Traveling around Iceland in a heated campervan—or pairing a 4x4 SUV with a weather-tested camping setup—gives you the freedom to explore the island's glaciers, fjords, and geothermal valleys at your own pace. In this guide, we cover why campervan and car camping works so well in Iceland, top campsites to bookmark, and what you need to pack.
1. Why Explore Iceland with a Campervan or Camping Car?
- Unmatched Weather Flexibility: Icelandic weather changes rapidly from fjord to fjord. When you travel with a campervan or tent setup, you are not locked into non-refundable hotel bookings—if high winds or heavy rain are forecast in the East, you can adjust your route on the fly.
- Significant Cost Savings: Combining your transport, bed, and kitchen into a single campervan—and shopping at Bónus or Krónan supermarkets—can reduce your daily accommodation and food spend by 40% to 50%.
2. Three Iconic Campsites to Include on Your Route
Iceland has more than 170 registered campsites, and nearly all accept credit and debit cards (no cash needed):
- Reykjavík Eco Campsite (Laugardalur): Located right beside the Laugardalslaug geothermal swimming pool complex, offering hot showers, an indoor camper kitchen, laundry, and easy bus access to downtown Reykjavík.
- Þakgil Canyon Campsite (South Coast, near Vík): Tucked inside a dramatic mossy canyon reached via a scenic gravel track east of Vík, featuring a natural cave dining room with a fireplace and spectacular hiking trails toward Mýrdalsjökull glacier (open June–September).
- Hamrar Campsite (Akureyri, North Iceland): Set in a sheltered birch forest just outside Akureyri with excellent shower, laundry, and campervan electricity hookups.
Browse more top overnight stops in our Iceland Campsite & Activity Directory.
3. Essential Packing List for Campervan & Car Campers
Even when your campervan includes a mattress, duvet/sleeping bag, and gas stove, make sure you pack these essentials in your luggage:
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket and rain pants (Gore-Tex or 10,000mm+)
- Merino wool or thermal synthetic base layers and a warm fleece or down mid-layer
- Broken-in waterproof hiking boots with ankle support
- Swimsuit and quick-dry microfiber towel (for town geothermal pools and hot springs)
- Contoured 3D blackout sleep mask (essential from May to August for the Midnight Sun)
- Reusable insulated water bottle / thermos (cold tap water everywhere in Iceland is pure glacial spring water)
- Rechargeable headlamp (for September–April trips) and a 10,000+ mAh USB power bank
- Physical credit or debit card with a 4-digit PIN (required at unmanned rural gas stations; campsites across Iceland also accept contactless cards)
Use our Interactive Iceland Packing Checklist to check off your items before your flight.
4. Choosing the Right Campervan or 4x4 Rental
Before booking, verify whether your itinerary stays on paved roads (where a 2WD heated campervan is ideal from May to September) or ventures onto Highland F-roads (which legally require an F-road-approved 4x4 SUV or 4x4 camper). Compare vehicle categories, insurance rules, and trusted local platforms in our Iceland Car Rental & Campervan Guide.
