Campervan Rental Iceland: Compare Top Camper & Motorhome Fleets

Camping in Iceland: a complete overview

Iceland is one of Europe's best-prepared countries for campervan travel, with over 170 registered campsites scattered across every region of the island. Whether you're following the Ring Road, exploring the remote Westfjords, or spending a week on the South Coast, you'll never be far from a campsite with at least basic facilities. Most Icelandic campsites operate from June to mid-September, though a growing number of year-round sites near Reykjavík, Vík, and Akureyri cater to winter travellers and Northern Lights seekers.

Facilities vary considerably depending on the location. Urban and popular tourist-area campsites (like Reykjavík Campsite, Skaftafell, or Mývatn) tend to offer hot showers, flush toilets, electricity hookups, WiFi, laundry facilities, and sometimes a kitchen or common room. Rural and remote campsites may only have cold water, basic toilets, and no electricity, but they often compensate with extraordinary scenery and total tranquility. Most campsites have designated areas for campervans and motorhomes with relatively flat, gravel surfaces.

Campsite costs and the Camping Card

The cost of camping in Iceland varies by site, season, and the facilities available. As a general guide, expect to pay ISK 2,000–5,000 per person per night (~€13–33). Hot showers often cost an additional ISK 300–500 (~€2–3) using a coin or token system. Electricity hookups for campervans are available at larger sites for around ISK 1,000–1,500 (~€7–10) per night.

One of the smartest ways to save money on a campervan trip is the Camping Card, available for around ISK 24,900 (~€160). This card covers 28 nights of camping at over 40 campsites across Iceland for up to two adults and up to four children. If you're spending more than 5–6 nights at campsites, the card typically pays for itself. The Camping Card can be purchased online at campingcard.is or at participating campsites and tourist information centres.

Types of campsites in Iceland

Icelandic campsites fall into several categories. Understanding the differences will help you plan your route and set expectations for each overnight stop:

• Municipal campsites (Tjaldsvæði): Run by local municipalities, these are the most common type. They offer reliable basic facilities, toilets, showers, and waste disposal, at fair prices. Found in nearly every town and village along the Ring Road.
• National Park campsites: Located inside or adjacent to Vatnajökull National Park, Þingvellir National Park, and Snæfellsjökull National Park. Well-maintained with ranger stations and marked hiking trails nearby. Popular and busy in July, arrive before 3 PM to secure a spot.
• Farm campsites (Bóndabæir): Some Icelandic farms offer small, intimate campsites on their land, often with homemade bread, fresh eggs, or horseback riding available. A wonderful way to experience rural Icelandic culture firsthand.
• Remote Highland campsites: Basic sites in the interior accessible only via F-roads (4x4 required). Locations like Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk offer campgrounds with minimal facilities but surrounded by some of Iceland's most spectacular wilderness.
• Reykjavík Campsite (Laugardalur): Iceland's largest campsite, open May–September, with full facilities including a kitchen, laundry, and walking distance to the city centre and the famous Laugardalslaug thermal pool. Accepts the Camping Card.
• Year-round campsites: A small but growing number of sites stay open through winter, usually near major towns. These typically have heated bathrooms, sheltered pitches, and electrical hookups suited for cold-weather camping.

Wild camping rules in Iceland

Since 2015, Iceland's nature conservation laws have been updated to significantly restrict wild camping. The key rules every campervan traveller must understand:

• Campervans and motorhomes must stay at registered campsites. It is illegal to park a campervan overnight at rest stops, petrol stations, car parks, or by the roadside unless the area is explicitly designated for camping.
• Tent camping on uncultivated land is still technically allowed for 1–2 nights with the landowner's permission, as long as the land is not enclosed, cultivated, or within a designated nature reserve. However, this exception does not apply to campervans.
• National parks and nature reserves have strict overnight regulations, wild camping is prohibited in all protected areas.
• Fines for illegal camping range from ISK 50,000–200,000 (~€330–1,300) and are actively enforced, especially at popular attractions where unofficial overnight parking has caused environmental damage in the past.

