Iceland is one of the world’s best destinations for camping – but it’s still important to understand the rules.
Photo © iStock/Natalia Moroz
Iceland has more than 170 inexpensive, backpacker-friendly campsites. They’re great spots to meet other travelers and share travel tips and tricks for getting the most out of Iceland.
Unless you have a big travel budget, you will probably end up camping in Iceland at least a few times. But before you pitch your tent, be sure to know the rules.
- Camping laws in Iceland
- Consider a campervan
- Planning your Iceland camping trip
- Top tips for happy camping in Iceland
Camping laws in Iceland
“Camping with no more than three tents is allowed on uncultivated ground for a single night, unless the landowner has posted a notice to the contrary. However, campers should always use designated campsites where they do exist. Do not camp close to farms without permission. If a group of more than three tents is involved, these campers must seek permission from the landowner before setting up camp outside marked campsite areas.” – Environment Agency of Iceland
So, in a nutshell, if there’s no sign and the land isn’t being used to grow crops, you can camp for a single night before you need to move on. You'll need to get permission from the landowner if you plan to camp near a private home or farm, stay for longer than one night, pitch more than three tents, or use camper vans or trailers outside organized campsites. It's also important that you don’t just drive your car off-road, as you can damage the fragile environment.
If you are camping in Iceland, it’s important that you respect both the environment and the people. Though wild camping is generally not permitted, there are plenty of gorgeous, designated camping spots all over the country.
Consider a campervan
If you can afford it, a campervan is by the far the best way to explore Iceland. With a campervan, you can sleep soundly even if the weather turns. We strongly recommend downloading the free offline maps app, maps.me, to ensure you don’t get lost while on the road.
Planning your Iceland camping trip
If you are exploring Iceland on a budget and you will be camping, self-driving or hitchhiking, it’s important that you do plan ahead. Weather conditions in Iceland can change in an instant and if you are caught out without the right gear you can find yourself in a very dangerous situation. Follow our top tips for camping safely and responsibly in Iceland.
Top tips for happy camping in Iceland
Don’t underestimate the weather. Icelandic weather can be wild and change abruptly. The weather forecast is pretty reliable and it’s worth keeping a close eye on the Icelandic Met Office warnings: If you know which way the clouds are heading, you can travel in the opposite direction.
Help may not be around the corner. Some of Iceland’s most stunning areas, such as the Highlands, are largely uninhabited, which means if you do get into trouble, you may be on your own. ICE-SAR, the Icelandic Search and Rescue team, recommend that travelers bring a hotspot so that they can be kept in the loop on weather and road conditions and plan accordingly.
Bring the right gear. With the right camping equipment, you can stay warm and dry in most conditions. Don’t rely on a single-skin tent – you’ll come to regret it. A self-inflating air mattress is also worth bringing – you will lose a ton of heat to the ground without one. If you don’t have your own equipment, it’s possible to rent quality gear in Reykjavik.
Camp responsibly. If you are camping outside a designated campsite, make sure to pack out all of your litter and leave your camp spot as you found it. Follow these principles for disposing of waste properly and leaving no traces behind.
Use designated sites when possible. Due to increased numbers of tourists, Iceland’s Environmental Agency is now actively encouraging visitors to use the campsites. Campsites are cheap, offer warm showers and proper toilet facilities, and are far preferable to wild camping if the weather turns.
Always carry a headlamp. For breakdowns, midnight toilet-runs or hiking in the dark, a headlamp is an essential piece of kit and you should always travel with one – it could just save your life.
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1 Comment
is it possible to do beach camping there though?