Where to Stay Near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon with a Campervan or Motorhome

The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon in Iceland is such a breathtakingly beautiful frozen marvel that it’ll have you looking for Elsa busy singing “Let it Go!” It’s considered to be one of the must-visit spots when traveling around the Ring Road. But as one of our famous attractions, the surrounding accommodation can be pricey. Luckily, a campervan or motorhome can mitigate the punch to your pocket. If you’re wondering where to stay near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon without having to max out the credit card, read on.

In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about staying around Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, give a few local insights, and even answer a few of your most frequently asked questions!

1. Why is Jokulsarlon Considered a Must-Visit Spot on an Iceland Campervan Road Trip?

The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is impressive for a myriad of reasons:

• Jokulsarlon is found in Vatnjajokull National Park, our largest and most impressive national park here in Iceland, and home to the infamous Vatnajokul Glacier (the second-largest glacier in Europe). So, not only is Jokulsarlon super impressive, but its surroundings are also quite legendary.
• Jokulsarlon itself is an icy wonderland with the dramatic Breidamerkurjokull Glacier on one side, and sheets of ice transporting lazy seals floating all about.
• Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is considered to be Iceland’s deepest lake (284 meters/932 feet).
• There are myriad ways to experience Jokulsarlon. You can just admire the view from shore, go on a relaxing cruise around the lake, or have a more adrenaline-pumping experience in a Zodiac, getting you almost within touching distance of the glacier in the water.
• Its location also makes it perfect for many of the popular campervan road trip routes. Want to do the South Coast Way? Jokulsarlon is a stop. Want to do the Ring Road? Jokulsarlon is a stop. Want to just do a quick day trip from Reykjavik before exploring the rest of the island? Jokulsarlon is close enough to make that possible.

2. Can You Camp at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon?

No, you cannot camp at Jokulsarlon, but you can get pretty darn close. Wild camping hasn’t been legal in Iceland since 2015, and because Jokulsarlon is located in the Vatnajokull National Park, camping is also governed by national park rules and regulations, clearly stating that camping is only allowed in designated campsites.

And if you find yourself being tempted to try your luck, the odds of you not getting caught are not very good, and will lead to a fine so big you’ll need to go home to remortgage the house, and the camper will be towed.

3. Best Campsites Near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Below are some of the campsites near Jokulsarlon that come highly recommended:

Skaftafell Campground

Amenities/Facilities:

• Electricity
• Showers
• Toilets
• Laundry Facilities

Price:

• 2800 ISK ($/€) per person per night
• 2300 ISK ($/€) for seniors and the disabled
• Free for children 16 and younger.
• 1500 ISK ($/€) for electricity connection

Skaftafell Campground is fairly basic when it comes to amenities and facilities, but it’s well-maintained with absolutely breathtaking views all around. The campsite is open all year and works on a first-come, first-served basis (no pre-booking available).

Svinafell Campground

Amenities/Facilities:

• Showers
• Toilets
• Cooking Facilities

Price:

• 2300 ISK ($/€) per person per night
• Free for children 13 and younger.

Svinafell Campground is another campsite where the focus is more on the beautiful surroundings rather than resort-like facilities. But you can rest assured that the basics are covered.

Höfn Campground

Amenities/Facilities:

• Electricity
• Showers
• Toilets
• Laundry Facilities
• Cooking Facilities
• Playground
• WiFi

Price:

• 2400 ISK ($/€) per camper per night (1 occupant)
• 4000 ISK ($/€) per camper per night (2 occupants)
• Free for children 13 and younger.
• 1000 ISK ($/€) for electricity connection
• 100 ISK ($/€) for a 3-minute shower. 200 ISK ($/€) for a 6-minute shower and so forth.

If you’re looking for spectacular views of the glaciers and the mountains, Höfn Campground is it. Here, you’re close enough to civilization and the town of Höfn for quick supply stock-ups, but also far enough to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.

Haukafell Campground

Amenities/Facilities:

• Electricity
• Showers
• Toilets

Price:

• 2400 ISK ($/€) per person per night
• 1200 ISK ($/€) for seniors and the disabled
• 400 ISK ($/€) for lodging tax
• 1500 ISK ($/€) for electricity connection

Haukafell Campground is a bit of a hidden gem. It’s a bit more remote than most, with its main focus being on getting out in nature. The Flaajokull Glacier is nearby, and there are many hiking trails surrounding the campsite.

But don’t worry; despite its remoteness, you’ll still find all the basics you need at the campsite. Just take note that the campground is only open during the summertime (mid-June to mid-September).

Vik Campsite (If Driving Back South)

Amenities/Facilities:

• Electricity
• Showers
• Toilets
• Laundry Facilities
• WiFi

Price:

• 2100 ISK ($/€) per person per night
• 400 ISK ($/€) for lodging tax
• 1000 ISK ($/€) for electricity connection
• 300 ISK ($/€) for a shower.

The Vik Campsite is an absolutely breathtaking camping spot. Dramatic cliffs on one side, black sand beaches and endless ocean views on the other… and then to think that you’re still only 1 kilometer away from the village of Vik?! This campsite is highly recommended as an overnight experience. Just remember that it’s only open from mid-April to November.

4. How Far are These Campsites from the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon?

The driving distances and times from the above-mentioned campsites to Jokulsarlon are as follows:

• Skaftafell Campground – 55.4 km (34.4 miles), 41-minute drive.
• Svinafell Campground - 49.8 km (30.9 miles), 36-minute drive.
• Höfn Campground - 64.7 km (40.2 miles), 58-minute drive.
• Haukafell Campground - 60.3 km (37.5 miles), 51-minute drive.
• Vik Campsite - 191.4 km (118.9 miles), 2 hours, 19 minutes drive. (If driving back south, the campsite will be on your way towards Reykjavik, anyway).

