This is the season when people are planning their camper van road trip in Iceland. Embarking on a camper van road trip in Iceland is an exhilarating experience. Here are some practical and actionable tips for the best camper van road trip in beautiful Iceland to ensure you have the best time.
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Be smart and save money on your camper van road trip in Iceland.
Iceland is, and should not be, a ‘cheap’ destination. It is a unique and affluent country with stunning nature. Prepare your budget accordingly. Luckily, there are many ways to be smart and avoid overpaying for goods and services. Sign up for the Stuck in Iceland newsletter above to receive discount codes for over 100 tours and travel services in Iceland. This includes a discount code for my great partners at Happy Campers, which offer excellent camper vans and great service.
Top tips for those traveling on a budget
- Use self-service gas stations – bring your physical credit card and know your PIN
- Stock up at Bónus or Krónan supermarkets (I like Krónan much better; they have a better selection of goods).
- Purchase alcohol at the Keflavík airport duty-free store when you arrive. Remember: absolutely no drinking and driving!
- Rent outdoor clothing if you don’t have it already. There is no need to buy super expensive outdoor clothes
- Rent camping gear with my partners at Camping Iceland. Sign up for the Stuck in Iceland newsletter to receive a discount code for a whopping 25% discount on camping gear rental and a 10% discount on camping van rental. Again, there is no need to buy expensive camping gear.
- Be mindful that food and goods are much more expensive in small shops in the countryside than in the Krónan or Bónus supermarkets
Read my tips to save money in Iceland.
Take advantage of accessible or affordable road trip guides
I have free-to-use road trip plans for Iceland you are welcome to use. For inspiration, read my interviews with many people with great travel tips for Iceland. Consider purchasing the affordable Iceland road trip guides from travel expert John Lloyd, available as e-books on Amazon.
Experience Freedom
Enjoy the flexibility of a campervan, allowing spontaneous stops and changes in your itinerary. Prepare well, but also embrace the unexpected adventures of traveling in Iceland.
Don’t forget Reykjavik in your travel plan.
Reykjavik has many fun activities, incredible architecture, restaurants, and fun nightlife.
Stay Warm
Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable. Ensure you have warm sleeping bags, layers of clothing, and blankets. In winter, consider heavier gear like thermal wear. Remember, you can rent outdoor clothing to save money. I have some tips on how to dress in Iceland.
Stay safe and flexible.
Iceland is beautiful in all seasons. However, Iceland’s roads are narrow and busy during summer. Large trucks are a big part of traffic on the narrow streets. When you see an approaching truck, slow down!
In winter, you will experience limited daylight, icy roads, and highly changeable weather. In Iceland, nature is the boss, not you. Therefore, stay flexible and be ready to change travel plans on short notice. I have tips on how to travel safely in Iceland.
Essential resources to follow for safety
Follow these resources to be aware of the weather and road conditions:
- The weather forecast for Iceland
- Road conditions,
- Safe Travel Website and smartphone app. This is an essential resource. Study the advice and notifications given there
Familiarize yourself with Icelandic driving conditions. Icelandic roads are often narrow and can be busy during the summer months. Remember that speed limits are strictly enforced. Iceland has a zero-tolerance policy towards driving under the influence, which is excellent.
Here are some more safety tips for driving in Iceland
Follow camping regulations
Follow the rules for overnight stays on camping grounds. Most camping grounds have specific opening times, and many are closed during winter.
Enjoy Local Activities and visit diverse locations
Iceland offers unique experiences like whale watching, Iceland’s amazing thermal pools, and local food tours. Explore these activities for a richer experience. Visit places like Siglufjörður for skiing and culture, Seyðisfjörður for summer beauty, and the Westfjords for breathtaking scenery. Browse this magazine for many great ideas on activities all over Iceland.
Know Your Campervan and pack efficiently.
Understand the functionalities of your campervan before you start your journey. Ask your camper van’s provider’s staff for details about the camper van you are renting. Before heading on your road trip adventure, you want to be familiar with your vehicle. Organize your space efficiently for a comfortable journey. Use duffel bags or backpacks as they fit better in campervans—pack essentials into the camper’s storage compartment.
