ENIceland is a gorgeous place where you can see the Northern Lights, the golden circle, islands with hot showers, Iceland camper van showers, and other sweet details that make camping in Iceland an excellent and wise choice. Are you looking for ring road in a camper in Iceland? If you are interested in camping and van life, Iceland is one of the most mesmerizing places for you. Iceland is a beautiful country full of culture, and a trip to Iceland will offer you art, natural beauties, great opportunities, unique experiences, and countless other wonders.
The Ring Road in Iceland is the main highway that circles the country and is a popular route among travelers. This road, approximately 1,332 kilometers long, allows you to explore Iceland’s most important natural wonders. Starting from Reykjavík, the Ring Road covers towns, villages, waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, and geothermal areas across Iceland's northern, southern, eastern, and western regions.
Traveling the Ring Road in a camper van offers the freedom to explore at your own pace, stay wherever you like, and be surrounded by nature. Iceland has many camper sites, allowing you to fully enjoy the unique landscapes while staying close to nature.
Iceland has two major international airports
Reykjavík–Keflavík International (KEF) Airport and Akureyri (AEY) Airport. To learn more about these airports and to compare the best prices for your airport transfer needs during your Ring Road trip, you can check our Reykjavík Airport Taxi and Akureyri Airport Taxi pages.
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Exploring Iceland's Ring Road: The Ultimate Camper Van Adventure
All of these make Iceland a place that is worthy of being on your bucket list. Van life in Iceland is among these numerous wonders to explore. There are significant designated campsites, and Ring Road is one of these places. Grounds in Iceland attract many travelers in Iceland thanks to the uncultivated land that is preserved for camper vans, where you can pitch a tent and become one of the many happy campers.
Renting a campervan in Iceland is easy thanks to the rental company options that show cozy campers in Iceland many opportunities. There is even an automatic camper van rental in Iceland. You can find many gas stations on the road to fuel your van and continue your incredible journey. So, do not worry a bit. There are also many parking spots, so you do not have to worry about the issue of a camper van in Iceland where to park. The best time of year to take this incredible journey would be the summer months or campervan Iceland in October.
Ring Road Attractions
Ring Road in Iceland has many attractions that will mesmerize visitors. Some of these attractions are the Golden Circle, Myvatn, Skogafoss, Jökulsarlon, Dettifoss, Blue Lagoon, Geysir, Dimmuborgir, Selfoss, Harpan, and Perlan. The Ring Road attracts thousands of tourists annually with so many attractions.
However, they all come with their questions in mind. For instance, many visitors wonder whether it is safe to drive a van through the Ring Road. The answer is a simple yes. The roads are regulated accordingly. You can safely go through this magnificent road and peacefully explore all the attractions.
Advantages of Ring Road Guided Tours
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Ring Road guided tours offer a great alternative for travelers concerned about time constraints or orientation. Many detailed tours will offer you great opportunities to enjoy the magnificent journey of camping and visiting the Ring Road. Many of the guided tours offer all-inclusive options.
In-Depth Experience with Local Guides
Guided tours offer the chance to learn about Iceland’s rich history, culture, and natural wonders with insights from local experts. Professional guides provide detailed information about the area, making your experience even more memorable.
Exploration Opportunities at Popular Stops
Guided tours allow travelers to enjoy exploring key stops along the Ring Road. These stops include iconic Icelandic sites like Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss Waterfalls, and Vatnajökull National Park.
Safety and Comfort
Guided tours ensure a safe journey, especially during Iceland’s challenging winter weather. With experienced drivers and guides, you can travel with confidence.
Photo Stops and Local Cuisine
Tours provide opportunities for photography enthusiasts to capture Iceland’s most stunning landscapes. Some tours also offer the chance to sample local cuisine.
Flexible Duration Options
There are various options to suit your needs, from day tours to week-long trips. Especially popular are 3-5 day tours that cover the Ring Road.
