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Compare Campervan Rentals In Iceland

Compare Iceland’s most trusted campervan rental companies to find the best deals. Select from various models, features and prices to lock in your perfect motorhome and prepare for a holiday to remember!

Camper Champ compares campervan rental companies in Iceland offering a range of vehicles including smaller camping cars with tents, 4x4 campers and larger luxurious motorhomes.

The average cost of renting a motorhome in Iceland is within €150/day to €410/day (or equivalent in Icelandic Króna). However prices fluctuate with seasonality and will vary depending on campervan type, booking length and other factors.

Many suppliers have their depot located near Keflavik International Airport, about 50km southwest of Reykjavik, where most people travelling internationally to Iceland arrive.

Iceland is the perfect campervan rental holiday location because of its stunning landscapes and unique natural features. The country is also known for its friendly locals and excellent camping facilities, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The Self-drive Holiday in Iceland

With so many amazing sights dotted around Iceland and an extensive and well-maintained road network, Iceland is primed for a fantastic campervan road trip. And wherever you roam in Iceland, you’re never far from a friendly countryside campsite!

Camper Champ helps to ensure you find the best deal and camper for your holiday. You can save money by comparing motorhome rental prices across popular brands, making visiting this stunning country more possible.

Campervan holidays are gaining much popularity the world over, and here’s why:

  1. Experience unbeatable freedom: Travelling with your bed in the back means freedom and flexibility to choose where you roam during the day. Although you can guarantee a campsite if you book in advance, there are always plenty of pitches if you travel during the off-season, allowing for daily spontaneity!

  2. Get in touch with nature: Experience Iceland authentically when you camp in rural farmlands or on the edge of a coastal cliff. Hotel rooms are the same in every country, but campervans let you experience the wild side of the island.

  3. Everything you need is right behind the driver’s seat: Travel with all the necessities you might need during your trip when you go by campervan! Depending on the vehicle, this could include a hot shower, a kitchenette, and (of course) a comfortable bed.

  4. Save money on accommodation: Hotel and Airbnb prices can reach staggering heights in Iceland. Add car hire to the mix, and a travel budget can get quickly out of hand. Instead, keep your wallet happy by renting a motorhome and combining the two.

When driving in Iceland, remember these important tips:

  1. Stick to the right-hand side of the road when driving in Iceland!
  2. Going off-road driving is against the law—so stay on sealed roads and marked trails.
  3. Any road marked as an ‘F-road’ in Iceland requires a 4WD camper rental. These roads are only open in summer from June to September, and it is recommended you travel in pairs with a second vehicle in case one breaks down.
  4. All the roads in Iceland are toll-free, except if you plan to traverse the new Vadlaheidi Tunnel in northern Iceland, prepare to pay between 1,500 and 2,500 ISK (roughly £9-15 or $10-17) per journey.
  5. The blood alcohol content limit in Iceland is 0.05%.
  6. And keep your headlights on day and night.

Travel Tips for Iceland

How can you save money on a campervan holiday in Iceland?

Touring Iceland in a motorhome offers you increased freedom and flexibility during your trip. Why be constrained to a hotel when you can roam the countryside in your home away from home?

Here are some great ways to save money on a campervan holiday in Iceland:

  1. Plan well ahead: Reserve your campervan, campsites, and attraction visits to find cheaper deals. Taking advantage of early bird specials can all add up.

  2. Travel during the off-season: Visiting Iceland in the spring or autumn can be the best option if you travel on a budget.

  3. Stay in one of Iceland’s many budget campsites: The most obvious way to save money on accommodation in a campervan is to find a cheap yet captivating campsite.

  4. Cook meals in your camper: Restaurants can get expensive in Iceland, especially if you eat out for every meal. Find local delicacies in small shops and supermarkets to prepare a delicious dish from the comfort of your campervan.

  5. Travel with friends or family: You’ll spend less with every additional person who can help split the cost.

When is the best time to go campervanning in Iceland?

