Camping & Wild Camping

Camping in Iceland

Camping is the cheapest way to travel in Iceland, and the campsites are well-equipped. There are over 170 official campsites across the country.

Campsites

• Price: 1,500–3,000 ISK (10–20€) per person/night
• Facilities: WC, showers (sometimes for an extra charge of 200–500 ISK), kitchen (not always), electricity (sometimes). Well-equipped in Reykjavík and at hotspots, simple in the highlands
• Camping Card: About 200€ for 28 nights at 40+ campsites — pays off after about 10 nights. Available online at campingcard.is or at the tourist office
• Season: Most campsites are open mid-June to end of August. Some year-round sites in Reykjavík and Akureyri

The Best Campsites

• Reykjavík Campsite (Laugardalur): Centrally located, next to the city's largest swimming pool. Large site, good facilities
• Þingvellir: In the national park, surrounded by history and nature. Reservation recommended
• Skaftafell: At the foot of the Vatnajökull glacier, in birch forest. One of the most atmospheric
• Ásbyrgi: In the horseshoe-shaped canyon, in birch forest. Mystical and quiet
• Landmannalaugar: In the highlands, next to the hot spring. Simple but unforgettable

Wild Camping — The Rules

Since 2015, stricter rules apply:

• Wild camping with a tent is allowed on uncultivated land, but ONLY with the landowner's permission and only for a maximum of one night. In practice: Always stay at official campsites
• Campervans and motorhomes may ONLY stay at official campsites — not by the roadside, not in parking lots! Fines up to 150,000 ISK (1,000€)
• Nature reserves: Wild camping is generally prohibited
• Toilet: Leave NO traces. Use campsite toilets or bury human waste at least 15 cm deep and 30 meters away from water bodies