Best campsites in Iceland for campervans

While there are over 170 campsites to choose from, these stand out for their locations, facilities, and overall experience:

• Þakgil Campsite (South Coast): Hidden inside a dramatic moss-covered canyon near Vík, this is consistently rated one of Iceland's most beautiful campsites. Sheltered from wind, with basic toilets and a cave BBQ area. No electricity but pure magic.
• Skaftafell Campsite (Vatnajökull National Park): The base for glacier hikes and walks to Svartifoss waterfall. Full facilities, ranger station, and walking trails directly from the campsite. Very popular, arrive early.
• Hamrar Campsite (Akureyri): Excellent facilities including hot showers, kitchen, WiFi, and laundry. Walking distance to Akureyri town centre, restaurants, and the Akureyri Botanical Garden.
• Grindavík Campsite (Reykjanes Peninsula): Close to the Blue Lagoon and Keflavík Airport, perfect for your first or last night. Simple but well-run with all basic amenities.
• Húsavík Campsite (North Iceland): In the heart of the whale watching capital with views over Skjálfandi Bay. Walk to the harbour for morning whale tours.
• Egilsstaðir Campsite (East Iceland): A well-equipped hub in the largest town of the Eastfjords, ideal for stocking up on supplies before heading into the remote eastern region.

Waste disposal and environmental responsibility

Most Icelandic campsites provide grey water disposal points and chemical toilet (cassette) emptying stations. It is illegal and deeply harmful to dump waste water or toilet contents anywhere other than designated disposal points. Iceland's pristine water systems and fragile volcanic ecosystems are easily damaged by pollution, responsible waste management is not optional, it's a fundamental part of campervan travel in Iceland.

Bring your own rubbish bags and recycle wherever possible. Campsites rarely provide rubbish bins for general waste, you're expected to carry your rubbish with you until you find a recycling point (available at fuel stations and in towns). Aluminium, plastic, glass, and paper are separated. Leave every campsite exactly as you found it, or better.

Best activities and adventures in Iceland

Iceland is one of the world's top adventure destinations, offering experiences you simply won't find anywhere else on Earth. From walking on thousand-year-old glaciers to snorkelling between two tectonic plates in crystal-clear water, the island packs an extraordinary range of activities into a country roughly the size of Kentucky. The best part? With a campervan, you can park at or near most activity starting points and join early morning tours before the crowds arrive.

Most outdoor activities in Iceland can be booked online in advance through operators like Guide to Iceland, Troll Expeditions, or Arctic Adventures. Booking 1–2 weeks ahead is recommended for glacier hikes and ice caves in peak season (July–August and December–January). Many tours include pickup from a nearby car park, making them ideal for campervan travellers who can simply drive to the meeting point.

Glacier hiking and ice caves

Iceland sits atop some of Europe's largest glaciers, and walking on them is one of the most popular activities in the country. Sólheimajökull (South Coast, 2.5 hours from Reykjavík) is the most accessible glacier for day hikes, tours depart year-round and require no experience, just a reasonable fitness level. For a more dramatic setting, Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park offers guided hikes onto the vast Svínafellsjökull glacier tongue with panoramic views of jagged ice formations and surrounding mountains.

In winter (November to March), natural ice caves form inside Vatnajökull glacier, creating breathtaking chambers of deep blue ice that are safe to explore with a certified guide. These caves form and collapse each year, so no two visits are the same. Tours depart from the Jökulsárlón area and typically cost ISK 20,000–25,000 (~€130–165) per person. Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance during December and January.

Snorkelling and diving in Silfra

The Silfra fissure in Þingvellir National Park is the only place on Earth where you can snorkel or dive between two continental plates, the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The glacial spring water is filtered through lava rock for decades before reaching Silfra, resulting in visibility exceeding 100 metres, among the clearest water on the planet. The water temperature is a constant 2–4°C year-round, but dry suits keep you warm and dry.

• Snorkelling tours: No diving certification needed. Last approximately 2–3 hours with 30–40 minutes in the water. Cost: ISK 18,000–22,000 (~€120–145). Available year-round.
• Diving tours: Require PADI Open Water certification and proof of dry suit experience. Last approximately 3–4 hours. Cost: ISK 30,000–35,000 (~€200–230).
• What to expect: Crystal-clear turquoise water, the narrow "cathedral" passage between the plates, and a surreal feeling of floating in water so pure you could drink it (and many people do).

