Iceland is probably one of the best countries for camping, with stunning natural beauty, no pests or wild predators, and a huge camping culture with over 170 campsites. Please note that you must sleep at the campsites, as it is illegal to park overnight in unregistered areas.
Public areas of Hamra Campground
During the winter months, the situation can be tricky as many campgrounds are closed for the season. Our rental company, Happy Campers, makes things easy with a comprehensive online map that shows open campgrounds, prices and accurate reviews. We even stayed at some great campgrounds like Hamrar, which also offers an indoor sleeping area for ISK2,333 (~S$26.06), much cheaper than a hotel!
Indoor sleeping area at Hamrar campground
Even if the campground is closed, you can still park overnight, usually for free. The downside is that there are no available facilities, but if there is a pool or hotel nearby, that is manageable. For example, we stayed overnight at the closed Vík campsite and spent 500 Icelandic kroner (about S$5.58) per person for a shower at the Vík Hostel. Most accommodations advertise similar arrangements, but if you’re not sure, check with reception!
After your road trip, return your car at the 24-hour return point or enjoy free parking in Reykjavík from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. and all day on Sundays.
Iceland may be expensive, but its amazing scenery is well worth it. You’ll dream of returning to its dreamy landscapes and icy shores, and with these tips, you can start saving for your return trip right away. So spend wisely and save those dollar bills – they’ll always come in handy as an extra layer of warmth!
While most attractions are completely free, must-do activities such as glacier hiking and ice cave exploration are dangerous, if not impossible, without a trip. While you can’t avoid spending money for these activities, you can choose a more value-for-money trip
