Camping for Women
created by women, for women

Top 5 Campsites in Iceland to Explore with Your Campervan

Published on

Campsites in Iceland

A road trip through Iceland turns out to be the optimal method for discovering its dramatic landscape which comprises glaciers along with waterfalls together with volcanic plains and geothermal springs. Using a campervan enables the greatest independence to witness Iceland’s Midnight Sun and exclusive hot springs and fjords and lava field landscapes. The guide presents five memorable campsites in Iceland suitable for those traveling with campervans and strategic planning advice for creating unique camping experiences.

Why Explore Iceland by Campervan?

A campervan offers both freedom of movement and comfortable amenities that allow you to drive along Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) and F-roads and simultaneously have your bed, cooking appliances, and all other necessary items at your disposal. Citizens can find more than 200 campsites across the nation to establish their base camp whenever they seek outdoor adventures. Your budget will stay strong because your lodging expenses and inflexible travel dates get eliminated. A campervan enables travelers to discover Iceland’s wilderness amid 24-hour summer conditions or winter illumination of the Northern Lights.

Explore Iceland by Campervan 1

Top 5 Campsites in Iceland for Campervan Travelers

Explore Iceland by Campervan

1. Skaftafell Campsite – Gateway to Glaciers

Location: Vatnajökull National Park, Southeast Iceland
Why Stay Here: Tourists who enjoy nature and hiking visit the campground which stands below Europe’s largest glacier Vatnajökull. Walks from the area direct visitors to Svartifoss Waterfall and its black basalt columns as well as Svínafellsjökull Glacial Tongue.

  • Facilities: Community areas at the campsite include restrooms and showers together with cooking shelters as well as a visitor center for guests.
  • Campervan Tips: Paved roads make access easy. The first step of planning for a sunrise trailhead start requires selecting parking near the trail access point.
  • Nearby: You can visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon followed by Diamond Beach in a 45-minute driving distance.

Pro Tip: You should dedicate two days to experience the demanding hike along the Laugavegur Trail.

2. Þakgil (Thakgil) Campsite – A Hidden Oasis

Location: Near Vík, South Iceland
Why Stay Here: Travelers find Þakgil situated in a valley covered by moss which resembles the setting of Middle-earth. The restaurant features a cave dining section which includes candlelit tables combined with BBQ pits to create a rustic atmosphere.

  • Facilities: Fundamental bathrooms, showers, and fire pits. No WiFi — embrace the off-lattice vibe.
  • Campervan Tips: During rain, the road becomes challenging for 4×4 vehicles and converts to 8 kilometers of gravel.
  • Nearby: Reynisfjara’s dark sand ocean side (30-minute drive) and the DC-3 plane wreck.

Pro Tip: Ice-caving tours through Mýrdalsjökull Glacier become available during winter season.

3. Landmannalaugar Campsite – Highlands Adventure

Location: Fjallabak Nature Reserve, Icelandic Highlands
Why Stay Here: Travelers who prefer hiking visit Landmannalaugar because it features the picturesque rhyolite peaks with their rainbow hues along with its thermal water resources. After completing Laugavegur Trail hiking one can experience natural hot springs in the area..

  • Facilities: Fundamental latrines, no showers. Mountain cabins are accessible for lease.
  • Campervan Tips: Open utilizing rough F-streets (4×4 required). Show up sooner than expected for stopping.
  • Nearby: Hekla Spring of gushing lava and the dreamlike Ljótipollur pit lake.

Pro Tip: Visit in September for fewer groups and pre-winter-shaded scenes.

Landmannalaugar Campsite %E2%80%93 Highlands Adventure

4. Þingvellir National Park Campsite – Historical Wonder

Location: Golden Circle, Southwest Iceland
Why Stay Here: A UNESCO site where structural plates impact, Þingvellir mixes history and topography. Swim the Silfra Gap’s gem waters or investigate Almannagjá Crevasse.

