How to Plan the Perfect Iceland Road Trip in a Camper (Everything You Need to Know!)

You'll never forget Iceland's otherworldly landscapes of glaciers, waterfalls, volcanoes, and geothermal wonders and with so much natural beauty, it's no wonder this country makes the ultimate road trip destination. If Iceland is on your list to visit this year, there's no better way to experience this magical island than in a camper van, giving you the ultimate freedom to explore at your own pace while having your accommodation always with you.

While the famous Ring Road offers plenty of spectacular sights accessible to any vehicle, Iceland's most breathtaking hidden gems lie in the rugged Highlands, only reachable with specialized 4×4 campers via the F-roads, wild roads that are unpaved and only accessible during the summer months. Iceland actually has a law requiring a 4×4 to access these roads, and for good reason—the rugged terrain, river crossings, and unpredictable conditions make them challenging to navigate (but worth it!).

A campervan trip around Iceland is ideal for couples, friends, or even smaller families with one child looking to explore the country's stunning landscapes at their own pace. Whether you're seeking flexibility, the thrill of adventure, or simply a unique way to experience Iceland's beauty, this type of trip offers the freedom to travel off the beaten path while enjoying the comfort of home on wheels.

Let's dive into everything you need to know to plan the perfect Iceland camper adventure!

When to Go to Iceland

Timing your Iceland camper trip is crucial for the experience you want as the seasons are very defined and the weather can be extreme.

Early June to August (Summer): The prime season for camper travel with milder temperatures (10-15°C/50-59°F on average), nearly 24 hours of daylight around the summer solstice, and—most importantly—open Highland F-roads. This is the only time to access the interior of the island with a 4×4 camper.

September to October (Autumn): You'll find fewer tourists, beautiful fall colors, and the start of the Northern Lights season. Some Highland roads begin closing, but some may remain accessible into October, weather permitting.

November to April (Winter): Winter in Iceland is long, cold, and dark—but there’s a unique beauty in that. A winter road trip is best suited for experienced winter drivers and the Highlands are completely closed. However, the Ring Road remains accessible with the right vehicle and careful planning. The reward? Breathtaking Northern Lights and stunning winter wonderland landscapes.

No matter what time of year you plan to go, it’s crucial to check the daily weather conditions on the official website before heading out.

Choosing the Right Campervan

Your choice of vehicle dictates where you can travel in Iceland.

Pro tip: Choose a camper with blackout curtains for those bright summer nights and a reliable heating system—you might need it even in summer! And a winter kit including a shovel, towing line and an ice scraper, especially if you're heading to Iceland during the Aurora season.

2×4 Campers: Perfect for travelers sticking to Iceland's well-maintained paved roads, including the complete Ring Road (Route 1), Golden Circle, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and major attractions like Blue Lagoon and one of my personal favorites, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Choosing a 2×4 camper is ideal for first-time visitors to Iceland and you will see many along your journey. I recommend going for one with automatic transmission.

Premium 4×4 Campers: The only way to legally and safely access Iceland's Highland F-roads, marked with an “F” (like F208 to Landmannalaugar). Cozy Campers' premium 4×4 fleet features raised suspension, specialized tires, and all-wheel drive capability necessary for river crossings and rough terrain. They also com with a sky roof that you can open, whichwill give you the extra immersive Iceland experience, an in winter unlock the famous Northern Lights.
These campers unlock extraordinary locations like:

• Landmannalaugar's rhyolite mountains and natural hot springs (Road F224)
• Þórsmörk's dramatic valleys and hiking trails (Road F249)
• Askja's volcanic caldera and geothermal lake (more challenging F road)
• The remote Sprengisandur and Kjölur highland routes (Road F26)

Remember: Attempting F-roads in a standard 2×4 camper is both illegal and dangerous, potentially resulting in hefty fines, voided insurance, and dangerous situations.

You can check the status of all F-roads and their accessibility on the official website of the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (IRCA), which is available in English.

Planning Your Route Around Iceland

When planning your road trip in Iceland, choosing the right route is essential to making the most of your time and experiences. Whether you’re sticking to the well-maintained Ring Road or you're venturing into the rugged Highlands, Iceland has a variety of stunning routes to explore.

Here are some key routes to consider:

Classic Routes (2×4 Accessible):

• Ring Road: The complete circuit takes 7-10 days minimum (We took 7 days, and it was perfect, but if you have more time, I highly recommend extending your trip—you’ll find there’s so much more to see and explore.
• South Coast: Perfect for shorter 3-5 day trips, featuring countless waterfalls and black sand beaches.
• Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Often called “Iceland in miniature,” which is just under 2 hours drive north of Reykjavik and the ideal road trip for 2-3 days.