Whale watching

Húsavík in North Iceland has earned its reputation as the whale watching capital of Europe, with humpback whales spotted on over 95% of summer tours (April–October). Tours depart from the harbour multiple times daily and last 3–3.5 hours on traditional oak fishing boats or modern catamarans. You may also spot minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises. In rare but memorable encounters, blue whales, the largest animals ever to have lived, have been seen in Skjálfandi Bay.

Whale watching is also available from Reykjavík (year-round, with minke whales and dolphins most common), Akureyri (humpbacks), and Ólafsvík on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula (orcas in winter). Prices range from ISK 11,000–15,000 (~€72–100) per person depending on the operator and boat type.

Horseback riding

The Icelandic horse is a unique breed that has been isolated on the island for over 1,000 years. It's the only horse breed in the world that naturally performs five gaits, including the smooth and distinctive tölt, a gait so comfortable you can hold a full glass of beer without spilling a drop. Riding tours are available throughout Iceland, from short 1-hour beach rides to multi-day highland treks.

• Beach rides (1–2 hours): Ride along black sand beaches near Vík or the Snæfellsnes coast. Perfect for beginners. Cost: ISK 10,000–15,000 (~€65–100).
• Lava field rides (2–3 hours): Explore moss-covered lava formations near Reykjavík or in the Mývatn area. Cost: ISK 14,000–20,000 (~€92–130).
• Multi-day Highland treks (2–6 days): For experienced riders. Cross rivers, ride through valleys, and sleep in mountain huts. The ultimate Icelandic adventure. Cost: from ISK 120,000 (~€790).

Puffin watching

Between May and mid-August, millions of Atlantic puffins nest along Iceland's coastal cliffs. The Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) host the world's largest puffin colony, around 8–10 million birds. You can take a 30-minute ferry from Landeyjahöfn (campervans welcome on board) and spend a night on Heimaey island to see puffins up close from the cliffs above Stórhöfði.

• Westman Islands: Largest colony, accessible by ferry with your campervan. Best viewing: cliff paths above Stórhöfði.
• Látrabjarg cliffs (Westfjords): Europe's westernmost point. Puffins here are famously unafraid of humans, you can get within a metre of them.
• Borgarfjörður Eystri (East Iceland): A purpose-built viewing platform lets you observe puffins at eye level from just 2–3 metres away. Less crowded than other locations.
• Dyrhólaey (South Coast): Near Vík. Puffins nest on the dramatic sea arch. Road access may be restricted during nesting season (May–June).

Northern Lights hunting by campervan

From September to March, Iceland is one of the best places on Earth to see the aurora borealis. A campervan gives you the ultimate advantage: you can drive away from city light pollution and park in total darkness, watching the lights dance overhead from the warmth of your van. The best conditions require clear skies, darkness, and solar activity, check the Icelandic Met Office aurora forecast at vedur.is every evening.

• Best months: October, November, February, and March, darkest skies with reasonable weather.
• Best locations: Anywhere away from Reykjavík's light pollution. Top spots include Þingvellir, Vík, Kirkjufell (Snæfellsnes), Jökulsárlón (reflection on icebergs), and anywhere in North Iceland.
• Campervan advantage: Stay up late, drive to clear skies when clouds roll in, and retreat to your warm van between bursts of activity. No tour bus schedule to follow.
• Photography tip: Bring a tripod, use manual mode (ISO 1600–3200, f/2.8, 10–15 second exposure), and turn off image stabilisation.

Essential travel tips for driving Iceland in a campervan

Driving a campervan around Iceland is one of the most rewarding travel experiences in the world, but the island's weather, roads, and vast distances require careful preparation. The good news is that Route 1 (the Ring Road) is fully paved and well-maintained year-round, making it accessible to any type of campervan. The 1,322 km loop around the island typically takes 10–14 days at a comfortable pace with time for detours and activities, though you could drive it in 7 days if you're short on time. For shorter trips (5–7 days), the South Coast and Golden Circle offer the highest concentration of attractions.

