Camping in Iceland

Sofronio Cobos

Updated: 26 May 2026 ·
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Camping in Iceland: Everything You Need to Know, with Tips for Campsites

The most flexible way to travel in Iceland is by campervan or motorhome. Alternatively, you can travel with a car and tent. Camping (tjaldsvæði) is also a more affordable option compared to accommodations (hotels and cabins). However, camping in Iceland has become so popular that not only accommodations but also the best rental campers are often booked out and extremely expensive up to a year in advance.

Do you have your own camper or motorhome? Book the ferry early and travel with your vehicle. It's worth it. As of now, I would travel to Iceland in my motorhome (soon to be a pickup with a cabin and 4x4) in any season. Accommodations are expensive even in winter and the nice ones are quickly booked up.

As of: 08/2024.

Note: This article is regularly updated. Since prices and opening hours often change, you should check the websites I linked to for current information. I would appreciate a message if something has changed, so that I can update this post.

Camping in Iceland is Worth It

In Iceland, there are more sheep than residents, yet you'll find over 200 campsites scattered across the island. Especially in tourist hotspots in the south and along the Ring Road, there are numerous campsites for overnight stays.

It's a dream for many Europeans: large meadows, the freedom to choose your pitch, and proximity to nature. We love it. Camping in Iceland is the best option for us to explore the island. Prices are quite reasonable and on par with European campsite levels. Unfortunately, the facilities are often accordingly basic. On average, we paid 1000 - 2500 ISK per person (without electricity). That's between $7 - $17. Affordable and fitting for our accommodations.

The downside of the increasingly popular camping holiday is obvious: Often there are too many campers for too few toilets and showers. It's worth being self-sufficient. And why electricity costs so much in Iceland remains a mystery to everyone. Because it is abundant, as is hot water for showers. But I don't want to complain, because I love nature and Iceland.

My Iceland Map for Google Maps

NEW: My guide for Iceland with the most beautiful places, sights, waterfalls, campsites, and a food guide with all locations for mobile, desktop, or tablet in Google Maps. With just one click, you have saved all the places I visited in Iceland. I also add tips in notes so you can see where each place is located. Check out the Iceland guide for mobile here.

I hope my tips make your stay an unforgettable trip!

Best Travel Time for Iceland with Motorhome

Although Iceland becomes increasingly popular in autumn, winter, and spring, summer is the best time for a camping trip in Iceland. Campsites are open (from around April/May until around September-October), the days are long, making it ideal to avoid crowds during the day when time is limited. Some campsites are open year-round. You can also use the closed campsites outside of the season, but then the infrastructure (showers and toilets) is not available. You should be self-sufficient like we are (solar power on board, private toilet/shower, and cooking facilities).

The weather in Iceland is always unpredictable. In one fjord, it can rain heavily and be 10 degrees Celsius, while just a short distance away, the sun may be shining at 20 degrees, and you start sweating. We've experienced it all.

Therefore, you're most flexible with a tent and car, camper, or motorhome. You can spontaneously decide whether to 'wait out' the weather or continue driving. With pre-booked accommodations, that's not possible.

In spring and autumn, storms are so strong that roads are often closed. Thus, you should be prepared for anything. In winter, you may find yourself stuck in your camper for several days.

That's why we traveled in Iceland with our own motorhome from June to August. In winter, we used a rental car. You are less flexible, and accommodations and rental cars are also expensive during this season.

Detailed article on the best time to travel to Iceland.

Renting a Camper in Iceland

During our 8-week trip with our own camper (check out the Peugeot Boxer here), we lost count of the rental providers for campers after the 10th one. I'm not exaggerating when I say that I have never seen so many different camper providers in such a short space as I have here in Iceland.

You will encounter colorful campers of all sizes everywhere. From low-budget campers with mattresses, cars with roof tents, to 4x4 off-road campers with cabins or VW Craft, we saw it all. You can book a fixed route, join a group tour, or go off on your own.

We checked the prices for the upcoming year for renting a camper in Iceland. Since we feel that the prices are inflated, we decided to book the ferry and travel independently with our own campervan (and that's a good decision).

Some providers for campers in Iceland include:

Be sure to carefully check which camper meets your needs. We found a heater essential even in summer, as we had days of constant rain with temperatures of 5 degrees (colder at night). However, if your budget is limited, a mini-camper with a mattress (nothing else included) is a good option for flexible travel. Just make sure to pack a good sleeping bag, as running the engine to use the car's heater is neither good for the environment nor considerate to other campers.