  • Facilities: All-year latrines, summer showers, and cooking regions.
  • Campervan Tips: Focal area ideal for Brilliant Circle schedules.
  • Nearby: Geysir Natural aquifers and Gullfoss cascade (30-minute drive).

Pro Tip: Winter guests can consolidate setting up camp with swimming — drysuits keep you warm!

5. Reykjavik Eco Campsite – Urban Comfort

Location: Reykjavik Capital Region
Why Stay Here: Begin or end your excursion here with city solaces. Stroll to Hallgrímskirkja Church or the Harpa Show Lobby, then, at that point, loosen up in geothermal pools like Laugardalslaug.

  • Facilities: Warmed restrooms, kitchens, WiFi, and power hookups.
  • Campervan Tips: Book ahead in summer. Utilize the camping area’s bicycle rentals to investigate Reykjavik.
  • Nearby: The Blue Tidal pond (50-minute drive) and whale-watching visits from Old Harbor.

Pro Tip: Stock up on food at Bónus or Krónan before stirring things up around town.

Reykjavik Eco Campsite %E2%80%93 Urban Comfort

How to Visit Them All with Your Campervan in Iceland

To amplify your excursion, follow Iceland’s Ring Street (Highway 1), which associates every one of the five camping areas. Begin in Reykjavik, circle through the Brilliant Circle, South Coast, East Fjords, and North Iceland, then, at that point, return employing the Snæfellsnes Promontory. With a campervan, you can visit them all with your campervan in Iceland, adapting your route to weather and spontaneity.

Sample 10-Day Itinerary:

  1. Reykjavik Eco Campsite
  2. Þingvellir → Geysir → Gullfoss
  3. Þakgil (Vík)
  4. Skaftafell (Vatnajökull)
  5. East Fjords (Seyðisfjörður)
  6. Lake Mývatn (North Iceland)
  7. Landmannalaugar (Highlands)
  8. Snæfellsnes Peninsula
  9. Reykjavik
  10. Blue Lagoon

Essential Tips for campsites in Iceland

  1. Book Early: Summer campsites fill fast—reserve spots at Reykjavik Eco and Skaftafell.
  2. Pack Smart: Bring a sleeping bag (rated -10°C), quick-dry towels, and a portable power bank.
  3. Weather-Proof Your Trip: Check the road.is for closures and vedur.is for storms.
  4. Respect Nature: Stay on marked roads; off-roading damages fragile ecosystems.
  5. Save with Camping Cards: The Iceland Camping Card (€159) covers 40+ sites for 28 nights.

Conclusion

The campsites in Iceland give travelers exceptional opportunities to experience nature through their access to glacier-formed valleys at Skaftafell as well as mystical caves found at Þakgil. Campervan travelers can freely experience waterfall quests hot spring bathing and aurora borealis viewing according to their itineraries. The selected five campsites guarantee an unforgettable Icelandic road trek for solo wanderers and families wanting to explore untamed landscapes.

Ready to hit the road? visit them all with your campervan in Iceland. Use Iceland’s great open spaces to plan your journey by getting a campervan rental.

Campervan Iceland Logo
Campervan Iceland

Campervan Iceland is part of Scandinavian Travel Services ltd./co which is recognized by the Tourism Board of Iceland. We will assist you in finding a vehicle that suits both your needs and your pocket book.

Our goal is to offer you the best deal available, saving you time & money. Our team has in-depth knowledge of the car rental market in Iceland, the country itself, ideal travel routes and their secrets. We will make sure you have all of the information you need to know in order to have a safe, exciting journey.

Comments

21 responses to “Top 5 Campsites in Iceland to Explore with Your Campervan”

  1. Subhashish Roy Avatar

    One of the few countries that we have not visited in Europe is Iceland. And we have never done a campervan trip ever so this article of yours was all the more interesting to read and learn. Skaftafell Campsite looks one we certainly would be our first choice. Being close to the glacier is always appealing. Reykjavik Eco Campsite should also be nice.

