Ultimate Guide to Camping in the Golden Circle in Iceland by Campervan

Camping in the Golden Circle in Iceland is all about freedom. Forget tour buses and packed schedules. Campervan life lets you chase waterfalls, geysers, and hidden hot springs on your own terms. Because honestly, exploring Iceland's epic scenery without crowds and waking up right in the middle of it is unbeatable.

So grab your camper rental in Iceland and let’s hit the road, it’s time to get to know the Golden Circle route!

What Exactly Is Iceland's Golden Circle Route?

The Golden Circle is Iceland's not-so-secret 'secret' road trip that everyone who visited Iceland probably raves about. It's roughly 300 km (186 mi) of moody volcanoes, exploding geysers, and waterfalls so ridiculously massive you'll question your survival instincts when standing near the edge.

Main Stops You'll Actually Remember

• Thingvellir National Park - This place, about 40 km (25 mi) from Reykjavík, is where Iceland's Vikings got political in 930 AD. But you're probably more excited about literally standing between two continents. Walk or snorkel right through the Silfra Fissure, where North America and Europe are drifting apart. (Warning: water is freezing, bragging rights are endless.)

• Geysir Geothermal Area - Roughly 100 km (62 mi) from Reykjavík, Haukadalur is home to Strokkur geyser, which literally shoots water up into the air of about 20 meters (66 ft) high on average every 4-10 minutes. The smell strongly resembles rotten eggs, but the payoff is totally worth it. Expect lots of tourists waiting to get splashed (you included).

• Gullfoss Waterfall - About 120 km (75 mi) into the route, Gullfoss shows off big-time. It crashes down 32 meters (105 ft) into a dramatic canyon nearly 70 meters (230 ft) wide. The spray is intense enough that your hair will never forgive you, but the photos will be epic.

Bonus Stops to Impress Your Friends Back Home

• Kerid Crater - This volcanic crater lake looks suspiciously fake, with ridiculously vibrant turquoise water set against red volcanic rock. It's about 55 meters (180 ft) deep, and the colors genuinely pop, even on cloudy days. Walk the rim, hike down to the lake, and then argue with your friends who swear your photos are photoshopped.

• Skálholt Cathedral - Skálholt gives you medieval Iceland without putting you to sleep. It was Iceland's religious center for centuries, and today, you'll find archaeological ruins and a cathedral that feels straight out of Game of Thrones. Even if history usually makes you yawn, this place delivers plenty of moody atmosphere and legit Viking vibes.

• Fridheimar Tomato Farm - Geothermal energy powers pretty much everything in Iceland, including tomatoes. Friðheimar grows tomatoes year-round inside warm greenhouses. Stop for lunch inside the greenhouse restaurant and eat tomato soup or tomato beer (yes, beer) while surrounded by actual tomato plants. Weird, cozy, and oddly satisfying, even if tomatoes aren't usually your thing.

• Laugarvatn Fontana - After clocking up serious kilometers on the Golden Circle, your tired muscles will thank you for hitting Laugarvatn Fontana. Chill out in geothermal hot pools, steam rooms, or saunas next to Lake Laugarvatn. It's the perfect reward after pretending to hike harder than you actually did, and it feels genuinely Icelandic instead of tourist-trappy.

How to Reach Iceland's Golden Circle by Campervan

Getting to Iceland's Golden Circle by campervan couldn't be simpler. Pick up your ride straight from Keflavík airport or Reykjavík. From the capital, follow Route 36 northeast. It's really that straightforward.

Why Choose Campervan Camping in Iceland?

Campervan camping in Iceland isn't just another trendy hashtag. It's your golden ticket to freedom, especially for Golden Circle Iceland camping. Forget overpriced hotels and rigid tour groups. Hotels around the Golden Circle typically run you about $150-$250 a night, while campsites average just $10-$20.

Huge difference, right? Plus, when you're hungry, cook right in your camper instead of driving kilometer after kilometer searching for a restaurant. Want waterfalls with breakfast or geysers at midnight? Done.

