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Best Campsites in Iceland | Map, Prices, Openings and Camping Card
Touring Iceland in a camper van or tent is a success, both for the freedom it gives you, the power to readjust the route depending on the weather and of course, the savings it can mean.
For these reasons, many travelers decide to tour Iceland by van, a country in which Camping and overnight stays outside authorized areas are prohibited, so campsites play a very important role in tourism infrastructure. There are more and more campsites in Iceland and with better prepared facilities.
In this article you will find the best campsites in iceland distributed by zones. We have made a selection of those who offer better services such as good showers or a common room with a kitchen, something that when you go in a small van, or in a tent as is our case, you are greatly appreciated.
HOW DO THEY WORK CAMPSITES IN ICELAND
Let's start by talking about a little basic information about campsites in Iceland to know how they work, what their prices are or what their opening hours/dates are.
Are they always open? Campsite opening
There are campsites that are open all year round, but most are not. During the summer the options are much greater since most open from mid-May to mid-September.
After mid-September, if the weather is good, some extend the summer season a little, and there are others that open until mid- or late-October every year.
Starting in November, open campsites become scarce and the route must be organized accordingly. However, if a campsite is closed, you can spend the night there.
In terms of schedules, the vast majority of campsites in Iceland do not have a barrier so you can access at any time, it's not a problem if you arrive very late.
What do campsites cost in Iceland?
Campsites in Iceland are paid per person And sometimes there's also an extra charge for the tent or campervan, but almost always only per person. Which is always extra if you're traveling by car.caravana is electricity.
Prices vary depending on the season, averaging around €5/person more between early June and early September caror that in the off-season.
In the price is includes bathrooms, common areas, kitchen and showers, although the latter are not always free and you have to pay an additional fee to be able to shower, above all it is done to prevent people from spending a lot of time creating endless queues.
The price of the shower is usually 300isk, about €2 and they work with coins, but don't worry because at the reception you can pay them by card and they will give them to you in cash. It also works this way with the use of washing machines and dryers, a service that many campsites in Iceland also offer.
We recommend that you always make payments with a travel card that does not have commissions to pay in another currency.
Is it worth buying the Iceland Camping Card?
The Camping Card is a card that you can buy to have access to 38 campsites around Iceland for a maximum of 28 nights. They are included in the price of the same Camping Card. 2 adults, 4 children up to 16 years old and a van or tent.
In addition to the price of the card you have to pay 333isk of tourist tax per person per night.
In relation to whether it is worth it, economically yes. At the price that campsites go for If you travel as a family after staying for a week it will already pay off. The only problem is that since not all the campsites are included (I leave the list below) you will not be able to be as flexible with the route and you will have to keep the campsites well marked to know where you will sleep each night.
How to buy the Camping Card for your trip to Iceland
You can purchase it online and select international shipping (€9 EU / €17 rest of the world) or pick it up for free in Rejkjavík at Ármúli 36, second floor (hours 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Monday to Friday). If you buy online, be careful with shipping times because they can be up to 15 days in some cases.
There are also several points where you can buy it physically like some Olís gas stations. In its website you have all the information.
List of campsites included in the Camping Card
- South: Álfaskeið, Grindavík, Hella Gaddstaðaflatir, Kleifarmörk, Sandgerði, Langjók, Skjól, Stokkseyri and Þorlákshöfn.
- East: Eskifjörður, Fáskrúðsfjörður, Norðfjörður, Reyðarfjörður, Seyðisfjörður and Stöðvarfjörður.
- North: Dalvík, Bakkafjörður, Möðrudalur – Fjalladýrð, Heiðarbær, Hvammstangi, Kópasker, Lónsá, Ólafsfjörður, Raufarhöfn, Sauðárkrókur, Skagaströnd, Siglufjörður and Þórshöfn.
- West: Þórisstaðir, Traðir, á Eyrunum, Grundarfjörður and Varmaland.
- Westfjords: Bolungarvík, Drangsnes, Flókalundur, Grettislaug á Reykhólum, Patreksfjörður and Tungudalur.
MAP: BEST CAMPSITES FROM ICELAND
You can click on the icons which appear on the following map to see the opening period and the services they offer.
CAMPSITES IN REYKJAVIK
Camping Mosskógar
This one on the northern outskirts of Reykjavík has very good facilities, they were renovated a few years ago. It has an equipped kitchen area with many tables inside a greenhouse. It also has laundry, bathroom and showers included in the price.
The Freezer Hostel & Culture Center
At the tip of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, north of Reykjavík, is the Freezer Hostel, open all year round as a campsite and cultural centre. The bad thing is that it does not have a camping area for tents.
