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ICELAND TRAVEL GUIDE

Everything You Need to Know Before Renting a Campervan in Iceland

Updated

by Icelandic Adventure

If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable Iceland road trip, there’s no better way to experience the country than by travelling in a campervan.

Imagine waking up to views of waterfalls, volcanic landscapes and glaciers, all while having the freedom to explore at your own pace. That’s exactly why we chose a campervan for our own 10-day Ring Road adventure, and honestly, we wouldn’t do it any other way.

Whether you’re planning your first campervan holiday or simply wondering if it’s right for you, this guide covers everything you need to know before renting a campervan in Iceland.

Why Hire a Campervan?

A campervan gives you something hotels simply can’t—complete freedom.

Rather than rushing to check into accommodation every evening, you can enjoy Iceland’s incredible scenery until sunset before driving to your campsite for the night.

Some of the biggest advantages include:

  • Travel at your own pace.
  • Wake up somewhere different every morning.
  • Combine transport and accommodation into one cost.
  • Cook your own meals to save money.
  • Stay closer to nature.

For road trips, it’s hard to beat.

Our Campervan Experience

We completed our own 10-day journey around Iceland’s Ring Road in a CampEasy campervan, covering everything from Reykjavík and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to the Westfjords, Akureyri, East Iceland and the spectacular South Coast.

Having the flexibility to stop wherever we wanted, take spontaneous detours and never worry about hotel check-in times completely changed the way we travelled.

It genuinely felt like part of the adventure rather than simply a way of getting around.

Why We Recommend CampEasy

There are plenty of campervan companies in Iceland, but after our own experience, we’d happily recommend CampEasy.

What stood out to us was:

✅ Friendly and helpful staff

✅ Modern, well-equipped campervans

✅ Comfortable beds

✅ Excellent heating system

✅ Simple collection process

✅ Great customer support

Even after long days on the road, the camper became a cosy place to relax before the next day’s adventure.

As a bonus, when you book through our link you’ll also receive an exclusive FREE Easy Start Pack.

🚐 Book your CampEasy campervan here:

https://campeasy.com/?tap_a=107011-a856e5&tap_s=8902128-1989f0

What Size Campervan Should You Choose?

This depends on your group size.

Solo Travellers

A smaller campervan is easier to drive and usually the cheapest option.


Couples

Most couples choose a two-person campervan, offering plenty of storage while remaining easy to park.

This is exactly what we travelled in during our Ring Road adventure.


Families

Larger campervans offer more sleeping space and additional storage but can be more expensive and slightly harder to manoeuvre.

Can You Sleep Anywhere?

No.

Unlike some countries, wild camping in vehicles is not permitted in most parts of Iceland.

You’ll need to stay at designated campsites.

Fortunately, Iceland has hundreds of well-maintained campsites with facilities including:

  • Toilets
  • Showers
  • Kitchens
  • Washing machines
  • Electric hook-ups (at many sites)

Campsite fees are generally very reasonable. We recommend using the CampEasy interactive campsite map – https://campeasy.com/campsites/

Is Driving a Campervan Difficult?

Not at all.

If you’re comfortable driving a larger vehicle in the UK, you’ll quickly adapt.

Roads around the Ring Road are generally in excellent condition.

Just remember:

  • Drive carefully in strong winds.
  • Slow down on gravel roads.
  • Watch for sheep near the roadside.
  • Never stop in the road for photographs.

Always check weather and road conditions before setting off each morning.

What Should You Pack?

Although your camper includes many essentials, we’d recommend bringing:

  • Warm clothing
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Walking boots
  • Swimwear
  • Power bank
  • Torch or head torch
  • Travel towel
  • Snacks for long drives
  • Camera

Even during summer, Iceland’s weather can change very quickly.

Cooking in a Campervan

One of the easiest ways to save money is by cooking your own meals.

We stocked up at Bónus, Iceland’s budget supermarket, and prepared breakfasts and many evening meals ourselves.

Simple meals can save a surprising amount over the course of your trip.

Fuel Costs

Fuel is one of the biggest ongoing expenses during a Ring Road adventure.

The exact cost depends on your route and vehicle, but budgeting between £150–£300 for a full circuit is a sensible estimate.

Fill up whenever you have the chance in more remote areas.

Stay Connected

Reliable mobile data makes travelling much easier.

You’ll probably use your phone for:

  • Navigation
  • Weather forecasts
  • Road conditions
  • Finding campsites
  • Booking attractions

We always travel with Saily eSIM, which activates before landing.

📱 Save 10% with Saily here:

https://go.saily.site/aff_c?offer_id=101&aff_id=15717

When Is the Best Time for a Campervan Trip?

The most popular months are:

May to September

These offer:

  • Long daylight hours
  • Easier driving
  • Milder temperatures
  • Open Highland roads (summer)

Winter campervan trips are possible but require much more planning and experience driving in snow and ice.

Tips for First-Time Campervan Travellers

  • Book early during summer.
  • Download offline maps.
  • Check the weather every morning.
  • Keep your fuel tank topped up.
  • Respect campsite rules.
  • Pack layers rather than bulky clothing.
  • Leave plenty of flexibility in your itinerary.

Remember, some of the best moments in Iceland happen when you take an unexpected detour.

Is a Campervan Worth It?

For us, absolutely.

Travelling by campervan completely changed how we experienced Iceland.

Instead of simply moving between hotels, every drive became part of the adventure.

We woke up surrounded by incredible scenery, saved money on accommodation, enjoyed total flexibility and created memories we’ll never forget.

If you’re planning a Ring Road road trip, we’d recommend a campervan every time.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a campervan is one of the best ways to experience Iceland.

It offers freedom, flexibility and a real sense of adventure that traditional holidays simply can’t match.

If you’re considering exploring Iceland by road, we genuinely believe it’s one of the best decisions you can make.

We hope this guide has answered your questions and helped you feel more confident about planning your own campervan adventure.

If you’re ready to hit the road, don’t forget you can book with CampEasy using our link below and receive an exclusive FREE Easy Start Pack.

🚐 Book your CampEasy campervan here:

https://campeasy.com/?tap_a=107011-a856e5&tap_s=8902128-1989f0

Happy travels, and maybe we’ll see you somewhere on Iceland’s incredible Ring Road!

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