Booking campsites in Iceland in the summer
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Translated into English.

Original post
MP
Hi there,

I’m planning a trip to Iceland for next July-August, with a car and tent, and I’m wondering about booking campsites. From your experience, is it necessary or even essential to book campsites in advance, or do you always manage to find a spot to pitch your tent?

We’ll also have the option to sleep in the car without pitching the tent. Does that give us the flexibility to stay outside a campsite for a night here and there?

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! Mpec
Marc
GI Girardinpho Veteran ·
Hi Marc,

It’s not mandatory to book in advance. Even in July/August, we’ve always found a spot to camp. Though 2026 will be a very busy tourist year with the solar eclipse in August.

Wild camping has been heavily regulated since Iceland became such a popular destination and tourists started doing whatever they pleased 😅! Apparently, since 2025, the police even use drones to catch rule-breakers—including those sleeping in their cars with no visible signs of camping.

FYI, there’s the Camping Card in Iceland for 180 €, which gives you access to around thirty free campsites for 28 days.
Nathalie

Photos et carnets de voyage : http://www.girardinphoto.net
MP Mpec Regular ·
Hi Nathalie, Thanks so much for this info—it really helps me plan a route that’s not totally set in stone and has a bit of flexibility. Also, thanks for reminding me about the August eclipse—I’d completely forgotten about it! I’ll have the option to either watch the event or stay out of the most crowded areas. And thanks for mentioning the Camping Card again. Have a great day! Marc
Marc
GI Girardinpho Veteran ·
Hello Marc,

Iceland is a beautiful but unpredictable country, so yes, I’d recommend not planning your itinerary in advance but traveling based on the weather. In 2024, we had snow in mid-August at Landmannalaugar.

Here are some useful links to keep with you: - safetravel.is (monitor alerts 🔒) - umferdin.is - vedur.is

I’m happy to help if you have any other questions—I’ll be glad to answer!

Have a great day and a wonderful week! !
Nathalie

Photos et carnets de voyage : http://www.girardinphoto.net
MP Mpec Regular ·
Hi again Nathalie, Thanks for those links—I’d actually spotted them already, and they’ll be really helpful. We’re planning a pretty long trip, around thirty days, moving from one area to another, with hiking as our main focus. And you’re right, the weather is definitely something to consider. Thanks so much for offering to answer any other questions that come up. Have a great afternoon! Marc
Marc
BO Bof Veteran ·
Thanks for reminding me about the August eclipse—I’d completely forgotten about it! You’ll be able to either choose to attend the event or stay outside the busiest areas.

Hey Marc,

It looks like the eclipse will definitely impact tourist crowds and, more importantly, prices—especially for flights and accommodations. I don’t know how far along you are with your plans, but double-check these details before moving forward for 2026.

Personally, I’ve decided to postpone my sixth trip to Iceland until 2027. 😇

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