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Looking to get the most out of your trip to Iceland? Iceland is known for its extreme and incredible natural beauty so why not jump right into those landscapes and camp out? We recommend that you go in the summer months of course. To help you pick out the perfect spot, we’ve put together a little something on the best campsites in Iceland.
1. Skaftafell
Located inside Vatnajokull National Park, Skaftafell campsite is the perfect spot for those looking to spend time surrounded by Iceland’s natural beauty. Sleep by the edge of the ice lake at Jokulsarlon or by the abandoned airplane at Solheimasandur. The campsite, divided into sections, offers up all the amenities you need while camping out in Iceland. The park connects you to free wifi, the sites each have showers, and each campsite has room for campers and vans as well. The visitor’s center at the entrance has a computer lab, a cafe, and all the information you need for your one-of-a-kind camping experience. During the day, check out any of the best hikes in Skaftafell.
2. Latrabjarg
Are you an adventure-seeking camper? Check out the campsites at Latrabjarg, along the Westfjords in northwestern Iceland. The campsites don’t have much in terms of amenities, but the site is just a short distance to the nearest town — Breiðavík. There, you’ll be able to find showers, kitchens, barbecue pits, and more. The site at Latrabjarg, while lacking in amenities, is perhaps one of the richest in terms of natural beauty. What could be more amazing than waking up to views of the cliffs and fjords? For some help on where to hike, check out Hiking Iceland: the Top Routes and What to Bring.
3. Hofn
This picturesque campsite is perfect for your next outdoor adventure. Hofn is accessible from many parts of the country and sits right along the main route toward east Iceland. Hofn also has roads and trails leading away from the campsite in every direction toward other sites in the area. Spend your days wandering the trails until you find the best views or take advantage of the horse tours starting from the campsite or rent out the fishing gear and see what you can catch in the lake. Camping sites at Hofn come with showers and are walking distance to markets where you can pick up anything you may have forgotten.
4. Ulfljotsvatn
If you’re camping with kids, this spot is ideal. The outdoors center sits around Lake Ulfljotsvatn, giving you plenty of water-related activities. Jump right into the water while your kids swing around on the wooden playgrounds and tire swings sitting above the water. The grounds are owned and operated by a joint coalition between the Scouts Association of Reykjavik and the Icelandic Boy and Girl Scout Association. You can rest assured that these groups have made sure this site is both safe and the ultimate kid-friendly destination for a camping trip in Iceland. Ulfljotsvatn is about an hour away from Reykjavik, making it an easy trip if you’re already in the capital city. The campsite comes equipped with boat rentals, fishing gear, showers, and cooking utensils and facilities.
5. Husafell
Husafell’s campsite combines family-fun kid-friendly activities out in spectacular nature, including glaciers at Langjokull and Eiriksjokull and the Husafell Falls. The campsite is perfect if you’re looking for a little bit of everything on your trip. Husafell campsite, in the Southern Region, comes with pools to cool down in the summer, trampolines, showers, cooking facilities, and weekly bonfires every Saturday night. Plus, with the falls and glaciers, you’ll get to wake up and hike right to some of the most stunning scenery. What more could you ask for?
6. Hellissandur
Looking for all the best nature Iceland has to offer? Check out the campsites at Hellissandur. This charming little village has easy access to sites like Snæfelsjökull Glacier or the Singing Caves. See the coast of Iceland at the Snæfelsjökull Peninsula and watch the waves crash down in front of you. Hellissandur campsites come fully ready for your visit with showers, toilets, and electrical outlets.
7. Siglufjörður
Camp out along the harbor in this sleepy little seaside hamlet. There are two campsites in Siglufjörður, each with stunning views of water and mountains towering above. The site comes with easy access to all the amenities of the village (markets, grocery stores, convenience stores, and internet) should you need them. Head to Siglufjörður in July so you don’t miss the big festival celebrating the village’s historic importance as a fishing village.
8. Grindavik
All you need right at your fingertips. Grindavik is perfect for RVs, campers, or whatever other equipment and sleeping arrangements you have or need. The site is conveniently located right by the airport but still lets you feel like you’re out in nature. Grindavik campsites come with showers, toilets, kitchenettes, internet, and playgrounds and space for your kids to run around and play. The charming park is perfect for a family-friendly camping trip, or for those just entering or leaving Iceland.
9. Asbyrgi
With the nickname “shelter of the Gods”, you know you’re in for a treat here. Asbyrgi is located inside Vatnajokull National Park, in the Northeastern Region, and has easy access to everything you may need while on your trip. Park your RV, wander the trails and take in the breathtaking landscapes, like the Asbyrgi Canyon. You can also get some helpful tips at the park’s information and visitor center. The campsite also comes ready with cafes, a golf course, and campfires for you to unwind after long days of hiking.
10. Þakgíl
Set your tent down right in front of some magnificent caves at Þakgíl. The caves are even said to serve as a great dining room for a unique meal experience. Explore the black sand beach of Reynisfjara next door or check out the Myrdalsjokull glacier nearby. Campsites at Þakgíl come with showers, toilets, electricity, and barbecue pits, but being a smaller site with incredible scenery, they fill up fast! Be sure to book a spot at Þakgíl in advance.