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Camping

You'll find camping grounds all over North Iceland. In some places, a great deal of effort has been put into developing fine campgrounds with diverse facilities and services. Excellent camping grounds can be found, not only in every town but also in the countryside. 

Camping North Iceland

There are various things to keep in mind if you are planning to camp or spend the night outside organised campsites. In November 2015, new conservation legislation came into effect making changes to where it is permissible to camp. For instance, it is now illegal to spend the night in tent trailers, tent campers, caravans, camper vans or similar outside organised campsites or urban areas unless the land owner or rightholder has given their permission. Otherwise, the law lays down the following rules for camping: 

Where may I camp?

  • Along public routes in inhabited areas, you may pitch a traditional camping tent for one night on uncultivated land, provided there is no campsite in the immediate vicinity and the land owner has not restricted or prohibited access, passage or stay within the area by means of signs on gates and walking paths.
  • Along public routes in uninhabited areas, you may pitch a traditional camping tent on privately owned land or national land.
  • Away from public routes, you may pitch a traditional camping tent, either on privately owned or national land, unless otherwise indicated in special rules which may be applicable to the land area in question.  

When must I get the permission of the land owner or rightholder?

  • If you plan to camp near places of human habitation or farms.
  • If you plan to camp for longer than one night.
  • If you plan to pitch more than three tents.
  • If the land is cultivated.
  • If you plan to use tent trailers, tent campers, caravans, camper vans or similar outside organised campsites or urban areas.                

Are there any areas where I may not camp/spend the night?

  • Land owners or rightholders may restrict or prohibit camping if there is substantial risk of damage to the country’s natural environment.
  • If the landowner or rightholder has prepared a special camping area on their land, they may direct travellers to it and charge a service fee. Similarly, if there is a campsite in the vicinity, the landowner or rightholder may direct travellers to it.
  • There may be restrictions on camping in protected areas (see below).  
 

More info http://umhverfisstofnun.is/english/tourist-information/where-can-you-camp/

Camper winter service

In many parts of North Iceland, you can find caravan services that are open all year round. It is not only during the high summer that you can travel around the North in a motorhome, but you can also experience the arrival of spring, the colors of autumn, and an incredible selection of winter activities.

Glamping

Accommodation for those who want to combine modern comfort and good old tent accommodation. You enjoy most of the comforts that can be found in a hotel room, but at the same time experience the charm of staying outside in the nature. A wonderful change from more traditional accommodation.

Sleeping bag accommodation

Many guesthouses, rural hotels, hostels and farmer’s lodges, offer sleeping bag accommodation, a truly economic alternative.

Motorhome and camper rental

You can rent motorhomes and campers from car rental companies. Please make sure where is allowed to park the cars before you start your tour.