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Seven Day Guided Tour: Fully Enjoy the Ring Road
A seven-day guided tour is one of the best that will get you the necessary opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the Ring Road fully. It includes arranging your hotel, an English-speaking guide, bus tours, showing you the artistic and cultural perspective of Iceland, visiting the attractions, and letting you enjoy the view and take photos.
This tour costs around $2000.
Iceland Camping Sites
Iceland has over 200 official campsites located throughout the country. These sites usually offer basic amenities such as bathrooms, showers, and sometimes kitchens, laundry facilities, and even Wi-Fi. Some campsites are open year-round, while others operate only during the summer months (June to September).
However, the days will be longer, so you will have more time to explore all the things the Ring Road offers fully. If you visit during the winter months, you should be careful because there will be limitations by the weather. It will probably be best if you call and go camping in October. It is because it will not be crowded and there will be discounts. If you are okay with the rain, this will be your best time. You can rent a car, a van, or a tent to provide a place to stay for yourself throughout your journey.
In addition to official campsites, some landowners operate private sites that may offer additional amenities and a quieter experience. These are usually smaller and located away from main tourist routes. Wild camping, or camping outside designated sites, is heavily restricted in Iceland.
Popular Campsites Around Iceland
Þingvellir National Park
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Þingvellir is a beautiful park near Reykjavík, offering well-equipped campsites in a stunning natural setting. Ideal for those beginning their Icelandic journey, Þingvellir is also a gateway to the famous Golden Circle route.
The nearest airport to Þingvellir National Park is Reykjavík Airport (RKV), which primarily serves domestic flights and is located about 50 kilometers from Þingvellir. For international flights, the major airport is Keflavík International Airport (KEF), located 90 kilometers away.
Skaftafell Campsite
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Located near Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell offers breathtaking glacier views and is one of Iceland’s most popular camping spots. The site has excellent facilities, with easy access to hiking trails leading to Svartifoss waterfall and Skaftafellsjökull glacier.
The nearest airport to Skaftafell Campsite is Höfn Airport (HFN), located about 136 kilometers However, this airport has limited regional flights. For most international travelers, the best option is Keflavík International Airport (KEF), which is about 327 kilometers from Skaftafell. From Keflavík, visitors typically drive along the scenic Ring Road (Route 1) to reach Skaftafell, a journey that takes around 4.5 hours by car.
Reykjavík Campsite
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For those starting or ending their journey in the capital, Reykjavík Campsite is a convenient location with great facilities, including a communal kitchen, showers, and laundry. This campsite is close to the city center, making it easy to explore Reykjavík’s attractions.
The nearest airport to Reykjavík Campsite is Reykjavík Airport (RKV), located just about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the city center, It serves mainly domestic flights.
For international flights, Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is the main gateway, located approximately 50 kilometers. From Keflavík, it's about a 45-minute drive to Reykjavík, where the campsite is located.
Landmannalaugar Campsite
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Known for its vibrant rhyolite mountains and geothermal hot springs, Landmannalaugar is a paradise for nature lovers. This campsite is ideal for those who love hiking and is part of the popular Laugavegur Trail, with on-site hot springs for soaking after a long hike.
The nearest airport to Landmannalaugar Campsite is Keflavík International Airport (KEF), which is approximately 180 kilometers away. From Keflavík, visitors would typically drive to Reykjavík (about 45 minutes) and then continue on to Landmannalaugar.
The drive from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar typically takes around 3.5 to 4 hours. Keep in mind that a 4x4 vehicle is recommended for these roads.
Rules and Etiquette
- Leave No Trace: Iceland has strict rules on preserving its environment. Visitors must take all trash with them and avoid disturbing wildlife or vegetation.
- Quiet Hours: Most campsites enforce quiet hours in the late evening to ensure a peaceful environment for all campers.
- Pets: Some campsites allow pets, but it's essential to keep them leashed and clean up after them. Checking specific campsite policies regarding pets is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
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