Where to Camp in Iceland: A KuKu Guide to the Best Campsites
Top 20 of the Best Campsites in Iceland
We heard you’re planning a camping trip in Iceland? Smart move.
Van doors open, hot coffee in hand, volcanoes in the background – as a van rental company, we LOVE the idea.
With over 170 campsites across Iceland, the Land of Fire and Ice is basically one giant open-air hotel.
From hidden gems in the Eastfjords to well-equipped campervan campsites along the Ring Road, there’s definitely a spot out there with your name on it (and maybe a view of a glacier, too).
To save you from doom-scrolling Google Maps at midnight while your travel buddy burns pasta in the van, we’ve put together this list of the best campsites in Iceland – tried, tested and KuKu-approved.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or parking under the Northern Lights (always at a campsite, needless to say!), this list will help you find the perfect place to call “camp” for the night.
Ready? Let’s roll.
Scroll down for the full list – and a handy map to keep you on the (unpaved) road.
First Step: Rent Your Campervan (possibly a cool one)
Now, let’s get one thing straight: if you want the full Iceland experience – waterfalls, volcanoes, sheep traffic jams and all – you need wheels.
Not just any wheels, though. You, my friend, need a campervan. Your bed, kitchen, and freedom-on-four-wheels, all in one.
Renting a campervan in Iceland is hands-down the smartest (and most budget-friendly) way to explore the island. No overpriced hotels. No boring itineraries. Just pure, unfiltered road trip magic.
And guess what? You’re in luck – because you’ve just stumbled upon the sexiest camper rental company in Iceland. Yup, that’s us. KuKu Campers: proudly weird, wildly reliable, and possibly cheaper than your average Reykjavík cocktail.
So go ahead – book your campervan now, and let’s hit the road.
Capital Region – Reykjavík
Mosskógar Campsite: Where Nature Meets Veggies 🥕
Looking for a cozy basecamp near Reykjavík that doesn’t feel like a supermarket parking lot? Say hi to Mosskógar Campsite – nestled in Mosfellsbær, it’s perfectly placed between downtown Reykjavík and Þingvellir National Park.
That’s right, this is prime campervan real estate for anyone doing the Golden Circle with style.
Each van gets its own assigned spot, which means no “where did we park last night?” drama – just roll back in after a day of chasing waterfalls and you're good to go.
The campground is surrounded by trees, sectioned off for privacy, and feels more like a chill woodland retreat than your usual pit stop.
Facilities? Spotless. You’ll find newly renovated showers and restrooms (open 24/7), electricity, laundry, a kitchen that’s actually usable, and enough tables to host your own dinner party – indoors or out.
Bonus round: from July to late September, Mosskógar turns into a farmers’ market paradise every Saturday. Think fresh veggies, homemade jam, trout, baked goods, and even roses – all straight from local farms. Bring cash and your tote bag.
South Iceland
Gata Campsite: Free Spot, Full Belly 🌭
Free camping in Iceland? Yup, still a thing – and Gata Campsite is proof.
Tucked near Strandakirkja, just outside of Þorlákshöfn on the south coast, this gem is open year-round and proudly holds the title of “KuKu’s favorite free campsite.” (And that’s saying something – we’ve seen a looot of grass.)
Facilities are pretty solid for a zero-krónur deal: toilets, a shower, a basic indoor area with counter space, running water (until winter hits), and even a sink.
There’s no electricity though – so bring a power bank and your sense of adventure. Also, there’s a strict 25+ age rule, so if you still get ID’d at bars, maybe skip this one.
Oh, and wait: There’s also a hot dog stand.
An actual one. Right there. Grab a legendary Icelandic pylsa and devour it in your campervan with that smug “I just camped for free and ate like royalty” grin.
🗓️ Open: All year (but facilities may close when the freeze kicks in)
📍 Location: Gata land 1
Faxi Campsite: Waterfalls & Camper Dreams 💦
Doing the Golden Circle in your campervan and looking for a place to crash that’s not just “meh grass and a toilet”? Enter Faxi Campsite – located just 10 km from the Geysir geothermal area and sitting literally next to the Faxi waterfall.
