The Ultimate Local’s Guide to the Best Campgrounds in Iceland
If you’re looking for the best campgrounds in Iceland, you’re in for a treat. As someone who has spent countless summers exploring every corner of this island—sometimes in a cozy campervan, sometimes in a tent —I can tell you this: camping is hands-down the best way to experience Iceland.
Sure, hotels and guesthouses have their comforts, but waking up to the smell of sea spray in Vík, the sight of glaciers in Skaftafell, or the midnight sun glowing over Snæfellsnes? You can only get that in the open air.
Camping here is more than a budget choice—it’s a lifestyle. You get close to nature, meet other travelers, and gain the freedom to stop anywhere beautiful (which is, frankly, everywhere). But not all places to camp in Iceland are created equal. Some have hot showers, kitchens, and Wi-Fi. Others offer little more than a basic toilet—but the view will leave you speechless.
So here’s my list of the Top 10 Campgrounds in Iceland, chosen for their locations, facilities, and the overall experience they give you. Then I’ll show you exactly how to connect them into a 7-day Ring Road camping itinerary that captures the best of the country in one unforgettable trip.
Top 10 Campgrounds in Iceland
1. Vík Camping – South Coast Charm
📍 Location: Vík í Mýrdal, South Iceland
💰 Price: 2,100 ISK per person/night
🚿 Facilities: Showers, toilets, cooking area, laundry, Wi-Fi
🗓 Season: From 13th of May – 30th of November
Vík is a tiny village with some of Iceland’s most dramatic landscapes—black sand beaches, towering sea cliffs, and the iconic Reynisdrangar sea stacks. This campground is right in town, with easy access to shops, restaurants, and the coastline.
Why it’s special: You can walk to the beach and watch the waves crash against basalt cliffs while puffins nest nearby in summer.
Local tip: Visit Reynisfjara early in the morning before tour buses arrive. Always respect the “sneaker wave” warnings—this beach is beautiful but dangerous.
2. Skipalækur Camping – Quiet in the East Fjords
📍 Location: Egilsstaðir, East Iceland
💰 Price: 3000 ISK
🚿 Facilities: Hot showers, toilets, laundry, kitchen, Wi-Fi
🗓 Season: May–September
Skipalækur sits on a peaceful farm property with views over Lake Lagarfljót. It’s clean, quiet, and well-managed—everything you want after a long drive through the Eastfjords.
Why it’s special: This part of Iceland gets fewer visitors, so you’ll enjoy peaceful roads and uncrowded viewpoints.
Local tip: Take the mountain road to Seyðisfjörður. The drive is stunning, with waterfalls, snow patches (even in summer), and rainbow-colored houses in the village.
3. Akureyri Camping - HAMRAR – Gateway to the North
📍 Location: Near Akureyri Airport, North Iceland
💰 Price: ~2,450 ISK
🚿 Facilities: Bathrooms, showers, kitchen, laundry, Wi-Fi
🗓 Season: May–September
Akureyri is Iceland’s second-largest town, but the campground is not right downtown—it’s about 3 km away, so you’ll need a car or bike.
Why it’s special: From here, you can explore Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn, and even head to Húsavík for whale watching.
4. Ólafsvík Campsite – Snæfellsnes Basecamp
📍 Location: Ólafsvík, Snæfellsnes Peninsula
💰 Price: 2,000 ISK
🚿 Facilities: Toilets, showers, kitchen, laundry, Wi-Fi
🗓 Season: May–September
Ólafsvík is perfectly placed for exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, which many locals call “Iceland in miniature.” Here you get glaciers, volcanoes, lava fields, black sand beaches, and charming fishing villages—all within a day’s drive.
Why it’s special: You can loop the peninsula from here, visiting Kirkjufell, the black church at Búðir, and the Arnarstapi cliffs.
Local tip: Stay two nights and do the full peninsula loop—you won’t regret it.
5. Þakgil Campground – Hidden Valley Retreat
📍 Location: Between Vík and Mýrdalsjökull Glacier
💰 Price: ~2,000 ISK
🚿 Facilities: Basic toilets, cold water, indoor dining cave
🗓 Season: Summer only
Þakgil feels like a place out of a fantasy novel—green valleys surrounded by towering cliffs, far from the main road.
Why it’s special: The campground’s cave dining area is perfect for escaping the wind and sharing a meal with other campers.
