South Coast Iceland Map: 40 Best Stops Between Reykjavík & Hofn
5 November 2026
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5 Best Campsites in South Iceland: A Practical Camping Guide
- GoAndXplore
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5 Best Campsites in South Iceland: A Practical Camping Guide
- GoAndXplore
- No Comments
A good campsite makes your trip a lot more fun. If you’re looking for the best campsites in Iceland for a South Coast trip, this guide is for you.
This guide will discuss 5 best campsites in South Iceland that we know really, really well. We stayed at each of them more than once, so we can easily compare them in every aspect.
All five of them lie on or near Route 1, and sit close to great natural landscapes.
Keep in mind that this is not a full ranking of the campsites in Iceland. Also, we included a site (that’s not in South Iceland), but we included it because most trips start and end there.
We have tried to use updated prices and information from official sources till October 2026. But since these things may change, please confirm all details before you go.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Campsites in South Iceland: Quick Comparison
| Campsite | Area | Best for | Open | Price per adult, per night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reykjavík Eco-Campsite | Reykjavík (gateway, outside South Iceland) | Arrival and departure nights: Travelers who want shops, pool and buses nearby | All year | From 3,555 ISK (tent including 1 adult) + 400 ISK tax |
| Stokkseyri Campsite | Coastal village near Selfoss | Camping Card users; Travelers who want a calm first night after Reykjavík | May 1 to Sep 15 | Not published online |
| Þakgil Campsite | Mountain valley near Vík | Hikers and travelers who want quiet | Jun 1 to Sep 15 | ISK 3,000 (age 12+, to confirm) |
| Skaftafell Campsite | Vatnajökull National Park | Hikers, glacier tours, and guests with longer stays | All year | ISK 2,800 (tax included) |
| Svínafell Campsite | Farm village in Öræfi | Cooking indoors in bad weather. Budget hut stays | May 1 to Sep 30 | ISK 2,300 + tax |
1. Reykjavík Eco-Campsite
ShowersGuest kitchenFree Wi-FiRV power · paidLaundry · paid
The campsite is at Sundlaugavegur 32, about 2 km from the city center. It is, therefore, the best place to start or end a South Coast trip. That makes it one of the best campsites in Iceland for your first and last night.
The campsite holds a Vakinn certificate. It also lists down all of its environmental initiatives on its website, which we think is pretty cool. During our stays, we witnessed all its environmental measures ourselves, and we particularly liked its recycling stations.
The campsite has 2 areas, A & B. Area A is meant for motorhomes and campervans and is the only area open during winter. Area B is closed from 15 October to 15 April.
Travelers can stay for a maximum of seven nights in any 30-day period.
After you book, you get a 4-digit access code via email. It opens the gate as well as the facilities. Check-in starts at 13:00, and check-out is by 11:00.
Keep in mind that bookings are non-refundable. But you can shift your booking dates within 6 months.
Campfires and generators are not allowed at the campsite. Thankfully, you have an outdoor barbecue area. For those who want a serene environment, quiet hours run from midnight until check-out.
The campsite even caters for disabled campers with dedicated marked zones.
Does Reykjavík Eco have indoor cooking space?
Yes, Reykjavík Eco has indoor cooking space. Guests can use an indoor guest kitchen and lounge, and both are included in the price.
What We Liked
- The facilities were spacious, and the lobby was cozy
- We could plug in our campervan
- We loved the trees and park around the site. This was a surprise “green element” for an otherwise city campsite.
- Free swap shelves hold food, gas and gear left by other campers.
- We also liked the campsite location. Krambúðin grocery store is a 5-minute walk, and Krónan is just 15 minutes. The N1 station, located just 10 minutes on foot, sells gas canisters.
- The Laugardalslaug pool was just at 5-minutes walk, and we enjoyed its hot tubs and steam bath. The operator calls it Iceland’s biggest geothermal pool. Adult entry costs 1,500 ISK (from May 5, 2026).
Prices for 2026
| Pitch (price includes one adult) | ISK per night |
|---|---|
| Tent, no electricity (Area B) | 3,555 |
| Campervan, no electricity | 3,735 |
| Campervan with electricity (Area A or B) | 5,715 |
| Each extra adult (13 and older) | 3,150 |
| Children (12 and under) | Free |
| Lodging tax, per unit | 400 |
These prices include the 10% online discount.
Laundry costs extra and takes cards only. Luggage storage is free on arrival day until check-in. After that, it costs €1.50 per hour or €10 per day, and a bike box costs €5 per day.
Downsides
- During our visits, we saw no dump station on site. Instead, the guests had to go to the Klettagarðar 14 station, which is at a 5-minute drive.
