Ultimate Guide to Camping in Iceland + Campgrounds Map

Going camping in Iceland is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the country’s natural environment, and it’s the cheapest way to travel around the island. However, there are certain rules you must follow, so it’s a good idea to review some Iceland camping tips.

We run Iceland photo tours every year and always take a few days before or after the tour to camp on the island, so we’ve had the opportunity to visit many campsites in Iceland.

Besides, since there are so many things to do in Iceland, saving money on your accommodation allows you to do more guided tours and other paid activities, something I always recommend!

If you want to enjoy an Iceland camping trip, keep reading because in this guide you’ll find:

Things you need to know before camping in Iceland

Camping in Iceland is a unique experience, and you can find official campsites throughout the island. That said, wild camping in Iceland is prohibited in most cases.

If you go during peak season, it’s best to reserve a campsite in advance, as they fill up quickly in the summer. Also, if you’re going to spend most of your time at Iceland’s campsites, it’s worth it to get a Camping Card, as it’ll save you a lot of money.

Another thing to keep in mind is that many campgrounds in Iceland are closed during the winter; most are only open from May to September. Fortunately, some are open year-round, so I suggest doing some research beforehand if you plan to travel around Iceland in a camping van or RV in the winter months. Overnight parking is illegal outside of the designated campsitesIceland Camping Card is designed for those who want to camp for the entirety (or most) of their trip. With this card, you’ll have access to dozens of campgrounds in Iceland for up to 28 days.

You can use this card if you’re camping in an RV, campervan, or tent. Moreover, each card covers 2 adults and up to 4 children under 16, so it’s ideal for couples and families.

While there are tons of advantages to the Camping Card, be aware that it’s only valid from May to mid-September, when all of Iceland’s campsites are open.

The Camping Card costs about USD 195, and campgrounds in Iceland tend to charge about 1000-2000 ISK (USD 8 -16) per person/night. So, as long as two adults are camping for 5-10 days, (for families it’s even fewer days), the card is cheaper than booking individually at each campgroundGolden Circle, is surrounded by nature. It’s also very close to a geothermal area, so it’s one of the best places to camp in Iceland. It has showers, toilets, electricity, and a children’s area, making it perfect for families.

• Brennisteinsalda Campsite: Another Icelandic campsite that we’ve been to and highly recommend is the main campsite at Landmannalaugar, in the Icelandic Highlands. It’s one of the best places to camp, as the spectacular landscape here encompasses beautiful rhyolite mountains, canyons, lava rock formations, volcanoes, and hot springs. However, it’s only open in the summer and you need a 4×4 to get there because it’s in the Highlands.

• Skógar Campsite: Situated right in front of the Skógafoss waterfall, it’s no surprise that this is one of Iceland’s most popular campgrounds. If you get a good spot, you can listen to the roar of the waterfall as you fall asleep. Whenever we have the chance, we always go to this campsite. Not only is Skógafoss one of the must-see attractions in Iceland, but the grounds also have toilets and electricity.

• Skaftafell Campsite: If you’re looking for a place to camp in Iceland with good facilities, I recommend this campsite in Skaftafell National Park. The campground has a restaurant, bathrooms, showers, electricity, and other amenities. The location is also great, as there are several nearby trails, like the one to Kristínartindar via the Svartifoss waterfall, which is considered one of the best hiking trails in Iceland.

• Höfn Campsite: Finally, you’ll find this campsite in Höfn, near Stokksnes Beach. It also has toilets, a shower, and electricity, and it’s located near the municipal swimming pool. Best of all, it has a common kitchen, so you can prepare your own food there. That said, if you’re in Höfn, you must try the lobster baguette at Hafnarbúðin, my favorite restaurant in all of Icelandthis one)
• Special insulating canvas for the floor (we use this one)
• Winter sleeping bag (we use this or these for hikes)
• Inflatable mats (we use these)
• Light for the tent (we like this one)
• Campingaz stove (we travel with this one)
• Warmers (my must-haves are these ones for hands and feet)
• Winter clothes (in our guide on how to pack a backpack for a long camping trip, I share more tips on what kinds of clothes you need for Icelandthis website, where you can rent sleeping bags, gas stoves, tents, kitchen equipment, hiking apparel, GPS units, and more. I strongly encourage you to rent anything that you can’t carry with you or that would be too cumbersome on an airplane or in your luggageVedur.is to see the weather forecast, Road.is to view current road conditions, Maps.me to download any maps of Iceland you need, and the My Aurora Forecast app (Android and iOS) to know if the KP rises and the Northern Lights are visible.

If you follow these tips, you should have no problem camping in Iceland. Of course, if you find that you’re uncomfortable and not enjoying yourself, there’s nothing wrong with heading to a hotel. I’ve even got a guide to the best places to stay in Icelandrent a car in Iceland, and use the website below to search for a rental that fits your travel dates:

I also recommend reading our guide on how to drive in Iceland since, in winter, you’ll have to take extreme precautions due to the state of the roads. There are even some areas, like the Highlands, that close down during this time of year.

As a quick tip, check that your vehicle has proper snow tires and 4-wheel drive. Also, remember to regularly check the weather forecast and road conditions. Lastly, make sure that the campsites you plan on visiting will be open during the winter months.

FAQ – Camping in Iceland

Here are the most frequently asked questions about how to camp in Iceland. Of course, if you have any other questions, you can leave me a comment at the end of this article.

That’s all from me! I hope this guide helps you make the most of your Iceland camping trip. If you have any questions, you can leave a comment below, and I’ll do my best to help. Enjoy exploring the campsites in Iceland!