Traveling with the Ferry and Your Own Motorhome or Car

If you have your own motorhome or car with a roof tent like we do, it's a great option to travel with the Smyril ferry MS Norröna via the Faroe Islands. Based on our current calculations, this is already worthwhile for two people traveling for 10 to 14 days. However, you must keep in mind that the ferry takes 2 days each way. Traveling from southern Germany (where I live) to Hirthals (Denmark) takes about 12 hours (around 1200 km from Heilbronn).

Here you can find everything you need to know if you're exploring Iceland with a motorhome.

Since the ferry length is calculated, we advise against traveling with a car and trailer. But that's up to you.

We traveled for 8 weeks in Iceland. Therefore, taking the ferry with a camper was definitely worth it. We also brought a tent, as we hiked the Laugavegur Trail with two hikes around it.

Would I only travel through Iceland with a car and tent? The clear answer is: No. I am over 40 and treat myself to the luxury of traveling in my own camper with a toilet, shower, and kitchenette on board. I particularly want to keep the heater.

If you don't have the budget, you have a wide selection of camper rental companies or rent a car and bring your own tent and camping gear. Camping in Iceland is definitely the easiest and best way to explore the island in the far north. At campsites, you will always find a place, unlike accommodations that are already booked out a year in advance.

Campsites in Iceland

Camping sites in Iceland are mostly large meadows with plenty of nature, beautifully located. The infrastructure is often (not yet) as good as in most European countries. Showers and toilets are often not as plentiful on smaller sites as the number of campers on site (two toilets and one shower for 100 people is normal).

However, there are large sites at tourist hotspots such as Vík í Mýrdal, Thingvellir, Skaftafell, and Höfn, especially along the south of the Ring Road. You should book the campsite in Reykjavik early, as it is nearly always full (June to August).

Campsite in Thingvellir at the Golden Circle:

Map of Campsites

We arrived in Iceland via ferry in Seyðisfjörður and traveled clockwise along the Ring Road. Upon arriving in Reykjavik, you simply need to check out the sites from Keflavik, and see the order based on the direction of travel.

In this map, I had already entered all campsites in Iceland before the trip. At least the ones I found during my research. The ones marked with a heart are particularly nice. The ones marked with a star we couldn't use, either due to too much rain or timing that didn't work out. Next time.

You can also access the map with three others directly on your phone in our Iceland Guide. Get info on the Iceland travel guide here.

East Fjords

Neskaupstaðar

  • Camping Card included
  • One of the most beautiful and idyllic spots on our journey
  • Sanitary facilities: Toilet and shower available
  • Gray water disposal in the ground available, pipe for chemical toilet also provided

Fossardalur Campsite

  • Cost: 1000 ISK per person; showers and toilets included.
  • Electricity for a fee
  • Cell reception is poor. Wi-Fi only at the main building
  • Remote campsite above the Nykurhylsfoss waterfall in East Iceland.
  • At the house, large paved and divided gravel spots, alongside a large meadow for 'free camping'.
  • There is also a guesthouse for travelers without campers.
  • Large cabin with heaters and kitchenette, in case the weather doesn't cooperate.
  • Great surroundings for relaxation away from the Ring Road in Iceland.

Stöðvarfjörður

Since we didn't want to stay another night in Neskaupstaðar just before heading home, we chose this small and very simple site. It is beautifully located, the toilets are in a container, rubbish was overflowing, and the sink water flows off the floor in streams.

Unfortunately, no one came by to collect payment (we had the Camping Card).

  • Included in Camping Card
  • Adults: 1,500 ISK
  • Electricity: 1,000 ISK
  • Swimming pool nearby, as no showers available

Borgarfjörður Eystra Campsite

If you are here between June and early August, you shouldn't miss this place. Nowhere else can you see puffins this close and easily. The 8,000 to 10,000 pairs that breed in Hafnarhólmi make up only a fraction of the Icelandic population, namely 0.25%. At least according to official information. We encountered the most puffins in Iceland here.

The campsite is also okay. For campers with tents or roof tents, the small common room is very cozy. There is also a corner for cooking and washing dishes. However, it can get very cramped indoors when the weather is not good. Like everywhere in Iceland, the campsite reaches its capacity limit when it comes to that.