- The campsite is building a new fresh-water filling station and gray-water point. As a result, you should expect some noise in October and November 2026.
- Space is limited in summer, so you must book early.
Highland buses pick up in front of the campsite every morning. You can book these buses at the campsite’s tour desk.
Nearby Destinations
It is the perfect base before or after the Laugavegur Trail, for Landmannalaugar hike or a trip to Kerlingarfjöll. It is also suitable for nearby day tours, such as the Langjökull ice cave.
2. Stokkseyri Campsite
ShowersRV power · paidLaundryWaste disposalWater refill
Stokkseyri is a small coastal village located about 15 minutes from Selfoss. The campsite is at Sólvellir, 825 Stokkseyri. For a calm first night by the sea, it is one of the best campsites in Iceland on our list.
From Reykjavík, the distance is around 66km and the drive takes about 50-60 minutes.
The campsite does not publish prices online. So, call at 896 2144 or check its official Instagram page. You can also send email at ca****************@***il.com.
What We Liked
- It is small and peaceful. We went for walks in the evening and for runs in the morning… and we absolutely loved the experience.
- We saw horses nearby. On clear days, we could see distant mountains and glaciers.
- The staff was super friendly.
- We had good weather on several stays (however, that was luck, not a sign that the weather is better here. Icelandic weather is unpredictable, everywhere).
Campervan tip: This is the only campsite on our list where we saw both a fresh-water refill point and a dump station.
Downsides: We counted only three toilets. So, expect a short wait in the morning.
Does Camping Card Work at Stokkseyri?
Yes, the Camping Card works at Stokkseyri. Stokkseyri is on the official 2026 Camping Card list. The card costs €179 and covers one family (2 adults + up to 4 children under 16) for up to 28 nights. It expires on September 15 each year.
With the card, we found Stokkseyri to be of very good value.
Is the Card Worth It on This Route?
Only Stokkseyri accepts the camping card among the five campsites we have selected. So, for this route alone, the card does not pay off. However, several other South Iceland campsites are on the 2026 list as well (these include Laugarvatn, Skjól, Þorlákshöfn and Kleifarmörk). So, it makes total sense if you add nights there.
Nearby Destinations
Luckily, you have some great options nearby.
The Stokkseyri swimming pool charges 1,900 ISK for adults. In the village, you can also eat lobster at Við Fjöruborðið. You can also experience the Ghost Centre, the Hunting Museum and kayak tours.
3. Þakgil Campsite
ShowersToiletsRV power · paidCave dining shelterDishwashing sinksCabins
Þakgil is located in a sheltered valley below Mýrdalsjökull glacier. It is about 20 km away from Vík. For hikers, it is one of the best campsites in Iceland on this route.
To get there, you need to leave Route 1 about 4-5 km east of Vík, and follow gravel Road 214 for about the next 14-15 km.
If you’re in a rental car, please check your contract as some companies don’t allow their cars on gravel roads.
Can you reach Þakgil in an ordinary campervan?
Well, it depends. Road 214 is not an F-road, so 2WD vans may legally use it. However, it is a rough gravel road. So, check your rental terms and the current conditions before you go.
Also, there is no fuel station on Road 214 so fill up your tank in Vik (it’s the nearest place for food and fuel). Lastly, we had weak or no phone signal in the valley. So download offline maps beforehand.
What We Liked
- The drive in felt like a real adventure.
- Mountains surround the campsite, and it felt great.
- We found many hiking trails from the valley. See the Þakgil hiking map.
- We liked the cave on site, which serves both as a shelter and eating area.
Facilities and Prices
- There are new toilets, showers, and an outdoor sink for washing dishes.
- Each cabin sleeps 4 in bunk beds (you need to bring a sleeping bag). Inside, you have a gas stove, a fridge, a toilet and a cold-water tap.
- The price is 3,000 ISK per person (age 12+) per night, with one shower included. Guests aged 12-16 pay for one night only, even if they stay for longer.
To make your campsite booking, email he***@*****il.is or call +354 893 4889.
Nearby Destinations
Many ice cave tours under Mýrdalsjökull leave from the Vík area. One such tour is Katla Ice Cave.
4. Skaftafell Campsite: Our Favorite Glacier Base
ShowersRV power · paidWasher & dryerDrinking waterDishwashing sinksAccessible
Skaftafell is part of Vatnajökull National Park, and its Campsite has room for about 400 tents. The campsite is wheelchair accessible, and has several seasonal restaurants and other services.
Is Skaftafell a suitable base for hiking and glacier trips?
Yes, Skaftafell is a suitable base for hiking and glacier trips, especially among the best campsites in Iceland on our list. Svartifoss and the Kristínartindar trail start nearby, and glacier tours are close by too.
