Have you ever wanted to wake up to a hot cup of coffee and an Iceberg floating outside your camping spot? Maybe you start the morning with a bowl of skyr to the sound of a thundering waterfall or the deafening sound of complete silence? This can be a reality in our beloved country, as long as you know where to park a campervan in Iceland.
In this article, we give you the ins and outs of how to behave when you check out what the Land of Fire and Ice is all about: freedom and nature. Follow us as we cover all the important information you need to know where to camp a campervan in Iceland.
Understanding Parking Rules for Campervans in Iceland
Exploring Iceland in a campervan has become increasingly popular in the last decade, and the rules of where to park a campervan in Iceland have adapted accordingly. What used to be a case of just stopping at any parking lot or in the highlands is now more complicated, with rules dictating how, when, and where.
Also, if you plan to rent a campervan in IcelandĀ it means you're a tourist, and it may become a little more difficult to know where to park.Ā
Donāt get us wrong, the term ācomplicatedā is, as Einstein would have put it, relative. If you simply adhere to a small set of rules regarding parking, your adventure will be easier than a mild Icelandic summer breeze.
Legal Guidelines for Campervan Parking
The increase in campervan rental tourism made it necessary to implement a new law in 2015 that regulates where to park a campervan in Iceland. In general, youāre only allowed to park overnight at designated spotsĀ or on private land with the ownerās permission. On top of that, there are some differences between parking in the towns and in the countryside.
Key Differences Between Urban and Rural Parking Rules
Out in the not-so-built parts of Iceland, you should stick to picnic spots and parking areas for shorter stops. Even though it can seem tempting at times,Ā pulling over and parking at the side of the main roads is not allowed, even if it is just for a quick stop. Itās a traffic safety thing, and the view is not worth the fine that comes with it.
Keep a watchful eye on any parking signs in the villages and towns. Many areas will have parking spots designated for locals, and you donāt want to get on their bad side just because you didnāt check the signs. There will often be time restrictions when you check where to park a campervan in Iceland at the short-term parking lots, so adhere to them to avoid trouble.
Best Practices for Responsible Campervan Parking
When it comes to where to park a campervan in Iceland, there is more to it than just the written rules. Knowing how to behave is key to upholding a good reputation for campervans on the road. Below is some good advice on what to keep in mind.
Leave No Trace: Protecting Icelandās Environment
As with any place on the planet, we should always strive to be respectful of our surroundings, especially in nature.Ā Iceland has a strong environmental consciousness, and itās expected to be reflected by visitors.
The designated parking spots in the countryside are often in place to ensure visitors donāt disturb the local flora. Moss in Iceland, for example, can take more than a decade to recover if you drive over it with a car. Most flora in the country is delicate and grows very slowly, so if youāre looking for where to park a campervan in Iceland, keep it off the grass.
Using Portable Toilets and Waste Management Tips
Trash is another big issue in Iceland. Even though there are trash bins strategically placed around the island, somehow, some people confuse them with bushes. Or at least that is what seems to be the issue since there is some trash lying around in nature.
When youāre out and about,Ā keep your trash with you until you find a bin or trash can. There are even sorting stations for recycling, so separating your trash into paper, plastic, glass, and so on will make you an environmental holiday hero.
Essential Apps and Websites to Find Legal Parking Spots
The best way to know where to park a campervan in Iceland is to download apps like EasyParkĀ and Parka. These will not only allow you to pay for parking in the app but also provide parking locations that you know are legal. These are best for when youāre in towns and visiting attractions.
If youāre out and about in the wilder parts of the country, Tjalda.isĀ is one of the best websites to check if you want to know where to park a campervan in Iceland. It lists pretty much every camping spot in Iceland and will allow you to check where you can empty a waste tank and stay for the night.
Top Locations to Park a Campervan in Iceland
As mentioned earlier, campervan tourism has increased in the last couple of years, and the country is keeping up with the changes. Below are some of the top locations for where to park a campervan in Iceland.
Designated Campsites Across the Ring Road
The Ring RoadĀ wraps around Iceland and is the main road that takes you through the country and all it has to offer. There are plenty of campsites along the road:
Reykjamƶrk HveragerĆ°i CampsiteĀ in the western parts of southern Iceland.
VĆk Camping, smack-dab in the middle of the Icelandic South Coast.
Borgarnes CampingĀ in the western part of Iceland.
