Camping in Iceland is one of the best ways to experience the country’s raw nature—glaciers, waterfalls, hot springs, and endless coastline. But to keep this nature pristine (and to avoid fines or awkward encounters with landowners), it’s important to understand and follow Iceland’s campsite rules.
Below is a clear guide to camping regulations in Iceland, plus how you can combine camping with comfortable stays at Ourhotels.is properties like Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn for a perfect, flexible road trip.
Iceland’s campsite rules: what you need to know
Iceland used to allow much more “wild camping,” but due to increased tourism and environmental impact, the rules are now stricter. In most cases, you are expected to stay at designated campsites.
Key points:
– You may not camp wherever you like.
– You must respect private land, farmland, and protected areas.
– You must use official campsites when traveling by car, campervan, or trailer.
– Leave no trace: take all rubbish with you and avoid damaging vegetation.
Camping with a car or campervan
If you are traveling by car, campervan, or trailer, you are generally required to stay at a registered campsite. This applies whether you sleep in a tent, rooftop tent, or inside the vehicle.
You cannot:
– Park and sleep overnight in random lay-bys, on private land, or in front of houses.
– Camp on farmland or in fenced areas without explicit permission from the landowner.
– Camp in national parks or protected areas outside of designated camping zones.
You can:
– Use the many official campsites around Iceland, which usually offer toilets, showers, and sometimes kitchens and laundry.
– Combine camping nights with hotel stays to rest, recharge, and enjoy hot showers and real beds—especially useful on longer trips or in bad weather.
Tent camping rules
If you are on foot with a small tent and no vehicle, the rules are a bit more flexible in remote, uncultivated areas. However, due to changing regulations and local restrictions, the safest and most responsible choice is still to use official campsites whenever possible.
Always check:
– Local signs and information boards.
– Whether the area is protected or part of a national park.
– If you are near farms or houses—if so, ask permission or move on.
General campsite etiquette in Iceland
Once you’re at a campsite, there are some unwritten rules that make the experience better for everyone:
– Respect quiet hours: Many campsites have quiet times, often from around 23:00 to 07:00. Keep noise low and avoid loud music.
– Use facilities properly: Don’t wash dishes in bathroom sinks or showers; use designated washing areas.
– Dispose of waste correctly: Separate recyclables where possible and never leave trash behind.
– Be careful with cooking: Use camp stoves in safe, designated areas. Open fires are often forbidden due to fire risk.
– Protect nature: Stay on marked paths, avoid trampling moss, and never drive off-road (this is strictly illegal in Iceland and heavily fined).
Weather and safety considerations
Icelandic weather is unpredictable, even in summer. Strong winds, heavy rain, and sudden temperature drops are common.
When camping:
– Use a sturdy, wind-resistant tent and strong pegs.
– Check the weather forecast (vedur.is) and road conditions (road.is) daily.
– Be prepared to change plans if conditions become unsafe.
This is where having a flexible plan with both campsites and hotel options can make your trip much more comfortable.
Combining camping with hotel stays: Ourhotels.is
Many travelers choose a mix of camping and hotel nights: camping when the weather is good and switching to a cozy room when they need a break. Ourhotels.is offers convenient, comfortable stays in key locations in West and North-West Iceland, perfect for this style of travel.
Hvítá Inn – Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes)
Borgarfjörður is a fantastic base for exploring waterfalls, hot springs, lava fields, and the countryside of West Iceland. After a few nights in a tent, checking into Hvítá Inn can feel like a luxury.
Why it works well with camping:
– Ideal stop between Reykjavík and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula or the Westfjords.
– Warm rooms, hot showers, and a good night’s sleep before or after camping.
– Great location for day trips to Hraunfossar, Barnafoss, Deildartunguhver, and the surrounding valleys.
You can camp in nearby official campsites, then use Hvítá Inn as your “reset” point—dry your gear, recharge your devices, and enjoy a proper breakfast before heading back on the road.
Stykkishólmur Inn – gateway to Snæfellsnes
Stykkishólmur is a charming town on the north side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, with beautiful views, a picturesque harbor, and easy access to some of Iceland’s most iconic landscapes.
How Stykkishólmur Inn fits into a camping trip:
– Perfect base for exploring Snæfellsnes while still enjoying a comfortable bed.
– Combine nights at nearby campsites with a stay at Stykkishólmur Inn to break up your camping days.
– Ideal if you’re taking the ferry Baldur across Breiðafjörður towards the Westfjords—camp on one side, sleep in comfort on the other.
After a windy night in a tent on Snæfellsnes, arriving at Stykkishólmur Inn gives you a chance to warm up, shower, and enjoy the town’s restaurants and harbor walks.
Ísafjörður Inn – in the heart of the Westfjords
The Westfjords are wild, remote, and perfect for adventurous campers. At the same time, the weather can be rough, and distances are long. Ísafjörður is the main town in the region and an excellent place to pause and regroup.
Why Ísafjörður Inn is a smart stop:
– Central location for exploring the fjords, hiking, and visiting places like Dynjandi waterfall.
– A comfortable base between nights at remote campsites.
– Great for rest days: enjoy cafés, local culture, and a real bed after long drives on gravel roads.
By combining camping with a stay at Ísafjörður Inn, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the freedom of sleeping close to nature and the comfort of a warm, dry room when you need it most.
Responsible camping and staying flexible
To camp responsibly in Iceland:
– Use official campsites whenever possible.
– Respect landowners, local communities, and nature.
– Follow all signs and local regulations.
– Never leave trash or waste behind.
Planning a route that includes both campsites and hotels like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn through Ourhotels.is gives you flexibility. If the weather turns bad or you simply want a break from the tent, you already know where you can find a comfortable room nearby.
By following Iceland’s campsite rules and combining camping with well-placed hotel stays, you’ll not only protect the environment but also make your journey more enjoyable, safe, and memorable.
