Camping in Iceland
Imagine yourself driving through the stunning landscapes of Iceland. You’ve been driving all day at your own pace and you haven’t booked any accommodation. You’d really just like to stay exactly where you are. If this sounds familiar, then camping in Iceland might be for you.
However, Iceland is a unique country. There are certain rules around camping in some places, and you might have questions about what equipment is required or appropriate for camping in Iceland. Have no fear, here we’ll run through everything you need to know about camping in Iceland.
Camping Sites in Iceland
There are camping sites spread all over the island, apart from the Highlands. The types of camping sites range from simple fields where you just get permission from the farmer to camp, to more sophisticated setups with toilets, showers, maybe a swimming pool, electricity, restaurants, sports facilities, motorhome waste disposal, and so on. Free WiFi is something our customers of Campervans & Motorhomes don’t have to think about because all our Campervans (and motorhomes) come with free WiFi! Camping sites in Iceland can be categorized into four main groups:
There are many sites conveniently located close to the main roads but some are hidden gems in lush valleys, while others are close to majestic glaciers. Do your research on where you want to go, what you want to see, and the time of year you’re visiting. Then you can pinpoint your destination in your GPS, which is supplied with all our Campervans & Motorhomes.
Equipment for Camping in Iceland
What you’ll need to bring for your camping trip in Iceland will depend on a few factors. Firstly, the types of campsites you’ll be staying in. As outlined above, some sites are better equipped than others.
If you are not renting a Campervan, you can always rent a tent if you can’t bring your own. Our camper vans tend to come equipped with what you need for a camping trip, but a general rule of thumb when camping in Iceland is to make sure you have the following on hand.
- Suitable clothing, including waterproof outer layers, like jackets and pants; items that can be layered, like sweaters or fleeces; strong hiking boots; swimsuits for campsite pools or geothermal springs; hat; gloves.
- Gear: tent or campervan; sleeping pad with appropriate insulation; sleeping bag suitable for low temperatures; portable cooking items like stove, kettle, and fuel for both; cooking utensils and cookware; towels; flashlights or lanterns; foldable camping chairs
Wild Camping in Iceland
So can you camp wherever you want in Iceland? Well, common sense is a good thing. You don’t want to camp in someone’s garden (that has happened more than once here) but the law states:
It’s probably best to be on the safe side and arrange to stay in designated campsites where possible. That being said, as long as you do your research and follow the law, you can stay on private land with permission. You cannot camp on the side of the road on public property or on-site at attractions.
Read more: Guide to Camping in South Iceland
So there you have it. Get your Campervan, Motorhome, tent, or a camper and spend your vacation camping around Iceland.
Happy Camping! #GoIceland