Picking the Right Campervan

Don't overthink campervan rentals for the Golden Circle. Seriously, you're on paved roads, not trekking Everest. Here are three campervans for camping in the Golden Circle in Iceland that'll handle Iceland's most famous route without being a massive, gas-guzzling 4x4 (which, spoiler alert, you won't need).

• Nissan NV-200 / Renault Kangoo / Fiat Doblo - This trio is ideal if you're keeping things simple. Small enough to park without drama, big enough to sleep two comfortably. Heating is included, plus an optional cooking kit. Unlimited mileage is thrown in, so drive all day without worrying about surprise fees.

• VW Caddy Beach Minicamper - Think of this as your budget-friendly hotel on wheels. Compact but comfy, easy on fuel, and available with automatic transmission (for those allergic to manuals). Comes equipped with heating, water tank, and optional kitchen gear, making life easy without feeling crowded.

• Renault Trafic - Need a little more space? This one's your sweet spot. Sleeps up to three without forcing you into a bulky rig that hates city streets. You get automatic heating, proper cooking gear, and plenty of room to stretch out after exploring waterfalls all day.

When Should You Go Campervan Camping Around the Golden Circle?

Timing your campervan trip for camping in the Golden Circle in Iceland depends on what you're into. Here's a quick look at what to expect from the Icelandic weather during the different seasons:

• Summer (June to August) - Summer obviously has the warmest weather and endless daylight. The downside? Everyone else has the same brilliant idea, so campsites fill fast, and prices spike. It's perfect if you're chasing waterfalls at midnight.

• Shoulder Seasons (April-May and September-October) - Fewer crowds, better prices, and still decent weather. Bonus: Visit in the fall, and you might catch the Northern Lights without freezing.

• Winter - Iceland's off-season means short days, snowy roads, and seriously chilly temps. If solitude and frozen landscapes are your thing, winter's unbeatable. But remember, many campsites cut back their facilities during colder months.

Top Campsites for Campervan Travelers in the Golden Circle Area

Here's your cheat sheet of top campsites around Iceland's Golden Circle. No fluff, just solid info to make your campervan life easier.

Skjól Campsite

• Where - Skjól Campsite is right between Geysir and Gullfoss. Basically, prime real estate for your Golden Circle adventures.

• What's good - Wheelchair-accessible facilities, clean restrooms, picnic tables, and a cozy bistro bar (for when instant noodles just won't cut it).

• Who'll like it - Families, social travelers, and anyone who enjoys a friendly atmosphere.

Þingvellir National Park Campground

• Location: Inside Þingvellir National Park, because apparently sleeping right in a UNESCO site is allowed here. Step out of your campervan onto hiking trails or snorkel Silfra's icy waters. Check out Þingvellir National Park Campground for booking details.

• Highlights: Simple facilities, insane views, and no shortage of adventure.

• Perfect for: Outdoor junkies who care more about nature than Wi-Fi bars.

Úlfljótsvatn Campsite

• Location: Quietly tucked beside Lake Úlfljótsvatn, away from tourist crowds. Head to Úlfljótsvatn Campsite to grab your spot.

• Highlights: Real hot showers (finally), an indoor kitchen, a playground for hyper kids, and fishing spots to pretend you caught dinner.

• Perfect for: Families, anglers, and campers who secretly love comfort.

Selfoss Campsite

• Location: In downtown Selfoss, meaning pizza cravings and grocery runs are just minutes away. Hit Selfoss Campsite for reservations and info.

• Highlights: Showers that stay hot, proper kitchen, restaurants, cafés, and even a swimming pool nearby.

• Perfect for: Campers who like civilization close but still pretend they're roughing it.

Why Everyone's Talking About Camping in the Golden Circle in Iceland

Camping in the Golden Circle in Iceland isn't just popular because Instagram says so. It's genuinely awesome. You skip crowded buses and overpriced hotels. Instead, you wake up near geysers, waterfalls, and lakes with zero stress.

Renting a campervan in Iceland gives you that freedom, but the good ones book fast. So don't wait around and miss out. Grab your campervan, explore on your terms, and brag about it later. Questions? We're here to help because life's too short for boring vacations.