Do you think you have a wanderlust gene?

Do you desire to camp at the most beautiful places on Earth? It might not be your first thought, but camping in Iceland is very much a possibility.

Iceland shall be on top of your list because it is considered to be one of the most mesmerizing places to visit in the world. It is so wild, beautiful, rugged and relaxing to be at a place like this.

Related Read: Best Places for Hiking and Camping in Europe

Top tips for camping in Iceland

There are several tips that you need to take care of, if you are planning to go for camping in Iceland. These include:

Camping in Iceland
Campsites in Iceland

Go in the Autumn

Even though you cannot always choose the best time to visit a place, but if you can, then surely choose the season of Autumn to go camping in Iceland.

It is one of the best months to be in a place like this because not only does the grass change color, but you can also get lost in the beauty of the Northern Lights (book a Northern Lights tour) and have an experience like no other.

Hire a Camper Van in Iceland

It is the best vehicle to be in, if you hire the one with a heater to provide warmth in the chilly cold.

The winds blow at high speeds and a camper not only provides you with a place to cook food, but also to sleep soundly in times of need. If you visit during the off-peak tourist season, you can save half your money on camper rentals and camp at designated spots for free.

If you’re short on time and don’t want to make the long trek from home with a campervan, flying into Reykjavik and renting one right there is a fantastic option.

Trust me, taking the ferry would have you on the road for a total of four days, which isn’t ideal if you’re eager to explore.

Choosing the Right Campervan

When it comes to picking the perfect campervan, take a moment to consider what you really need.

Even in the summer, having auxiliary heating can be a game-changer. There are days when the rain just won’t quit, and temperatures can dip to around 5 degrees Celsius (even chillier at night). So, make sure you choose a camper that can keep you cozy and comfortable during your adventures!

Check out Cozy Campers! They’re really the go-to choice for anyone looking for both quality and comfort while exploring Iceland. They’ve got your back when it comes to safety and making sure your travels are as comfy as possible.

One of my favorite features is their super comfy sofa that transforms into a bed in just a couple of seconds—talk about convenience!

The Highlander Camper is equipped with windows and a skylight, making it the perfect spot to soak in Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes and even catch a glimpse of the stunning Northern Lights.

You’ll also love their special heating system. When you’re lounging on the sofa, you’ll feel warmth rising from below, and when you pull out the bed, it’s heated from underneath, making it feel incredibly cozy. Plus, to keep that warmth going, their campers have an independent double charging system that ensures you stay toasty for the long haul.

So, if you’re planning an adventure in Iceland, Cozy Campers is definitely worth considering!

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, I can’t recommend enough the thrill of renting a luxurious, comfy 4WD camper van. It’s the perfect way to explore this stunning land of fire and ice! These campers are built to tackle the rugged F-roads, which will lead you to some of the most breathtaking highlands you can imagine.

Dinner table is set in the camper van.
Dinner table is set in the camper van.

F-roads in Iceland

Now, many folks say that traveling to Iceland means going off the beaten path, and they’re absolutely right. But let me tell you, you won’t truly grasp that saying until you’ve hit those F-roads. Some people feel a bit nervous about them. But those who’ve ventured down these less-traveled routes will rave about the hidden gems you’re missing out on if you stick only to the ring road.

And don’t worry about the winter months; the above mentioned 4×4 Cozy Campers are reliable even in the colder seasons.

Let’s talk about the F-roads themselves. These are the most rugged and challenging routes in Iceland—think narrow gravel paths that don’t get a lot of TLC. Regular cars just won’t cut it; you need a 4WD to navigate these bad boys. Plus, since many of these roads aren’t well-marked, I highly recommend having a good map on hand.

Tire of a 4x4 luxury Cozy Camper.
Tire of a 4×4 luxury Cozy Camper.

Keep in mind that due to Iceland’s unpredictable weather, F-roads are only open for a limited time. Generally, most of these start welcoming adventurous souls around June or July and close down by September.

If you plan on crossing any rivers or streams along the way, make sure your camper has enough ground clearance—aim for at least 18 centimeters. And don’t forget to check in with your rental company or locals about the water conditions; there’s a big difference between a babbling brook and a roaring river!

I know the idea of needing an off-road vehicle might scare some travelers off, but honestly, it shouldn’t! Once you get the hang of navigating the F-roads, you might just find it to be the highlight of your trip.

One last tip: pack plenty of food and drinks for your journey — and you’ll want extra! It can happen that vehicles can get stuck or encounter issues on Iceland’s F-roads, and there aren’t any grocery stores around to grab supplies. The same goes for gas; fill up before you hit the road and keep that tank topped off.