Local tip: Bring supplies—there’s no shop nearby, and the gravel road in can be rough.
6. Kerlingarfjöll Campground – Highlands Adventure
Operating from June 15 through September 15, the campsite welcomes tents, campers, trailers, and cars with rooftop tents and features a well-equipped service house.
📍 Location: Central Highlands, near Hveradalir geothermal area
💰 Price: ~2,500 ISK
🚿 Facilities: Showers, kitchen, mountain hut lodging
🗓 Season: Summer only (requires 4x4)
Kerlingarfjöll is a geothermal wonderland in the Highlands, with steaming vents and multi-colored mountains.
Why it’s special: It’s one of the most visually unique places to camp in Iceland.
Local tip: Weather changes fast—pack layers and waterproof gear even if it looks sunny.
7. Skjól Campsite – Golden Circle Gateway
📍 Location: Between Geysir and Gullfoss
💰 Price: ~1,800 ISK
🚿 Facilities: Toilets, showers, restaurant/bar, Wi-Fi
🗓 Season: May–September
Skjól is perfectly located for Golden Circle sightseeing but far enough from tourist crowds to stay relaxed.
Why it’s special: Evenings often feature live music at the on-site restaurant.
Local tip: Arrive early in summer—it’s popular with campervan travelers.
8. Þingvellir National Park Camping – UNESCO Sleepover
📍 Location: Þingvellir, Golden Circle
💰 Price: ~2,000 ISK
🚿 Facilities: Toilets, showers, cooking shelter
🗓 Season: May–September
Þingvellir is where Iceland’s first parliament met and where two tectonic plates meet—it’s both geologically and historically significant.
Why it’s special: You’re camping in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Local tip: Sunrise walks here are magical—almost no one around.
9. Skaftafell Campground – Glacier Views
📍 Location: Vatnajökull National Park, Southeast Iceland
💰 Price: 1,800–2,200 ISK
🚿 Facilities: Toilets, showers, dishwashing, visitor center, café
🗓 Season: Year-round
Skaftafell offers trails to glaciers, waterfalls, and viewpoints right from your tent.
Why it’s special: The hike to Svartifoss is one of the most photogenic in Iceland.
Local tip: Arrive early in peak summer to get a good spot—this is one of the most popular campgrounds in Iceland.
10. Landmannalaugar Campground – Highlands Hot Spring
📍 Location: Fjallabak Nature Reserve
💰 Price: ~2,500 ISK
🚿 Facilities: Basic toilets, cold water, hot spring nearby
🗓 Season: Summer only (requires 4x4)
Landmannalaugar is famous for its colorful rhyolite mountains and hiking trails.
Why it’s special: You can soak in a natural hot spring right next to the campground.
Local tip: Bring waterproof everything—the weather here can shift in minutes.
7-Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary Using These Campgrounds
This one-week route circles the Ring Road with smart detours to the Highlands and Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Perfect if you want to see the best places to camp in Iceland without rushing past the scenery.
Day 1 – Reykjavík → Þingvellir → Skjól
- Visit Þingvellir National Park
- See Geysir and Gullfoss
- Overnight at Skjól Campsite
Day 2 – Skjól → Vík
- Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss waterfalls
- Reynisfjara black sand beach
- Overnight at Vík Camping
Day 3 – Vík → Þakgil → Skaftafell
- Morning in Þakgil’s hidden valley
- Afternoon hike to Svartifoss
- Overnight at Skaftafell Campground
Day 4 – Skaftafell → Skipalækur
- Drive scenic Eastfjords
- Overnight at Skipalækur Camping
Day 5 – Skipalækur → Akureyri
- Dettifoss waterfall
- Mývatn geothermal area
- Overnight at Akureyri Camping
Day 6 – Akureyri → Ólafsvík (Snæfellsnes)
- Kirkjufell, Búðir church, Arnarstapi cliffs
- Overnight at Ólafsvík Campsite
Day 7 – Ólafsvík → Reykjavík
- Explore Djúpalónssandur beach
- Return to Reykjavík for departure
Final Local Advice for Camping in Iceland
- Weather rules all. Always be ready for wind, rain, sun, and fog—sometimes all in an hour.
- Cookware is on you. Most campgrounds have kitchens but no pots or pans.
- Stock up smart. Big towns like Reykjavík, Akureyri, and Egilsstaðir have the best grocery prices.
- Respect nature. Wild camping is restricted—stick to official campgrounds.
