Free Campsites in Iceland

We hear you: Are there any free campsites in Iceland? This is a valid question for any visitor to the island who’s on a tight budget or wants to road trip the country in a campervan. While the answer may not be what you’d expect, you’ll be surprised at just how affordable the campsites in Iceland are with a little local help and guidance. So, without further ado, here’s what you need to know:

Free campsites in Iceland are basically extinct now (RIP Strandakirkja campsite). But don't worry! We've rounded up the cheapest alternatives, including tips on using the Camping Card and other budget-friendly hacks to keep your trip affordable.

Wild Camping in Iceland is No Longer Allowed

As you can imagine, the Land of Fire and Ice draws many visitors (over 2 million every year, to be exact), and most of these visitors prefer to explore the country via camper and are always on the lookout for a bargain (who isn’t?).

But that meant that we faced an ecological disaster as campers were parked and set up all across the island, all year round, completely devastating our environment. That’s why wild camping was officially declared illegal in 2015.

Today, you’ll only be able to camp in a designated and clearly marked camping spot. And don’t try your luck in our parking lots; even there, you’re not allowed to park overnight unless it clearly states that it’s an overnight parking spot.

The only wild camping loophole you’ll find when cruising the country in a camper is if you can make chums with one of the local landowners. See, you are allowed to camp on private property as long as you’ve got the explicit permission of the landowner, and you’re not planning on staying for more than 48 hours.

It goes without saying that this only relates to you and your camper – not you, your camper, your entire village of tents surrounding your camper, pop-up shower and kitchen, and a Portaloo.

Needless to say, you should also respect others actually staying on the land, so keep your distance (there’s no reason why you should practically park on their porch). And if the landowner asks you to move, you vamoose as soon as possible.

A Few Helpful Tips for Wild Camping in Your Camper

If this will be your first time exploring Iceland in a camper or the first time you’ll be attempting wild camping, the following tips and advice will prove to be very helpful:

• Unlike many other countries, you are not allowed to wild camp in our national parks. Even there, you will need to book a spot at one of the campsites in the park (and, trust us, there are many).
• You will find many vast landscapes in the Land of Fire and Ice, and it may look pretty remote and tempting to chance a quick overnight stay. But take note; private land owners can have acres of private land that stretches out as far as the eye can see, and we really wouldn’t want to be in your position if you’re caught. So, even in the most remotest of landscapes, always ensure you find the rightful owner to get the required permission.
• It’s always a good idea to get permission from the land owner in writing. Law enforcers will usually ask to see something in writing, and can you imagine what would happen if bad luck suddenly made you unable to find or contact the owner to confirm a verbal agreement?
• Always adhere to our ‘Leave No Trace’ Principles. While this principle needs to be followed all throughout your travels and camping in Iceland, it’s extra important when camping on private land and on the good graces of others. The ‘Leave No Trace’ principle is simple: always leave an area just like you found it. That not only means things such as don’t leave litter behind, but also don’t chase away the local wildlife with excessive noise or trample things, move things, etc.
• It’s very rare for Icelandic campsites to allow open fires. You’ll usually be limited to a barbecue grill. This has a lot to do with our legendary winds and the vulnerability of our environment and our people should a wildfire occur. When camping on private land, the same rule applies: absolutely no open fires allowed!
• Take extra precautions in our mossy areas. It might not be easy for a laymen to distinguish between common moss species and our special Woolly Fringe Moss. This moss is incredibly fragile and can literally take decades to recover from any damage (and that’s only if it recovers at all!).

Are There Any Free Campsites in Iceland?

Unfortunately, finding a campsite that’s completely free in Iceland is like trying to capture non-blurry footage of Bigfoot (the odds are pretty small). In fact, one of the few free campsites in Iceland (Strandakirkja Campsite) recently permanently closed its doors. 

But that doesn’t mean you can’t find campsites costing you next to nothing here on the island, especially when taking advantage of our Camping Card and other budget-saving hacks here on the island.

Maximise Your Campsite Savings

There are a couple of local budget-saving hacks that will help you maximise your campsite savings:

Get Yourself the Camping Card

The Camping Card is a card that can be bought online for just €179, and that gives a family of 2 adults and up to 4 children (under the age of 16, mind you) access to various campsites around the country for up to a total of 28 nights. This, of course, only counts for one family PER STAND.

But you only need to do some quick maths to figure out what kind of savings we’re talking about here. If the average campsite charges 1800 – 2500 ISK per person per night (equal to $14.72 – $20.44/€12.41 – €17.24 per person per night), then 28 nights for just ONE person would already be well over €300! And that’s not all.

