Campsites of Iceland
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Camping is the cheapest way to drive Iceland's Ring Road and fall asleep beside a new volcano or waterfall each night. Wild camping with cars and campers is banned by law, so you overnight only at official sites, and there are hundreds of them. The table gathers eight key campsites with their facilities and season, while below are answers to the big questions about the Camping Card, prices and Iceland's wind.
Key Iceland campsites: region, season and core facilities
| Campsite | Region | Season | Shower | Kitchen | Laundry | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reykjavík Campsite | Reykjavík (capital) | year-round | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Akureyri Campsite (Hamrar) | North (Akureyri) | year-round | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mývatn Campsite (Bjarg) | North (Mývatn) | summer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skaftafell Campsite | Southeast (Vatnajökull) | year-round | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Höfn Campsite | Southeast (Höfn) | summer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Vík Campsite | South (Vík) | summer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Þingvellir Campsite | Golden Circle (Þingvellir) | summer | ✓ | — | — | ✓ |
| Egilsstaðir Campsite | East (Egilsstaðir) | year-round | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Places8
FAQ5
Can you pitch a tent anywhere in Iceland?
No. Since 2015 overnighting in campers, caravans and cars outside official campsites is banned by law. With a tent you may occasionally stay with the landowner's permission, but in practice the rule is simple - sleep at official sites. In national parks and reserves wild camping is forbidden entirely.
What is the Camping Card and is it worth it?
The Camping Card is a seasonal pass for roughly 28 nights at a fixed price of about 150 EUR, accepted by dozens of campsites around the country. It covers two adults and a few children on one pitch per night. If you drive the Ring Road for two or three weeks and stay at participating sites, the card pays for itself easily; for short trips the saving is smaller.
How much does a night at a campsite cost?
A typical rate is about 1800-2500 ISK per person per night, with children usually free or discounted. On top of that a lodging tax per pitch is often added, while electricity and laundry are paid separately. At popular spots in summer prices sit near the upper end.
Are showers at campsites paid?
Often yes. At many sites the hot shower runs on coins, tokens or a special service card, and time is capped at a few minutes. Some places include the shower in the nightly rate, but you only find out on arrival. So always carry small ISK coins.
When is the season and what about the wind?
Most campsites open only in summer, roughly from May-June to September; year-round sites are a handful. Iceland's wind can be ferocious and shreds cheap tents, so bring a wind-resistant tent, long solid pegs and pitch with the entrance away from the wind. The forecast changes fast here, so check it daily.