For first-time visitors, it’s best to travel to Iceland in the summer, especially if you’re not used to below-freezing temperatures. Summer in Iceland gives way to crisp days, with weather ranging from 7-13°C (45-55°F). Travelling north of the island, you can expect to experience up to 20 hours of sunlight each day. During these warmer months, you also visit places cut off from the main roads by layers of ice and snow in the winter.

The cheapest time to visit Iceland is during its ‘off-season’, around March through May and from September to October. The temperatures are still quite cold in the spring and autumn, hovering between 0°C and 10°C (32°F and 51°F). There are also fewer tourists in Iceland during these off-peak times, so you’ll have smaller crowds around you when you warm up in the famous hot springs.

If you want to see Iceland at its most beautiful, head there during the winter to witness the famed Aurora Borealis, a spectacular night-time display not to be missed. Winter travel in Iceland also means more access to winter sports, including skiing, riding snowmobiles, and exploring ice caves. You can also spot frozen waterfalls and arctic wildlife while driving along the snowy roads. Just be aware that, in midwinter, the daytime temperatures don’t rise very far above 0°C (32°F), and you can have as little as 5 hours of sunlight each day in Reykjavik.

How long do you need in Iceland for a campervan holiday?

Iceland is an incredibly beautiful country but also a very small one. If you keep busy, many of the best natural attractions can be visited within one week. You can also stay near Reykjavik and explore the surrounding area for a shorter four-day trip. Of course, you can easily spend two weeks travelling across the country if you want an epic Iceland adventure!

Parking a Campervan in Iceland

Where are some of the best places to park a campervan in Iceland?

It’s advised that motorhomes stay in car parks outside towns and cities as the narrow, icy roads are challenging to navigate in a campervan. Public transport runs between these car parks and the city centres.

Most natural landmarks and attractions will have parking areas to accommodate RVs.

Iceland offers numerous beautiful and scenic spots for campervan parking. Here are some of the best places to park a campervan in Iceland:

Reykjanes Peninsula: Located close to Keflavik International Airport, the Reykjanes Peninsula offers stunning landscapes, geothermal areas, and the famous Blue Lagoon. There are several camping sites and parking areas available in this region.

Golden Circle: The Golden Circle is a popular tourist route with attractions like the Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park. Many campsites and designated parking areas are available along the route.

South Coast: The South Coast of Iceland is renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls, black sand beaches, and picturesque landscapes. You can find campsites and parking areas near attractions such as Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Vatnajökull National Park.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Known as "Iceland in Miniature," the Snæfellsnes Peninsula offers diverse landscapes, including mountains, lava fields, and charming fishing villages. There are several campsites and parking spots available in this region.

Westfjords: If you're seeking remote and untouched beauty, the Westfjords is the place to be. This region features dramatic fjords, towering cliffs, and abundant wildlife. You'll find campsites and parking areas in towns like Ísafjörður and Patreksfjörður.

Eastfjords: The Eastfjords offer stunning fjords, charming fishing villages, and incredible coastal scenery. Camping sites and parking areas can be found in towns such as Seyðisfjörður and Egilsstaðir.

North Iceland: North Iceland is known for its geothermal areas, picturesque landscapes, and waterfalls like Dettifoss and Goðafoss. There are several campsites and parking spots available throughout the region.

Where can you park a campervan overnight in Iceland?

Wild Camping in Iceland is prohibited across the entire island. Since 2015, sleeping in a vehicle outside a designated campsite has been illegal.

Many budget and premium campsites all over the country offer overnight motorhome pitches. You can expect to pay between 1,500 ISK and 2,500 ISK or between 10 and 20 EUR per person per night. Usually, children under 12 stay for free.

