Campervan Iceland: The Complete Van Life Guide
Why Choose a Campervan in Iceland
Campervanning in Iceland offers a freedom that hotels and guesthouses simply cannot match. You wake up next to glaciers, park beside hidden waterfalls, and change your plans on a whim when the weather shifts. It also makes financial sense: combining accommodation and transport into a single daily cost can save hundreds of pounds compared to hotel stays plus a rental car.
Iceland's campervan culture has matured significantly. Modern rental fleets include everything from compact two-person vans to fully equipped motorhomes with showers, heating, and kitchens. The infrastructure has kept pace too, with well-maintained campsites scattered around the entire Ring Road and beyond.
Types of Campervans Available
Budget 2-person vans: Converted Dacia Dokkers or similar. Sleeping space for two in the back, a small cooking setup, and minimal storage. Perfect for couples comfortable with compact living. Expect to pay 15,000 to 25,000 ISK per day in summer.
Mid-range campers: VW Caddy or Renault Trafic conversions with pop-up roofs, small kitchenettes, and more storage. Good for two adults and possibly a child. Around 25,000 to 40,000 ISK per day.
Large motorhomes: Full-size vehicles with standing headroom, proper kitchens, toilets, and hot water. Suitable for families or those who prefer more comfort. From 40,000 ISK per day upward.
Wild Camping Rules (They Changed)
A common misconception is that you can camp anywhere in Iceland for free. Since 2015, Icelandic law has been clear: you may only camp outside designated campsites with explicit landowner permission. In practice, this means you should plan to use campsites. Fines for illegal camping are steep (up to 100,000 ISK), and enforcement has increased in recent years.
The exception is remote highland areas with no campsite within reasonable distance, but even there, leave-no-trace principles are legally required. Never camp near churches, farms, or protected areas without permission.
The Camping Card
The Camping Card is excellent value. For a flat fee (currently around 23,900 ISK), it covers 28 nights at over 40 campsites for up to two adults and four children. If you're spending more than a week campervanning, it practically pays for itself.
Essential Gear and Preparation
Most rental companies provide bedding, cooking equipment, and basic camping gear. However, you should verify what is included before booking. Items to bring or ensure are included:
- Warm sleeping bags rated to at least minus 5 degrees (summer nights can drop to 3 to 5 degrees)
- Cooking gas canisters (available at N1 petrol stations)
- Waterproof outer layers for cooking outdoors
- A windscreen sunshade for privacy and light blocking during midnight sun
- Rubbish bags (campsites expect you to take waste to bins)
Best Routes for Campervans
The Ring Road (Route 1) is the classic campervan route. At roughly 1,322 kilometres, it circles the entire island and can be comfortably driven in 10 to 14 days. Key campsite stops include Vik, Höfn, Egilsstaðir, Akureyri, and Blönduós.
For a shorter trip, the south coast from Reykjavik to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and back takes 4 to 5 days and packs in waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and the Diamond Beach.
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is another superb 2 to 3 day loop from Reykjavik, passing Kirkjufell, lava fields, and charming fishing villages.
Fuel and Driving Tips
Petrol stations are plentiful on Route 1 but can be 100 to 200 km apart in remote areas like the Eastfjords. Always fill up when you can rather than gambling on the next station. Campervans use more fuel than regular cars (expect 10 to 14 litres per 100 km for larger vehicles).
Winter driving in a campervan is possible but requires experience. Many rental companies restrict campervan rentals to April through October. If you do go in winter, check road conditions on road.is and carry emergency supplies.