Whether you dream of pitching a tent under the midnight sun or cozying up in a campervan under the northern lights, camping in Iceland offers something for everyone. Each region brims with its own set of attractions, ranging from UNESCO heritage sites to lesser-known gems.
As you set off on hiking trails, birdwatching, or ice cave explorations, having the right campsite to return to is crucial. After all, they’re not just places to rest. Camping grounds are an integral part of your Icelandic adventure, offering convenience, comfort, and immediate access to Icelandic nature.
Camping is not only an exciting adventure but also a savvy way to explore Iceland. Budget-conscious travelers can save money with the Icelandic camping card, which covers a wide range of campsites across the country.
Skaftafell Campground invites you to camp amid the marvels of Vatnajökull National Park. As a well-equipped camping hub, it’s an ideal launchpad for exhilarating glacier tours and ice cave explorations on Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest glacier. Also within reach are the iconic Svartifoss waterfall, famed for its dark basalt columns, and the glittering Diamond Beach. The campsite is open year-round, offering opportunities to see the northern lights.
Region: South Iceland
Address: Skaftafell tjaldsvæði (Skaftafell Campground), 785 Skaftafell
GPS: 64.016098, -16.971056
Facilities and features:
Open: All year, but only Zones A and C are open during the winter.
Stay here to explore: Vatnajökull National Park, Vatnajökull Glacier, Svartifoss Waterfall, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, and Diamond Beach.
Tucked away in a tranquil valley, Fossárdalur Campsite is a hidden gem in the East Fjords, a lesser-explored but stunningly beautiful region. Here, you can unwind amid mountains and waterfalls such as Sveinstekksfoss, embark on scenic hikes, or enjoy mountain biking. Children enjoy playing at the creek, while August brings the joy of wild berry picking. You can also make the drive to explore the charming small town of Djúpivogur.
Region: East Iceland (East Fjords)
Address: Eyjólfsstaðir 765 Djúpivogur
GPS: 64.75586015412175, -14.497300552411044
Facilities and features:
Open: April 1 to October 15. Winter bookings may be possible upon request.
Stay here to explore: East Fjords, Fossárdalur Valley, Djúpivogur
Situated in the charming village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, home to only 150 residents, this campsite serves as a charming stop on the Ring Road. You can enjoy the natural beauty of the immediate surroundings or venture out on day trips to nearby attractions like the Laki craters and the awe-inspiring Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon. Local amenities like a coffee house and a grocery store are conveniently close to the campgrounds.
Region: South Iceland
Address: Tjaldstæðið Kirkjubær 2, 880 Kirkjubæjarklaustur
GPS: 63.792840, -18.049986
Facilities and features:
Open: Summer months
Stay here to explore: Vík, Vatnajökull, Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Húsafell Camping is a family-oriented haven where you can explore the wonders of Langjökull glacier and the mesmerizing Hraunfossar waterfalls. You can get your pulse racing with nearby hiking trails or unwind in the area’s natural hot springs. Ideal if you’re traveling in Iceland with kids, the campsite has a playground and is within walking distance from a fantastic geothermal swimming pool, bistro, mini market, and a golf course—perfect for a round in the midnight sun!
Region: West Iceland
Address: Húsafell Camping, Húsafell 320
GPS: 64.7016695796803, -20.86958560181681
Facilities and features:
Open: May 25 to August 31
Stay here to explore: Langjökull.
Skógar Campsite offers a back-to-basics camping experience, welcoming tents and campervans year-round. Its prime location puts you a stroll away from the majestic Skógafoss waterfall, Skógasafn folk museum, and horse rental. It’s also a gateway to the popular Þórsmörk hiking trail, which takes you into the Icelandic Highlands. Attractions like Vestmannaeyjar (the Westman Islands) and the striking black sands of Vík Beach are also within reach as day trips.
Region: South Iceland
Address: GFHP+5WP, 861 Evindarhólar
GPS: 63.527883, -19.512085
Facilities and features:
Open: All year
Stay here to explore: The south coast, Skógarfoss, Seljavallalaug pool, and Sólheimajökull.
Hlíð Mývatn Campsite embraces nature with simple facilities and the option to pitch your tent or park your campervan wherever you find a spot. Located by the beautiful Lake Mývatn, it’s the perfect base for visiting many spectacular attractions, such as the mysterious Dimmuborgir lava formations, the dramatic Hverir geothermal area, and the 7-mile-wide Krafla volcano caldera. Post-exploration, you can relax in the soothing mineral-rich waters of the Mývatn Nature Baths.
Region: North Iceland
Address: Hraunbrún, 660 Mývatn
GPS: 65.64997724853531, -16.914308837919155
Facilities and features:
Open: Summer months
Stay here to explore: Dimmuborgir lava formations, Hverir geothermal area, Krafla caldera, and Mývatn Nature Baths.
Situated by Europe’s largest bird cliff, Látrabjarg, Breidavik Campground offers birdwatching enthusiasts a chance to admire Atlantic puffins, razorbills, and guillemots up close. You can also roam the expansive 5-km golden beach nearby or cast a line in the local fishing lake. The Westfjords is one of Iceland’s less frequented but most stunning regions, offering attractions such as Rauðisandur Beach and Dynjandi waterfall. After a day’s adventure, the Hotel Breidavik restaurant provides a welcome spot to relax and refuel.
Region: Westfjords
Address: GJXW+VQP, 451 Patreksfjörður
GPS: 65.54981944683064, -24.353072259052876
Facilities and features:
Open: Summer months
Stay here to explore: Latrabjarg Cliffs, Rauðisandur Beach, Patreksfjörður town, and Dynjandi Waterfall.
Þingvellir offers several gorgeous campgrounds, including one that’s open year-round. This UNESCO heritage site is geologically remarkable, located on the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Here you can enjoy the many hiking trails, go scuba diving or snorkeling in the crystal-clear water of Silfra Fissure, or go birdwatching or fishing. The Golden Circle’s other iconic sights, Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir geothermal area, are also within easy driving distance.
Region: South Iceland
Address: 7WH5+5MX, 806 Þingvellir
GPS: 64.27987704065085, -21.09064943088629
Facilities and features:
Open: All year at Nyrðri-Leirar campground. The other campgrounds are open only during the summer months.
Stay here to explore: Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, Geysir, and the Grímsnes region.
These eight campsites are a testament to Iceland’s diverse beauty, serving as welcoming bases from which you can explore the nearby wonders. So, pack your gear, hit the road, and embrace the magic of Icelandic camping.
I can honestly say that Autumn in Iceland is one of the most magnificent seasons. Driving on empty roads with fresh snow-dust covering the highest peaks of Icelandic Mountain ridges. Combine that with playful autumn colours which creates a vibe that is extremely hard to forget. Next, mix all that with Van-life and have a taste…
Some people might think that camping in the realm of elves and trolls is a challenge, but it’s not. They often ask questions such as: Are there deadly animals in Iceland? Is my camper safe during winter? How cold does it get? Is it safe to camp in Iceland? We’ve gathered information, so you’ll see…