There is also an option to pre-purchase a Camping Card, which costs 179 € and provides access to 35 participating campgrounds throughout Iceland. The Camping Card is valid from 1 May or 15 May to 15 September each year for a maximum of 28 nights for one family (2 adults and 4 children under 16 years old). The Camping Card covers RVs, and there is no need to book a spot in advance; you simply show up and set up camp or register first if required.

If you are trekking to the National Parks in Iceland, then you are options are the following:

Þingvellir National Park

Also known as Thingvellir National Park, is a UNESCO world heritage site located in South Iceland, a 45-minute drive northeast of Reykjavík. Thingvellir is open all year, but it’s best to visit between May and October.

There are two campgrounds at Thingvellir National Park:

  • Nyrdri-Leirar near the visitor centre - open all year; however, shower facilities are closed from 1st December to 1st April. The restrooms and laundry room is open all year round. This campground is more suitable for RVs.
  • Vatnskot, near Thingvellir Lake - open from 1st June to 1st September.

Camping permits are required and can be obtained from the Service centre on arrival. Reservations cannot be made in advance.

Vatnajökull National Park

Iceland's second UNESCO world heritage site is located east of the country. Vatnajökull is also open all year round.

Vatnajökull National Park operates camper-friendly campgrounds in Skaftafell and Jökulsárgljúfur - Ásbyrgi.

Skaftafell

The campground in Skaftafell is open all year. You will find campground reception in the visitor centre. If arriving between 7:30 to 23:00, you can register here and pay your fee.

There are sections reserved for campers that provide access to electricity. Prices start at ISK 250 for a site fee, ISK 1,500 per adult, and ISK 900 per child per night.

The campground contains the following amenities, some with additional charges:

  • Toilets
  • Electricity: ISK 1,000-1,300 per 24 hrs
  • Showers: ISK 300 (included with Site Fee)
  • Washing machine: ISK 500
  • Tumble dryer: ISK 500
  • Clothesline
  • Sewage dump

Jökulsárgljúfur - Ásbyrgi

The campground is open from mid-May till the end of October. Zone X is open from 6 April for campervans and motorhomes. A total of 48 electric hook-ups (1500 W) are available. The campground reception is located by the entry road.

There is a daily site fee of 250 ISK and nightly tariffs of 1,250 ISK per adult and 700 ISK per child 13-17 years. Electrical hook-ups are an additional 1,000 ISK per night.

The campground contains the following amenities:

  • Restrooms
  • Showers
  • Washing machine
  • Drying closet
  • Sewage disposal
  • Cooking facilities
  • Water refill

The showers and washing machine are coin-operated.

Register and pay online to secure your spot.

Snæfellsjökull

Snæfellsjökull National Park lies southwest of Iceland and is about a 3hr drive from Reykjavík. The national park is accessible all year round, with the visitor centre open from October to April in the winter and from May to September in the summer.

No campgrounds are inside the national park, but you will find several nearby, all within easy reach. These include:

National Parks in Iceland

Which are the best national parks to visit in Iceland?

Iceland is a land of otherworldly beauty, where rugged mountains rise to meet expansive glaciers and cascading waterfalls. Among this wild and untamed landscape are several national parks, each offering its own unique beauty and attractions.

Vatnajökull National Park: Located in the country's southeast, this is the largest national park in Iceland. This park, named after the largest glacier in Europe, is a true wonderland of ice and snow. Its sprawling 14,000 square kilometres are home to a multitude of glaciers, as well as awe-inspiring waterfalls such as the Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss.

Snæfellsjökull National Park: Located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in the west of the country, this park is named after the "Sleeping Giant" volcano that sits at its heart. The park is known for its dramatic coastal scenery, towering cliffs and secluded coves, and its rugged mountains and hidden caves.

Þingvellir National Park: This park, located in the southwest of the country, is steeped in history and mythology. It is the site of the first Icelandic parliament, established in 930 AD, and is also home to the rift valley formed by the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve: This remote and wild nature reserve is a true paradise for nature lovers in the far northwest of the country. It is home to a wealth of wildlife, including seals, arctic foxes, and countless seabirds, as well as some of the country's most rugged and beautiful scenery.