If you want to be close to the puffins, this place is ideal for a night.

  • Adults: 1,500 ISK, showers 400 ISK (4 min.)
  • Electricity: 400 ISK and washer 500 ISK
  • Link to the campsite

Seyðisfjörður Campsite, the Place by the Harbor

Almost everyone will spend their first or last day in Iceland here. At least those who arrive with their own vehicle. We stayed here the night before our departure. The place is not beautiful and fills up properly from 2 PM the day before the ferry departs.

If you are not reliant on the Smyril Line ferry, you should make sure not to be here on the day the ferry arrives, as well as the days before and after. For those like us who are here with their own camper van, it is safer to spend the night here before departure. The campsite is located right by the harbor.

You can even check in the night before and get your cabin documents. Ideal, but you will still stand in a long line in the small village.

  • Included in Camping Card
  • Adults: 2,000 ISK
  • Adults: 2,000 ISK (children under 15 free)
  • Shower: 100 ISK for 2 min of hot water (we showered on the ferry)
  • Washer and dryer 700 ISK each
  • Electricity: 1,200 ISK
  • Only three toilets each for women and men (quite few for the number of people. I personally never encountered long lines).
  • Only 2 sinks, one of which was out of service.

South Iceland

Vestrahorn: Viking Café, Stokksnes

Vestrahorn is one of the highlights along the Ring Road. This impressive mountain range at the black lava beach in Stokksnes is not only a popular photo destination but also often used as a movie backdrop. Besides an abandoned Viking village built as a movie set for a film that was never made, there are also hiking trails and you can see seals near the lighthouse.

  • Simple parking lot. Entrance fee to Vestrahorn and the Viking village included. Without overnight stay, the ticket costs 1,000 ISK per person.
  • Adults: 2,500 ISK, including showers and toilets. These were clean in the evening (closed from 12 to 18, as many day visitors park, shower, and leave. Reminder: Sustainability doesn't work this way)
  • Payment: At the Viking Cafe; Wi-Fi is included in the price
  • Price-performance ratio is poor, regarding the place. However, there are no alternatives nearby, and we were hoping for better weather the next day (Vestrahorn was completely shrouded in fog for 2 days)

Höfn Campsite

There aren't many camping places around Höfn. However, the location is excellent, so we were here multiple times on our long journey. Höfn is just a few minutes from Ring Road 1. Before heading to Vik or the East Fjords, it's a good chance to stock up at Netto or Kronan and fill up gas again.

Great view from the upper camping spots of Vestrahorn. Unfortunately, there are far too few toilets, showers, and too small a communal kitchen for the size of the site. There are covered outdoor seating areas.

  • Large campsite, spread over several areas and levels.
  • Adults: 2,100 ISK
  • Another larger sanitary building is also available. Each has only 2 showers (100 ISK for 3 minutes), washing machine and dryer for a fee.
  • Wi-Fi reception only at the reception

Skaftafell Tjaldsvæði (2 Nights)

For us, this was the most beautiful and modern campsite on the Ring Road in Iceland.

At the campsite by the national park information center of Vatnajökull National Park at Skaftafelljokull, we had the best and most modern sanitary facilities of our trip. Huge meadows with powered pitches are divided. The rest is free, but it invites low-budget campers to park like they would in a supermarket parking lot. Why? We don't know. There would have been plenty of space available.

  • Adults: 2,500 ISK, showers included, washing machine and dryer are free of charge
  • Electricity for a fee
  • It is particularly noteworthy that there are many showers and toilets here. At other sites of this size, there were a maximum of 3 toilets and often only one shower per gender.

Kirkjubær II Campsite in Kirkjubæjarklaustri

In the village with the unpronounceable name Kirkjubæjarklaustri (locals call it Klautur), there are two campsites. We stayed at the one not included in the Camping Card. Personally, we liked this one better with the van. The higher one is right next to the waterfall but only had great spots for tent campers (that's how we felt). We also didn't find the sanitary facilities to be great, so we drove to the paid site again.

Thanks to the barrier at the entrance, things go very orderly and quietly here. We liked that. The Wi-Fi was quite good and also ideal for the van at the front places. There are also small cabins for rent.