5. What to Expect When Camping Near Jokulsarlon: Facilities and Amenities

It’s important to know that there is a big difference between campsites focusing on long-term stays and those focusing on more remote overnight camping spots here in the Land of Fire and Ice. Here’s what you can expect when camping near Jokulsarlon:

Toilets, Showers, and Electricity

Most campsites will have you covered when it comes to these three basics, although you may find a campsite such as Svinafell that doesn’t have electricity on the odd occasion. Electricity is usually charged as an additional extra, so please confirm costs beforehand. Some campsites (although also pretty rare) will also charge for showers, as you can see from our campsites mentioned above.

Suitability for Campervans and Motorhomes

Most campsites near Jokulsarlon have camping spots for campervans and motorhomes. Just keep in mind that these spots are usually fewer than the traditional camping spots, so if at all possible, be sure to book ahead of time if you’re planning on traveling during our summer peak season.

Please do not park or drive anywhere other than designated and clearly marked camping and parking spots or roads and pathways. Iceland has a very delicate ecosystem, which we aim to take great care of. For example, we have a rare moss that can take up to 10 years to recover from any damage, if at all!

When making your campervan or motorhome campsite booking, be sure to specify the make and size of the vehicle since that will also tell the campsite if and where they’ll be able to accommodate you. But don’t worry; it’s mostly larger RVs that become a problem due to their massive sizes.

6. Where Does Jokulsarlon Fit Into a Ring Road Camper Itinerary?

The Ring Road is a popular road trip route as well as a very important piece of logistical infrastructure here on the island. It’s a 1322-km (820-mile) loop road that wraps around the island (RING road, get it?) and allows visitors to experience most regions of Iceland and stop at some of our most famous attractions along the way.

This includes the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Most who road trip the Ring Road will start their journey from Reykjavik and either drive the Ring Road in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. The lagoon will usually be included on the day they take on our southern coastline, with other stops such as Diamond Beach and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.

7. Wild Camping Near Jokulsarlon: Campervan Rules and Regulations in Iceland

As previously mentioned, wild camping has not been allowed in Iceland since 2015. This was due to the amount of traffic and the number of visitors, having a detrimental effect on our ecosystem as well as infringing on property owners’ privacy. Therefore, as a general rule of thumb, you should only plan on camping at official campsites.

Also, don’t confuse the allowances for tent campers with those of motorhome and campervan campers. Tents may be pitched for one night on uncultivated, non-private land that’s not near any houses or farms, but this courtesy does not extend to campers and motorhomes.

The only exception to the rule is if you can get the explicit (preferably in writing) permission from a private landowner, giving you permission to stay overnight on their property.

Even then, it’s not allowed to be for more than 48 hours. Needless to say, this is not going to happen anywhere near Jokulsarlon, which is inside a national park. So, stick to our curated list of campsites near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon above.

8. The Best Time of Year to Camp Near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

We would generally recommend that campervan and motorhome travelers go camping near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon during summertime and the season's shoulder months (in other words, May to September). The reasons are legion:

• Overall better weather conditions (inevitably leading to better road conditions). There’s no need to worry about elements such as ice and snow.
• Higher temperatures (you’re looking at minimums of between 4 degrees Celsius (40 degrees Fahrenheit) and 9 degrees Celsius (49 degrees Fahrenheit), as well as maximums of 9 degrees Celsius (49 degrees Fahrenheit) and 14 degrees Celsius (57 degrees Fahrenheit).
• You have the most daylight hours available to you (between 11 and practically 24 hours mid-summer), making it the best period for being outdoors, road tripping, and just having a jam-packed trip itinerary.
• As you may have noticed from our campsite recommendations, some campsites are closed during the “off-season” (typically outside of the May to September period).
• If you visit during the shoulder months of May to September, you’ll also experience less traffic, and your pocket will get some relief from those typical peak season prices of June to August.

9. FAQs About Camping Near Jokulsarlon with a Campervan

Below you will find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we get about camping near Jokulsarlon with a campervan:

Can’t I Just Stay in the Jokulsarlon Parking Lot Overnight?

No. Not only is it illegal in Iceland to park overnight unless it’s a designated overnight parking spot, but the Jokulsarlon parking lot is also in a national park that further restricts parking and camping. Stick to official campsites for your overnight stays near Jokulsarlon.

Are Electricity Connections Available at Campsites Near Jokulsarlon?

Most campsites near Jokulsarlon offer electricity connections for campervans and motorhomes. But this can be confirmed with the specific campsite in question ahead of time.

Do I Need to Book My Camping Spot Ahead of Time?

Some campsites near Jokulsarlon do not allow pre-booking. However, we do recommend that you book a camping spot in advance (if you can) if you’re planning on visiting during our summer peak season.

Do Campsites Near Jokulsarlon Have 24-Hour Reception?

Operating hours differ from campsite to campsite. Please confirm with the specific campsite directly.

10. For Assistance Contact Campervan Reykjavik

If you’d like some more local insights into camping near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, would like advice on your trip itinerary, or would like some advice on which campervan or motorhome would suit your trip and party the best, please don’t hesitate to contact us here at Campervan Reykjavik. We’re always happy to help fellow travelers hit the road and make some memories for a lifetime!