Ultimate Guide to Camping in Iceland + Campgrounds Map

Experiencing camping in Iceland stands as one of the best means to immerse yourself in the nation’s natural environment, and it represents the most affordable approach to tour the island. However, certain guidelines must be followed, so it’s wise to analyze some Iceland camping recommendations.

We conduct Iceland photographic expeditions each year and always take a few days before or after the scavenger hunt to camp around the island, so we’ve had the chance to visit numerous campgrounds in Iceland.

Additionally, as there are numerous activities to participate in Iceland, saving money on lodging allows one to partake in more guided excursions and other paid experiences, something I often advocate for!

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

• Iceland campgrounds map
• How the camping discount card system works in Iceland
• Top outdoor areas for camping in Iceland
• Is outdoor camping in Iceland permitted?
• Camping rentals in Iceland
• Tips for camping in Iceland
• Camping in Iceland in winter

Things you need to know before camping in Iceland

Camping in Iceland is a novel experience, and you can find sanctioned campgrounds everywhere on the island. That said, wild camping in Iceland is prohibited in most scenarios.

If you visit during peak season, it’s advisable to reserve a campsite ahead of time, as they fill up quickly in the summer months. Also, if you’re going to spend most of your time at Iceland’s campsites, it’s worth purchasing a Camping Card as it will save you a significant amount of money.

Another thing worth noting is that numerous camping areas in Iceland are closed during the winter months; most are just open from May to September. Thankfully, some remain open year-round, so I suggest doing research in advance if you plan to travel around Iceland in a camping van or recreational vehicle in the winter. Overnight parking is prohibited outside the designated campsites .

Iceland campgrounds map

If you are unsure of where one can pitch a tent in Iceland, I recommend having the following map readily available.

This Iceland lodging locations map will display to you all the places that are open all year, as well as the ones that are open only during the summer months. You’ll also be able to see all the Iceland campgrounds incorporated in the Camping Card.

As you’ll see, there are spots to camp in Iceland all through the island, along these lines you’ll have no issue discovering a spot to spend the night, whether it’s in a tent, campervan, or RV .

Iceland Camping Card

The Iceland Camping Card is intended 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.

This card can be used when camping via recreational vehicle, campervan, or tent. Plus, each card accommodates 2 adults and up to 4 children under 16, making it perfect for couples and families.

While there are many rewards to the Camping Card, be aware that it’s only legitimate from May to mid-September, when all of Iceland’s campgrounds are accessible.

The Camping Card costs approximately USD 195, and camps 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 more economical than booking individually at each campground .

Best camping sites in Iceland

While numerous campgrounds exist in Iceland, we have a few favorites that we know you’ll appreciate. These represent the premier camping locales found in Iceland:

• Hellisandur Campsite: Located within the Sandahraun lava field on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, this campground has toilets, showers, sinks, and electricity. The best feature about the Hellisandur campsite is its position; it’s near the Snæfellsjökull glacier, which is surrounded by excellent hiking trails and beaches.

• The Geysir Campsite, located in the Golden Circle, is surrounded by nature. It’s also very close to a geothermal area, so it stands as one of the best places for outdoor lodging in Iceland. It has showers, toilets, electricity, and a children’s area, making it perfect for families.

• Brennisteinsalda Campsite: Another recommended Icelandic campsite we’ve visited is the primary campsite at Landmannalaugar, in the Icelandic Highlands. It`s one of the best locations for camping as the spectacular landscape encompasses beautiful rhyolite mountains, canyons, lava rock formations, volcanoes, and hot springs. However, it’s only accessible in the summer and a 4×4 vehicle is necessary to arrive because of its Highlands setting.

• Skógar Campsite: Situated directly in front of the Skógafoss waterfall, it comes as no surprise that this is one of Iceland’s most frequented campgrounds. If you secure a desirable spot, you can listen to the roar of the cascading water as you drift off to sleep. Whenever possible, we always opt to stay at this campsite. Not only is Skógafoss one of the premiere attractions in Iceland, but the grounds also provide amenities like toilets and electricity.

