| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Wild camping? | Not permitted |
| Tents outside campsites | One night on uncultivated land, only if no campsite is nearby and the landowner has not restricted access with signs |
| Campervans and motorhomes | Only at designated campsites, or on private land with the owner's permission |
| Season | Most campsites open May to September; some are open year-round |
| Price | About 2,000 to 3,500 ISK (roughly 20 to 30 USD) per person per night; children under 12 (sometimes under 15) usually free |
| Extras | Electricity, showers and washing machines cost extra |
The rules in one place
Visit Iceland says wild camping is not permitted in Iceland. The one exception applies to tents: you may pitch for one night on uncultivated land, but only if there is no campsite nearby and the landowner has not restricted access with signs. Campervans and motorhomes may camp only at designated campsites or on private land with the owner's permission. Off-road driving is also strictly forbidden, so do not drive a camper onto fields or moss to find a spot. The vehicle side is covered in Iceland campervan rental.
When campsites are open
Most campsites open from May to September, though exact dates depend on weather and ground conditions. Some campsites are open year-round, and tent camping is not recommended in winter. Visit Iceland's spring guide says most campsites in April are closed, and the September page says campsites remain open until the end of September. Highland F-roads typically open mid-to-late June, so interior campsites follow the same calendar: see Iceland F-roads. Most campgrounds reopen in June in the lowlands (Visit Iceland's June guide).
Prices and facilities
Most sites charge about 2,000 to 3,500 ISK per person per night, which Visit Iceland puts at roughly 20 to 30 USD. Children under 12, and sometimes under 15, usually camp free. Electricity, showers and washing machines cost extra. Standard facilities are toilets and electricity; common extras are a shared kitchen house, outdoor barbecue and playground, and some sites are close to swimming pools, horse or kayak rentals and hiking paths. Rural campsites often lack laundromats, so local swimming pools may offer washers and dryers for a small fee, and camping gear can be rented in Reykjavík for a daily fee.
Summer demand
Summer sites fill up quickly, especially during festivals and the Verslunarmannahelgi long weekend in early August. Spots often fill around 6 to 7 p.m., so book ahead or arrive early. The best weeks for weather and light are covered in Iceland in June, July and August. Visit Iceland also recommends booking accommodation, cars and 4x4s 6 to 8 months ahead for summer.
Weather and wind
June daytime highs are 10 to 13°C, and the highlands stay at 5 to 10°C in late June with overnight frost possible. September nights are 5 to 8°C. Pack for those temperatures. High vehicles such as campers need special attention in strong winds (Visit Iceland); the vehicle rules are in car rental in Iceland.
Alternatives to camping
If the campsite calendar does not fit your dates, the other options are guesthouses and hotels. Most campsites are closed in April, and Visit Iceland says the choice of hotels and guesthouses is wider outside summer. See where to stay in Iceland and where to stay in South Iceland.
Planning a camping route
The Ring Road is 1,322 km and Visit Iceland lists at least 7 days for it; locals often head for the sunniest region first, which is useful for campers. Book accommodation well ahead between Selfoss and Höfn in peak summer. A rental car is the usual way to link campsites; compare vehicles on the Discover Cars page in the box above. See the Ring Road tour.
Mistakes to avoid
- Pitching a tent or parking a camper by the road: wild camping is not permitted.
- Arriving at a summer campsite after 6 to 7 p.m. on a festival weekend.
- Planning a tent trip in winter: it is not recommended.
- Forgetting that electricity and showers cost extra.
FAQ
Is wild camping allowed in Iceland?
No. Tents may be pitched for one night on uncultivated land in limited circumstances; campers and motorhomes may stay only at designated campsites or on private land with permission.
How much does camping cost?
About 2,000 to 3,500 ISK (roughly 20 to 30 USD) per person per night, with children under 12 usually free.
When are campsites open?
Most from May to September; some are open year-round.
Do campsites have showers?
Standard facilities are toilets and electricity; showers and washing machines usually cost extra.
Can I camp in winter?
Tent camping is not recommended in winter.
The Iceland Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.