Best time to visit Iceland by campervan

The ideal time for a campervan trip depends on what you want to experience:

• June–August (summer): The most popular season. Temperatures average 10–15°C, days are endlessly long (midnight sun in June), all roads including F-roads are open, all campsites are operating, and wildlife is at its peak (puffins, whales, seals). The downside: higher rental prices, busier campsites, and no Northern Lights.
• September–October (autumn): Fewer tourists, lower prices, stunning autumn colours in the highlands, and the Northern Lights season begins. Most campsites remain open through mid-September. Weather becomes more unpredictable, and F-roads close.
• November–February (winter): For experienced travellers only. Short daylight hours (4–6 hours), ice and snow on roads, many campsites closed. But: spectacular Northern Lights, ice caves open, dramatic winter landscapes, and very low rental prices. A heated 4x4 campervan is essential.
• March–May (spring): Days rapidly lengthen, prices are still reasonable, and the landscape transitions from winter white to spring green. Northern Lights still visible through March. Some campsites start opening in May. Puffins arrive in late April.

Weather and what to pack

Iceland's weather is famously unpredictable, locals say "if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes." Even in midsummer, you can experience rain, wind, sunshine, and hail in a single day. The key to comfort is layering:

• Base layer: Merino wool or synthetic thermal top and bottoms, essential even in summer for early mornings and evenings.
• Mid layer: Fleece jacket or down vest for insulation. Pack two so one can dry while you wear the other.
• Outer layer: A windproof and waterproof jacket is your single most important item. Iceland's wind is relentless and can make 10°C feel like freezing. Gore-Tex or equivalent is worth the investment.
• Trousers: Waterproof hiking trousers for rainy days, comfortable jeans or trekking trousers for dry days.
• Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support for glacier hikes and trails. Bring a second pair of casual shoes for driving and campsites.
• Accessories: Warm hat, gloves (even in summer for windy coastal walks), buff/neck gaiter, sunglasses, and sunscreen (the sun reflects strongly off snow and water).

Money, costs, and budgeting

Iceland uses the Icelandic króna (ISK). Credit and debit cards are accepted virtually everywhere, even at remote fuel stations, small cafés, and campsite showers. You rarely need cash, though having a small amount for occasional market vendors or laundry machines can be useful. ATMs are available in all towns.

Iceland is one of Europe's most expensive countries. Here's a realistic daily budget breakdown for a couple travelling by campervan:

• Campervan rental: ISK 15,000–40,000/day (~€100–260) depending on size, season, and whether you choose 2WD or 4x4.
• Fuel: ISK 5,000–8,000/day (~€33–53) depending on distances driven. Diesel is slightly cheaper than petrol.
• Campsite: ISK 3,000–6,000/night (~€20–40) for two people, or use the Camping Card for significant savings.
• Groceries: ISK 4,000–6,000/day (~€26–40) cooking in your campervan. Shop at Bónus or Krónan for the best prices.
• Eating out (occasional): ISK 3,500–6,000 (~€23–40) per main course at a restaurant. A hot dog at a fuel station costs ISK 500 (~€3.30).
• Activities: ISK 12,000–25,000 (~€80–165) per person per activity (glacier hike, whale watching, ice cave, etc.).
• Total realistic budget: ISK 30,000–50,000/day (~€200–330) for a couple, including campervan rental, fuel, camping, groceries, and 1–2 activities per week.

Internet and connectivity

Mobile coverage in Iceland is good along Route 1 and in populated areas, but drops off significantly in the Highlands, Westfjords interior, and remote valleys. The three main mobile operators are Síminn, Vodafone Iceland, and Nova. Síminn has the widest coverage in rural areas.

• Tourist SIM cards: Available at Keflavík Airport and in Reykjavík. A prepaid data SIM with 10 GB costs around ISK 3,000–4,000 (~€20–26). Síminn is recommended for the best rural coverage.
• Campsite WiFi: Larger campsites offer free WiFi, but speeds are often slow and unreliable. Don't depend on it for work or streaming.
• Offline maps: Download Google Maps or Maps.me offline maps for all of Iceland before you leave home. Essential for areas without signal.
• Emergency app: Download the 112 Iceland app, it lets you send your GPS coordinates to Icelandic search and rescue in an emergency, even with limited signal.

