Itinego
ItinerariesGuidesDeals and Promo Codes
Paysage de Iceland

Iceland

Travel Guides

HOME
ITINERARIES
GUIDES
BUDGET
DEALS & PROMOS
FacebookInstagram
Legal Terms / ToS / ToC

© 2026 Itinego. All rights reserved.

Legal Terms / ToS / ToC
common.home
Iceland
Guides
Camping in Iceland

Camping in Iceland

1

What are the options for camping in Iceland?

A campsite in Iceland

A campsite in Iceland

Our recommendation : Is this your first time camping? We recommend opting for a campervan and planning a few nights in conventional accommodation.

2

The advantages of camping

A campsite in the Highlands

A campsite in the Highlands

3

Where to book your car, campervan, or motorhome?

Are you planning to travel by:

Read also | How to get to Reykjavik from Keflavik Airport

Plan your itinerary for free using our travel planner . Get inspired by the itineraries and experiences of other campers.

4

Is it dangerous to camp in Iceland?

•

Iceland is the safest country in the world with one of the lowest crime rates worldwide

• You will encounter no dangerous animals.

•

The main risk is the weather: storms can be violent at any time of the year. Remember to check the weather forecasts daily, and even several times a day, on the vedur.is website.

5

What is the best season for camping in Iceland?

A breathtaking view

A breathtaking view

6

Are campsites open in winter in Iceland?

Camping in winter in Iceland

Camping in winter in Iceland

The map below shows you the campsites open year-round.

7

Is wild camping allowed in Iceland?

Wild camping is forbidden

Wild camping is forbidden

Since November 2015, Icelandic conservation legislation has been strengthened. It is now forbidden to spend the night in tents, caravans, campervans, or other similar vehicles outside organized campsites or urban areas , unless permission has been obtained from the owner or rights holder. (Aside from national parks and reserves, land is generally private.)

The majority of land in Iceland is private

•

For those traveling in a motorhome or campervan, it is mandatory to stay in registered campsites.

•

However, if you are traveling without a vehicle , wild camping is allowed in the three cases below. Everything is described in English on the governmental site of the ust .

◦

Along public roads in inhabited areas, you may pitch a traditional camping tent for one night on uncultivated land, provided there is no campsite in the immediate vicinity and the landowner has not limited or prohibited access, passage, or stay in the area by means of signs on gates and hiking trails.

◦

Along public roads, in uninhabited areas, you may pitch a traditional camping tent on private or national land.

◦

Outside public roads, it is possible to pitch a traditional camping tent on private or national land, unless otherwise indicated in the special rules applicable to the area concerned.

•

Legislation is slightly more flexible in the Highlands where wild camping is tolerated provided you leave no trace.

This measure aims to protect Iceland's fragile environment against damage caused by unregulated camping.

8

What are the opening hours/periods for campsites in Iceland?

9

How much does a night of camping cost in Iceland?

The campervan is a popular solution

The campervan is a popular solution

•

The cost of a night of camping in Iceland varies depending on several factors, such as location, services offered, and the season.

•

On average, the price is between 1,500 ISK and 2,500 ISK per person per night, which is equivalent to approximately $11.52 to $23.03 USD.

•

Some campsites may offer additional services like hot water, which may incur extra charges.

•

Even if the majority of campsites in Iceland accept card payments, it is advisable to have some cash
on you for the most isolated sites or for taking a hot shower.

10

Do you need to book your spot at a campsite in Iceland?

•

Few campsites offer the possibility of booking in advance. Nevertheless, some now offer this option through the Parka.is application

•

If you are traveling in a campervan or motorhome during the high season, it is advisable to arrive before 7 p.m.. First come, first served.

•

For those camping or sleeping in their car, booking is not necessary, you will generally always find a spot available.

11

Where are the campsites located in Iceland?

Below is the map of campsites open in summer. Except in the center and on the southern portion between Skaftafell and Hofn, it will not be difficult to find a campsite.

The green tents correspond to campsites eligible with the Camping Card

The Tjalda.is website lists almost all the campsites with useful information such as available services.

12

What services are available?

For food, supermarkets and gas stations will be your resupply points.

13

Should you buy the Camping Card in Iceland?

The Camping Card allows you to save money

The Camping Card allows you to save money

Purchasing the Camping Card can be considered an initial investment that can potentially offer significant savings, especially for families or groups. In terms of cost-benefit, the Camping Card can be particularly advantageous for those planning to spend multiple nights camping across Iceland. However, it is essential to consider the opening dates of the campsites, as not all of them are open year-round.

A night of camping costs about $17.27 USD. A couple camping 6 nights would spend about $207.28 USD (17.27 x 2 x 6).

To use the card, simply present it with a valid ID upon arrival at the campsite. The card functions like a prepaid credit card, with a magnetic strip that deducts the nights used. If you opt for the digital version, the campsite owner will scan the QR Code on your smartphone.

Our opinion: depending on your itinerary, estimate the number of times you could use the card. If the savings made are not significant, it is better not to purchase the card, as the participating campsites are not always the best possible choices.

Buy the card on the official website

14

How to equip yourself for camping in Iceland?

The country's weather conditions require equipping yourself with suitable gear.

15

Can you buy or rent camping equipment in Iceland?

•

Camping is part of Icelandic culture, so it's easy to find stores to equip yourself in major cities. In Reykjavik, specialized stores are in the city center or in commercial areas.

•

For renting items or accessories, the reference store is called Iceland-camping-equipment . You will find everything you need there.

Everything is more expensive in Iceland, buy your gear beforehand if possible

16

The best campsites in Iceland

Chargement de l'image...

Did this guide help you?

No reviews yet
Tap a star to rate this guide

Got a question? Need advice?

Join our Facebook help group for the country

Share this guide

You might also be interested in...

  • Car and 4wd rental in Iceland: pitfalls to avoid in 2026
  • The Best Activities to Do in Iceland
  • Camping in Iceland
  • See all guides