Experience Unforgettable Camping in Iceland

Camping in Iceland can feel like a gamble with its alluring highs and potential lows. Picture yourself basking in the sunlit splendor of a verdant valley, surrounded by breathtaking glacier views, enjoying amenities that might outshine your own bathroom. Yet, there’s also the stark reality of being whisked away by emergency services to sleep on the floor of a nearby school due to a summer windstorm fierce enough to snap tent poles—a true story, though thankfully a rare one.

With this in mind, we embarked on our recent camping adventure in a luxurious 4×4 camper van—a true dream on wheels. Equipped with heating, a refrigerator, a gas stove, USB ports with self-charging batteries, running water, and ample storage for all our needs—think multiple cases of lopapeysur, art supplies galore, and a hearty stock of Bríó beer.

“Our sites varied dramatically, from lavish camping resorts to a lonely patch of grass marked by a solitary, neglected toilet.”

Most camping sites in Iceland charge between 1,000 and 2,000 ISK per person, with additional fees for washing machines, electricity, and other amenities. While our nightly destination was generally decided, our scouting of various sites in each region focused on vibing out good atmospheres and first-rate facilities. Our criteria? Soft grass over gravel, privacy among plots, clean and heated toilet blocks, and, of course, a stunning view. Extra points if the site offered hiking, laundry facilities, or a place to grab a bite.

For the most part, the standards were impressive. However, there were a few missteps, such as an abandoned campsite and an obscure grassy lot that came equipped with one rather unpleasant toilet facility. Here’s a rundown of our camping escapades: the remarkable, the decent, and the downright unpleasant.

Wild West

Our first night was spent in Borgarfjörður, where we decided to check out Varmaland, a site highly rated in Google reviews. It met several of our requirements—tree-lined plots, picnic benches, and a lookout point offering sweeping views of the rolling plains, not to mention a nearby pool. However, it lacked a homey feel; absent any obvious reception and with nobody in sight, we quickly moved along.

Next up was Hverinn, which charmed us from the get-go. Nestled next to the Krauma spa, it featured a diner serving hot soup made from locally grown vegetables. You could phone the friendly owners for check-in, even after diner hours. With tree-lined pitches and clean toilets, it proved to be an excellent first night spot.

A special mention goes to Munaðarnes, a secluded gem tucked away in a forest near Bifröst. It exuded a sense of privacy, offering solid amenities—playgrounds for kids, a washer-dryer, and discrete camping spots, all leading to a hike down to the river. With birds chirping and sunshine pouring down, it was hard not to wish we could stay longer if it fit better into our itinerary.

True North

As we ventured further north, around Akureyri, a selection of sites awaited us. The standout was Hamrar, a well-maintained spot at a wooded hiking crossroads, offering trails that beckoned for exploration. For those wishing to avoid town, the rustic charm of Vaglaskógur—with its beautiful forests—also proved appealing. Flatagerði offered practical amenities like laundry and hot showers, ensuring comfort in the heart of nature.

The stunning Mývatn area featured a couple of solid camping options, notably Hlíð, a simpler site that overlooks the lake, and the nearby Vogar. Due to persistent rain during our visit, Vogar’s welcoming hot showers and onsite pizza place were a much-needed respite. They even accepted payments via QR code and Apple Pay—modern camping at its finest! Take our advice: linger for a few nights if you can; you’ll undoubtedly wish you had more time in Mývatn.

Far East

In the east, several campsites stood out, chief among them Atlavík on the serene eastern shore of Lagarfljót. Though the facilities were more basic than at other locations, the trade-off came in the form of secluded, wooded camping spots, picturesque beach walks, and the soothing sounds of the lake lapping gently against the shore as we drifted off to sleep.

Further along the eastern coastline lies Berunes, a delightful oasis nestled in the rocky Berufjörður. Situated on a historic farm, it boasts a peaceful camping area replete with hot showers and inviting greenhouse-like seating. If you find yourself attempting to cover distance, Djúpivogur just across the fjord offers a nice alternative.

We also attempted to reach Smiðjunes, a promising site near Hvannagil; however, lacking clear signage, our navigation led us instead to a broad expanse of black sand. What an adventure!

Deep South

On the south coast, things get hectic with larger, often crowded, campsites. Traveling from east to west, Höfn’s town site and nearby Myllulækur are adequate, but Skaftafell emerges as the crown jewel of camping in Iceland. Here, spacious grounds host expansive, well-maintained shower and toilet facilities, alongside the Vatnajökull visitor center, with astonishing hikes to Svartifoss and Sjónarnípa starting right on-site.

However, the standard does take a dip after that. The camping ground in Vík could use some work; it felt more like a flat patch of grass hemmed in by bustling roads and hotels, saved only by the presence of the wonderful Skool Beans coffee bus. Yet perhaps the highlight of our trip was the stunning Herjólfsdalur in the Westman Islands, a picturesque site with a dramatic cliff on one side and a sprawling golf course on the other. The kitchen area boasts stoves and sinks, along with a washer-dryer and civilized hot showers. The owner even spoke of plans for future improvements. Twelve points to Vestmannaeyjar!

Conversely, the low point of our travels came at Þrastarskógur near Selfoss. While the location was beautiful, unclear signage set us off on a frustrating start. The visitor center staff were unable to assist us with check-in, and the lone toilet available was shockingly dirty, with a scene reminiscent of something out of Trainspotting. Perhaps they weren’t quite ready for summer crowds yet, but alternatives in Selfoss and Hveragerði offered much more appealing options.

And there you have it—a concise guide to the world of camping along the Ring Road. The sites were so pleasant that it hardly felt like roughing it at all. Just remember to keep an eye on vedur.is to ensure that the winds are the kind you want to embrace.

A special thanks to Go Campers for providing an exceptional van experience. Book yours at gocampers.is.