With the Camping Card, you’ll also get various discount perks at Olis and OB gas stations here in Iceland. From discounts on food and drinks at the convenience store to discounts on gas! Just take note that the Camping Card is only valid from late May till mid-September, so if you’re planning on visiting the island at any other time during the year, you won’t be able to use it.

Redistribution: Save Money Elsewhere to Have More to Spend on Stays and Other Expenses

There are a few other ways of freeing up money so you can loosen the belt on that tight budget of yours a bit. Then, whether you spend the additional money on campsites or buy yourself a traditional Lopapeysa jersey, it will be up to you. Here’s how:

Rental Companies are Connected

Speak to your campervan rental agent. We’ve always got a few local partnerships up our sleeves, which means that we’ll be able to offer you all sorts of discounts, from local attractions and activities to campsites, gas, and groceries.

The Reykjavik City Card Can Also Add to Your Savings

If you’re planning on sticking around and exploring the capital city for a bit, it’s well worth it to invest in a Reykjavik City Card. You can choose between three different types, depending on how long you’ll be in the city (24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours). Prices range between 6100 ISK and 10500 ISK ($49.87 and $85.83/€49.87 and €85.83), and can literally save you hundreds when exploring Reykjavik!

From free entry at some of our most popular museums, activities, and pools to free Stræto (that’s our public bus service) within the city borders, as well as various other discounts, the Reykjavik City Card can be a real budget lifesaver.

Our (Practically) Free Campsites in Iceland When You’re Camping with the Camping Card

If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck when camping with your campervan during your road trip around Iceland, the following campsites should definitely be on your radar with their Camping Card advantages: 

Grundarfjördur Campsite

Area/Region: Grundarfjördur, West Iceland

Operates: May to Mid-September

Facilities/Amenities:

• Toilets
• Campervan Waste Disposal
• Swimming Pool
• Playground
• Campervan Spots with Electricity Supply

Price:

• 1800 ISK ($14.71/€12.41) per adult per night.
• 1300 ISK ($10.63/€8.97) per senior/the disabled per night.
• 0 ISK ($0/€0) for children under the age of 16.
• 1300 ISK ($10.63/€8.97) for electricity.

Grundarfjördur Campsite is known for its breathtaking views (think mountains, fjord, waterfall) as well as its convenient location on the outskirts of town. With its swimming pool and playground, it’s a popular camping choice among families. 

Skjol Camping Site

Area/Region: Geysir, Southwest Iceland

Operates: All year round, although operating hours may vary. Also, keep in mind that May to September is official Camping Card season.

Facilities/Amenities:

• Toilets
• Showers
• Wi-Fi
• Restaurant & Bar
• Playground
• Campervan Spots with Electricity Supply

Price:

• 2000 ISK ($16.34/€13.78) per adult per night.
• 0 ISK ($0/€0) for children under 18 years.

Skjol Camping Site is pretty basic, but still offers campers all the necessities they’ll need. Most stands are on beautifully manicured grass with incredible views across the surrounding landscape. 

Mödrudalur (aka Fjalladyrd) Campground

Area/Region: Egilsstadir, East Iceland

Operates: April to November (however, May to September is official Camping Card season).

Facilities/Amenities:

• Toilets
• Showers
• Kitchen Facilities
• Campervan Waste Disposal
• Campervan Spots with Electricity Supply

Price:

• 2190 ISK ($17.89/€15.11) per adult per night + 400 ISK ($3.27/€2.76) tax per stand per night.
• 0 ISK ($0/€0) for children under 14 years.
• 1500 ISK ($12.25/€10.35) for electricity.

Keeping true to its origins as farmland, Mödrudalur (aka Fjalladyrd) Campground is pretty basic, with the focus going more to the breathtaking mountains surrounding the campsite. Although the campsite might be described as “off the beaten track,” it still provides visitors with all the basic amenities and facilities for a comfortable overnight stay. 

Budardalur Campground

Area/Region: Budardalur, West Iceland

Operates: All year round (however, May to September is official Camping Card season).

Facilities/Amenities:

• Toilets
• Showers
• Laundry Facilities
• Kitchen Facilities
• Playground
• Campervan Waste Disposal
• Campervan Spots with Electricity Supply

Price:

• 4000 ISK ($32.55/€27.58) per 2 adults per campervan per night (stand with no electricity connectivity).
• 5000 ISK ($40.69/€34.47) per 2 adults per campervan per night (stand with electricity connectivity).
• 1000 ISK ($8.14/€6.89) for electricity.

Budardalur Campground is a well-maintained and convenient stopover with all the amenities and facilities you’ll need either on-site or just a short walk or drive away. This might not be the campground where you unpack and unwind for an entire week, but as an overnight stay on a road trip, it comes highly recommended.

Talknafjördur Campsite

Area/Region: Taknafjördur, The Westfjords

Operates: May to Mid-October (however, May to September is official Camping Card season).

