Stunning scenery and the northern lights illuminating the night sky, make Iceland an incredible place to camp.
September to March are the best times to see the Northern Lights in Iceland
The Golden Circle is a great route to take in camper van
Starting out of Reykjavik, there is a stunning circular drive of 240 kilometers, lasting around four hours. The drive takes you through a stunning national park, and an area jam packed with hot springs at Geysir and Strokkur. Many campsites are also located along the Golden Circle.
The Golden Circle
Cool stuff you will see on your route
The Geysir at Strokkur. Eruptions like this happen every 7-10 minutes. Source Wikimedia
The Thingvellir National Park was a meeting point for the vikings. The park is also the point at which the American and Eurasian tectonic plates join. Here you can go snorkeling or diving. See below.
The Gullfoss Waterfall is over 800 feet wide.
Here is a run down on the major campsite sites along the route.
Skjol campsite
Positives
The restaurant is known for having the best pizza in Iceland.
Set 2k away from the geyser, so avoids the herds of tourists.
Negatives
Camping ground can get really muddy, very easily,
There aren’t any shops nearby so you have to eat at the restaurant.
Price:
Adults 1.500 ISK
Children 5-15 years 750 ISK
Þingvellir Campsite
The proximity to park’s attractions. For example Silfra snorkeling
Level ground and plenty of space
Lakes and waterfalls nearby.
Negatives
Lacking amenities. There are only two showers which serve the whole camping ground.
Price:
Adults (18-66 years) ISK 1300 /night + 300 ISK tax /tent/caravan/camping unit
Senior (67 +) and disabled ISK. 650 / night + 300 ISK tax / tent/caravan/camping unit
Children/teens 0-17 years free of charge.
Camping Selfoss
Positives
Great facilities, including a heated room to dry any clothes.
Nice toilets and showers.
Negative
After rain, groundwater forms very quickly making it into a quagmire, making it difficult to find a camping spot
Price
2000 ISK per person/night + unit
1500 ISK per extra person (two pers. 3500)
1000 ISK for kids between 13 – 15.
Kids under 13 years are free.
Camping sites along the Golden Circle
Advantages of Tent camping in Iceland.
- In certain areas you can wild camp
Disadvantages of Tent camping in Iceland.
- The weather is notoriously unpredictable. Extreme weather such as strong winds and freezing conditions are common place.
- Reliant on public transport to get around the country.
- The quality and choice of camper van rental companies is awesome. With cooking amenities, heaters and storage space inside.
- Provides a lot more comfort, especially in light of the severe weather conditions.
- A big factor is the cost. Some get over $200 a night
What you need to know for camping in the golden circle
Where may I camp?
- Along public routes in inhabited areas, you may pitch a traditional camping tent for one night on uncultivated land, provided there is no campsite in the immediate vicinity and the land owner has not restricted or prohibited access, passage or stay within the area by means of signs on gates and walking paths.
- Along public routes in uninhabited areas, you may pitch a traditional camping tent on privately owned land or national land.
- Away from public routes, you may pitch a traditional camping tent, either on privately owned or national land, unless otherwise indicated in special rules which may be applicable to the land area in question.
Useful links
https://tjalda.is/en/camping-
CAMPING CARD: http://bit.ly/2IZ2V8R
CAMP GEAR RENTAL: http://bit.ly/2ZujmQQ
