Park.

Nearby highlights include Djúpalónssandur black-pebble beach, Saxhóll crater, coastal cliffs and the fishing villages dotted around the peninsula. The area is particularly appealing to photographers and hikers thanks to its combination of ocean, lava fields and mountains.

Staying in Hellissandur allows you to explore the western Snæfellsnes Peninsula without having to rush through it in a single day.

Akranes Campsite

Akranes is located on the west coast, relatively close to Reykjavík, making it a useful first or final campsite for a campervan journey.

The town offers a coastal setting, beaches, walking paths and easy access to Reykjavík and West Iceland. It can be a convenient option for travelers who want to spend their final night outside the capital before returning their rental vehicle.

Campsites in the Westfjords

The Westfjords are among Iceland’s most remote and spectacular regions, with winding roads, towering sea cliffs, isolated beaches and small fishing communities.

Driving here requires more time and flexibility than traveling around the Ring Road, but the slower pace is part of the experience. Weather can change quickly, and some roads are seasonal, so check conditions before setting off.

Tálknafjörður Campsite

Tálknafjörður is a small fishing village surrounded by dramatic fjord landscapes. The campsite makes a good base for travelers exploring the southern Westfjords.

Nearby attractions include coastal viewpoints, mountain roads and natural hot pools. The village itself provides a peaceful place to stop, particularly after a long day of driving through the fjords.

Breidavik Campground

Breiðavík is a remote coastal camping option near some of the Westfjords' most impressive scenery. Its location makes it particularly attractive to travelers exploring the Látrabjarg area.

Látrabjarg cliffs are famous for their enormous bird colonies and spectacular ocean views. Nearby Rauðisandur is another highlight, with its distinctive reddish-golden beach stretching along the coast.

This is a destination for travelers looking for nature and solitude rather than extensive campsite infrastructure.

Tunguskogur Campground

Tunguskógur is located near Ísafjörður and offers a convenient base for exploring the largest town in the Westfjords and the surrounding fjords.

The wooded setting provides a pleasant contrast to the otherwise rugged landscape, while nearby Ísafjörður offers restaurants, museums, shops and essential services.

It is a useful stop for travelers who want to combine the remote Westfjords experience with access to the region's main service center.

Campsites in the Icelandic Highlands

Camping in the Icelandic Highlands offers some of the country's most extraordinary landscapes, but it requires significantly more preparation than camping along the Ring Road.

A 4x4 vehicle is required for Highland F-roads where permitted, and ordinary 2WD rental cars should never be driven on roads restricted to 4x4 vehicles. Highland roads are seasonal, conditions can change rapidly, and river crossings may be present. Always check current road conditions before traveling.

Landmannalaugar Camping

Landmannalaugar is one of Iceland's most famous hiking destinations, known for colorful rhyolite mountains, lava fields and geothermal hot springs.

The campsite is an ideal base for exploring hiking trails in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. The Laugavegur hiking route also begins in the area, making Landmannalaugar particularly popular with serious hikers.

Because the region is remote, services are limited compared with campsites around Reykjavík or the Ring Road. Bring sufficient food, water and equipment, and make sure your vehicle and travel plans are appropriate for Highland conditions.

Slyppugil (Þórsmörk) Campsite

Þórsmörk is a spectacular valley surrounded by mountains, glaciers and rivers. Slyppugil provides access to one of Iceland's most rewarding hiking regions.

The area is remote and road access can involve challenging conditions, including river crossings. A suitable 4x4 vehicle and careful preparation are essential.

Hikers can explore numerous trails through the valley and surrounding mountains, while the landscape provides some of Iceland's most impressive views. Always check access conditions before traveling because Highland routes are highly dependent on weather and seasonal road openings.

Campsites in Reykjavík & the Reykjanes Peninsula

Reykjavík is a convenient starting and finishing point for a camping holiday. Staying at a campsite near the capital allows you to pick up supplies, explore Reykjavík and prepare for a Ring Road journey without immediately heading into the countryside.

The Reykjavík Eco Campsite is a popular option for travelers who want easy access to the city while still having a dedicated place to stay overnight.