Yep, you’ll fall asleep to the sound of the Tungufljót river doing its thing – nature’s white noise machine, no subscription needed.
Wake up, step out of your van, and boom: waterfall views. This is what camping in Iceland is all about.
Facilities are basic but solid: cold running water, toilets, cooking space. There’s even a restaurant on site if your idea of camp cooking is “watching someone else do it.”
Add a few scenic walking trails and you’ve got yourself a pretty dreamy stop on your Golden Circle route.
🗓️ Open: May 15 – September 30
📍 Location: Biskupstungur, 801 Selfoss
Þjórsárdalur Campsite: History, Hekla & Hobbit Vibes ⚒️
If your idea of a good camping trip involves epic waterfalls, volcanic drama, and a sprinkle of medieval Iceland, then Þjórsárdalur Campsite is calling your name – probably in Old Norse.
Set in the lush Þjórsárdalur valley, along Iceland’s longest river, this spot is just a short drive from some of the country’s most fascinating historical sites.
You’re 7.5 km from Þjóðveldisbærinn Stöng, a full-on reconstruction of a Viking-era farmhouse (complete with a medieval church), and 12 km from the original excavation site, believed to have been buried by the 1104 eruption of Mount Hekla.
Nerdy? Alright, maybe a bit. Awesome? Absolutely.
But wait, there’s more: you’re also close to Háifoss (one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls), the double-drop wonder of Hjálparfoss, and the magical little canyon of Gjáin, which honestly looks like it belongs in a fantasy film.
The campground itself is peaceful, green, and broken up into smaller lawns surrounded by vegetation.
Facilities include restrooms, a playground, and walking paths galore – ideal for stretching your legs after a long day chasing ruins and waterfalls.
🗓️ Open: May 15 – mid-September (or until the frost says nope)
📍 Location: Gnúpverjahreppur, 801 Selfoss
Kerlingarfjöll Campsite: Wild, Steamy & Worth the Bumps 🥾
Kerlingarfjöll isn’t just a stop – it’s a reward.
Tucked deep in the Icelandic highlands, this geothermal wonderland is only accessible with a 4x4 campervan – which already filters out the faint-hearted. Good.
The whole area is a protected landscape, packed with steam vents, snow patches (even in summer), and hiking trails that look like someone cranked the saturation up to 200.
Think rainbow-colored rhyolite mountains, boiling rivers, and views that don’t need a filter.
The Kerlingarfjöll Campsite has all the basics to keep you comfy after a long hike: restrooms, showers, and a shared kitchen.
Not in the mood to chop veggies in your van? No problem. The on-site restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner – and if you’re planning a full-day hike, you can even grab a sandwich to go. Peak efficiency.
🗓️ Open: June 15 – September 1
📍 Location: Kerlingarfjöll, 801 Selfoss (aka the middle of nowhere and proud of it)
Úlfljótsvatn Campsite: Where Kids Rule the Campsite 🤸🏽♀️
If you’re road-tripping with little humans, you’ll want to add Úlfljótsvatn Campsite straight to your route.
Located right by Lake Úlfljótsvatn, just southeast of Þingvallavatn, this place is run by the scouts – so expect peak outdoor fun levels and a whole lot of space to burn off energy.
We’re talking next-level playgrounds: a climbing tower, soccer and volleyball fields, frisbee golf, and weekend extras like archery, boat rentals and even climbing sessions.
Basically, it’s summer camp vibes – but you get to sleep in a van.
The campground itself is super spacious with flat grassy areas near the lake.
Facilities include restrooms, showers, sinks with hot and cold water, picnic benches, BBQ spots, a cooking area, and even electricity.
Fishing? It’s included in the camping fee – so bring your gear (or just a good excuse when you catch nothing).
There's also a service center with a mini shop and info desk to help you get your bearings or stock up on essentials without driving back to civilization.