Health, safety, and insurance

Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, with virtually no violent crime. However, the natural environment presents real risks that visitors must take seriously:

• Sneaker waves: At Reynisfjara black sand beach and other South Coast beaches, powerful "sneaker waves" can surge far up the beach without warning. Several tourists have been killed. Never turn your back on the ocean and stay well behind the wave line.
• Geothermal areas: Hot springs and geothermal fields (like Hverir near Mývatn) have boiling water and thin ground crust. Stay on marked paths at all times. The ground can be scalding just centimetres off the trail.
• River crossings: Only attempt in a 4x4 vehicle, never alone, and always check depth and current on foot first. Water levels can rise rapidly with rain or glacier melt.
• Weather exposure: Hypothermia is a real risk even in summer if you're caught in rain and wind without proper clothing. Always carry waterproof layers.
• Health insurance: EU/EEA citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to public healthcare. All visitors should have travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation, helicopter rescue in Iceland is expensive.

Popular events and festivals in Iceland

Iceland has a vibrant cultural calendar that punches far above its weight for a country of just 380,000 people. From ancient Viking traditions to world-class music festivals, there's something happening year-round that can add a memorable dimension to your campervan trip. Timing your visit to coincide with one of these events is a great way to experience Icelandic culture beyond the natural landscapes.

When you rent a campervan in Iceland, consider incorporating one of these annual events into your itinerary for a truly unforgettable experience:

• Þorrablót (Midwinter Festival), January–February: Iceland's most traditional feast celebrates the old Norse month of Þorri. Icelanders gather to eat "þorramatur", fermented shark (hákarl), smoked lamb, dried fish, and other preserved foods that sustained their ancestors through harsh winters. Many restaurants in Reykjavík offer þorrablót tasting menus. It's challenging for some palates but a uniquely Icelandic culinary experience.
• Reykjavík Winter Lights Festival, February: A free, city-wide festival celebrating the return of longer days after the darkest months. Buildings, streets, and landmarks are illuminated with spectacular light installations. Museum Night and Pool Night are highlights, many of Reykjavík's thermal pools stay open late with live music and free admission.
• Beer Day (Bjórdagurinn), March 1: On March 1, 1989, beer was legalised in Iceland after 74 years of prohibition. Every year, Icelanders celebrate this date with gusto. Bars in Reykjavík host themed events, and the craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, try local breweries like Borg Brugghús and Steðji.
• Sumardagurinn Fyrsti (First Day of Summer), April: Despite the name, this festival often falls while there's still snow on the ground. It marks the first day of summer in the old Icelandic calendar and is a public holiday. Parades, concerts, and family events take place across the country, especially in Reykjavík.
• Seaman's Day (Sjómannadagurinn), June: Celebrated on the first Sunday of June in every coastal town. Harbour festivals with boat races, swimming competitions, tug-of-war, sea rescue demonstrations, and mountains of free seafood. The best celebrations are in Reykjavík, Akureyri, Ísafjörður, and the Westman Islands.
• National Day (Þjóðhátíðardagurinn), June 17: Iceland's Independence Day, celebrating the establishment of the Republic of Iceland in 1944. Parades, live music, street food vendors, and carnival rides in every town. The largest celebrations are in central Reykjavík, with the iconic "Lady of the Mountain" (Fjallkonan) ceremony at Austurvöllur square.
• Secret Solstice Festival, June: A three-day music festival held in Reykjavík during the summer solstice, when the sun barely dips below the horizon. The festival features international and Icelandic artists across multiple stages, with unique side events like concerts inside Langjökull glacier and in lava tunnels.
• Verslunarmannahelgi (Merchants' Weekend), August: Iceland's biggest summer holiday weekend (first weekend of August). The entire country seems to head outdoors. The legendary Þjóðhátíð festival in the Westman Islands is the main event, a massive outdoor concert and bonfire gathering in a volcanic crater attended by up to 17,000 people. Book your ferry and campsite months in advance if you want to attend.
• Réttir (Sheep Round-Up), September: One of Iceland's most authentic cultural experiences. Every autumn, farmers ride on horseback into the highlands to gather sheep that have roamed freely all summer. The sheep are herded into circular stone pens (réttir) and sorted back to their owners. Many farms welcome visitors to join, it's an extraordinary way to connect with Iceland's farming heritage. Check local tourism boards for dates and locations.
• Iceland Airwaves, November: Reykjavík's legendary music festival showcasing emerging and established Icelandic and international artists. Venues range from concert halls to churches, bookshops, and record stores across the city. Past performers include Björk, Of Monsters and Men, and Sigur Rós. The festival has become a pilgrimage for music lovers worldwide.
• New Year's Eve (Gamlárskvöld), December 31: Arguably the most spectacular New Year's celebration in the world. There are no centrally organised fireworks, instead, every household buys and lights its own, creating a 360-degree firework display that engulfs the entire Reykjavík skyline for hours. Before midnight, most Icelanders gather around bonfires (áramótabrennur) and watch the traditional comedy TV show "Áramótaskaupið."