Vík í Mýrdal Campsite

After Skaftafell, this is by far the most modern campsite. The sanitary building looked quite new. Even though we still found only three toilets per gender here for a large mass of people. The camper spots are divided and actually easily recognizable (gravel = car and grass = gaps). However, even here we had to shake our heads several times. Newbies aka rental campers seem to simply ignore it and park like in a supermarket parking lot.

The site in Vik is ideal for undertaking the Katla Ice Cave tour, visiting the famous church, and the black lava beach. Additionally, there's a large shopping center, supermarkets, gas stations, and restaurants. All amenities are reachable from the campsite on foot.

  • Adults: 1,950 ISK
  • Electricity for 800 ISK and showers for 300 ISK (5 min.)
  • Washing machine and dryer each 500 ISK

Landeyjahöfn Harbor

Not a campsite, but just a parking lot for the ferry to Vestmannaey. Since there is no longer a campsite near Seljalandsfoss, we spent the night here autonomously. Here, overnight stay is (still) tolerated when you want to catch the first ferry to the Westman Islands.

  • Simple parking lot, toilets may be available 24 hours in the harbor building (not sure, we have everything on board)

Árnes Campsite

Small and actually cozy campsite a bit off the Ring Road. Unfortunately, the meadow was so waterlogged that we spent the night outside in the gravel parking lot. No problem and we didn't have to pay since we didn't use any facilities. On the meadow, we almost got stuck, as the nature had suffered a lot after 2 weeks of constant rain.

  • 1,800 ISK per person, electricity 1,000 ISK
  • Showers and toilets are available, very basic.
  • Link to the website

Selfoss Campsite

In the south, Selfoss is the second largest city after Reykjavik. An ideal place to stock up on supplies. The site is nicely laid out, and the communal area is spacious. You have to take off your shoes inside, which leads to cleanliness.

  • Adults: 2,500 ISK, 2nd person 1,750 ISK. Children under 16 free
  • Electricity 1,000 ISK
  • Washing machine and dryer each 900 ISK
  • Website for the campsite

Reykjavik, Golden Circle, and Reykjanes

For some, it is a destination; for people with their own camper like me, it's just a stopover. Still, almost every traveler in Iceland explores the Golden Circle (here are my experiences with tips) during their first trip.

Hafnarfjörður Campsite (before and after Laugavegur Trail)

Campsite south of Reykjavik in the small town of Hafnarfjörður. Very cozy, friendly operator, and divided. Since there are only 8 spots, it's essential to reserve and book online. This is done via the parka.is app.

Ideal for those who don't want to stay at the camping site on the outskirts of Reykjavik. It takes about 40 minutes by bus to the center. You can simply pay for the ticket via the Klappid app (one-way ticket costs 570 ISK).

Reykjavik Campsite

This practical and large campsite must be booked in advance, as affordable campervan spots are often booked out. There are quite a few showers and toilets. In the summer, there is always something going on. Next door, it felt like almost daily soccer tournaments took place (between June and August). From 8 AM, the peace ends. We didn't mind, but it should be mentioned.

The swimming pool is right next to the campsite. With an E-Scooter (best to set up the Hopp app before the trip), you can quickly reach the center. Walking takes about 40 minutes. There are also buses, which we didn't use.

  • Prices vary by site and date. Book early, as they fill quickly and access is only via a #code.
  • Reserve a spot here

Þingvellir National Park Campsite

Next to the visitor center of Þingvellir National Park lies the large campsite, or rather three. One of them is only for people with tents. We stayed at the one by the service center (it had rained a lot before, and this meadow seemed in better condition). The grass area is huge, but for all guests, there are only two showers available.

Geysir Campsite

Directly at the geothermal area of Haukadalur and the Geysir lies a great campsite. The operator was very friendly and even gave us some tips on our way.

Note: On Park4 Night, it is often claimed that the operator turns off the hot water. That's not true, and he explains it during check-in.

  • Adults: 2,500 ISK
  • Showers: 500 ISK (open from 5 PM to 9:30 PM)
  • Washing machine and dryer cost extra (I need to check what we paid)
  • Electricity: 1,000 ISK
  • Website of the campsite

(Grindavik Campsite)

Update 2024: Following the shifting of tectonic plates and resultant fissures and volcanic activity, it is uncertain whether this ideally located campsite will ever reopen.

The campsite is small and especially very crowded when an active volcano on Reykjanes is attracting tourists. We found the place and the sanitary facilities to be good.