🗓️ Open: June 1 – end of September
📍 Location: Úlfljótsvatn, 801 Selfoss
🔗 Booking: ulfljotsvatn.is/campsite
Kleifar Campsite: Shhh... It’s a Secret 🙊
If your ideal campsite is small, scenic, and slightly under the radar, Kleifar Campsite might just be the best-kept secret on the South Coast.
Tucked along Geirlandsvegur, just 2.5 km from Kirkjubæjarklaustur, it sits conveniently between Vík and Jökulsárlón – making it a perfect low-key stop on your Ring Road adventure.
It’s a modest setup, with restrooms, cold running water, benches and tables, but the price tag is just as chill: about 1000 ISK per person. And if you’ve got a Camping Card, it’s included. Win.
The real star here is the scenery.
Right behind the campsite flows Stjórnarfoss, a charming little waterfall tucked into a narrow canyon.
On a sunny day, the pool at the bottom can even get warm enough for a dip – no joke.
Add a few marked hiking trails in the area, and you’ve got yourself a nature-lover’s paradise without the crowds or the hype.
🗓️ Open: June 1 – August 31
📍 Location: Geirlandsvegur, 880 Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Þakgil Campsite: Wild Beauty With VIP Vibes 💅🏽
Þakgil is what happens when Iceland decides to flex. Tucked away in a sheltered canyon just off the Ring Road near Vík, this campsite blends epic nature with surprisingly good weather (the name literally means “roof canyon” – and yeah, it keeps the wind in check).
A long-time favorite among KuKu travelers, Þakgil Campsite has that remote feel without being impossible to reach – and during summer, the gravel road is totally doable with any of our campervans.
Once there, you’ll find restrooms, Wi-Fi, showers (yep, one is included per night), and even laundry.
But the real kicker? The dining area inside a cave. No, seriously.
Benches, a fireplace, BBQs – all tucked into the rock like a secret mountain feast spot.
Add to that several nearby waterfalls, dreamy hiking trails, and the option for a brisk post-hike plunge... if you're brave enough.
🗓️ Open: June 1 – September 15
📍 Location: Höfðabrekkuafréttir, 871 Vík
Skaftafell Campsite: Glacier Views & Trailhead Dreams 🌳
For those who pack hiking boots before socks, Skaftafell Campsite is your kind of paradise.
Located inside Vatnajökull National Park, this spot is surrounded by trails that range from "easy stroll to a waterfall" to "climb the tallest mountain in Iceland" levels of ambition.
You’re right next to the trailheads for Svartifoss (the famous black waterfall) and Skaftafellsjökull (glacier views, anyone?), plus you can set up base camp for Hvannadalshnjúkur, Iceland’s highest peak.
From mid-June to mid-August, you can even join the park rangers for free guided walks – perfect if you're into facts, moss, and not getting lost.
Facilities? They've got you covered: campervan spots with electricity, Wi-Fi across the campground, showers, laundry, restrooms, and kitchen sinks.
There’s no indoor cooking area, so it’s van dining or picnic table life – but hey, that’s part of the charm.
Oh, and did we mention? It’s open year-round – making it one of the few legit options for winter camping in Iceland. Just bring an extra blanket (or maybe three).
🗓️ Open: All year
📍 Location: Möðruvellir 4, Möðruvallavegi, Skaftafell
East Iceland
Viking Café Campsite: Iceland’s Most Photogenic Backyard 📸
If your camera eats first, Viking Café Campsite at Vestrahorn is your happy place.
Set just steps from Stokksnes beach, this spot gives you front-row seats to one of the most jaw-dropping scenes in Iceland: black sand, mirror-like water, and the mighty Vestrahorn mountain standing tall in the background.
Included in the camping fee? Access to the beach and a weirdly cool abandoned Viking village film set – perfect for that “I’m starring in my own Nordic saga” vibe.
Whether you're chasing the midnight sun in summer or the northern lights in winter, this place delivers the kind of shots that’ll make your Instagram quietly weep with joy.
