Best Open-All-Year Campsites in Iceland

Open-All-Year Campsites in Iceland

blog authorBy Johanna Sigurðardóttir shield verificationVerified Expert

    Iceland is the kind of place where you want to maximise your time outdoors. With so many incredible views and massive open spaces to explore, you’ll want to be outside as much as you can. Taking this to the next level by camping is a great way to get even more intimate with the volcanic country.

    While camping is conventionally done in the summer months, there’s no reason you can’t camp during other seasons as well. Although the weather is generally a little harsher, perhaps you’ll be up for that? Maybe you want to go camping in Iceland in the winter to challenge yourself or maybe it’s just the time that best fits your schedule.

    If you want to camp at a time other than the summer, know that it’s an option. There are many all-year campsites in Iceland that will cater to you no matter when you arrive. Let’s take a look at the best open-all year campsites in Iceland.

    Since Iceland is sparsely populated, you’ll need a vehicle to reach most camping spots. Book your rental today at Campervan Iceland.

    Open all year campsites in Iceland

    Campsites Open All Year Round in Iceland

    These all-year-round campsites give you the opportunity to see what Iceland has to offer whether it’s spring, summer, autumn, or winter. Let's check them out!

    Reykjavík Campsite

    This campsite is located slightly east of downtown Reykjavík, with easy access to the city center via buses. It’s also in a prime spot right next to one of the city’s many heated outdoor pools, Laugardalslaug. This venue contains a 50-meter pool, water slides, hot tubs, a steam room and more. Like most pools in Reykjavík, it’s open until 10 pm every day.

    Reykjavík Campsite contains both a wide grass area to pitch tents and a gravel car park for RV rentals and campervans. The surrounding trees do a good job of cutting out traffic noise, making you feel peacefully isolated. The site prides itself on sustainability, focusing on saving energy and recycling.

    If you’re coming to Iceland outside of summer, when the weather is generally colder, a heated pool comes in handy. You’re close enough to the capital’s center to experience it when you want, but far enough away for calmness.

    Book online to save yourself a little money, otherwise the cost is ISK 2.550 per person, per night.

    Reykjavik campsite, Iceland

    Reykjamörk Campsite in Hveragerði 

    Reykjamörk campsite is found in the small town of Hveragerði, less than an hour east of Reykjavík. It’s easily accessible because Iceland’s main highway, Route 1, or the Ring Road, passes through Hveragerði. With just over 2,600 residents, it’s a small town that takes you out of the hustle and bustle of the capital.

    At Reykjamörk campsite, you’re a short drive from the beginning of Reykjadalur valley, where you’ll find the famous hot river. The Hveragerði Geothermal Park is just down the road from the campsite, showcasing some bubbling mud pools. You also have easy access to a swimming pool, museums, a supermarket and various other activities.

    The cost of Reykjamörk campsite is ISK 1.750 per adult, per night, and free for those 15 and under.

    All year round campsites in Iceland

    Skaftafell Campground

    Skaftafell Campground is in a prime location: on the south coast, at the edge of Iceland’s largest national park, Vatnajökull. In the park, you have access to dozens of hiking trails which lead to waterfalls, rock formations and more.

    Make sure to check our South Coast essential guide so as not to miss anything! You’ll also get to see the glacier the park is named after, which is the largest ice cap in Iceland.

    You’ll find all the information you need about the area at Skaftafell Visitor Centre, which is where you’ll check in. Since there are no cooking or dining facilities at the campground, you’ll need to bring a portable stove. There are, however, showers, washing machines and dryers on site.

    Skaftafell Campground is unique in that it provides wi-fi covering the whole campground, but don’t let this distract you. Many great hiking trails begin at the edge of the campsite, taking you into the hills.

    You’ll pay ISK 1.750 per adult, per night, plus ISK 500 per camp “unit” you need.

    Open all year campsites in Iceland

    Camp Egilsstaðir

    Egilsstaðir is the capital of east Iceland, and yet it is a small town with a calm vibe. When staying here you’ll be very close to the country’s largest forest, Hallormsstaður, which contains many walking paths.

    Unlike most campsites in Iceland, which do not require pre-booking, Camp Egilsstaðir is currently asking that you reserve in advance.

    The campsite lies in the town center, but since the population is only 2,500, you won’t feel hemmed in.

    With a kitchen, laundry room, showers and bike rental, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy your holiday to the fullest. Around the campsite you have incredible views of the area, and the Vök Baths are the nearby hot pools.

    The price for Camp Egilsstaðir is ISK 2.000 for those 13 and up, and free for those 12 and under. Luggage storage is available for a fee.

    Egilsstadir Campground, Iceland

    Camping Hamrar

    If you want to spend some time around the capital of the north, Akureyri, this campsite is for you. It’s just outside the town, next to Kjarnaskógur forest, and has a ton of great facilities. You’ll have access to a service center, with kitchen and dining room, as well as two playgrounds, frisbee golf, minigolf and more.

    Between May and October, a Camp Warden is present on-site at Camping Hamrar. During the low season they can be contacted by phone. The cost for staying at the site is ISK 1.900 per adult, per night.

    Open all year campsites in Iceland

    Stykkishólmur Camping Ground

    The Snæfellsnes Peninsula in west Iceland is considered one of the most beautiful areas in the country. It’s sometimes called “Iceland in miniature” because it contains many of the features that characterize the country.

    These includes a glacier, a volcano, black sand beaches, basalt rock formations and more. What better place to camp for a few days?

    At Stykkishólmur Camping Ground, you’ll have easy access to the nearby golf course. Not to mention Stykkishólmur town is on the coast, giving you great views of the bay, and the Westfjords on a clear day. Additionally, main points of interest like Kirkjufell mountain and Snæfellsjökull National Park are only a short drive away.

    This campground charges ISK 1.500 per person, per night, with discounts available if you commit to longer stays.

    Open all year campsites in Iceland:

    Notes on Camping in Iceland in the Winter

    • The prices quoted above do not include electricity for your vehicle, which is almost always extra in any paid or free Iceland campsites.
    • While the above campgrounds are open all year, their reception hours may be different in the winter months. Sometimes you may have to call a number or use an honesty box.
    • All-year camping will be a great challenge, but make sure you’re prepared with warm, waterproof clothing and proper equipment. We sleep better when we’re cold, but there’s such a thing as too cold if you’re not used to it.
    • When camping in Iceland in open-all year campsites, you’ll see skies full of stars and, hopefully, the northern lights. However, there are some hiking trails that will be inaccessible to you if you don’t visit in summer. Research this before arriving so you aren’t disappointed.

    Camping in the off-season is a great way to beat the crowds, as Iceland’s peak time is June to August. Now that you know there are all-year campsites in Iceland available, you can plan your trip with flexibility. Remember, regardless of when you decide to do some camping in Iceland, the Iceland Camping Card is the ultimate solution for budget travelers who are keen to explore Iceland's stunning wilderness without breaking the bank

    Lock in your cheapest campervan rental today as well for an outdoor adventure in Iceland and further savings. The timing of your visit will determine what kind of experience you have, as Iceland changes a lot throughout the year.



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