On the Reykjanes Peninsula, Sandgerði Camping offers a quieter coastal alternative. The peninsula is home to volcanic landscapes, fishing towns, geothermal areas and attractions such as the Bridge Between Continents and the Reykjanes lighthouse area.

The region is also convenient for travelers arriving at or departing from Keflavík International Airport, depending on their itinerary.

Camping in Iceland in the Winter

Winter camping in Iceland is a very different experience from summer camping. Fewer campsites remain open, daylight hours are short, roads can become icy or snowy, and strong winds can make driving conditions challenging. Some campsites operate year-round, but availability and facilities should always be confirmed before departure.

If you are planning a winter campervan trip, prioritize campsites that are open during your travel dates and build flexibility into your itinerary. You should also have appropriate heating, warm sleeping equipment and clothing suitable for rapidly changing weather.

Winter camping can reward you with snowy landscapes, fewer visitors and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights, but conditions should always determine your plans rather than a fixed itinerary.

How to Prepare for Your Iceland Camping Trip

Good preparation makes camping in Iceland considerably easier. Weather can change quickly, and distances between services can be significant in remote regions.

Before leaving, make sure you have:

• Warm, waterproof and windproof clothing
• Waterproof hiking footwear
• Sleeping equipment suitable for the season
• A headlamp or flashlight
• Reusable water bottles
• Personal toiletries and towels
• Food and snacks for remote stretches of your route
• A power bank and charging cables
• Offline maps
• Knowledge of current road and weather conditions

If you are renting a motorhome or a campervan, check exactly what kitchen equipment, bedding and camping equipment are included with your rental. This can prevent you from buying or packing items unnecessarily.

It is also wise to keep your itinerary flexible. In Iceland, a road closure or strong weather system can mean changing your route or spending an extra night in a location.

How Much Do Campsites Cost in Iceland?

Campsite prices vary according to location, season and facilities, but a useful general estimate is around 1,500–3,500 ISK per adult per night. Electricity, laundry, showers and other services may cost extra. 

For two adults, a rough budget could therefore look like:

• 7 nights: approximately 21,000–49,000 ISK before optional extras
• 10 nights: approximately 30,000–70,000 ISK before optional extras

Actual costs can be lower or higher depending on the campsites you choose, whether children are traveling with you, whether electricity is required and which facilities are included.

For example, some Golden Circle campsites charge around 2,000–2,500 ISK per adult, while electricity and showers may be additional.

It is a good idea to keep a little extra room in your budget for electricity, showers, laundry and other campsite services.

How to Pay for Campsites

Iceland is highly card-friendly, and campsites commonly accept debit or credit cards. Depending on the campsite, you may pay at reception, through a payment machine or via a mobile service such as Parka.

Another option is the Iceland Camping Card, which provides access to a network of participating campsites for one fixed price during its validity period. It can be particularly useful for longer trips, but you should compare the campsites included with your planned route before buying one.  

Read our guide to the camping card in Iceland for current information about eligibility, participating campsites and potential savings.

What to Expect from Campsites Facilities in Iceland?

Facilities vary considerably between campsites. Larger campsites near towns and popular tourist areas are more likely to have modern service buildings, while smaller rural campsites may offer only basic amenities.

Depending on where you stay, you may find:

• Toilets and showers
• Hot water
• Shared kitchens or cooking areas
• Electricity hookups
• Fresh-water refill points
• Waste and recycling facilities
• Laundry machines
• Wi-Fi
• Playgrounds
• RV and campervan waste-disposal facilities

Electricity is not always included in the basic camping fee, so check before connecting your vehicle. Larger campsites may also have dedicated facilities for motorhomes, including grey-water and toilet-waste disposal.

Ready For Your Camping Adventure in Iceland?

From glacier valleys and black-sand beaches to colorful mountains and quiet fishing villages, camping lets you experience Iceland at your own pace. The key is to choose campsites that fit your route, prepare for changing weather, and follow local camping and road regulations.

Once your route is ready, choose your camper rental in Iceland and get ready to explore the country from the comfort of your own mobile base.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a camping trip often raises practical questions about reservations, electricity, cooking and campsite facilities. Here are answers to some of the questions travelers most commonly ask before setting off on an Iceland camping adventure.