Exploring Iceland by campervan is one of the most flexible, scenic, and cost-effective ways to experience the Land of Fire and Ice. From chasing waterfalls and glaciers to sleeping under the midnight sun or northern lights, a campervan gives you freedom that hotels and tours simply can’t match.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about campervan travel in Iceland — including costs, routes, seasons, campsites, legal rules, and practical tips — so you can plan the perfect road trip.
Why Choose a Campervan in Iceland?
A campervan is more than transportation in Iceland — it’s your hotel, kitchen, and front-row seat to nature.
Top Reasons to Travel Iceland by Campervan
- Ultimate flexibility – Change plans based on weather, road conditions, or mood
- Cost savings – Combine accommodation + car rental
- Access remote areas – Especially along the Ring Road and Westfjords
- Sleep in nature – Wake up next to waterfalls, fjords, or volcanic landscapes
- Perfect for short trips – Ideal for 5–14 day itineraries
Iceland’s compact size and excellent road infrastructure make it one of the best campervan destinations in the world.
How Much Does a Campervan Cost in Iceland?
Campervan rental prices in Iceland vary by season, van size, and duration.
Average Campervan Rental Costs
- Low season (Oct–Apr): €80–€140 per day
- High season (Jun–Aug): €150–€250+ per day
What’s Usually Included
- Insurance (with excess)
- Heating system
- Bed & mattress
- Basic cooking equipment
- Mileage (often unlimited)
Extra Costs to Budget For
- Campsites: €10–€25 per person/night
- Fuel: €2.20–€2.50 per liter
- Food (self-catering saves a lot)
- Optional upgrades (Wi-Fi, bedding, extra insurance)
💡 Tip: Booking early for summer can save hundreds.
Is Campervan Camping Legal in Iceland?
Wild camping is NOT allowed in campervans.
What’s Legal
✔ Staying overnight only at designated campsites
✔ Sleeping in vehicles with campsite permission
✔ Using official campervan parks
What’s Illegal
✘ Sleeping in parking lots, pull-offs, or nature areas
✘ Overnight parking outside campsites
✘ Off-road driving (seriously enforced)
Fines can be steep, and enforcement is strict — but Iceland has excellent campsites all over the country, so it’s rarely an issue.
Best Time to Travel Iceland by Campervan
The best time depends on what you want to see and how confident you are driving.
Summer (June–August)
- Midnight sun
- All roads open
- Best weather
- Busiest & most expensive
Shoulder Seasons (May & September)
- Fewer crowds
- Lower prices
- Still good road access
- Mix of light & darkness
Winter (October–April)
- Northern lights
- Snow & ice driving
- Limited campsite availability
- Requires winter driving confidence
🚐 First-timers usually prefer May–September.
Best Campervan Routes in Iceland
1. Ring Road (Route 1)
- ~1,332 km
- Circumnavigates Iceland
- Waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, beaches
- Perfect for 7–14 days
2. Golden Circle
- Short & accessible
- Ideal for 2–3 days
- Great for beginners
3. South Coast
- Most famous sights
- Easy roads
- Works well in any season
4. Westfjords
- Wild & remote
- Fewer tourists
- Best in summer only
Campervan vs Motorhome in Iceland
| Campervan | Motorhome |
|---|---|
| Cheaper | More expensive |
| Easier to drive | Bulkier |
| Better for couples | Better for families |
| Fits in parking | Parking can be tricky |
Most travelers searching campervan trips in Iceland choose campervans for their simplicity and value.
What to Pack for a Campervan Trip in Iceland
Even with a well-equipped van, bring:
- Warm layers (even in summer)
- Waterproof jacket & pants
- Hiking boots
- Reusable water bottle
- Headlamp or sleep mask (midnight sun)
- Credit card (cash rarely used)
Driving Tips for Campervans in Iceland
- Check weather daily (conditions change fast)
- Watch for strong winds (open doors carefully!)
- Fuel up often in rural areas
- Respect speed limits (strict enforcement)
- Never drive off-road — ever
Is a Campervan Worth It in Iceland?
For most travelers: yes, absolutely.
A campervan offers:
- Freedom
- Cost efficiency
- Unmatched access to nature
- A true Icelandic road-trip experience
If you value flexibility and adventure, traveling Iceland by campervan is hard to beat.
Final Thoughts: Campervan Iceland Travel
Choosing a campervan in Iceland isn’t just about transportation — it’s about how you experience the country. Whether you’re circling the Ring Road, chasing waterfalls, or hunting the northern lights, a campervan lets you move at Iceland’s pace, not a tour schedule’s.
If you’re researching campervan-ing in Iceland, you’re already on the right track.