  2. Puloma Bhattacharya Avatar

    These camping sites across Iceland are worth exploring with such breathtaking views of glaciers, thermal pools and northern lights. It’s amazing that these campgrounds have most of the facilities and thanks for sharing the important packing tips on camping essentials.

  3. Joanna Avatar
    Joanna

    I know that Iceland is best explored by car, but I never thought to do it in a campervan. It does make sense though, as you would save so much money on accommodation, which is so expensive in Iceland. It’s great that you would these amazing campsites, where you can be just you and the nature.

  4. Linda (LD Holland) Avatar

    I must start by saying that camping is not normally something we look for. But a campervan for exploring Iceland does sound like the ideal way to spend time outside of the populated areas. I love the amazing sights we could enjoy at the camping spots you identified. And that basic services are available. Good to know that a 4×4 will allow more access to spots. I am keeping this post for your 10 day itinerary. This sounds like a great way to ensure we see so much of Iceland and its amazing sights!

  5. Renata Feyen Avatar

    This will make a great resource if you are an adventure lover. You have done all the hard work for them

  6. SONIA SEIVWRIGHT Avatar

    Each of the campsites you mentioned sounds amazing but Þakgil really caught my eye—it looks like a secret gem and being nestled in between mountains is pure magic. I’m still a total newbie to camping so that was super helpful.

  7. Karletta Avatar
    Karletta

    Would love to visit Iceland. Hadn’t considered exploring via camper van but it does look amazing and you’ve inspired me today.

  8. Karletta Avatar
    Karletta

    What an incredible adventure. Never thought of doing this until I spotted your article. Excellent inspiration.

  9. amy liu dong Avatar
    amy liu dong

    I have never been to Iceland, but I wish to be there someday to explore and experience camping in those beautiful campsites.

  10. Mow De Avatar
    Mow De

    I have previously taken both bus and private tours which had enabled me to gain an amazing feel for Iceland’s geysers, hot springs, waterfalls and stunning geological formations. This article makes me compelled to revisit for a new and different adventure!

  11. Marysa Avatar

    This would be such a neat trip to go on. I can’t imagine going camping to these kinds of views. What a great bucket list experience!

  12. Melissa Cushing Avatar
    Melissa Cushing

    This is so cool and I am getting an RV so that we can travel the continental US…. visiting all of the states and scrapbooking about it along the way. Once I do that I would so love this…..and need to visit Iceland some day!

  13. Lavanda Michelle Avatar

    I’ve been dreaming of an Icelandic road trip, and your detailed breakdown of these campsites is so helpful.

  14. Amber Myers Avatar

    This would be such an amazing experience. Iceland is gorgeous! I hope I can visit one day.

  15. Tara Avatar
    Tara

    This is inspiring! I had no idea camping like this in Iceland was so popular and accessible. On my list!

  16. Julie Avatar

    I didn’t even consider camping in Iceland, but now that you mention it, you know I’m going to be bugging for my husband to take us there on our next vacation. What a great way to see nature!

  17. Ben Avatar
    Ben

    There is honestly nothing I would love to do more than road trip Iceland with an RV. It would be amazing!

  18. Beth Avatar

    I can’t think of a more amazing place to explore with an RV than Iceland. It’s so gorgeous there.

  19. Michelle Avatar

    Wow, this sounds like it was such a phenomenal experience! I’d love to have an adventure through Iceland in a camper van one day.

    1. Marie Gizelle Avatar
      Marie Gizelle

      Have always wanted to explore Iceland…this definitely is a lovely activity to do there. More adventure and being one with the surroundings. The eco-campsite would be my pick.

  20. Emily Avatar

    I was recently in Iceland and it was such an amazing experience! I’d love to come back and do it in a camper van next time.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

RECENT POSTS