What We Liked
- This is our favorite base for glacier trips.
- We found glacier tours and hiking trails very easy to reach from here.
- The showers were excellent.
- On our visits, washing machines and dryers were included in the fee. The park’s current price list still includes them.
Official Prices
| Who or what | ISK per night |
|---|---|
| Adults (17-66) | 2,800 |
| Ages 67+ and disabled people | 2,300 |
| Children (16 and under) | Free |
| Electricity (per 24 hours) | 1,500 |
The fee includes the lodging tax, a shower, the washing machine and the dryer.
In addition to that, there’s a daily parking fee as well. It is 1,110 ISK for a car with up to 5 seats and 1,440 ISK for a car with 6-9 seats.
You get 50% off parking if you already paid at another Vatnajökull area, such as Jökulsárlón, on the same day.
Good to Know
- Zones A and C have are accessible for vehicles. They have marked pitches and electricity. Zones B and D have electricity and car access, but they don’t have marked pitches. Zones E to H have no car access.
- In winter, only zones A and C remain open. The outdoor taps also stay off until about mid-May due to frost, but water is available inside.
- For us, the main drawback at this campsite was the lack of an indoor dining room. There is no indoor cooking space either. It means you can only wash dishes at sinks by the service buildings.
Nearby Destinations
Working as outdoor guides in Iceland, we have lost count of the tours that we have organized from Skaftafell. It has a number of great places nearby.
You can walk to Svartifoss from the visitor area, or take the full-day Kristínartindar hike. For trail updates, consult the official Skaftafell visitor information.
If you want a glacier experience, you can join the Falljökull glacier hike and ice cave tour.
5. Svínafell Campsite: Small Village, Big Shared Kitchen
ShowersShared kitchenIndoor diningCabinsNo RV hookups
Svínafell is a small farm village located in the Öræfi area. It is about 10km from Skaftafell and about an hour from the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. If you want to cook indoors, it is one of the best campsites in Iceland on this route, thanks to its large shared kitchen and dining room.
What We Liked
- We liked the large shared kitchen and dining space.
- The small village sits between glacier landscapes, and we had easy access to hikes near Svínafellsjökull glacier.
- We liked that cottages are also for rent here.
Downsides: We did not see a dump station or a water refill point for campervans.
Prices for Summer 2026
| Option | Price (+ tax) |
|---|---|
| Camping, per person | ISK 2,300 |
| Children (0-13) | Free |
| Hut for 4, per person (sleeping bag) | ISK 5,800 |
| Whole hut, private | ISK 23,200 |
| Room, per person | ISK 6,600 |
The service building (Skáli) has toilets, showers, small electric stoves, a fridge and hot water for dishes. It also has tables to seat 80 people. But you need to bring your own cutlery. Also, there is no electricity for campervans or caravans.
The huts and Skáli are open from May 1 to Sep 30. But rooms in the Austurbær house (for 1-3 people, with 2 bathrooms and a kitchen) stay open all year, except on some holidays. Please confirm status before booking.
For bookings, please call +354 478 1765, or email sv*******@*******ll.com.
Nearby Destinations
Guided climbs of Iceland’s highest peak Hvannadalshnúkur start from this area. You can also join the Ingólfshöfði puffin tour, that is at a short drive east.
Map of the 5 Campsites
Best Campsites in Iceland for Campervans: Services Compared
| Campsite | Electricity | Fresh water refill | Campervan Dump |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reykjavík Eco | Available | Available | Not on site, available at Klettagarðar 14 |
| Stokkseyri | Available | Available | Dump station seen |
| Þakgil | Available | Available | ? |
| Skaftafell | Available | Available | We saw none |
| Svínafell | Not available | Available | We saw none |
Rules for Camping in South Iceland
These rules apply at all campsites in Iceland:
- It’s not allowed to sleep in a campervan, caravan, or a tent trailer outside a campsite or town.
- With a normal tent, you may camp for one night on uncultivated land along public routes in inhabited areas. However, this is only allowed if there is no campsite nearby and the landowner has not banned it. It is never allowed in protected places, such as Ingólfshöfði or Kirkjugólf.
- Off-road driving is totally illegal in Iceland, since tire tracks may remain for decades.
- You must always stay on marked pitches and keep off moss and plants. Also, do take the Icelandic Pledge for responsible travel.
- Before undertaking remote hikes, such as those around Þakgil, leave a travel plan at SafeTravel. In case of any emergency, call 112.
- Sort your trash wherever recycling bins are present. Empty tanks only at proper points, and never empty them on the ground or in normal toilets.
