What you need to know about an ICELAND road-trip 🚐

❄️ Tips for Taking a Campervan Road Trip in Iceland This Summer  ☀️

If summer in Iceland is calling your name, a campervan or motorhome is the way to do it. Travellers from the southern hemisphere love the novelty of near-24-hour daylight, and North Americans will find the scenery vast and wild in a way that feels both familiar and other-worldly.

Long story short: it’s a brilliant destination for life on wheels.

Here are the essential things to know before you pick up your camper.

☀️ 1. It’s peak season… but not Aussie-summer levels of chaos 

Iceland’s summer (June–September) is the most popular time to visit. You’ll see more campervans on the road and campgrounds do fill up — but it’s not quite the same as trying to snag a beachfront site in NSW or Queensland on Boxing Day. Or the California coast on 4th of July.

Plenty of space, but Iceland actively tries to restrict the number of tourists is allows in order to protect the unique natural environment,  the reason you want to go there is the same reason they are strict.  Their infrastructure limits the numbers of tourists that can safely travel and stay on the island so book early.

🏕️ 2. Stay only in designated campgrounds 

Iceland protects its landscapes fiercely. Campervans and motorhomes must stay in official campgrounds — no roadside overnighters or sneaky wild camping. It’s all about looking after the fragile environment.

Official guidance: Visit Iceland – Camping rules

🏕️ 3. Most campgrounds don’t accept bookings (surprise!)

Many Icelandic campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. You simply arrive, pay, and park. It keeps your days flexible — which is handy when the weather changes its mind every five minutes.

📍4. Reykjavik and a few hotspots are the exceptions 

Around the capital, and near high-demand sites, some campgrounds do take reservations. Worth doing if you have fixed dates or want to be close to major attractions.

🏨 5. Hotels book out months ahead

If you’re planning a night in a hotel before or after your campervan adventure, book it as early as you can. Summer accommodation fills fast. This is one of many reasons a campervan gives you more breathing room.

🧤 6. Pack for warm days, cold nights, rain… and everything in between 🌧️

Even height-of-summer Iceland isn’t the Gold Coast. Conditions swing from sunny to chilly to sideways rain very quickly. Bring warm layers, proper waterproofs, and good sleeping gear.

Safety authority: Safetravel Iceland (official Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue):

🗺️ 7. Plan a loose itinerary and leave room to pivot 

The Ring Road is packed with stops — waterfalls, black-sand beaches, glaciers, geothermal fields. Create a rough loop and some must-sees, then let the weather guide your finer details.

📱 8. Use Iceland’s campground and navigation apps 

Apps like Parka and the official campsite map are great for finding sites, checking facilities and locating dump stations.

Official campsite map (Icelandic Touring Association)

👮‍♂️ 9. Follow the camping laws and local advice 

Rangers and visitor centres are brilliant sources of up-to-date info. If a road closes, if a waterfall track is too muddy, or if the winds are picking up, they’ll tell you straight.

⛽ 10. Think ahead for fuel, food and facilities 🍞

Outside Reykjavik and a couple of bigger towns, services can be spread out. Before long driving legs, plan fuel stops, groceries, and dump-station access so you’re not caught short.

🏕️ Suggested Campgrounds for Your Trip 

All of these are official, recognised campgrounds commonly referenced by Iceland’s regional tourism bodies. They’re reliable, well-located and easy for first-time visitors.

Reykjavík Area

• Reykjavík Campsite – Large, well-equipped, close to the city.

South Coast (Waterfalls, Black-Sand Beaches, Glaciers)

• Skógafoss Campsite – Park at the base of a waterfall.

• Vík Campsite – Ideal for exploring the black-sand beaches.

Golden Circle

• Selfoss Campsite – Great facilities, central to the major sights.

East Iceland

• Egilsstaðir Campsite – Popular with Ring Road travellers.

North Iceland

• Akureyri Hamrar Campsite – One of the best in Iceland for amenities and scenery.

Westfjords

• Ísafjörður Campsite – A brilliant base for exploring this wild region.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

• Hellissandur Campsite – Perfect for exploring Snæfellsjökull National Park.

🔗 Official Tourism Links for Trip Planning 

These are the gold-standard sites recommended by Iceland’s tourism authorities:

• Visit Iceland (national tourism body)

• Safetravel Iceland (road + weather safety)

• Iceland Road & Coastal Administration (live road conditions)

• Icelandic Touring Association Campsite Map

• Visit Reykjavik 

• Visit South Iceland

• Visit North Iceland

• Visit Westfjords

✨ Thinking of renting a campervan? 🚐

If you’re considering heading to Iceland this summer, a campervan or motorhome is hands-down the best way to do it. Coming from the southern hemisphere, you’ll love the novelty of almost-never-ending daylight. And if you’re travelling from North America, you’ll find the wide-open landscapes feel both familiar and completely other-worldly at the same time.

DriveNow.com.au remains your go-to for comparing and booking campervans and motorhomes easily, with options for every budget and travel style. It's smart to book your camper early. Vehicle numbers are limited, and Iceland’s summer demand always spikes.

Shelley Richardson

Shelley has been working in the travel industry for over 30 years, in aviation, for tour operators and since 2016 for DriveNow. Having travelled extensively worldwide, alone, as a couple and with her family, Shelley has experience to share about how to make the most of your holiday, especially road-trips to amazing destinations.