Icelandic culture and traditions

Beyond festivals, understanding a few Icelandic cultural norms will enrich your trip immensely. Icelanders are among the most literate people in the world, the country publishes more books per capita than any other nation, and the annual "Jólabókaflóð" (Christmas Book Flood) tradition sees everyone receive books on Christmas Eve to read through the night.

The thermal pool (sundlaug) is the heart of Icelandic social life. Every town, no matter how small, has a geothermally heated public pool. These are not tourist attractions but genuine community gathering places where locals catch up on news, discuss politics, and socialise. Entry is typically ISK 1,000–1,200 (~€7–8), and you must shower thoroughly without a swimsuit before entering, this is strictly enforced and considered basic hygiene, not optional.

• Naming conventions: Icelanders use a patronymic (or matronymic) system, not family surnames. If a man named Jón has a son named Ólafur, the son's full name is Ólafur Jónsson ("Jón's son"). A daughter named Guðrún would be Guðrún Jónsdóttir ("Jón's daughter"). This means phone books in Iceland are sorted by first name.
• Icelandic language: Icelandic has changed remarkably little since Viking times, modern Icelanders can still read 800-year-old sagas in the original. While virtually everyone speaks excellent English, learning a few phrases (like "takk" for thanks or "bless" for goodbye) is always appreciated.
• Respect for nature and the hidden people: Many Icelanders maintain a cultural connection to the huldufólk (hidden people/elves). Road construction projects have been rerouted to avoid disturbing rocks believed to be elf dwellings. Whether or not you believe, this reflects a deep cultural respect for the natural landscape that every visitor should share.
• Tipping: Not expected or customary in Iceland. Service charges are included in prices at restaurants, hotels, and for activities. Leaving a tip is appreciated but never required.

Icelandic food to try on your road trip

A campervan road trip is the perfect way to sample Iceland's unique culinary traditions. While you'll cook most meals in your campervan kitchen, make sure to stop and try these iconic dishes along the way:

• Icelandic hot dog (pylsur): A national obsession. Made with a blend of lamb, pork, and beef, topped with raw and crispy fried onions, ketchup, sweet mustard, and remoulade. The most famous stand is Bæjarins Beztu in downtown Reykjavík, but every petrol station has them.
• Lamb soup (kjötsúpa): A hearty traditional soup made with Icelandic lamb, root vegetables, and herbs. Available in almost every restaurant and café, especially along the Ring Road. Perfect on a cold, windy day.
• Plokkfiskur: A traditional comfort food made from mashed fish (usually cod or haddock), potatoes, onions, and béchamel sauce. Simple, filling, and deeply satisfying.
• Skyr: Iceland's famous dairy product, similar to thick yoghurt but technically a fresh cheese. High in protein, low in fat, available in every supermarket. Try it with fresh Icelandic blueberries in summer.
• Rúgbrauð (Rye bread): Dense, dark, slightly sweet bread traditionally baked underground using geothermal heat. In Mývatn (North Iceland), you can still visit bakeries that bake rúgbrauð in the hot earth near the lake.
• Hákarl (Fermented shark): Iceland's most notorious food. Greenland shark that's been fermented for several months. The smell is intense and the taste is an acquired one. Available at the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum in Snæfellsnes or at any þorrablót feast.
• Fresh seafood: Iceland's fishing harbours serve some of the freshest fish in the world. Look for langoustine (humar) in Höfn, cod in the Westfjords, and Arctic char in the north. Many harbour restaurants serve the day's catch directly from the boats.