• Skaftafell Campsite: If you’re seeking a location to pitch a tent in Iceland with good conveniences, I recommend this campground in Skaftafell National Park. The campground offers a restaurant, bathrooms, showers, electricity, and other amenities. The place is also advantageous, as there are numerous nearby trails, such as the one to Kristínartindar through the impressive Svartifoss waterfall, which is considered one of the finest hiking routes in Iceland.

• Höfn Campsite: Lastly, you’ll locate this campground in Höfn, near Stokksnes Beach. It too has restrooms, a shower, and power, and it’s situated near the municipal swimming facility. Best of all, it has a shared kitchen, so you can ready your own meals there. That said, if you’re in Höfn, you must try the lobster sandwich at Hafnarbúðin, my preferred restaurant in all of Iceland .

Free camping in Iceland – Is wild camping in Iceland legal?

Note that in 2015 the Icelandic Department of the Environment declared that free camping in Iceland was prohibited outside of designated areas if traveling via RV, motorhome, or campervan.

Individuals who are camping in a tent may spend the night in areas that are not designated campsites if there aren’t any available spots nearby, as long as they’re not staying in a protected region or private property without the owner’s authorization.

If you’re traveling in an RV or campervan and want to spend the night in it, you must be staying at an official campground located in Iceland. Additionally, you can camp on privately held land if permission is received from the owner.

Despite these regulations, there are numerous campsites spread throughout Iceland, as demonstrated on our map. Therefore, do not worry as finding accommodation will not be an issue. Just be sure to conduct research and reserve your spot ahead of time, especially if camping during summer in Iceland, the peak season.

Protected areas where it is illegal to camp in Iceland

If you plan to camp in Iceland using a tent without established infrastructure, ensure you are not spending the night in protected natural places since it is against the law:

• Álafoss
• Blábjörg á Berufjarðarströnd
• Bringur í Mosfellsdal
• Dimmuborgir
• Dyrhólaey: You can camp and stay overnight only with authorization from the Icelandic Department of the Environment.
• Fjallabak: Campers and hikers can only stay overnight in clearly marked areas. Trekkers can camp next to indicated trails. Elsewhere, you need specific approval from Iceland`s Department of the Environment to camp or stay overnight.
• Grábrókargígar í Norðurárdal: Camping and staying overnight are only allowed with authorization from the Icelandic Department of the Environment.
• Herðubreiðarfriðland: You can camp in marked areas. Elsewhere, authorization is required from the Icelandic Department of the Environment.
• Hverfjall/Hverfell
• Ingólfshöfði: Camping and staying overnight are only permitted with authorization from the Icelandic Department of the Environment and local management.
• Kattarauga
• Kirkjugólf
• Mývatn: Camping and overnight stays are only permitted in designated camping areas.
• Another notable location from that time period in that region includes Seljahjallagil, Bláhvammur, Þrengslaborgir and its environs.
• Camping and staying overnight is only allowed within designated camping areas at Skógafoss.
• Skútustaðagígar
• Snæfellsjökull National Park: Hikers must obtain permission from the National Park authority. Otherwise, camping and remaining overnight are not permitted.
• Ströndin við Stapa og Hellna
• Teigarhorn
• Vatnajökull National Park: Tents and campervans are allowed at the campsite. Outside of the camping area, you can camp with a traditional tent for one night. Groups of three or more tents, however, must ask the ranger for authorization.
• Jökulsárgljúfur: Remaining overnight is only allowed in designated camping areas. However, camping is permitted in the Skaftafell Mountains above elevations of 1,300 feet and at the mouth of the Kjós River.
• Þingvellir National Park: Camping and overnight stays are not allowed outside of designated camping regions.

