Ultimate Guide to Planning an Iceland Campervan Adventure

I spent three weeks traveling around Iceland in a campervan—here’s what I learned along the way.

Fact checked by Jillian Dara

Having never camped before, the thought of renting a campervan to explore Iceland for three weeks was both thrilling and daunting. Despite the skepticism of friends and family, my partner and I dived into this adventure.

While spending 21 nights in a campervan brought its own set of challenges, it indeed proved to be an exceptional and cost-effective way to discover Iceland’s stunning landscapes—from the rugged roads of the Westfjords to the charming villages in the north, and countless breathtaking waterfalls in the south.

Choose the Right Camper

Travelers are faced with an abundance of options when it comes to camper rental companies in Iceland. We ultimately chose the family-owned Happy Campers, renowned as the first mini-camper rental in the country, which plants a tree for every booking. Given our journey spanned nearly 2,500 miles, we appreciated their eco-friendly initiative. The additional benefit of free 4G Wi-Fi on tablets and their positive reviews sealed the deal.

However, we learned a valuable lesson regarding camper selection. Initially opting for the Happy 1 Auto (a VW Caddy), we soon realized it was cramped for our lengthy trip. Consider choosing more spacious options like the Happy 2 or Happy 3, especially for extended journeys, as added room makes a significant difference during chilly nights.

When to Travel

Iceland experiences a peak in tourism during the summer months, enabling travelers to revel in the midnight sun and endless daylight. Conversely, this bustling season raises camper rental prices and creates crowded campsites, particularly those associated with the Iceland Camping Card.

We opted for the shoulder season in September, providing ample sunlight with significantly reduced traffic at campsites. However, many campgrounds close by September 15, necessitating careful planning of our destinations. In remote areas like the Westfjords, this meant long drives just to find open campsites, although the earlier sunsets facilitated our quest for witnessing the northern lights.

Which Route To Take

A common dilemma for visitors is whether to travel clockwise or counterclockwise around the Ring Road. The answer is straightforward: track the weather. Iceland’s climate is notoriously unpredictable, meaning your path might adjust based on shifts in conditions.

Traveling during the autumn season, we enjoyed stunning foliage while the temperatures began to drop, prompting us to travel clockwise around the Ring Road to visit the breathtaking Strandir region in the Westfjords and the captivating Siglufjordur on the Arctic Coast Way.

This decision proved fortunate as we later received alerts from Happy Campers warning us of severe snowstorms affecting the area. Always check useful resources like road.is for updates and en.vedur.is for reliable weather forecasts.

Pack the Essentials

Initially, we underestimated the storage capacity, realizing our baggage options wouldn’t fit under the camper seat-turned-bed. Consequently, we opted to store our empty suitcases at Happy Campers’ headquarters. It’s prudent to avoid bulky luggage or excessive clothing since campervan travels are about simplicity.

A couple of essential items became indispensable during our journey. First, quick-drying microfiber towels were a lifesaver at various hot pools like Hellulaug and Krossneslaug, also doubling as curtains during our sleep. Moreover, the inverter provided by Happy Campers enabled us to charge electronic devices effectively at day’s end.

Not All Campsites Are Equal

Utilizing the Happy Campers’ campsite map proved beneficial, highlighting necessary amenities and estimating costs averaging around $25 per person, per night. Checking campsite reviews on Google quickly became an integral part of our planning, as several sites had unsatisfactory conditions.

While many areas offered basic facilities, we encountered relatively newer camps boasting extra comforts like heated floors, modern showers, and laundry facilities. Don’t let the campervan experience limit you from enjoying occasional hotel stays, like our luxurious respite at Hotel Rangá, especially when they offer the unique advantage of an aurora wake-up call, enhancing your chances to catch the northern lights.

Why Travel in a Campervan?

Camping uniquely appeals to the adventurous traveler, providing a means to explore Iceland’s remote beauty. Falling asleep next to a rushing river or waking beside a cascading waterfall connects you with nature in a profound way.

Additionally, it can lead to substantial savings on both vehicle rental and accommodations. Since all packs reside in one space, the hassle of unpacking and repacking is eliminated. Plus, the flexibility of a campervan encourages you to awaken, roll out of bed, and immerse yourself in the magnificence of Iceland at your own pace.

As my adventure in Iceland concludes, I’m already eager to return and explore my favorite spots once more. Next time, I will certainly aim for a larger van to enhance the experience.