  • Camping Card included, adults: 2,200 ISK
  • Showers included (unlimited)
  • Washing machine and dryer for a fee
  • Electricity available

Alternative on Reykjanes: Happy Campsite Keflavik

This is a new alternative due to the Happy Camper rental. Since the other option on Reykjanes did not appeal to us at all (it smelled bad and the sanitary facilities were only rudimentary and basic), I would recommend this campsite.

Bookable through the Parka app here

Snaefellsnes

The peninsula over Reykjavik can be driven through in a day if you are short on time. We had time, so we were able to use the following campsites in Snaefellsnes:

Varmaland Campsite

The campsite is technically not in Snaefellsnes but in front of it. It is located at the edge of the small settlement near the geothermal area of Stafholtstunga in Borgarfjörður. If we hadn't had the Camping Card, this site would definitely have been too expensive for us.

  • Included in Camping Card
  • Adults: 1,800 ISK, electricity for 1,300 ISK
  • There are only toilets and washing facilities. No showers, no kitchen or opportunity to eat under cover.
  • Very windy and hardly sheltered during storms.
  • Website for the site

Arnarstapi Camping

An ideal spot for exploring Snaefellsnes. The weather was very stormy during our visit, but the rest was beautifully managed. New sanitary facilities (you only get access via code, which we find very fair. Pay and use). Next door, there's pizza (really good) and fish and chips. Here in the restaurant, you also pay.

Stykkishólmur Camping

The Stykkishólmur campsite is located next to the Víkurvöllur golf course, where you can also check in and pay. The swimming pool is a 5-minute walk away. There is Wi-Fi, but it is only available at the sanitary building. The camping space was rather lacking flair for us, but the location was ideal as we took the early ferry to the Westfjords the next morning.

  • Adults: 1,600 ISK (children under 16 free)
  • Electricity 1,100 ISK
  • Two showers are included
  • In the clubhouse of the golf course, there is a washing machine and dryer for 500 ISK each
  • To the website

Westfjords

Patreksfjörður Campsite

Since we didn't know what the condition of the road to the campsite recommended by many friends in Melanes was (it was too late in the evening), we drove to the campsite in Patreksfjörður. It's actually cozy and should suffice for the few tourists. However, there was a wedding at the adjacent location, and many visitors were camping.

  • Included in Camping Card
  • Adults: 1,650 ISK, children under 18 free
  • Electricity: 1,420 ISK
  • Washing machine and dryer (overall too expensive): 1,540 ISK
  • Cooking facilities and space inside the building

Recommended: Melanes Campsite (Rauðasandur, Patreksfjörður)

Unfortunately, we initially let ourselves be deterred by too many Google reviews that spoke of an allegedly "terrible gravel road." However, with my camper, it was no problem just a day later. One of the best gravel roads of our trip to Iceland. Tip: Ask in a Facebook group for Iceland about the current conditions, as the road can be quite steep. If it rains, it's not suitable for every camper like my current one without 4WD. When we were there, it was no problem.

If you are here, use this campsite. It is beautiful and very idyllic.

  • Included in Camping Card
  • Adults: 1,800 ISK (under 17 free)
  • Shower included in the price
  • Electricity: 1,200 ISK
  • To the website

Tunguskogur Campground Ísafjörður

Great campsite on the outskirts of Ísafjörður, the largest town in the Westfjords with 3,000 inhabitants. Here we thoroughly enjoyed the Icelandic summer. The location below the Bunárfoss waterfall is ideal for exploration, and boats to Hornstrandir depart from here.

  • Adults: 1,900 ISK (under 18 free)
  • Shower included in the price
  • Electricity: 1,200 ISK
  • Washing machine and dryer available for extra cost (we didn't wash, so no current price)

North

Hvammstangi Camping

The campsite consists of a huge meadow that is not frequented as much as many other campsites on the Ring Road. We found it great here. The site is not included in the Camping Card, as many sources on the internet wrongly state (as of 2023).

Since no one came to collect payments, we left cash in a mailbox with a note for the license plate. This was also the only place on our 8-week trip where cash was used.

  • Adults: 1,500 ISK (under 17 free)
  • No shower, only four toilets, and a washing machine (no dryer)
  • Large common room
  • Gray water disposal in the ground available

Camping Varmahlíð

We discovered this place by chance because we didn't like another one nearby (it was also too dirty). Super cozy and beautifully separated by high hedges and trees. An ideal spot to take a break along the Ring Road. For children, the large trampoline, which we saw at many campsites in Iceland, is just great.