The building where the hostel and camping services are located is a renovated old fish factory. They have bathrooms, showers, hot water, kitchen and Wi-Fi.
CAMPSITES BY THE SUR
Camping Grindavik
Very close to Keflavik airport and the famous Blue Lagoon is Grindavik, one of the best campsites in Iceland that we visited.. It's often the last stop for many tourists, and that means you can find all kinds of food, spices, and much more in its kitchen. cargas canisters for portable stoves.
The facilities are open from March 1st to November 30th and offer plenty of space for camping, Wi-Fi, free showers, a kitchen, common areas, restrooms, and a hose for refilling water tanks for campervans.caravans and children's play areas.
If you visit this campsite at the beginning of your trip Don't be ashamed to take foods that you are going to use, very often they have to clean and throw away food from so many things that people leave behind.
Best campsites in Iceland – Strandakirkja free campsite
This campsite located in the south does not have very notable facilities but it deserves to be on the list because It is one of the few free campsites in the country. It has a camping area, bathrooms, sink and paid showers. There isn't much information about it but it seems to be open all year round.
It doesn't have a kitchen but very close there is a hot dog restaurant (quite typical in Iceland) that I think is owned by the same owner. Maybe you can take advantage of the money you save from camping to try their dogs.
Camping Thakgil
In one of the best locations for trekking we have this campsite. It opens from June 1 to September 30 and has a camping area, bathrooms, free showers, Wi-Fi and laundry. It has a dining room inside a natural cave with a fireplace and barbecues.
From this campsite there are many trails that even reach the glacier, Without a doubt one of the most beautiful campsites in Iceland.
Vík campsite
This municipal campsite is located in the town of Vík where you can take advantage of stopping by the supermarket.
It is open between June 1 and October 31 and has large camping areas with some light sources. It has a fairly busy common area with wifi, microwave, kettle and two small electric stoves. It has toilets and showers that cost 300 crowns for 5 minutes.
It's the only campsite for miles around and it's right at the foot of carIt's a retera, so it can get absolutely packed during peak season.
Camping Kirkjubær II
Located between Vík and the Vatnajökull Glacier is this campsite open between March 15 and November 15.
The camping area is very spacious and has good views. Next to it there is a house with a kitchen, common eating area, wifi, hot water, showers (300 isk), washing machine, dryer and bathrooms.
Svínafell campsite
Next to the famous Vatnajokull glacier there are several campsites and this one is my favorite. Open between May 1 and September 30, it is the best stop to visit the glacier. Apart from being in a privileged area, it has a large camping area next to a building with all services. Inside there is a huge common room with a fridge, toasters, kettles and stove.
The facilities have 4 showers, included in the price, and a bathroom separated by gender. The only drawback is that the wifi does not reach the common area.
CAMPSITES BY THE EAST
Höfn campsite
In the village of Höfn, next to the carRetera 1, you will find this campsite which open all year.
It has many camping areas, electrical connections, a common area with a kitchen, a shower for 100 crowns, Wi-Fi connection and an area to do the laundry.
Camping here is a safe bet if you do the ring road in the low season.
Egilsstadir campsite
Without a doubt this campsite, open all year round, is one of the best campsites in Iceland. It costs 2000 crowns and is very well located for travelers who make the ring road or those who arrive with the ferry from Seydisfjordur. It is located within the city and from there you can walk to the Netto and Bonus supermarkets.
Its facilities are very complete and you will find many bathrooms, free showers, Wi-Fi, a laundry area, and electric vehicle charging points.carThe accommodations include a common area and a well-equipped kitchen. The campsite offers ample space and several children's play areas.
Camping Fossardalur
In the middle of the fjord surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains and waterfalls is this hostel with a camping area. It opens between April 1 and October 15 and has Wi-Fi, 3 showers, 5 bathrooms and an area to wash dishes. Also It has a kitchen although access is closed to campers from June 15 to September 1 as it is reserved for hostel guests.
BEST CAMPSITES FROM ICELAND BY THE NORTH
Camping Vogar
This year-round campsite is located next to the important Lake Myvatn and has several camping areas and also some cabins.
It has a warm common area with Wi-Fi, many tables, bathrooms, showers included and a large, well-equipped kitchen.
Camping Hamrar
On the outskirts of Akureyri, the northern capital, we have this great campsite open all year round and with many camping areas surrounded by the Kjarnaskógur forest. It has a main service house and other smaller ones spread throughout the camping areas.