Facilities are basic but solid: restrooms, showers, dishwashing area, and electricity available for a small extra fee.
The campground is open all year, which means you can show up whenever inspiration strikes – or when the aurora forecast starts looking spicy.
🗓️ Open: All year
📍 Location: Horni, 781 Höfn
Atlavík & Höfðavík: Beach Days, Forest Vibes, and a Sea Monster 🏖️
Yes, beach camping in Iceland is a thing – and Hallormsstaðaskógur is where it happens.
Set by the calm waters of Lake Lagarfljót, this forested haven has two scenic campsites: Atlavík and Höfðavík, both wrapped in trees, hugged by pebble beaches, and watched over (allegedly) by Lagarfljótsormurinn – Iceland’s answer to the Loch Ness Monster.
Let’s break it down:
🏕️ Atlavík
The OG of the two. Rustic, simple, charming.
Expect restrooms with hot and cold water, dishwashing stations, BBQs, picnic tables, and a kids’ playground. No electricity, but plenty of soul.
🚐 Höfðavík
A bit more modern and campervan-friendly.
Here you'll find all of Atlavík’s perks, plus showers and electric hookups. Great for those who like nature with a side of charging port.
Between the two lies Iceland’s largest forest, with over 30 km of marked hiking trails, plus an arboretum packed with tree species from all over the world (yes, even non-Icelandic trees).
Grab a map at the trailhead or at Hotel Hallormsstaður and get lost – in the good way.
🗓️ Open:
Atlavík – Early June to early September
Höfðavík – Early May to mid-October
📍 Location: Hallormsstaður, 701 Egilsstaðir
Bakkafjörður Campsite: Silence, Please 😴
Looking for the quietest campsite in Iceland? No really – that’s not just a vibe, it’s the actual pitch at Bakkafjörður Campsite.
Tucked away in a sleepy Eastfjords village, this place is for travelers who want zero chaos, zero crowds, and 100% uninterrupted shut-eye.
But fair warning: no early morning door slammers allowed. If you bust out of your KuKu camper at dawn like a caffeinated puffin, expect some serious side-eye from your fellow peace-seekers.
The site itself has everything you need: bathrooms, showers, dishwashing station, electricity, and even a playground if your kids (or your inner child) need to let off some steam – quietly, of course.
And when hunger calls? Head over to the cozy little restaurant next door, run by the campsite owners. Expect pizza, fries, and that small-town Icelandic charm that feels like a warm hug.
🗓️ Open: June 1 – September 15
📍 Location: Skólagata 5, 685 Bakkafjörður
Camp Egilsstaðir: The “Life Is Good” Campsite 🤗
“Possibly the happiest campground in Iceland”?
That’s a bold claim – but Camp Egilsstaðir makes a solid case for it. Open year-round and packed with perks, this spot is more than just a place to park your van: It’s your home base in the Eastfjords, with better showers.
Included in your camping fee: showers, free Wi-Fi (that actually works), and 24/7 access to restrooms, hairdryers, a laundry room, indoor and outdoor cooking areas (yes, there’s a microwave and a kettle), plus washing stations. Basically, it’s like Icelandic glamping – with wheels.
For the extra-happy vibes: there's a playground, bike rentals, and the Egilsstaðastofa Visitor Center, where you can get travel info, souvenirs, coffee, ice cream, bus tickets, and even postcards. (Pro tip: send one to grandma – she’s not on Instagram, remember?)
🗓️ Open: All year
📍 Location: Kaupvangur 17, 700 Egilsstaðir
💻 Booking: Required online – but if you show up late, just drop your fee in the white honesty box and call it a night.
North Iceland
Hamrar Campsite: Glamping, Iceland Style 🏕️
Looking for the fancy end of the Icelandic campsite spectrum?
Welcome to Hamrar, where “camping” meets “almost hotel” just outside Akureyri, the capital of the north.
Nestled in Kjarnaskógur forest, this place offers everything from peaceful woodland trails to easy access to Hlíðafjall, one of Iceland’s top ski slopes (yep, you can shred then sleep in your van – iconic).