Too bad I forgot to take photos of this beautiful area (only of the 'neighbor' who parked too close to us).

  • Adults: 2,000 ISK for the 1st night, every additional night costs only 1,800 ISK, children under 11 free
  • Shower included
  • Electricity 1,000 ISK
  • Washing machine and dryer each 750 ISK
  • Website for the campsite

Dalvik Campsite

Actually, we wanted to stay at the much-promoted Hauganes campsite with its hot tubs. They were full, and the campsite was very unkempt and uninviting. So we turned around and used the campsite in Dalvik. It was the better choice in stormy weather and for early whale watching in Dalvik with Arctic Sea Tours the next morning.

  • Included in Camping Card
  • Adults: 2,200 ISK
  • Shower included in the price
  • Electricity 1,300 ISK
  • Washing machine and dryer each 800 ISK

Camping Myvatn

The most idyllic campsite for me was at Myvatn. The weather on the first day was just perfect: 24 degrees and sunshine until after 11 PM. We sat long on the large meadow, reading and writing postcards. Showers and toilets, as everywhere, were far too few, but the sink has a view of the lake, and when it isn't raining, it's wonderful.

Despite the calm winds, we didn't experience any midges (those pesky little mosquitoes!)

  • Adults: 2,400 ISK
  • Shower included in the price
  • Electricity costs extra

North 66.12 Camping

The prize for the friendliest and coolest owner goes to North 66.12 Camping. He makes sure that everyone keeps at least 4 meters distance from their neighbor. We think that's great. Even though we arrived too late for the direct view of the sea. The site was beautiful. Showers are included in the price.

We saw puffins in the evening; however, no whales in the water. Keep your eyes open; maybe you'll be lucky.

  • Adults: 1,800 ISK
  • Shower included
  • Electricity costs extra (we didn't need it)

Campingplatz Fjalladyrd/Mödrudalur at Iceland's highest farm

The unfriendliest staff we encountered during our trip was here. The campsite is very uneven but actually has a beautiful location. Those who want to dine in the restaurant should be prepared for the staff to first keep them waiting ('full', come back at 9 PM), while then giving a table to the next spontaneously coming guests. Not very friendly.

During the day, many tourist buses pass through here to visit Möðrudalur, Iceland's highest and simultaneously one of the most remote farms (469 m). Moreover, from here you have the option to head to Askia. That's why there's always something going on.

One staff member then took the initiative and was very accommodating as he understood our frustration.

  • Included in Camping Card
  • Adults: ISK
  • Shower included
  • Electricity 1,000 ISK

Tent Sites in the Highlands (Tents Only)

In the highlands, there are also campsites for motorhomes, 4x4 campers, and vehicles with roof tents. However, we only stayed at the following campsites, which are only for tents, while hiking the Laugavegur Trail:

  • Campsite Landmannalaugar
  • Alftavatn Campsite
  • Emstrur Campsite
  • Thórsmörk Langidalur (the most beautiful campsite in Iceland for us)
  • Thórsmörk Husadalur (Volcano Huts, with great infrastructure in the highlands)

At the end of the trip, we stayed again in the cabins at the Volcano Huts and had a friend who works there in the summer pick us up with the appropriate 4x4 jeep with snorkel.

You can book the Iceland Trail with Travelbase with luggage transfer. Overnight stays are included in the price.

Camping Card for Iceland

For numerous campsites in Iceland, there is a Camping Card. You pay for it once, and it is valid for 28 days.

Whether the card is worth it for you depends on how many people are traveling together, how long you will be in Iceland, and whether you are targeting exactly these sites. Particularly in the south along the Ring Road between Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Breiðdalsvík, none of the places accept the Camping Card.

How to Calculate Costs with or without Camping Card

In Iceland, you typically don't pay per vehicle but per person. On average, we paid around 2000 ISK per person (without electricity, which costs extra). The camping card costs 179 euros (2023). On a trip for two, the card is already worthwhile if you use more than 7 campsites that accept the Camping Card.

We traveled in Iceland for 6 weeks (with one week with a tent on the Laugavegur Trail). Since the card is usually valid from May 1 or 15 to September 15, and we could use the card for 28 days (stays), it was absolutely worth it.