With a camper van on a F-road in Iceland.
With a camper van on a F-road in Iceland.
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Extra Equipment Tip

If you love camping, take a look EcoFlow’s portable solar panels, as they are remarkably adaptable, small in size and easy to carry, making them perfect for a variety of scenarios – even when venturing off the grid.

Unfolding and setting up the solar panels using the integrated stand only takes a few seconds. Quickly recharge your portable power station on camping trips or at home as part of your blackout preparations.

Is wild camping allowed in Iceland?

So, you’re thinking about wild camping in Iceland? While Icelanders are super passionate about camping (seriously, summer camping trips with friends and family are practically a rite of passage), wild camping outside of designated campsites isn’t allowed unless you snag written permission from the landowners. This law was put into place in 2015 to help protect Iceland’s stunning natural beauty from the growing number of tourists.

But don’t worry! There are plenty of fantastic campgrounds to choose from.

Recommended Camping Grounds in Iceland

Most campsites in Iceland might not have all the fancy amenities you’d find elsewhere, but they’re nestled in some jaw-droppingly beautiful spots, offering views that will leave you in awe.

Just a heads-up: many campsites in remote areas close by the end of August, which means you might score some free camping in early to mid-September! On the flip side, if you’re sticking to the popular tourist spots in the south or the Westfjords, most campsites are open year-round.

Here are a few favorites:

  • Svinafell Campground This gem is just a few kilometers from the entrance to Skaftafell National Park and the stunning Svartifoss waterfall. It’s got a well-equipped kitchen, a cozy communal area, and hot showers—perfect after a day of exploring! It’s an ideal base for adventures in Vatnajökull National Park and the breathtaking Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
  • Korpudalur Nestled in the fjord Önundarfjörður near Ísafjörður, Korpudalur is surrounded by gorgeous hiking trails and opportunities for bird watching. The campsite features a small hut with two restrooms, a shower, and a sink for washing up after cooking.
  • Illugastadir Camping If you’re looking for picture-perfect scenery, this campsite on the west coast of Vatnsnes won’t disappoint. With stunning views of the sea and the Westfjords. With a bit of luck the outdoor kitchen, hot water, and restrooms might still be open even after the season ended. It’s a great launchpad for exploring Akureyri, the Hvítserkur rocks, and the Westfjords.
  • Melanes Camping Set beautifully on Rauðasandur beach in the Westfjords, this campsite offers newer log cabins with clean showers, toilets, and a small kitchen. It’s a fantastic spot to kick off your adventures to the Gardar shipwreck, Látrabjarg cliffs, and even the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
  • Hamragardar Camping This site offers an incredible view of Seljalandsfoss waterfall—imagine waking up to that sight! It’s a perfect starting point for visiting Seljalandsfoss, the charming village of Vík í Mýrdal, and the stunning Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon.

So, while wild camping might be off the table, Iceland’s campgrounds are a solid alternative that will still give you that sense of adventure in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Make it a Romantic Camping Trip

Camping allows you to spend full 24*7 with your partner; encouraging you to get more close and share on an emotional level. A camping trip could be harsh, but still is enough to learn the many differences that can either make or break your relationship.

It is better to know first than to regret in the future. Camping will help you to know each other better and enhance the level of your relationship with your partner.

Buy your Drinks at the Airport

It is mostly not possible to buy hard liquor in Iceland. If you love your whiskey and wish to enjoy it during your camping trip, buy it at the duty-free shop of the airport. It is always good to stock up on the good stuff and enjoy it at the time of need.

Carry Your Credit Card Everywhere

Iceland allows you to use your credit card for everything that you desire to hire or purchase. You do not need to go to any hassles of paying hard cash for almost anything. Carry your card and conveniently enjoy your trip.

Cook Your Own Food

Even though, Iceland is famous for its hot dogs you cannot eat the same thing or instant noodles for every meal. Eating at a restaurant isn’t an option either because it is extremely expensive if you eat all your meals out.

The best solution to keep yourself fed and consume a variety of food items, is to cook your own meals. You can carry ready-to-make products and cook yourself a nice meal of your desired cuisine and enjoy it with your partner along with the beauty of Iceland and the adventurous experience.

Campsites in Iceland
Campsites in Iceland

Stock-Up on Groceries

Due to the harsh weather of Iceland, it is advisable to stock up groceries and required items, in case of emergencies or if, for any reason, you are not able to go out and buy the necessary product. Stocking up is the best solution to tackle emergencies, if such a condition arises.

You should always be prepared for all types of situations, especially on a camping trip, which promises to be adventurous and beautiful.

Always research about the place and follow the tips to ensure a flawless, amazingly beautiful and adventurous camping in Iceland trip.

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