Guide to Renting a Camper in Iceland

Headed to Iceland? There’s no better way to see as much of this beautiful island as possible, for such an attractive price, than renting a campervan. From the Golden Circle to the Westfjords and beyond, renting a camper in Iceland offers a range of benefits for a range of travellers. 

Not sure how to pick an Iceland campervan rental or where to go once you have one? Not sure about the rules of the road or the best ways to plan an Iceland camper rental trip? We have you covered with our full, extensive guide to renting a campervan in Iceland.

Check Out Our Campervan Options in Iceland

Why Rent a Campervan in Iceland? 

There are many reasons why you might choose to rent a campervan in Iceland. We see a few different types of travellers renting Iceland campers, but primarily, this option appeals to friends travelling together, couples exploring Iceland on a budget, or families who want a more convenient option than a hotel and Iceland car hire. Regardless of who you are, though, you’ll easily see why renting a campervan in Iceland is such a popular travel option. A few of the benefits?

Enjoy the Freedom to Go Wherever You Want, Whenever You Want

When you’re renting a camper in Iceland, the whole island opens up to you. You can travel anywhere you want, whenever, and you’re not tied down to a tour group or a hotel address. You can drive to some of the most popular stops around the country, set up camp, and then enjoy yourself amid all the spectacular views and vistas, without having to hurry back to your hotel at the end of the evening. 

If you value freedom and flexibility when travelling, there’s no other way to go than an Iceland campervan. 

Travel Smart and Save Money

It’s no secret. Iceland is a somewhat expensive destination to visit. However, there are a few ways that you can make visiting Iceland a little more budget-friendly. Renting a campervan in Iceland is one way to do so.

Think about it. Renting a car and booking every single night in a hotel can be costly. When you combine your transportation costs with your accommodation costs by renting a campervan, you can save a tremendous amount — leaving you more room in your budget for fun.

Stay Close to Nature Throughout Your Entire Trip

Soaring mountains, black sand beaches, plummeting waterfalls — there are so many beautiful, natural wonders to see in Iceland. Can you really soak up all of Iceland’s natural beauty if you’re stuck heading back to a hotel every night?

Renting a campervan in Iceland allows you to immerse yourself fully in nature throughout your entire trip. From the moment you pick up your rental to the moment you're ready to head home again, you can surround yourself with the stunning views of the Icelandic landscape, from sunrise to sunset — and don’t forget those magnificent northern lights that you’ll be able to catch after dark, too.

If you’re still unsure if an Iceland campervan rental would be right for your trip, check out our top 9 reasons to rent a campervan for your trip to Iceland. 

The Best Time to Travel with a Campervan in Iceland

Summer (June to August)

Iceland’s high season brings long days, relatively mild temperatures, and full access to the country’s road network. You’ll enjoy nearly 24 hours of daylight thanks to the midnight sun, making it the perfect season for road trips and outdoor exploration. Popular regions like Ring Road, the Highlands and Westfjords are all accessible, and campsites are fully open and well-equipped.

You’ll also be able to spot summertime wildlife, such as the arctic fox, puffins, reindeer, and whales. 

Summer temperatures in Reykjavik range from 7°C to 25°C (44°F to 77°F), but the weather can still be unpredictable, so it’s best to come prepared.

Spring and Autumn (April-May and September-October)

The shoulder seasons are ideal for budget travellers and those looking to avoid peak-season crowds. Prices for campervans and campsites are lower, and you can still access most of the country, though some mountain roads may remain closed. In autumn, you’ll have the added bonus of catching the northern lights, which begin to appear in September.

While weather conditions may fluctuate more than in summer, spring offers blooming wildflowers and fewer tourists, while autumn wraps Iceland in golden colours and quieter surroundings. Just be aware that not all campsites operate year-round, so it’s wise to check availability in advance.

Winter (From November to March)

Winter in Iceland is a unique experience: snow-covered landscapes, frozen waterfalls, and the northern lights illuminating the dark sky make it magical. But it does require caution. Daylight is limited, and road conditions can change quickly due to snow and ice.

We strongly recommend renting a 4x4 campervan if you're visiting during these months. Heating systems, electric hookups at campsites, and insulated sleeping gear are essential. Reykjavik temperatures typically range from -10°C to 10°C (14°F to 50°F), but wind chill can make it feel colder.