Where to Buy the Camping Card

We were able to purchase the card on the MS Norröna. If you're planning long-term, you can also order the card at home through the Camping Card website. In Iceland, you can spontaneously buy the card at a few sites and OLÍS gas stations (see here).

With the card comes a discount day for OLI gas stations with 12 ISK per liter of gasoline/diesel and discounts for food, coffee, and camping gas. However, we hardly saw OLI gas stations with shops. You can save a lot just by fueling. If you rent a camper, you may get a discount at N1 for one day.

Camping Rules - Please Note

1. Wild Camping in Iceland? Prohibited.

In Iceland, it is mandatory to stay at a campsite. Wild camping is prohibited. This is an effect of the tourist boom. As seen everywhere across Europe, camping rules are becoming stricter. Neither with a fully-equipped camper nor with a car and mattress is this allowed.

Regardless of whether you're in South Iceland, the quiet East Fjords, North Iceland, or the West Fjords. Even in the highlands, wild camping (unlike what some websites convey) is prohibited. Only if you can prove that you can't go further due to a storm, snowstorm, or similar can you stay put. However, you should always have a toilet on board. Please respect nature, as this respect is currently lacking among too many.

There are really enough campsites in Iceland. Many of them are located in nature on vast meadows.

2. Keep Distance from Your Neighbors

When camping in Europe, it's not appreciated to stand closely together in camping areas. Please ensure to keep a distance of about 2 meters from your neighbor. Nobody likes other campers right at their 'doorstep'.

This phenomenon known as 'cuddling campers' happened to us constantly in Iceland. The meadows are huge; there was always enough space available. Thomas from Sprinterlandy (Instagram) described it aptly: It's as if they're parking in a supermarket parking lot.

The coolest spot was north of Húsavik (Camping 66.12° north), when the owner kindly greeted us and pointed out that we should please keep 4 meters distance from our neighbor. That's how we love it.

3. Never Leave the Engine Running (book a heating system or a camper with battery)

It's not only an environmental sin, but also a rule that should be followed by campers (and is often neglected). If you don't have heating or battery on board? Then we recommend a hot water bottle, a good sleeping bag, or a power bank. Never leave the engine running idly in the camping area. Think of the environment, even if others don't. Kindly remind them that it is not good.

4. Dispose of Gray Water Only at Disposal Stations

Even though you will see many campers emptying their so-called gray water (from the sink, brushing teeth, or the like) in Iceland: Don't do it yourself. You should only dispose of the water at designated disposal stations. Ask when checking in at the campsite or at gas stations (N1) for these spots.

Note: Many camping sites have only one tube for disposal (like in the picture, here it's only for the toilet. I'll spare you the pictures of the gray water pit). Therefore, it is helpful to place a small pan under the gray water tank and then tip it into the higher tube. Or look for places where you can dispose of gray water, like we are used to (in Höfn, for example).

5. Respect Nature and Travel Sustainably

On websites and forums, there is talk about arriving late at campsites and leaving early the next morning to save money for the site. Please think sustainably, as no fees mean no places with infrastructure.

Or would you like to work without receiving a wage? Surely not. Therefore, you should be fair and pay the fees. Many campsites are now closing their showers at times when the reception is unstaffed to combat this issue. By the way, campsites in Iceland are affordable compared to the Faroe Islands or mainland Europe.

Useful Apps for Iceland

  • Road conditions: vedur.is and Road.is (also as an app)
  • Iceland Ring Road App by Marc, with weather, roads, and attractions, as well as useful podcasts to listen to offline
  • Weather apps: Veður App, WeatherPro, YR. Check what works best for you. No one was 100% accurate for us. A useful website is windy.com. Here you can see wind speeds and storms and plan accordingly.
  • Strætó.is app and website: For the public bus network
  • SafeTravel App: Info on road conditions, closures, and trekking (and useful if a volcano is currently active)
  • Parka.is app for quickly and conveniently paying for parking (including campsites) via mobile
  • Camping Card App: utilegukortid.is (same name as the app)
  • Navigation: Google Maps or maps.me
  • Ferry to the Westman Islands
  • Check gas prices at fuel stations
  • Park4Night, Google Maps, or iOverlander app to find campsites and read current reviews.

I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful in answering your questions. If you have any ideas or questions, we'd love to hear your comment here on the travel blog.

If you don't have any questions: We still look forward to your feedback and that you share it with friends! Read also the following Iceland travel reports and tips from my journey.

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