When traveling to Iceland for a camping excursion, it is important to do your research. One of those the most essential things to consider is where to land. There are multiple campsites around Ring Road, but many are inaccessible during the off-season. The Icelandic camper laws have also caused many to wonder where they can camp now, creating a lot of confusion.
Aside from these obstacles, you’ve probably felt the opposite issue too — that when camping in Iceland, there are so many choices that it can be overwhelming. Because you’re fully self-reliant in your camper rental except for food and gas, you can go exactly where the roads take you and stay as long as you want, making it hard to choose between all the stunning Iceland campgrounds.
So, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to help narrow down your decision by providing you with a guide. From our comprehensive map of all available campgrounds, we have selected the top 10 campsites in Iceland that will offer a fantastic experience for your next adventure.
1. Skaftafell
Vatnajökull National Park is as stunning and powerful as the pictures suggest. It is close to many great places, like Jökulsárlón (the ice lake) and the abandoned airplane at Sólheimarsandur.
This campground is divided into many small areas with dedicated sections, making it one of the most ideal campervan campsites. The Visitor Centre offers services for the campsite, an information desk, an exhibition, a cafeteria and a souvenir shop. There is also a phone booth and computers with internet access but you won’t need that since you have free WiFi when taking advantage of our Iceland campervan rentals! You even have showers there. It’s so dynamic, you can spend your whole vacation exploring new things every day.
GPS: 64° 0’58.01″N 16°57’59.73″W
2. Úlfljótsvatn
This camping site is close to Reykjavik and is located on the south side of Lake Þingvallavatn. It might just be the most family-oriented camping site in Iceland with so many activities for both the kids and adults.
They have boat rental on weekends and fishing is included with the camping fee. Guests may use the cooking facilities and there is also a service desk. They typically have events going on throughout summer, making it an appealing destination for all travelers.
GPS: 64° 5’41.84″N 21° 2’52.51″W
3. Ásbyrgi
This camping site is positioned amid some spectacular scenery and places in north Iceland. Close by you have places like Dettisfoss, Dimmuborgir, and Ásbyrgi — a fascinating canyon.
This great camping site offers a full suite of services. You will find everything you need at the campgrounds, as well as stunning tours in all directions. You can also indulge in golf, campfires, educational tours, and activities that last all summer long.
GPS: 66° 1’36.00″N 16°29’41.11″W
4. Egilsstaðir
Egilsstaðir is in the center of East Iceland, with all the camping facilities you need, such as washers, toilets, food, and activities. From there, it’s easy to reach most villages on the east side, and it’s conveniently located for making a day trip to the highlands.
Be warned though: there is a monster living here called Lagafljótsormurinn who might be a cousin to the Loch Ness monster! While it’s all fun and games, be sure to keep your children safe around the water when playing up this fun folklore.
GPS: 65°15’35.91″N 14°24’30.05″W
5. Siglufjörður
In Siglufirði you have two camping sites to choose from and they’re located quite close to each other. One is in the center of this very picturesque fishing village, surrounded by big mountains.
Siglufirði has several annual festivals and the biggest and oldest one is Síldarævintýrið, held between the 29th of July and the 1st of August. This event is meant to celebrate and remember the days when Siglufirði was the base of herring fishing in Iceland. It provides good fun for the whole family!
GPS: 66° 8’58.77″N 18°54’35.57″W
6. Látrabjarg
The northwest area of the country has the highest mountains and the deepest fjords, making it a breathtaking camping destination. These unique Iceland campsites offer showers, kitchen facilities, BBQs, and clothes-washing facilities.
Just below these camping sites, Iceland shows off all its natural beauty, from a vast beach where the Atlantic rolls in, to gorgeous views of Greenland. From Breiðavík you can drive to many interesting places like the tip of Látrabjarg, a must-see landmark if you’re in the area.
GPS: 65°32’58.63″N 24°21’8.99″W
7. Hellissandur
At the tip of the Snæfell peninsula, you’ll find Hellissandur, a charming village perfect for camping. This area is steeped in legend — rumor has it that by the roots of the powerful Snæfell glacier, you may find the entrance to the center of the earth if you look long enough!
Aside from the fun lore, the campsite is rich with amenities. You’ll find toilets and showers and you can also get power for your computers and any other electronics. From the campsite, it’s a short ride to all the sites around the glacier, making it a popular destination for a well-rounded camping experience.
GPS: 64°54’45.67″N 23°53’21.23″W
8. Húsafell
Another family-oriented site, this is one of the most popular campgrounds in Iceland. You’re bound to have fun and meet new friends here. The campsite has all the facilities you need — even a swimming pool!
One major appeal is that every Saturday evening during the summer months, they typically have a huge campfire going, which everyone enjoys gathering around. It also puts you close to many desirable attractions, like the stunning Hraunfossar and glaciers, Langjökull and Eiriksjökull, putting it at the top of the list for many families camping in Iceland.
GPS: 64°41’57.74″N 20°52’7.06″W
9. Þakgil
Of all the campsites in Iceland, this one just might be the most magnificent — the pictures simply don’t do it justice. With its location just north of Vík, you’re quite close to fascinating attractions, like the abandoned airplane at Sólheimarsandur and the black sand beaches at Reynisfjara.
The campsite lies just by the roots of the glacier Mýrdalsjökull, giving it an unparalleled mystical appeal that draws in travelers from all over the world.
GPS: 63°31’49.47″N 18°53’13.12″W
10. Höfn
Höfn is located in east Iceland and provides stunning views in all directions. It’s another family-oriented site with activities that everyone will enjoy, from a swimming pool to horse rentals, fishing, and more. You will have access to indoor facilities, like showers and clothes-washing, as well as good grocery stores close by.
It’s also a short drive to the glacier lake Jökulsárlón, creating the perfect opportunity to rent a quad bike and take a ride on the beach. You could even take a tour up the glacier Vatnajökulll if you’re up for it!
GPS: 64°15’29.48″N 15°12’14.96″W
11. Grindavik (bonus)
When you pick up your camper in Keflavik, this campsite is the closest one, making it a convenient landing spot to catch up on sleep and get rid of jet lag. It’s a fully equipped campsite located in the middle of Grindavik, but still with all the privacy you’ll need from other campers.
You can cook and eat inside and there are plenty of showers too, so you can rinse off the travel dust. Due to its location and charm, for anyone starting or ending their camper trip, it’s one of the most ideal campsites Iceland has to offer.
GPS: 63°50’36.52″N 22°25’16.00″W
Seasonal Campsites 
All year-around Campsites 
Highland Campsites
Considerations for Iceland Camping Sites
Campsites in Iceland are multiplying every year, and with your help we can keep updating our recommendations and map frequently. If you are ever camping and discover discrepancies between our Iceland campsites map and real life, please let us know at camperstories@rent.is so we can keep it up to date for others!
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when camping in Iceland:
- Some of the campsites require a rougher road to reach so you will need to check the road condition before setting off, this can be checked at Road.is anytime.
- Some campsites that run year-round might have less service during the off-season but will still be open.
- Campsites vary greatly when it comes to the facilities. The best ones have everything you need, including kitchens, washing facilities, swimming pools, electricity, and hot and cold water, whereas some might just have an open field and cold tap water.
- Some campsites are free but always make sure you are not camping illegally. Often, there are signs telling you what rules apply but not all sites have signs. Your best bet is always to ask unless it’s clearly marked.
- Whenever you have questions, there is almost always a village, a gas station, a service house, or even other fellow campers you can ask.
- For those planning to stay for a long period of time, you might want to look into the Camping card.
Happy Camping! #VANCation #RENTCamper
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