Despite the challenges, winter rewards travellers with quieter roads, cheaper rental prices, and a truly unforgettable atmosphere.

What Type of Camper to Rent in Iceland

Your choice of campervan depends on your itinerary, comfort needs, and the time of year. If you’re sticking to major paved roads like the Ring Road or Golden Circle during the warmer months, a 2WD camper will be perfectly adequate. They’re compact, fuel-efficient, and easy to drive, making them ideal for couples or small groups.

If you're venturing into the Highlands or planning a winter trip, a 4x4 camper is non-negotiable. F-roads, the rugged mountain routes that cross some of Iceland’s most breathtaking landscapes, legally require 4x4 vehicles, and in snowy or icy conditions, the added traction and stability are crucial.

In Iceland, campervans generally accommodate between two to five people, depending on the model and configuration. However, at Lava Car Rental, we specialise in compact, well-equipped campervans designed specifically for two people. Our focus on 2-person vehicles means we can offer a more tailored and comfortable experience for couples or travel companions seeking a practical and cosy way to explore Iceland's stunning landscapes.

How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Campervan in Iceland?

While campervan prices vary based on season, size, and features, here's a ballpark for a 2-person standard model over seven days:

• Spring or Autumn: from 18,500 ISK / €130 / $150 per day
• Summer: from 35,000 ISK / €246 / $283 per day

Renting a car and staying in hotels can be much pricier than opting for a campervan. For example, during summer, a Dacia Duster might cost around 30,000 ISK (€218 / $250) per day, and hotel rooms typically range from 25,000 to 30,000 ISK per night (€175–€210 / $200–$240).

All in all, you could end up paying around 55,000–60,000 ISK per day (€387–€422 / $443–$485) for a car and hotel combo.

By comparison, a campervan in summer? Around 35,000 ISK per day. That’s a big saving — and you get the added freedom of going wherever you like, whenever you like, without worrying about check-in times or hotel availability.

With a camper, you save on meals, too. Cooking your own food using the onboard kitchen helps stretch your budget further. You’ll have everything with you: no need to pack and repack or worry about check-in times. That’s more money in your pocket and less stress on your journey.

How to Book Your Campervan in Iceland — and Why Local Matters

Prepare ahead 

The best way to book a campervan in Iceland is online, and ideally several months before your trip. Early booking guarantees better availability and rates, especially in peak travel seasons.

Book with a local company 

Choosing a local rental company ensures you get better service, competitive prices, and valuable local knowledge. The team is on the ground in Iceland and knows the road conditions, weather forecasts, and travel regulations better than any third-party provider.

A local company also offers direct benefits like included insurance, free cancellations, and occasional upgrades: perks that large platforms often charge extra for.

Why Rent from Lava Car Rental?

Lava Car Rental is a locally owned and operated business with deep roots in Iceland’s travel industry. Since 2016, we’ve helped thousands of travellers experience the best of the island with comfort and confidence. Our customer-first approach means you’re never far from help, advice, or support.

With us, you get:

• Free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick up
• Insurance included with no hidden surprises
• Spacious beds: the largest in the camper market (120x190 cm)
• A full sleeping kit, kitchen set, and heating system

Whether you’re road-tripping the Ring Road or camping under the stars, our vehicles are equipped for Iceland’s unique conditions.

Where to Travel with a Camper in Iceland

Really, there’s no wrong answer when asking where to take your camper in Iceland. However, we have a few recommended top spots to see, depending on where you’re headed.

• Southern and Western Iceland

Western Iceland encompasses both Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Reykjanes Peninsula. The former is home to Snaefellsjokull National Park, where you can see the mammoth Snaefellsjokull glacier; Kirkjufell mountain, which you may recognize from the role it played as a setting in Game of Thrones; and Djupalonssandur Black Beach, one of the most famous black sand beaches in Iceland. 

Meanwhile, the Reykjanes Peninsula is one of the more populated areas of Iceland, but still filled with plenty of natural wonders, including lots of interesting volcanic activity within the UNESCO Global Geopark. 

On the other side, natural attractions in southern Iceland include Jokulsarlon and Vatnajokull National Park, a World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic landscape and plentiful hiking opportunities. There’s a lot to see in this park, so you’ll want to take your time if you visit; in fact, the national park is the second largest in all of Europe and it takes up about 14% of Iceland’s landmass. 