The campground is split into 16 grassy lawns, with trees and mini service houses scattered between them.
The vibe? Clean, calm, and impressively well-kept.
Facilities include showers, toilets, electricity, Wi-Fi, a laundry room, cooking areas, waste disposal, and even a boat rental for the lake nearby.
Kids won’t get bored either, thanks to the big playground and forest adventures right outside.
Fun fact: no driving between midnight and 8 AM – not just for safety, but so you can actually hear the birds and not some guy doing a 47-point turn at 2 in the morning.
🗓️ Open: All year
📍 Location: Hamrar, 600 Akureyri
Camping 66.12° North: Sunsets, Silence & Sea Views 🌅
If your dream campsite includes ocean views, glowing sunsets, and maybe a whale sighting or two, you’ll want to pull over at Camping 66.12° North.
Located about 79 km north of Lake Mývatn, this peaceful spot is perched right by the sea, far enough off the Ring Road to stay blissfully quiet – but close enough to still make sense for your campervan road trip.
In summer, it’s all about golden-hour views, seabirds doing their thing, and waves gently lapping you to sleep. It’s the kind of place where even insomniacs crash early.
The vibe? Calm, spotless, and run by one of the friendliest hosts in the north. Facilities include restrooms, a kitchen area, and showers (included in the fee). For an extra charge, there’s also a washing machine and dryer, just in case your hiking socks have seen better days.
🗓️ Open: All year
📍 Location: Mánarbakki, 641 Húsavík
Ásbyrgi Campsite: Where Norse Legends Meet Camper Life 🐲
Tucked inside a dramatic horseshoe-shaped canyon, Ásbyrgi Campsite is what happens when nature goes full Norse mythology.
Legend has it the canyon was formed by Sleipnir, Odin’s eight-legged horse, stomping the ground mid-flight. Science disagrees, but let’s be honest – that story slaps.
Located inside Vatnajökull National Park and right on the Diamond Circle route, this spot is perfect for campervan travelers looking to mix epic landscapes with easy hiking trails and a bit of mythological flair.
The 100-meter cliffs act as a natural windbreak, creating one of Iceland’s rare woodlands and slightly warmer summer temps than you’ll find elsewhere. Yes, we're not kidding: Actual warmth – in Iceland!
Facilities? All solid: restrooms, showers, electricity, laundry, a drying closet, charcoal BBQ, and a playground for kids.
There’s Wi-Fi around the main restroom building and visitor center – in case you feel like googling “how many legs does a normal horse have?”
🗓️ Open: Mid-May – End of October
📍 Location: Ásbyrgi, 671 Kópasker
📝 Note: Registration required before camping
Systragil Campsite: Camp Clean, Breathe Green ♻️
If your ideal campsite comes with forest views, hiking trails, and serious eco vibes, Systragil Campsite is your spot.
Set just 17 km from Akureyri, at Hróarsstaðir farm, it looks straight out over Vaglaskógur – Iceland’s largest natural birch forest – and offers direct access to trails leading into the woods, up to Hálshnjúkur, and across to Vaðlaheiði hill.
This place walks the talk when it comes to environmentally friendly camping.
Waste sorting is encouraged, engines must stay off from midnight to 7 AM, and the whole vibe is “respect nature, don’t blast the stereo.”
Facilities are top-notch for campers who like clean, warm, and well-organized: heated restrooms, showers, cooking areas, hot and cold water, electricity, washing machine, playground, and waste disposal for vans and motorhomes.
Whether you’re in a tent, trailer or KuKu campervan, you’re welcome here – as long as you’re not noisy at 3 AM.
🗓️ Open: June 1 – September 30
📍 Location: Illugastaðavegur (Road 833), 601 Akureyri
Hólar Campsite: History With a Side of Birch Trees ⌛
If your idea of a perfect camping spot includes medieval bishops, turf houses and the scent of forest moss, then Hólar Campsite is where past meets pillow.