Highland Adventures (4×4 Vehicles Only):

• Landmannalaugar Loop: 3-4 days exploring the colorful rhyolite mountains
• The Highland Crossing: A 5-7 day journey through the interior via the Kjölur route, one of the most renowned paths in the Highlands.
• The Ultimate Iceland Circuit: 14+ days combining Ring Road with Highland detours for the complete experience

Pro tip: Don't overplan! Iceland's magic often happens in unscheduled stops and discoveries. We made plenty of spontaneous stops on our trip in the most unexpected places—whether it was to discover a hidden hot spring or watch a storm roll in.

Essential Tips for Camper Travel in Iceland

Campground Facilities

Iceland offers plenty of campgrounds, especially along the popular Ring Road, as camping is a common way to explore the country. Many of these campsites are large and well-equipped, offering hot showers, toilets with paper, and electricity.

Premium sites may feature full kitchens, common areas, and Wi-Fi. Most campsites accept credit cards, although some remote sites may be cash-only. You'll also find trash bins and often recycling options.

In more remote or Highland campgrounds, facilities are more basic, sometimes limited to just toilets and water.

Pre-booking isn’t necessary at many sites, but it’s highly recommended during the peak summer season from June to August. Keep in mind that many campsites, particularly in the Highlands, only operate from late May to September.

Food & Supplies

Stock up at affordable supermarkets like Bónus (similar to Aldi), Nettó, and Krónan in larger towns. Reykjavik even has a Costco, but for a 7 to 10-day trip, the portions felt a bit too large, so we decided not to stop—as we'd otherwise be overbuying and would have had food waste.

In more remote areas, shopping options are limited and prices tend to be higher, but you'll often find a petrol station with a variety of snacks and basic food items to get by.

Fuel Planning

When exploring Iceland, it's crucial to keep an eye on your fuel gauge—never let your tank drop below half, especially before venturing into remote areas or the Highlands. Gas stations can be sparse in these regions, so it’s always best to fuel up when you have the chance.

Luckily, N1 and Orkan are two of the most common gas stations with locations scattered across the country, making it easy to stay topped up.

If you book your camper with Cozy Campers, you’ll enjoy some fantastic perks on the road as they have a partnership with N1. All Cozy customers receive discounts on fuel and free coffee at the 162 N1 stations across Iceland. All of these stations are clean, modern, and well-equipped, many featuring restaurants, toilets/WC, and other amenities—making them the perfect rest stop.

Weather Awareness

For your safety, both yours and your passengers', as well as your rental camper, it’s crucial to check road conditions and weather forecasts daily.

Be sure to visit the IRCA website and vedur.is, especially before heading into the mountainous Highlands.

What to Pack for an Iceland Campervan Trip

In addition to your standard travel essentials, there are a few key items you'll want to pack for your Iceland campervan adventure. The weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, and the terrain varies greatly, so it's important to be prepared for any situation.

Here’s a list of Iceland-specific items you should prioritize if you're planning vanlife:

• Layers, layers, layers! Even summer requires warm clothing and Iceland's weather changes rapidly
• Waterproof jacket and in winter also waterproof pants
• Sturdy hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
• Swimsuit for hot springs and swimming pools (in many towns, you'll find a pool which is often located near a church or school)
• Eye mask for summer sleep during midnight sun
• Flip flops for public showers and pools
• Reusable water bottle (Iceland's tap water is excellent)
• Power bank (for charging devices)

Campervan rental companies in Iceland typically supply all the essentials, including kitchen equipment, bedding, and camping necessities, so you can pack light while ensuring you have everything you need for your trip.

Avoid bulky suitcases and hardshell bags, as they may not fit in the designated storage area of the camper. Plus, having a large, bulky item in the middle of the already small campervan living space can quickly become inconvenient.

Road Tripping Iceland: The Ultimate Freedom

An Iceland camper trip offers unparalleled freedom to experience this extraordinary island at your own pace. Whether you're chasing waterfalls along the Ring Road in a comfortable 2×4 or crossing rivers to reach the rainbow mountains of Landmannalaugar in an offroad 4×4, the ability to follow your curiosity makes camper travel the ultimate way to experience Iceland.

Cozy Campers offers both standard and premium 4×4 campers to match your Iceland dream journey, with personalized service to help plan the perfect route for your timeframe and interests.

Book early, especially for summer travels, to secure your ideal camper and embark on the road trip you'll be talking about for years to come!

This post was created in partnership with Cozy Campers.