Camping in Iceland
Experience Iceland's raw beauty up close with camping adventures
The Ultimate Iceland Camping Experience
Camping is one of the best ways to experience Iceland's dramatic landscapes. Wake up to waterfalls, fall asleep under the Northern Lights, and connect with nature in ways that hotels simply can't offer.
Camping Regulations
Allowed
- • Camping at designated campsites
- • Pitching a tent for one night on uncultivated land outside national parks (with landowner permission)
- • Small tents (1-3 person) on uncultivated land
- • Using designated facilities at campsites
Not Allowed
- • Campervans/motorhomes outside designated areas
- • Camping in national parks without designated sites
- • Camping on cultivated/private land without permission
- • Leaving any trace - pack out all trash
- • Open fires (except designated areas)
Popular Campsites
Þingvellir National Park
Camp where Viking parliament once gathered, surrounded by dramatic rift valley scenery.
Open: May - October
Skógar
Wake up to the sound of Skógafoss waterfall at this scenic South Coast campsite.
Open: Year-round
Landmannalaugar
Highland camping with natural hot springs and colorful rhyolite mountains.
Open: July - September
Skaftafell
Base camp for glacier hikes with views of Europe's largest ice cap.
Open: Year-round
Hlíð (Reykjavik)
Convenient camping near the capital with easy bus access to city center.
Open: Mid-May - Mid-September
Mývatn
Northern camping near geothermal wonders and excellent bird watching.
Open: May - September
Camping Card
The Camping Card provides access to 40+ campsites across Iceland for a flat fee. Valid for 28 nights, it's an excellent value for extended camping trips.
- 2 adults + up to 4 children
- 28 nights of camping
- 40+ participating campsites
Camping Essentials
Shelter & Sleep
- • 4-season tent (wind-resistant)
- • Sleeping bag (-5°C or colder)
- • Sleeping pad (R-value 4+)
- • Extra tent stakes
- • Repair kit
Cooking & Food
- • Camp stove + fuel
- • Cookware and utensils
- • Water bottle/bladder
- • Non-perishable foods
- • Cooler for fresh items
Clothing & Gear
- • Waterproof layers
- • Warm insulation
- • Hiking boots
- • Headlamp
- • First aid kit
Ready to Plan Your Camping Trip?
Use our trip planning tools to map out your Iceland camping adventure.