What to Pack for a Campervan Road Trip in Iceland

Imagine exploring Iceland’s dramatic landscapes with the freedom to stop where you like for as long as you want. When you travel in a campervan, you get the advantage of more flexibility and the cost savings of combining your accommodations and transportation into one cost. However, when you choose to travel this way, your Iceland packing list will be a little longer.

Are you having trouble figuring out what you need to pack? Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of things you may need for yourself and your camping journey through Iceland to get you started on your own packing list.

1. Understanding Iceland’s Unique Conditions

Before we start on your Iceland packing list, it’s important to understand Iceland’s unique conditions and how they shape what you pack. Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable and changes quickly, sometimes going from sun to rain to snow and back, all in the span of an hour. Temperatures are also often colder than you expect, even in summer.

Add the ever-changing conditions to remote driving conditions, and you will quickly realize how important it is to be fully prepared for your campervan journey. Having everything you need from the start will mean less wasted time trying to find things once you arrive.

2. Essential Clothing

First, let’s take a closer look at the clothing you will need to stay comfortable throughout your campervan trip. Many travelers underestimate how wet they will get, especially near waterfalls. Even on a calm day, the mist can soak right through your regular clothes, making waterproof layers essential.

This list will be similar to that of any other traveler to Iceland, but you will also need comfortable layers for sleeping in your campervan in addition to the usual items.

Layering Basics

Layering is your key to a comfortable trip. Because Iceland’s conditions change rapidly, you need things you can put on and take off as needed to keep you warm when it’s chilly and help you cool off when you feel warm. There are three basic layers you need:

• Moisture-wicking, thermal base layer
• Fleece or wool mid layers
• Waterproof, windproof outer layer

Must-Have Items

In addition to your layers, there are several other must-have items to put on your packing list. It doesn’t matter what time of year you travel; you will need most of these items at some point during your trip.

• Waterproof pants
• Warm hat, gloves, scarf
• Wool socks
• Waterproof hiking boots
• Warm layers for sleeping

Too many travelers are focused on staying warm in Iceland and are tempted to pack bulky items. However, these bulky items often aren’t needed at all. As long as you have the right layers, you won’t have to worry about being cold and will feel more comfortable.

3. Campervan Living Essentials

Here’s where your Iceland packing list is likely to deviate from what most travelers bring. Storage space in a campervan is limited, so it’s best to buy food and supplies in smaller quantities and restock as needed. This method will save space and avoid unnecessary food waste.

While your campervan will come with some of the essentials or have them available to add on, you will need a few things of your own.

Sleeping & Comfort

Temperatures can drop significantly at night, even in the summer, and especially in the Highlands. Having warm, comfortable sleepwear can make a big difference in how well you sleep. You may want to consider packing the following in addition to the bedding your rental provides:

• Sleeping bag or extra covers (if desired)
• A travel pillow
• Eye mask in summer

Cooking & Food Supplies

Many travelers prefer to plan simple meals that require minimal prep and cleanup, especially after spending the day driving and sightseeing. One-pot meals, pre-made grocery items, and easy breakfasts save time and make cooking in a small space easier.

Most of these things can be purchased at a grocery store upon arrival.

• Reusable water bottle
• Non-perishable foods like pasta, rice, and canned goods
• Snacks for long drives
• Cooking basics like oil, seasonings, and coffee or tea

Cleaning & Organization

• Dish soap and a sponge
• Trash bags
• Microfiber towels

4. Tech & Navigation Gear

Technology plays a key role in helping you get around Iceland safely and efficiently. You can find everything online, from gas station locations and fuel prices to campgrounds and road conditions. That means you need to pack essential tech and navigation gear, including the following:

• Smartphone and charger
• Paper or offline maps for areas with little to no cell service
• Portable power bank
• Car charger adapter
• Camera or GoPro
• Flashlight or headlamp (especially in winter)

5. Safety & Emergency Items

Staying safe in Iceland should always be a top priority. However, when you’re camping, you may need a few extra things to make your journey as safe and enjoyable as possible. We recommend adding the following safety and emergency items to your Iceland packing list:

• First aid kit
• Emergency blanket
• Multi-tool or small knife
• Road safety gear (check if your rental includes it)
• Copies of important documents, including your driver’s license and passport

6. Toiletries & Personal Items

While hotels generally provide basic toiletries, renting a campervan usually means bringing your own. Knowing which toiletries and personal items you need will help you feel more prepared and avoid trying to find what you want when you arrive. Be sure to pack:

• Travel-sized toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap)
• A quick-dry towel
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
• A washcloth
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm and moisturizer

If you do forget anything, most grocery stores will have any toiletries you need, but they may be a different brand than you’re used to.

7. Optional but Helpful Extras

The following part of your packing list isn’t essential, but these items can be helpful during your trip. The items you choose to take from this list will depend on which activities you plan to do:

• Foldable chairs and a camping table (available from your rental company)
• Binoculars for wildlife viewing
• Swimsuit for the hot springs
• A laundry bag
• A travel journal or notebook

8. What NOT to Pack

Just as important as your packing list, you need to know what not to pack to save space and keep your campervan neat and organized. Overpacking is one of the biggest mistakes travelers make, especially with a campervan. Limited space means clutter builds up quickly, so focus on versatile, multi-use items. We recommend avoiding the following items:

• Bulky, rigid suitcases (soft bags are best)
• Too many clothes
• Fancy clothes (generally not needed)
• Bulky bath towels (opt for microfiber or quick-dry towels instead)
• Single-use items (like plastic cutlery)
• Umbrella (often useless in Icelandic conditions)

9. Final Tips for Packing Smart

Packing for a campervan trip in Iceland requires a little more thought than staying in hotels, but packing smart will help you maximize your limited space to enjoy a more comfortable journey. Here are some helpful tips that will help you pack smarter for your campervan adventure:

• Ask your rental agency which extras are available to avoid overpacking
• Pack light, but strategically
• Use packing cubes for better organization and space usage
• Plan for all weather scenarios, even in summer

Proper preparation is the key when you rent a campervan in Iceland for your trip. This type of trip promises more freedom to go where you want and enjoy the sights as long as you want, instead of being tied down to reservations. Iceland’s campgrounds generally don’t require reservations, and you can usually choose one based on where you are each night.

However, a camping trip requires a slightly different Iceland packing list. When you’re carefully packed, you’ll spend less time worrying about what you forgot and more time enjoying Iceland’s waterfalls, glaciers, and open roads. With the right packing strategy, your campervan becomes more than just transportation; it becomes a comfortable, flexible home base.