Of course, one of the most prominent and well-known attractions in southwest Iceland is the Blue Lagoon, a can’t-miss stop on any Iceland itinerary. Stop by to take a dip in the thermal waters and maybe even book a luxury spa treatment. 

Many campervan travellers choose to take the Golden Circle when exploring southern and western Iceland, as this iconic drive takes you to some of Iceland’s best spots (including Reykjavik and Thingvellir National Park), but it only takes a few hours to traverse, not counting stops.

• The Ring Road 

The Ring Road is another popular campervan driving route, but rather than only showing you a portion of the island, as the Golden Circle does, the Ring Road takes you on a journey throughout the bulk of Iceland, circumventing the entire interior. If you’re renting a campervan for a longer Iceland stay, you absolutely won’t regret taking the Ring Road around the island.

Along the way, you’ll see the Reynisfjara black sand beach; Vatnajokull, the largest ice cap in Iceland; the glacial lake of Jokulsarlon; Dettifoss, the second-most-powerful waterfall in Europe and one of the most impressive waterfalls in all of Iceland; and Myvatn, a vibrant green lake known for its moss balls. The Ring Road also travels through the Eastfjords, known for its picturesque, jagged coastline. 

• The Westfjords 

If you’d like to avoid crowds during your trip to Iceland, and if you’re travelling during the summer when the weather is nicest, you may want to take your campervan to the Westfjords. 

The least-visited region in Iceland, the Westfjords, is wild and untamed. All along your drive, you’ll enjoy unprecedented views without even leaving your campervan, and when you do stop, you’ll get to see a range of unforgettable sights, from the pink sands of Raudasandur to the flora and fauna of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve to the natural hot springs of Drangsnes.

Where to Park the Campervan in Iceland 

Wild camping in a campervan is illegal in Iceland. You must park at designated campsites or secure explicit permission from landowners for overnight stays. The rules are strict and enforced: fines for illegal camping are steep.

Fortunately, campsites are plentiful and well-maintained, with facilities like restrooms, showers, kitchen areas, and electric hookups. Most charge between 2,800 ISK-5,600 ISK / €20–€40 (or $25–$50) per night, including access to electricity. While many operate seasonally, some stay open year-round, particularly near popular routes.

To find the best spots, consider using apps or check our companion guide: The Best Campsites for Campervans in Iceland.

What to Bring when Renting a Campervan in Iceland 

Your Iceland campervan will come equipped with lots of handy gear, such as a gas stove,a cooler, mattress and more. However, there are a few things that you’ll want to bring on your own, including camping gear and the right clothes for an Iceland trip. 

As you build your packing list, make sure to include…

• Layered, waterproof and warm clothing
• A swimsuit (for all the Icelandic hot springs!)
• Gloves, hat and scarf
• Waterproof shoes
• A quick-dry towel
• A 40 to 50-litre backpack
• Extra chargers for your mobile, laptop, camera and other tech
• Portable WiFi or Bluetooth speakers
• Headphones
• Toiletries, including soap, shampoo, face and hand wash, moisturiser and sunscreen
• Toilet paper
• A reusable water bottle
• A sleeping mask for the summer months 
• Your driver's licence and all travel documentation, such as passports

Practical Tips for Travelling in a Campervan in Iceland

Before setting off, map out your route and identify open campsites, fuel stations, and grocery stops. While spontaneity is one of the perks of campervan travel, having a rough plan helps avoid stress.

Pack efficiently and keep essentials within easy reach, especially in a compact space. In winter, monitor weather forecasts daily, as storms can prompt sudden road closures. The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration offers updated road conditions, and our team is always here to help with rerouting advice.

Restrooms and showers are available at most campsites and local swimming pools — a great place to warm up and unwind after a long drive. If you’re cooking, keep a small stock of easy-to-prepare meals and Icelandic treats like skyr and flatkaka. And don’t forget to bring some cash or coins for the occasional pay-to-use facility.

Most importantly, don’t overplan. Allow yourself time to slow down and truly take in Iceland’s magical moments. Be it a rainbow arching over a waterfall or a lone reindeer crossing your path.

Ready to start your journey?

Book your campervan with Lava Car Rental today and discover Iceland at your own pace: from the comfort of a fully equipped mobile home that takes you wherever the road leads.