How much is campervan entry to a National Park in Iceland? Are any permits required?

Iceland’s three national parks: Þingvellir, Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull, are free to enter.

At Þingvellir National Park and Skaftafell Nature Reserve (located inside Vatnajökull National Park ), however, you will need to pay a parking fee of 1,000-1,300 ISK (equivalent to roughly £6-8 ) to leave your camper in the official car parks.

Top 10 Campervan-friendly Campsites in Iceland

Here are the top 10 places to park your campervan overnight in Iceland:

Ásbyrgi Campsite

in Jökulsárgljúfur: Great Northeastern rural site with laundry and shower facilities.

Borgarfjörður Campsite

in Borgarfjörður eystri: Sleep on the Eastern edge of Iceland in this coastal campsite with cooking and laundry services.

Gata Free Camping

in Selvogur: Free rural camping on private farmland. Donations welcome.

Camping Hamrar

in Akureyri: Perfect stopover for northern Iceland travel, with cooking facilities and miles of hiking trails.

Húsafell Campsite

in Borgarfjörður: Fun-filled campsite featuring a swimming pool and trampolines, with cooking and laundry facilities.

Mosskógar Camping

in Mosfellsdalur: A peaceful site with showers and a kitchenette near hiking trails and a golf course.

Reykjavík Campsite

in Reykjavik: Best campsite near Reykjavik with WiFi and an optional breakfast buffet!

Skaftafell Camping

in Öræfi: Easily accessible site with a restaurant and amenities, close to glaciers and waterfalls.

Tálknafjörður Campsite

in Tunga: Friendly beachside campsite with a pool and restaurant in the enchanting West Fjords.

Camping Vik

in Southern Region: Stay here, in the southernmost village in Iceland, at this rustic campsite complete with WiFi and dining facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I choose a car rental with a rooftop tent or a campervan?

Some car rental companies in Iceland offer a rooftop tent as a substitute for a motorhome. This can be a cheaper option than a campervan; however, it is less convenient, especially in cold or windy weather, which can occur in Iceland throughout the year.

Can you sleep anywhere in a campervan in Iceland?

Most land in Iceland is privately owned, and parking a campervan overnight outside of a registered campsite is strictly prohibited without prior approval from the landowner.

There are plenty of campsites in Iceland. They are relatively cheap, starting at around 1447 Icelandic króna per night.

Can a child seat or booster seat be fitted in the campervan?

Most campervan rental companies in Iceland have vehicle options that allow child/baby seats and booster seats.

However, not all vehicles may be compatible with a child seat, and not all companies have seats available to rent. Please check the features of the vehicle when booking.

Is it safe to drive on F-roads?

Home to the country’s best-known volcanoes and glaciers, Iceland’s interior highlands can only be accessed by F-roads, indicated by a letter F in front of the road number on the map.

These mountainous and backcountry roads require a 4WD vehicle and are not advised for inexperienced drivers.

Always check whether F-roads are open, as the summer season is not long. Even then, be aware that conditions may be challenging – large rocks in the road, unbridged rivers, mud, and snow in all seasons.

Be aware that mobile reception is poor in Icelandic highlands, and there is only one gas station, in Hveravellir.

Can I pick up my campervan in Reykjavik?

All motorhome rental providers have their depots in Keflavik, which is a short drive from Reykjavik and is the gateway for most visitors to Iceland via Keflavik International Airport.

What is Iceland’s Ring Road?

Iceland is encircled by a Ring Road (Route 1) which connects many popular sights and is in suitable condition for standard vehicles. The road is just over 1,300 kilometres long – roughly thirteen hours of drive time – yet many visitors find that they’ll spend more than a week exploring the sites along the way.

Note: policies vary from supplier to supplier. Always check the T&Cs for your rental.

Additional Resources