Camping vacations in Iceland

Although Iceland is located near the Arctic Circle, it’s not too cold to camp in a tent there in the summertime. Winter temperatures and weather conditions mean it’s not a year-round activity though.

The warmest months are June and July, which see temperatures of around 12–15°C (54–59°F). It can be chillier at nighttime, but with a sleeping bag and warm clothes, you’ll stay nice and toasty.

There are no dangerous wild animals, like bears or wolves, to worry about. That said, you should be aware of natural hazards that you might not have experienced before. These include high winds, hot springs, and strong tides.

The safest way to sleep in a tent in Iceland is to stay on designated campsites, and there are plenty of these around the country.

The rules around wild camping in Iceland can be a little confusing. Technically, spending the night in a tent is allowed anywhere as long as:

• You’re not in a protected natural area
• If you’re on private land, you have permission of the landowner

It can be tricky to know exactly when you’re on private land, as there are often no signs or fences that clearly indicate this. You can get a fine if you break the rules.

With that in mind, we highly recommend that you stick to designated campsites for your Iceland camping trip.

Icelandic campsites are plentiful: you’ll find them all around the country, especially near popular natural attractions. Icelanders love to escape to the countryside for camping trips in summer, so there’s a good chance you’ll be among locals.

Some campsites have very basic facilities, but many have toilets, showers, cooking facilities, and even Wi-Fi.

Check out this ultimate guide to camping in Iceland for tips on some of the best spots to pitch your tent.

Yes, most campsites in Iceland charge a modest fee for the upkeep of the campground and any facilities. Prices are normally per pitch or per person, and are comparable to fees in continental Europe.

Many campsites in Iceland have toilet and shower facilities, especially the larger ones. In more remote regions or on smaller campsites, there may be no facilities, or toilets only.

In general, it is possible to arrive at a campground in the early afternoon without a booking. It’s also worth knowing that some sites might not take bookings at all. Check these campground listings from the Icelandic Tourist Board for more info.

At the peak of the outdoor season in July, some campsites can fill up in popular areas. It pays to arrive a bit earlier in the day to get the best chance of nailing down a pitch for the night.

There’s no way to get closer to nature than by setting up your tent under the open sky. Travel to Iceland on a camping trip and you could:

• Take a road trip around the entire Ring Road (Route 1)
• See the Strokkur geyser erupt on the Golden Circle route
• Hop between jaw-dropping waterfalls on the south coast
• Witness the forces of nature at work at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
• Relax and unwind in hot springs and geothermal spas
• Discover ‘Iceland in Miniature’ on the Snæfellsnes peninsula
• Be charmed by the magic of Lake Mývatn in North Iceland
• Walk along black sand beaches, like the famous Reynisfjara
• Learn all about Viking history at Þingvellir National Park
• Explore Iceland's breathtaking scenery on foot on a day hike

If you’re after even more inspiration, check out this blog on Iceland’s summer must-sees and must-dos.

Camping vacation packages from Iceland Tours all include the following:

• Rental car of your choice with 2 drivers as standard
• Camping gear, including tent, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment
• Accommodation in Reykjavík on your first night, with breakfast the next morning
• Detailed itinerary to guide you on your way

Good to know: Campsite reservations and fees are not included in the package price. This is so you have the flexibility to be spontaneous, and the freedom to pick your perfect campsite.

Thinking about making your trip even more active? You can boost your trip with extra nights in Reykjavík, which you can fill with day tours. Available activities include ice caving, glacier hiking, and snorkeling.

Or if you’re after a bit more R&R, you could book a spa experience at the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon.

When you book a camping package with Iceland Tours, there’s no need to bring your own tent, sleeping bags, mattress, or cooking equipment.

To make sure you stay comfortable throughout your trip, here’s a packing list you can follow when you're planning your Iceland trip:

• Warm thermal layers
• Wooly hat and gloves
• Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots
• Extra socks
• Flashlight
• Battery pack to charge your phone
• Washbag
• Sun lotion and midge repellent
• Sunglasses
• Sleeping mask (if you’re sensitive to light)
• Swimming gear, including towel