Located in Hjaltadalur, about 30 km east of Sauðárkrókur, this cozy little site is surrounded by history – and actual trees. Win-win.
Back in the day, Hólar was Iceland’s cultural and educational powerhouse.
It was home to the first printing press in 1530, the last Catholic stronghold until 1550, and one of the country’s two major medieval learning centers.
Today, it still packs a punch: you’ve got Hólar University, the oldest stone church in Iceland, and a reconstructed turf house that looks like it came straight out of a saga.
The campsite itself sits quietly in the woods, with basic but charming facilities: restrooms with hot and cold water, a playground, and peaceful walking paths. And if you don’t feel like firing up the van stove, there’s a restaurant just a short stroll away.
🗓️ Open: May 15 – September 15
📍 Location: Tjaldstæðavegur, 551 Hólar í Hjaltadal
Highlands
Hveravellir Campsite: Steam, Silence & Serious Off-Road Vibes ⛰️
Want to camp between two glaciers, soak in a geothermal pool, and feel like you’ve driven off the edge of the map?
Welcome to Hveravellir – a remote highland nature reserve only accessible via F35 (Kjölur route) and only if you’re rolling with a 4x4 campervan. Luckily, KuKu’s got you covered on that front.
Smack between Langjökull and Hofsjökull, this area is pure wilderness: steaming fumaroles, bubbling hot springs, and long-empty stretches of raw Icelandic magic. It’s wild, it’s weird, and it’s wonderful.
The campsite itself is simple but solid: restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and BBQ spots. Best part? You can take a dip in the natural geothermal pool – no reservation, no crowds, just you and the steam.
Perfect after a long, bumpy day on the highland roads.
🗓️ Open: From early June to end of September (or whenever F35 decides to stay open)
📍 Location: Hveravellir Nature Reserve
Westfjords
Heydalur Campsite: For Vibes, Views & Viral Posts 🤳🏻
If your camera roll is 90% “that lighting tho” and you’ve ever said “wait, let me take that again,” then Heydalur Campsite in the Westfjords is your kind of playground. Remote, peaceful, and wildly photogenic, it’s got main character energy written all over it.
The site is split into smaller tree-lined areas, far from traffic and noise – ideal for content creation or just finally hearing yourself think.
Facilities include hot showers, restrooms, electricity, and a playground for little travel buddies. There's no indoor kitchen, but let’s be real – you’ll be too busy soaking in the hot tubs or floating in the indoor greenhouse pool (yes, really – a former sheep house now full of tropical plants and steamy vibes).
And if that’s not enough, there’s also the natural geothermal pool Galtahryggjarlaug nearby, plus hiking trails, waterfalls, and info signs about the local flora and fauna. Basically, it’s a content goldmine and a nature lover’s dream.
🗓️ Open: Early spring – early fall
📍 Location: Heydalur, 401 Ísafjörður
Ready to Camp Like a Pro?
There you have it – 20 of the best campsites in Iceland, each with its own vibe, view, and van-worthy experience. From hot tubs in greenhouses to canyons shaped by mythical horses, beaches with monster legends to quiet spots where even your engine gets a curfew – Iceland’s camping scene has it all.
Whether you're chasing sunsets, waterfalls, northern lights, or just a really clean shower after three days on the road, there’s a perfect spot waiting for your campervan.
A few KuKu tips before you hit the road:
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Book ahead in high season (especially June–August). Some campsites fill up fast.
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Check if the campsite is open – not all are year-round, especially in the Highlands.
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Respect the rules: no wild camping with campervans unless it’s clearly allowed.
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Consider grabbing a Camping Card if you're doing a full loop – it can save you some króna.
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And most importantly? Don’t forget to enjoy the ride. Iceland is not just the destination – it's literally the road between them.
Need a van that can handle it all (and look cool doing it)?
Check out our KuKu Campers fleet – whether you need a compact ride for two or a beast for the whole crew, we’ve got you covered.
Check our complete map of Iceland's campsites (and more)
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