Packing Essentials for your camper van road trip in Iceland
Include wind and waterproof jackets, hiking pants, a warm sweater, hiking boots, base layers like shirts, socks, underwear, hats and gloves, swimwear, a towel, and a reusable water bottle in your packing list. Also, remember your sunglasses (the sun in Iceland is fierce!), and bring shorts and swimming clothes. You will want to dip into hot tubs and the lovely Icelandic swimming pools.
Be as eco-friendly as possible when going on a camper van road trip in Iceland.
Overall, an excellent way to reduce the environmental impact of your traveling is to take fewer and longer tours. In Iceland, use reusable water bottles, stick to marked paths, and choose eco-friendly tours. Support local industries by buying Icelandic-made products and eating locally sourced foods. Take nothing but photographs and leave nothing behind. Consider carbon offsetting your travel to Iceland.
Follow this essential Iceland Camper van group on Facebook
Join the Iceland Camping Community group on Facebook for crucial hints and tips from the community there.
Consider well the choice of your camper van for your Iceland road trip
Consider the following when you are choosing your camper van:
Is the camper van prepared for Icelandic nights in winter or summer?
Does the camper van have overnight heating, and is it insulated? I would never stay in an unheated or uninsulated car overnight in Iceland. Never.
Are you driving in winter or late fall?
If yes, put safety first and ensure your rental camper van has good winter tires.
How is the customer service?
Will the camper van provider provide responsive customer service? Does the camper van company have a 24/7 emergency number?
Is there enough space in the camper van?
Winter clothes take up more space. Renting the smallest camper might be a hassle due to its limited space. You will spend many days on the road, and cramped space might spoil your experience.
Choose your campsite carefully for your camper van road trip in Iceland
Plan what campsites you will stay at and take note of their facilities before booking your stay there. Below is a list of good campsites from Iceland connoisseur John Lloyd.
Recommended Campsites
Hamrar (Akureyri – north of Iceland)
The Hamrar campsite is a little way outside the town and has an enormous site, plenty of space, a gorgeous setting with cliffs, woods, horse riding, a play area, and excellent facilities.
Fossárdalur (Djúpivogur – east of Iceland)
Fossárdalur is one of Iceland’s most beautiful campsite locations, accessed up a short, steep gravel road and an enormous camping area with its waterfall. Good facilities, free showers.
Ásbyrgi (North East Iceland)
Ásbyrgi is a popular (book ahead) campsite in the middle of the astonishing canyon. Amazing views, and walks around and onto the canyon cliffs. Good facilities, showers.
66.12 North (Tjörnes peninsula)
Halfway between Ásbyrgi and Húsavík in the northeast part of Iceland. Excellent Arctic Ocean views, close to the sea, busy birdlife, good facilities, showers, and toilets.
Hofsós (Troll peninsula)
Flat open ground with mountain views, close to the village and its famous swimming pool and shops, good shower block, honor system for payments. Connected to Varmahlíð, Sauðárkrókur, and Hólar, second night discounted price.
Skaftafell (South East Iceland)
All-year campground with wide open spaces, shower block, and electricity.
Vestrahorn (Stokksnes)
Ideal for photo trips for Vestrahorn, mesmerizing views of the mountains and the coast. Good facilities, on-site cafe.
Varmahlíð (North Iceland)
Commanding views of the area, situated uphill from the gas station with pizza and grill restaurants and shops, large camping areas lined by trees, good shower facilities, and jumping pillow for the kids.
Hellissandur (Snæfellsnes)
This gorgeous campsite has excellent shower and cooking facilities in a fantastic lava field setting with splendid views of Snæfellsjökull, close to the Freezer Hostel (cultural center with live music gigs) and the famous street art wall displays.
Drangsnes (Westfjords)
This astonishing campground is set high on the hill above Drangsnes, with views of the fjord, and often whales can be seen there. There is a good shower block and jumping pillow for the kids.
Mosskógar – near Reykjavik
This is a peaceful and relaxing option for camping close to Reykjavik.