Iceland camping packing list

If you’re going to camp in Iceland, here are the essentials you should bring:

• 4 seasons tent (we utilize this one)
• Special insulating canvas for the floor (we use the insulating material linked below)
• Winter sleeping bag (we use this or these for hikes)
• Inflatable sleeping surfaces (we utilize these)
• Light for the tent (we like this one)
• Portable cooking appliance (we travel with this model)

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• Special insulating canvas for the floor (we use this one)

Below are among the best hotels in Playa de Las Américas, although you could also remain in one of the hotels in Los Cristianos, an alternate famous area in southern Tenerife.

Camping rentals in Iceland

As devoted outdoor enthusiasts who love communing with nature, we carry all the essential gear needed to camp comfortably in Iceland. Of course, when traveling internationally, one cannot transport all personal items for the journey. In such scenarios, considering the option of camping equipment rentals available in Iceland may prove useful.

If you’re going to explore this nation, I recommend visiting this website, where you have the ability to lease sleeping bags, gas stoves, tents, kitchen gear, hiking apparel, GPS units, and more. I strongly encourage you to rent anything that you can’t transport with you or that would be too bulky on an airplane or in your baggage .

Tips for camping in Iceland

Experiencing camping in Iceland can be amazing, however if one is not used to sleeping outdoors and finds themselves in unfavourable conditions, it can become quite troublesome. To avoid such an uncomfortable scenario, here are a few tips to fully enjoy your Iceland camping trip:

• If you’ve never camped before, I recommend looking for an Iceland campsite that’s near a hotel just in case you find that camping outside isn’t your thing. Also, be sure to check the weather prediction since excessive rain and wind can make the experience less enjoyable.

• One item worth bringing along is suitable insulation for your tent. Iceland has a variable climate that is not always predictable, though it tends to be humid. If staying dry during sleep is desired, good insulation should be obtained. Newspapers can be placed under the tent as a temporary solution.

• If you are going to camp in Iceland during the peak season, reserve a spot beforehand, especially if you plan to stay at one of the more crowded campgrounds.

• Most camping sites in Iceland require you to pay to use the shower facility, so keep some spare change on your person.

• Be sure to bring an adapter for the car so you can charge electronic devices, like your camera and phone.

• Even if going camping in Iceland in summer, you should carry warm apparel and heaters for hands and feet.

• Be very prudent if you camp in an area where there are horses. An acquaintance of ours came back from photographing the Northern Lights to find their tent had been trampled.

• If you are unable to function without your morning coffee or tea, or if you intend to bring camping food that requires rehydration, it is advised to rent or bring a portable stove like a Jetboil to heat water.

• There are a few fundamental apps and internet sites that you must employ during camping in Iceland. Utilize Vedur.is to view the weather prediction, Road.is to consider present road situations, Maps.me to download any maps of Iceland you require, and the My Aurora Forecast app ( Android and iOS) to know if the KP rises and the Northern Lights are visible.

Following the provided recommendations should allow you to have no difficulties camping in Iceland. Of course, if at any point you feel uncomfortable and are not enjoying yourself, there is no issue with heading to lodging such as a hotel. I also have a guide to the best places to stay in Iceland.

Campervan – Easy camping in Iceland in winter

In a rearranged structure, the strong emphasis is that Camping in Iceland in winter is not the best choice, as the winter months are fairly harsh. Additionally, most campgrounds close for the winter, so one could find themselves without a location to pitch their tent

If you’re planning on visiting Iceland in the winter and want to camp, it`s best to use a recreational vehicle or campervan so you won`t have to sleep outdoors in harsh conditions. Check out our guide on how to rent a vehicle in Iceland, and utilize the below website to find a rental that matches your travel dates:

There is no need to worry if you don`t have your personal mode of transport because a rental vehicle can be obtained in NYC. Depending on the choice made, the automobile could be rented and left in Boston for the return trip , or it could be rented for the entire round trip journey.

As a quick hint, verify that your automobile has proper snow tires and 4-wheel drive. Also, remember to routinely inspect the weather prediction and road conditions. Lastly, make certain that the campsites you intend on exploring will be accessible during the winter months.

FAQ – Camping in Iceland

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