The Best Campgrounds in Iceland for Nature Lovers: What You Need to Know

Campgrounds are littered across Iceland and many overlook the country’s most scenic locales. Some deliver jaw-dropping views from the site itself while others are located within a relatively short drive of beauty spots and nature-focused visitor attractions. Let’s take a look at a handful of the best – these campgrounds are ideal for nature lovers.

Skógar Campsite

The south coast of Iceland offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country and with good road access it’s an easy introduction to your road trip. One of the best campgrounds for nature lovers is without doubt that overlooking Skógafoss waterfall. Well-equipped and open year-round, it’s a great option if you want to break your journey and enjoy more time at this gorgeous waterfall or hike inland along the Skógá River. It’s popular of course, so make sure you arrive early to get your pick of the pitches.

Skaftafell Camping

Skaftafell is another beautiful spot. It first became a protected area in 1967 and was incorporated into Vatnajökull National Park in 2008. Understandably the area’s extraordinary landscapes make it attractive to visitors, but it’s a large site with space for an estimated 400 tents as well as pitches for camper vans. Glacial and mountain scenery is only a short walk away, so if you’re a nature lover then bookmark this place and add it to your road trip itinerary.

Vogar

The Mývatn area has much to delight travellers, with geothermal valleys, striking landforms and of course the lake itself. The Vogar campsite is ideally situated to take advantage of this beautiful region, offering views of Mount Hverfjall and Hlíðarfjall. Tents and camper vans can both be accommodated, with electric hook ups available. The well-organised campsite also provides guests with access to a kitchen and dining room which is heated. Note that like most places, it doesn’t accept reservations so make sure you’re there in good time if travelling in peak season.

Camp Egilsstaðir

Unusually, this East Iceland campground is one that welcomes bookings and so you should reserve in advance if planning to stay here in the summer season. This place is well located for travellers hoping to explore the breathtaking fjords of this part of Iceland. The waterfall Hengifoss, incredible Stuðlagil Canyon and laidback Vök Baths are also day trip possibilities. Nature lovers will also be keen to keep an eye out for wildlife such as puffins in summer and reindeer in winter.

Siglufjordur

Pretty Siglufjordur in North Iceland was once known for its herring processing industry, but today it’s a sleepy place with bags of charm. Of its two campsites, nature lovers will probably feel more at home in the less central of the pair which is still located within easy reach of the village centre and its facilities. It’s more peaceful and quiet; the site is close to birdwatching sites. Note that these are seasonal campgrounds; usually they are open between the middle of May and the middle of October.

Grundarfjörður

Located on the Snaefellsnes peninsula, the Grundarfjörður campsite offers a view of Mount Kirkjufell. In summer, some of the ground is covered with wild blueberries, while nature hikes in the surrounding hills and alongside the fjord are also popular. The site, divided into five distinct areas, accommodates tent campers as well as vans and motorhomes. Its central location on the peninsula makes it an excellent base if you plan to spend a few days enjoying the area’s most scenic spots or participating in outdoor pursuits such as horseriding.

Whether you plan to hire a car and camp in a tent, or rent a camper van, Konvin has the vehicle that can get you to these standout campsites.