Winter camping in Iceland is an extraordinary adventure. You’ll find the country at its winter best, with icy landscapes and scenery that looks like something out of a snow globe. A frozen waterfall or the view from atop a glacier are images you won’t soon forget. But remember, winter is low season in Iceland, so it requires a little bit of extra planning. Not everything is going to be open, especially campsites. The majority of them close down at the end of September. Some stay operational but have minimal or reduced services. There are some, however, that are all-year campsites. Let’s look at a comprehensive list of the 26 campsites in Iceland that are open all year long, including winter.

Tents camping at an Iceland campsite open all year long

Á, Skarðsströnd

This small campsite in West Iceland is just south of the Breiðafjörður fjord. There’s not much else around, so you’ll be immersed in a stunning natural environment while winter camping.

Ártún

Ártún campground is close to the small town of Grenivík. Not only does the nearby tiny community rest along the shores of Eyjafjörður, but there’s also a grocery store, art gallery, fishery museum, golf course, and swimming pool in town.

Bjarteyjarsandur

This miniature, family-friendly campsite is part of a larger complex that includes Bjarteyjarsandur farm. You’ll find it close to Hvalfjörður fjord in West Iceland, just below the farmhouses owned and operated by three local families.

Blönduós

This is a campsite in the town of Blönduós in North Iceland on the banks of Húnafjörðuris. The campsites excellent location and outstanding facilities (playground, football field, service house, summer houses for rent) make it an excellent choice for families and large groups traveling in Iceland.

Budardalur

As part of an extensive grove, the trees at Budardalur campground close to Hvammsfjörður in northwest Iceland are excellent for ten camping. Not only will the trees shelter you on windy days, but you’ll also find more privacy than at a traditional campsite.

Djúpivogur

The charming town of Djúpivogur has a great campsite right in the center. You’ll find views overlooking the harbor of Berufjörður fjord in East Iceland.

Motorhomes and campers can visit Iceland's campsites that are open in winter

Egilsstaðir Campsite

As one of the more well-known campsites in Iceland, Egilsstaðir is open all year round and has 24-hour shower and toilet facilities. It’s also quite close to the town center, so you’ll find everything you’ll need.

Fjalladyrd – Moðrudal

This farm and campsite are a great place to get some peace and quiet in a rural setting. It’s well equipped and is a nice little haven on a peninsula in Austerland, East Iceland.

Fljótsdalsgrund

Another East Iceland camping, this campsite comes equipped with both hot and cold showers, a zone for sports, and walking paths for exploring the area.

Garði Campsite (next to the sports center)

Located on the other side of Faxa Bay close to Keflavik Airport in southwest Iceland this campsite is right next to the sports center in the small village of Garður. It’s relatively new, so facilities and amenities are still being added.

Grindavik Campsite

Another one of Iceland’s most famous campsite, not only is the Grindavik campsite open all year, but it’s close to Iceland’s famed Blue Lagoon. With hot showers, toilets that flush, coin laundry machines, and even a small kitchen for preparing meals, this is one of Iceland’s best campgrounds. There’s also internet access.  

Hamragardar

Located in the southern part of the island, the campsite is close to one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss. You’ll turn north and continue for around 2 km (1.2 miles).

Hamrar vid Kjarnaskog

Hamrar campsite close to  Akureyri has excellent facilities and plenty of things for the kids to do. You can feel extra safe as there is 24-hour surveillance.

Hlid Campsite, Lake Myvatn

One of the great stops on the Diamond Circle route, Lake Myvatn is a wonderful camping spot. You’ll find lava tubs and not too many trees. It’s about 1 km (0.6 miles) from the lake, so you won’t find the massive numbers of gnats at the camp that the area is famous for.

Hofn í Hornafirdi

This spacious campsite close to a fishing village is right next to the main road. It’s a simple, well-kept option in Southeast Iceland for your camping trip.

Hveragerði – Reykjamork

The small town of Hveragerði in South Iceland is known as the hot spring capital of the world. Just 45 km (28 miles) from Reykjavik, this campsite is very close to the center of town. Everything is within waking distance and take advantage of the views of the beautiful Reykjadalur valley.

Laugardalur – Reykjavík Campsite

The Laugardalur campsite has a great location. It sits adjacent to a swimming pool and is only 3 km (1.8 miles) from downtown Reykjavik. There is a bus that will take you directly to town.

Lífsmótun, Laugum

Close to the Ring Road and Lake Myvatn, this is another peaceful campsite in North Iceland. It’s located at a farm and unlike other campsites, campers are guaranteed a minimum amount of space between vehicles. You can also reserve in advance.  

Selfoss – Guesthouse

An open space with good facilities, this is a great place to stop as you make your way along the southern part of Iceland’s Road. Close by are Seljalansfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls along with the Solheimasandur plane wreck site.

There are 26 Iceland campsites open all year

Skaftafell Campsite

As part of Vatnajökull National Park, this campsite is close to Iceland’s famous Skaftafell glacier and Svartifoss waterfall. If you’re planning on glacier hikes, ice cave trekking, or glacier cave exploration, this is the campsite for you. As a bonus, you’ll find quite a few trees that you can use as shelter.

Skjól Camping

This new campsite is close to the famous Geysir geyser, along Iceland’s Golden Circle route.  You’ll be surrounded by lots of gorgeous nature and be close to Geysir and Strokkur geysers, Thingvellir National Park, and Gullfoss waterfall.

Stykkisholmur

This campsite in West Iceland is centrally located and has lots of great features. The town has a swimming pool, grocery store, post office, gift shop, and facilities for sailing.

Thorisstadir

As a large, family-friendly campsite, you’ll find many of the facilities you look for in a place to stay. There are areas to grill on the BBQ, plugs for electricity, a soccer field. And an area for washing up and cleaning.

Ulfljotsvatn

This option is a great choice for individuals, groups, and families. Run by the Boy Scouts, it’s a great Iceland campsite open in winter.

Uthlid, Biskupstungum

Another campsite that’s close to the Golden Circle, this makes an excellent base for exploring the area’s famous sights. Facilities include a 9-hole golf course, a swimming pool, restaurant, information center, horseriding tours, a gas station where you can top up your tank, and rental huts.

Vopnafjordur

Last but not least on our list of 26 Iceland campsites open in the winter is Vopnafjordur. You’ll find the campsite in the hills close to the town center. Enjoy expansive views of the fjord as well as toilets, showers, and spots to barbecue.

The 26 Campsites in Iceland Open in Winter – A Comprehensive List

When camping in Iceland in winter, it’s important to know what your options are. While there are some sites that allow use of their facilities even though they’re technically closed, it’s best to go to a campsite that you know will be open. Iceland has over 200 campsites, but when you come during the off-season, you need to know where to go. Hopefully this comprehensive list helps. You can find detailed descriptions and links to campground websites at the Tjalda.is website. If you have any further questions about campsites in Iceland or camping in general, just let us know.

 

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.