Best Campsites in Iceland: Region by Region

Iceland's dramatic landscapes and liberal wild camping laws make it one of Europe's premier camping destinations. With over 170 designated campsites across the island, plus the freedom to wild camp responsibly in the highlands, Iceland offers unparalleled opportunities to sleep under the midnight sun or northern lights. This comprehensive guide breaks down the finest campsites by region, from seaside spots along the Ring Road to remote highland refuges accessible only by 4WD.

Capital Region & Reykjanes Peninsula

Reykjavík City Campsite

Located just 3km from downtown Reykjavík at Sundlaugavegur, this municipal campsite serves as Iceland's busiest with over 40,000 overnight stays annually. The facility charges 2,200 ISK (€15) per adult and includes access to hot showers, cooking facilities, and Wi-Fi. Its proximity to the Laugardalslaug thermal pool makes it ideal for washing off road dust before exploring the capital.

Grindavík Campsite

Positioned 47km southwest of Reykjavík, this coastal campsite sits mere minutes from the Blue Lagoon and the dramatic Reykjanes Peninsula. The sheltered location protects against the peninsula's notorious winds, whilst the nearby Grindavík harbour provides fresh langoustine and cod. Facilities include hot showers and a small shop, with fees at 1,800 ISK (€12) per person.

South Coast

Vík í Mýrdal

The Vík campsite, perched on cliffs 200 metres above Reynisfjara black beach, offers arguably Iceland's most dramatic camping backdrop. The Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise directly from the Atlantic below, whilst Katla volcano looms 30km north. This well-maintained site includes a guest kitchen, laundry facilities, and costs 2,000 ISK (€14) per adult. Book ahead during summer as its 150 pitches fill quickly.

Skógafoss Campsite

Situated directly beside Iceland's most photographed waterfall, this campsite puts you within 200 metres of the thundering 60-metre cascade. The adjacent Skógar Museum showcases 15,000 artefacts spanning 1,000 years of Icelandic history. Facilities remain basic but adequate, with composting toilets and cold water taps. The 1,500 ISK (€10) fee includes access to the museum grounds.

Þórsmörk Nature Reserve

Accessible only via unbridged river crossings requiring 4WD vehicles, Þórsmörk offers Iceland's most spectacular highland camping. Three designated areas—Básar, Húsadalur, and Langidalur—provide different experiences within this glacial valley. Básar charges 2,500 ISK (€17) and includes mountain hut access, whilst the more remote Langidalur costs 2,000 ISK (€14). The region serves as the southern terminus for the famous Laugavegur trek.

Westfjords

Ísafjörður

The Westfjords' largest town offers a municipal campsite with full facilities including hot showers, kitchen, and laundry for 2,100 ISK (€14). The site's location beside Skutulsfjörður fjord provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains reaching 731 metres. Local restaurants serve some of Iceland's finest seafood, with sea-run Arctic char and Greenland shark featuring prominently.

Dynjandi Campsite

Located 800 metres from Iceland's most impressive waterfall cascade, this remote campsite offers primitive facilities but extraordinary surroundings. The seven-tiered Dynjandi falls drop 100 metres in a bridal veil formation, whilst the campsite itself sits amongst lupins and Arctic cotton grass. Basic toilets and water taps are available for 1,200 ISK (€8) per person.

North Iceland

Lake Mývatn - Björbakki

This lakeside campsite provides front-row seats to one of Iceland's most geologically active regions. The nearby Krafla volcanic system, with its most recent eruption in 1984, creates a landscape of pseudo-craters, lava fields, and steaming fumaroles. The campsite charges 2,200 ISK (€15) and includes hot showers powered by geothermal energy. The Mývatn Nature Baths lie just 5km east.

Ásbyrgi Canyon

Within Vatnajökull National Park, this horseshoe-shaped canyon supposedly formed by Odin's eight-legged horse Sleipnir. The sheltered campsite sits amongst birch and rowan trees—rare in Iceland's treeless landscape. Geologically, the canyon resulted from catastrophic glacial floods 8,000-10,000 years ago. Facilities include toilets, water, and shelter, costing 2,000 ISK (€14) per adult.

Akureyri

Iceland's northern capital offers the country's most comprehensive campsite facilities, including heated toilet blocks, industrial washing machines, and a camp shop. Located beside Pollurinn thermal pool and 2km from the town centre, it charges 2,400 ISK (€16) but justifies the cost with 24-hour reception and maintenance. The nearby Arctic Botanical Garden showcases flora from across the polar regions.

East Iceland

Seyðisfjörður

This artistic town's campsite overlooks the fjord where the weekly Smyril Line ferry arrives from Denmark. The dramatically steep mountains rising 1,000 metres on three sides create a natural amphitheatre around the campsite. Rainbow-painted streets and Nordic House cultural centre lie within walking distance. Fees reach 1,900 ISK (€13) with basic but clean facilities.

Stokksnes Peninsula

Though technically requiring wild camping permits, the Stokksnes area near Höfn offers some of Iceland's most photogenic camping opportunities. Vestrahorn mountain's jagged peaks rise 454 metres directly from black sand beaches, creating otherworldly silhouettes. The nearby Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, just 45km west, makes this region essential for serious landscape photographers.

Highland Interior

Landmannalaugar

Iceland's most famous highland campsite sits within a geothermal wonderland of rhyolite mountains, lava fields, and natural hot springs. Accessible only from June to September via F208 highland road, the site charges 2,500 ISK (€17) but includes access to natural bathing pools heated to 38°C. The campsite serves as the northern terminus for the four-day Laugavegur trek to Þórsmörk.

Kerlingarfjöll

This lesser-known highland destination offers camping amongst geothermal fields at 800 metres elevation. The Kerlingarfjöll mountain range reaches 1,477 metres, whilst steaming fumaroles and hot springs create an almost Martian landscape. The mountain hut charges 3,000 ISK (€20) for tent pitches but provides unparalleled access to some of Iceland's most remote hiking trails.

Practical Considerations

Wild camping remains legal throughout Iceland's highlands above 400 metres elevation, though designated campsites are recommended for environmental protection. Always carry warm sleeping gear—temperatures can drop below freezing even in summer. Highland roads typically open between June and September, with exact dates depending on winter snowfall and spring thaw conditions.

Most campsites accept payment in Icelandic krónur, Euros, or international cards, though remote highland locations may require cash. Book popular destinations like Þórsmörk and Landmannalaugar well in advance, as space fills quickly during the brief summer season.

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