In terms of facilities, it has bathrooms, free showers, electricity outlets, a Wi-Fi zone, a fairly large kitchen and a laundry area.
Camping 66.12° North
This is another of the few campsites that is open all year round. It is located right next to the coast and has stunning views over the water. It is one of the best campsites to enjoy the sunsets.
Located just 20 minutes from Húsavik, the European capital of the whale watching and they say that sometimes even you can see whales swimming from the campsite.
In its clean and tidy facilities you will find a kitchen area, bathrooms and showers included in the rate and a laundry area with a washing machine and dryer.
Camping Systragil
The Systragil campsite is located between Husavik and Akureyri on the Hróarsstaơir farm in front of Iceland's largest natural birch forest called Vaglaskógur.
They are open from June 1st to September 30th and have camping space and a parking area.caravans with electrical outlets.
You can find bathrooms and showers (300isk) with heating, sink with hot water, common area with kitchen, washing machine and a children's playground.
CAMPSITES IN THE WEST FJORDS
Camping Heydalur
The Heydalur hostel/campsite is open all year round as long as the weather permits. It is located next to a river in the middle of a beautiful valley. It is equipped with free showers, toilets and a children's play area. Unfortunately it does not have a kitchen area although the hostel has a restaurant service.
The best thing about this campsite is that It has a small pool with hot thermal water where you can relax after a long day.
Camping Sæberg
Sæberg is one of the cheapest campsites you'll find, priced at 1500 ISK per person. It's located halfway between Akureyri and Reykjavik, near the carroad that gives access to the western fjords.
In its facilities you will find bathrooms, showers and a dining area with a kitchen. Outside they have a small free pool with thermal water with direct views of the fjord, a great plan for the sunset.
Without a doubt one of the best places to stay while riding ring road.
Korpudalur HI Hostel/Camping
In the middle of the eastern fjords is this old farm converted into a hostel and camping area that opens from June 1 to September 1.
The location is idyllic and since it is a not so touristy area you will be able to enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.
They have bathrooms, free showers, Wi-Fi and kitchen.
Breidavik Campground
In the easternmost area of the west is this campsite that also has a hotel.
It is perfectly located to visit the Látrabjarg cliffs where in summer you can see puffins.
The campsite facilities include a bathroom, showers, a super cozy common area with a kitchen, and an electric connection for cars.caravans and laundry area.
Camping Talknafjördur
In the southern part of the Westfjords is the small town of Tálknafjörður, which has a campsite next to the municipal swimming pool open from June 1 to September 30.
This small town has always been dedicated to fishing and is a good starting point for boat trips.car the enormous Arctic cod, among many other species. The fishing tradition is so important that even there are self-service fishmongers where you yourself choose what to take and pay in a piggy bank. Rarely will you try fresher fish than here.
The campsite facilities include a bathroom, free showers, Wi-Fi, a communal kitchen area, and an electric vehicle connection.caravans and laundry area.
MAP WITH ALL CAMPSITES FROM ICELAND
If you are not close to any of the campsites that I have mentioned in this post or they do not convince you, you should know that there are many other campsites throughout Iceland. The van rental company Happy Camper has created the following map showing all the campsites that exist.
We hope that our guide to the best campsites in Iceland has been useful to you in organizing your trip and prevents you from sleeping in bad places. If you have any questions you can join the group of WhatsApp and together we will try to help. If you want to know more about our stay in Iceland you can read other articles from Iceland see our featured stories in Instagram.
Hello!
First of all, thank you so much for the blog. It's been really helpful in organizing my trip.
I wanted to ask if you have to make a reservation by phone or if arriving on the day is enough. I've tried to find websites for many of them, but they don't seem to have any (or I'm spelling it incorrectly, which could also be the case).
Thank you!!
Hi Lola! I'm glad it helps 🙂 You can book right there. There's always a small reception desk where you pay upon arrival, and if it's not open, they'll come by in the morning to collect the payment. Enjoy your trip!
Hello!! It's a pending trip, here we are doing the math to see if this year's budget is enough to visit Iceland hahaha. When you say that you can still spend the night in closed campsites, do you know if this is always the case? And is this possible to do only with a tent or also if you go with a camper? Thanks guys for all the useful information on your blog!!
Hi!
Many campsites close after the summer season, laying off staff and closing service areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, etc. As long as you don't need those services, you can parkcar on the property (if access is not closed) and spend the night.
I couldn't confirm if the majority leave the accesses open out of season, but we have seen more than one who do. In addition, throughout the country there are campsites open all year round, if you organize yourself well you will find one at each stop.
A greeting!