Facilities/Amenities:

• Toilets
• Showers
• WiFi
• Laundry Facilities
• Kitchen Facilities
• Playground
• Campervan Waste Disposal
• Campervan Spots with Electricity Supply

Price:

• 1800 ISK ($14.71/€12.41) per adult per night.
• 1200 ISK ($9.76/€8.27) per senior/the disabled per night.
• 0 ISK ($0/€0) for children under the age of 17.
• 1300 ISK ($10.63/€8.97) for electricity.

Taknafjördur Campsite is a beautiful campsite with trees and hedges giving campers shelter against the elements. If you’re an avid swimmer, you’re sorted all year round, since you’re within walking distance of the ocean, the cold Taknafjördur Swimming Pool and Pollurin Hot Springs. With most necessary amenities and facilities on-hand, this is a campsite where you can afford to camp out a bit.

Husavik Campground

Area/Region: Husavik, North Iceland

Operates: Mid-May to Mid-September 

Facilities/Amenities:

• Toilets
• Showers
• WiFi
• Laundry Facilities
• Campervan Spots with Electricity Supply

Price:

• 2000 ISK ($16.28/€13.79) per adult per night.
• 1500 ISK ($12.21/€10.34) per senior/the disabled per night.
• 0 ISK ($0/€0) for children under the age of 14.
• 1300 ISK ($10.63/€8.97) for electricity.

The Husavik Campground is another camping spot that may not be filled with all sorts of facilities and amenities, but here it’s all about the location. The campground is literally supposed to only be where you sleep after exploring the various famous attractions surrounding the campsite.

Studlagil Canyon Camping Site

Area/Region: Egilsstadir, East Iceland

Operates: May to October (however, May to September is official Camping Card season).

Facilities/Amenities:

• Toilets
• Showers
• Laundry Facilities
• Kitchen Facilities
• Campervan Spots with Electricity Supply

Price:

• 2400 ISK ($19.52/€16.55) per person per night.

The Studlagil Canyon Camping Site is another one of the more basic campgrounds, but, once again, it’s allure lies in its location - near mid-town Egilsstadir and various famous sites and attractions such as Laugavellir and Askja Volcano. Although very basic, it’s also a great camping spot to camp with kids; here they will have endless fields to run and play in all day long!

Laugarvatn Camping Ground

Area/Region: Laugarvatn, South Iceland

Operates: June to October (however, May to September is official Camping Card season).

Facilities/Amenities:

• Toilets
• Showers
• Campervan Spots with Electricity Supply

Price:

• 5947.05 ISK ($48.39/€41) per 2 adults per campervan per night.
• 1000 ISK ($8.14/€6.89) for electricity.

Laugarvatn Camping Ground is often a go-to as overnight spot on a Golden Circle road trip since it’s located practically on the way and a convenient short drive away from many of the Golden Circle’s most famous attractions. The other thing that really stands out at this campground is the absolute peace and serenity with views as far as the eye can see.

Akranes Campsite

Area/Region: Akranes, West Iceland

Operates: May to Mid-September (operating hours may vary)

Facilities/Amenities:

• Toilets
• Showers
• Playground
• Campervan Spots with Electricity Supply

Price:

• 2000 ISK ($16.34/€13.78) per adult per night.
• 1500 ISK ($12.20/€10.34) per senior/the disabled per night.
• 0 ISK ($0/€0) for children under the age of 15.
• 1300 ISK ($10.63/€8.97) for electricity.

The Akranes Campsite is a great launching pad for your West Iceland adventure. Although minimalistic, it’s conveniently close to the airport, although you won’t say it looking around the peaceful surroundings with the incredible mountain views.

***Please note that all tariffs mentioned above are subject to change and are also the general fees as of the time of writing, which excludes Camping Card perks. It’s also important to keep in mind that, although the Camping Card will essentially give a family a 28-night camping trip for just €179, some camping sites may still require the tax payment of +/- 400 ISK ($3.27/€2.76), so please ask the campsite directly and plan accordingly.

Quick-Referencing Table for Camping Card Campsites

Below, we’ve compiled a quick-referencing summary table of the above-mentioned Camping Card campsites, in order of price per person per night:

Campsites Might Not Be Free in Iceland, But It’s Pretty Darn Close!

As you can see, most campsites in Iceland don’t charge more than $20 per night (this, of course, is in stark contrast to the guesthouses charging $70+ or even our hostels charging $40+ per person per night).

So, while campsites in Iceland may not be completely free, they certainly come pretty close when compared to accommodation alternatives here on the island. Tag on our Camping Card and one or more of our budget-saving hacks, and even that initial $20 per person per night for a campsite is a thing of the past.