Iceland in a Camper Van - Our Guide to Your Perfect Camping Holiday

The good news is that there are motorhome Iceland rental companies based right next to the international airport, making it easy to get on the road.

With Iceland being so popular, prices are high, and campsites book up way in advance. We recommend you check out CamperDays for the best prices on campervans and motorhomes. The website has an excellent selection of vehicles, along with handy filters to help you choose the best van for your Iceland holiday.

All campervans booked through CamperDays come with basic insurance included, but the details can differ between rental companies. We always recommend checking what’s covered. If you are driving on the F-roads in winter, it could be worth upgrading to premium insurance for extra peace of mind.

The most famous route for travellers is the ring road around Iceland, as this is perfect for 2-wheel-drive vehicles. If you want to explore the more remote parts (F-roads) of the country, you will need a four-wheel drive motorhome, which are also available on our website. Four Wheel Drive motorhomes are usually slightly smaller but still come with a shower and toilet. Do not risk taking your two-wheel motorhome on the F-roads.

Our most popular campervan destinations in Iceland

Campervan hire in IcelandReykjavik

4-week trip in March

Average Temperature: -2º

from £49.21 per nightmehr infos

• You will come across herds of wild horses. They are used to vehicles, so make sure you slow down and give them plenty of space.

• Dipped headlights must be on at all times when driving in Iceland (even during the day).

• Passengers must wear seat belts.

• Iceland has a zero alcohol policy when in charge of a vehicle, so don’t risk even having one drink, as the police do random breath tests.

• Iceland has three different speed limits. 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on rural roads and 90 km/h on the main tarmac roads.

• There are plenty of petrol stations around the ring roads, but not as many in the highlights. Fill up whenever you get the chance.

• Some of the old bridges are narrow, with room for only one vehicle. The rule is that the driver closest to the bridge crosses first. 

• Winter driving in Iceland is easier than you think as long as you stick to the main roads.

You’ll notice some signs in Iceland marked with an “F”. These are F-roads, known locally as highland roads, and they’re only open to four-wheel-drive vehicles. Most open in July and close again by mid-September. Outside these months, reaching the F-roads are only possible on guided tours, which we highly recommend because it takes the stress out of driving in Iceland.

Two of the best-known F-roads are Road 35, called Kjölur, and Road 550, known as Kaldidalur. These routes are not accessible to two-wheel campers, and even with a four-wheel drive, some require a heavy-duty vehicle like a super jeep.

If you reach a river where vehicles are allowed to drive, stop and think before driving through. It is hard to judge how deep the rivers are after rain, and rental companies won’t cover the damage. If you do cross the rivers, drive around five kilometres an hour, and stay in one gear.

Some Things Worth Mentioning

• We recommend packing an eye mask if you struggle to sleep at night, as it won’t get dark in the summer.

• Summer nights are cold, so pack warm layers.

• Book motorhome Iceland campsites well in advance to get the best rates and ensure you have a place to stay.

• You can’t wild camp in Iceland unless you have the landowner's permission.

June to August is the busiest time of the year to visit Iceland in a campervan, as this is the main summer season.

The advantages of this time of year are the long periods of daylight, as it does not get completely dark at night, and average highs of about 13°C. 

Summer is the best season if you want to drive the F-roads and explore the highlands.

The negatives are that everyone has the same idea, and finding a suitable motorhome to rent at short notice is tricky.

We’ve had a member of the CamperDays team travel to Iceland in May. They said this was the perfect time to travel because May is just before the peak season, with temperatures reaching 20 degrees Celsius during the day.

September is another month we would recommend. It's just at the end of the tourist season, and if you are lucky, you may see the Northern Lights.

The classic Iceland in a campervan route is the Ring Road, as it's perfect for beginners, and few countries have a single big road circling the entire country. It passes glaciers, volcanoes, and long stretches of black lava. Every few kilometres, a side road leads to something new, like a quiet national park or a hidden waterfall, adding to the excitement.

A week is enough to drive the loop, with two weeks giving you time to slow down and reach the Westfjords. That’s the quiet side of Iceland with empty roads and beaches that shift colour in the light. Don’t miss Dynjandi, a waterfall that drops like a staircase of white water and stays in your mind long after you’ve left.