MĆ½vatn CampsiteĀ next to Lake MĆ½vatnĀ in the North.
Camp EgilsstadirĀ in Eastern Iceland.
Scenic Overnight Stops Near Icelandās Iconic Landmarks
If youāre willing to go off the main road to find out where to park a campervan in Iceland, then these options are worth visiting:
Campground GrundarfjƶrĆ°urĀ on the stunning Snaefellsnes PeninsulaĀ in Western Iceland.
Skaftafell CampgroundĀ sits in the shadow of the mighty Vatnajƶkull Glacier, not far from Diamond Beach.
Thingvellir CampgroundsĀ provides an unbeatable stay along the Golden CircleĀ in the middle of the most historically significant area in Iceland.
Hidden Gems for Parking: Tips from Locals
If you want to go a step further and visit the hidden gems of where to park a campervan in Iceland, these hot tips are sure to provide a unique experience:
Heydalur CampingĀ deep in the WestfjordsĀ where locals go, and you wonāt have many other foreign visitors.
HallormsstaĆ°ur HƶfĆ°avĆkĀ is nestled in the forests in East IcelandĀ and offers unique views of one of the few large forests of Iceland.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Parking a Campervan
Despite our best efforts, we all make mistakes. When you look for where to park a campervan in Iceland, mistakes happen, so here are some common ones to look out for:
Misunderstanding Private Land Regulations
Even if there is a road that leads to what looks like the perfect empty parking lot, make sure youāre on a public road and not driving onto someoneās private property. Without permission from the landowner, parking on private property can lead to fines and unnecessary conflicts with the locals.
Ignoring Signage at Tourist Destinations
Parking at tourist spots and driving on the road have one thing in common: signs are important and must be adhered to. When youāre driving a campervan, youāre larger than most other vehicles, so youāre going to have different parking spaces. If there are signs at the destination, keep to them. If there are no signs, use your best judgment.
Preparing for Your Campervan Adventure
Now that you know how and where to park a campervan in Iceland, the next big step is preparing for your adventure.
What to Pack for Overnight Parking in Iceland
Iceland is chilly, with many remote spots, so knowing what to pack for an overnight stay is key to making a campervan stay a pleasurable experience. If you pack these key things, youāll be ready for pretty much anything the Land of Fire and Ice throws your way:
Warm clothing ā warm base layers and a warm hat are enough to keep you warm under the covers, even on the coldest nights.
Cooking equipment ā staying overnight in a campervan is like any other camping when it comes to cooking.
First aid kitĀ ā just in case anything happens when youāre far from civilization.
FlashlightĀ ā a trip to the showers or bathroom at night doesnāt have to turn into an adventure.
Food and water.
Planning Your Itinerary Around Campsites and Amenities
Make a list of the things you want to see around the island so you can plan your route accordingly. The freedom that comes with a campervan also comes with the responsibility of making sure you know where to get gas and where you can stay the night. If you plan, you donāt have to worry about where to park a campervan in Iceland.
Frequently Asked Questions About Campervan Parking in Iceland
Below, weāve compiled some of the most asked questions on where to park a campervan in Iceland:
Is Wild Camping Allowed in Iceland?
No, it is not. There are some common misconceptions regarding the Right to Roam. Youāre allowed to roam the country, but youāre not allowed to camp in the wild in Iceland. If you want to camp outside designated camping spots, you must ask permission from the landowner.
Can I Park Overnight Near Waterfalls and Beaches?
You can only park overnight at waterfalls and beaches if there are designated camping spots there. Otherwise, the same rules apply as mentioned above.
How Do I Handle Waste Disposal While Parked?
Most larger campgrounds will have waste disposal facilities for black and grey water. The best tip we have is to check on the campgroundsā websites before you get there so you can plan accordingly. Trash always goes in the bins, never in nature.
Prepare Your Campervan Adventure in Iceland
There are many rules and regulations regarding where to park a campervan in Iceland. But most are intuitive enough to make it easy for visitors and keep people out of trouble. With this guide, youāre more than ready to hit the road and explore the stunning Land of Fire and Ice.
When you rent a campervan in Reykjavik, all you have to do is make a plan and keep to it as well as you can. The little effort needed to know where to camp a campervan in Iceland is rewarded tenfold when you experience all that this wonderful country has to offer. The only thing left is to book a campervan and brave the roads!