- If you want a hassle-free South Coast Iceland camping experience, make sure to check road conditions and weather forecast for road and weather forecasts before each drive.
- For weather tips, check our Icelandic weather guide… and for packing tips, check our packing guide.
How to Choose the Best Campsites in South Iceland?
The South Iceland campsites that we have discussed suit different days, so pick them according to your plan.
| Your plan | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First or last night | Reykjavík Eco-Campsite | Open all year; pool, shops and buses nearby |
| Calm night on the coast | Stokkseyri | Small and quiet |
| Hiking away from crowds | Þakgil | Trails start in the valley |
| Glacier tours | Skaftafell | Several great tours nearby |
| Cooking indoors in bad weather | Svínafell | Large shared kitchen and dining room |
| Travel from October to April | Reykjavík Eco or Skaftafell | The only two of the five open all year |
Useful Icelandic Campsite Words
Here are some useful Icelandic words that you will see at many of the campsites in Iceland:
| Icelandic | English |
|---|---|
| Tjaldsvæði | Campsite |
| Snyrting/ Salerni | Toilets |
| Sturta | Shower |
| Rafmagn | Electricity |
| Þvottavél/ Þurrkari | Washing machine/ Dryer |
| Heitt vatn/ Kalt vatn | Hot water/ Cold water |
| Losun | Emptying (e.g, a dump point) |
| Gistináttaskattur | Lodging tax |
| Opið/ Lokað | Open/ Closed |
Summary
Summing it up, we have discussed what we believe are the best sites for camping in South Iceland.
Reykjavík Eco-Campsite is the easy first and last stop. It is open all year, and it sits next to a big geothermal pool. Also, we liked the fact that it puts real effort into recycling. Next up, Stokkseyri is small, quiet, and close to the sea. It is also the only campsite on our list that accepts the Camping Card.
Þakgil is accessible by gravel drive on Road 214, but it’s extremely rewarding with a hidden valley and picturesque trails. Skaftafell is our favorite base for glacier trips… and Svínafell suits travelers who want a large indoor kitchen or a simple hut.
Each campsite has its own pros and cons. Reykjavík has no dump station on site, Stokkseyri has few toilets and little information online, Skaftafell has no dining room, and Svínafell has no electricity for campervans.
So, we’d highly suggest choosing based on your plans for each day. The best campsites in Iceland are the ones that fit your route, your vehicle, and your budget.
Also, please confirm opening dates, prices, and road conditions before you go, as these details may change every season. Also, remember that sleeping in a campervan outside a campsite is illegal in Iceland. We believe we have answered all your questions, but in case of any query, please leave a comment below.
FAQ
Which campsite is best for hiking and glacier exploration?
Skaftafell is the best campsite in South Iceland for hiking and glacier exploration. It has a number of well-known trails nearby, including Svartifoss and Kristínartindar. For quieter valley hikes, Þakgil is the best.
Where can campervans refill water or empty waste tanks?
Stokkseyri is the only one of the five where we saw both a refill point and a dump station. For the other four, see the campervan facilities table above. But most importantly, confirm it on arrival or when booking.
Is Þakgil accessible in an ordinary campervan?
Well, it depends. Þakgil is accessible by Road 214. It is not an F-road, so it is not closed to 2WD vans, but it is a rough gravel road. We recommend you check your rental terms, and check the current conditions. Also, it’s always better to turn back if you feel unsure.
Which campsites have indoor cooking or dining space?
Svínafell has the largest indoor kitchen and dining room, and Reykjavík Eco Campsite has a guest kitchen and lounge.
Do campsites operate year-round?
Only Reykjavík and Skaftafell campsites operate year-round. But keep in mind that both of them close some areas in winter.
Does the Camping Card work at Stokkseyri?
Yes. Stokkseyri is on the official 2026 Camping Card list. Please check the Stokkseyri section for prices and card rules.
Can you wild camp with a tent instead?
You can pitch a normal tent on uncultivated land for one night along public routes in inhabited areas. But you can only do so if there’s no campsite nearby and the landowner has not banned it. Also, you can’t do so at protected places, like Ingólfshöfði or Kirkjugólf.
Meet Ola & Michal
We’re Ola & Michal, the couple behind GoAndXplore. As certified glacier & trekking guides and passionate explorers based in Iceland, we share firsthand adventures, practical travel tips, and everything we’ve learned on the way to help you plan your own adventures.
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Meet Ola & Michal
We’re Ola & Michal, the couple behind GoAndXplore. As certified glacier & trekking guides and passionate explorers based in Iceland, we share firsthand experiences, practical travel tips, and everything we’ve learned on the way to help you plan your own adventure.