Road trip the Ring Road, Iceland
Planning a trip to Iceland? Driving the Ring Road is the perfect way to see absolutely everything Iceland has to offer! The Ring Road is essentially a route that covers the entire outline of the island with tons of pit stops along the way. The best way to do this trip is to rent a campervan and camp along the way. Iceland has tons of different campsites along the Ring Road making the journey super flexible and easy! We completed the Ring Road (plus some detours) in 8 days and found this was the perfect amount of time without feeling rushed, but people suggest 7-10 days for this adventure. In this guide you will find everything you need to plan your epic Ring Road trip including camper van options, campsite maps/info, sample itineraries with everything to stop and see, and packing lists. Happy exploring!
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Travel
Airport
Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
Campervans
There are tons of campervan options to rent from in Iceland. Here are my top 3 based on size, price, and comfort level. We actually rented a very small campervan and wished we had gotten one that had a kitchen table to eat inside the van, as the weather is so unpredictable in Iceland. We ended up having to eat outside in the rain a lot because our campervan did not have a table set up inside the van. These three options all have plenty of room to eat inside the van comfortably and sleep for 2 people.
Accommodations
You will find what campsites I have actually stayed at in the sample itinerary below, but here is a comprehensive map of all the campsites in Iceland including the amenities they offer.
Packing List
Here is a specific packing list for car camping through Iceland. For an all inclusive camping gear guide, click here!
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Most campervans come with a “camping kit” that includes all bedding and kitchen supplies. Always check with your campervan package to ensure you have everything you need. Here are some things we packed that wasn’t included in our campervan camping package.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Fly into Keflavik International Airport, pick up your campervan and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
Golden Circle
Hrunalaug Hot Spring ($25/person)
Campsite: Reykjavík Eco Campsite
Book online only (can do it beforehand or when you arrive)
*pro tip: this campsite has a food exchange (people leave food uneaten before they fly back home and people just starting their trip can take from the exchange!) be sure to check this out before going grocery shopping to save some money!
Has electricity, free showers, water, communal kitchen, laundry (900ISK) , and bathrooms
Day 2
Waterfall day! Today you will see some of the lushest waterfalls Iceland has to offer.
There is a less crowded waterfall within walking distance (towards the left) from Seljalandsfoss called, Gljúfrabúi
Hike on top of ridge line to see the waterfall
Campsite: Vik Camping
Has electricity, shower (for a fee), laundry (for a fee), communal kitchen, water, and bathrooms
Stuolagil Canyon
Day 3
During the spring/summer glacier hiking is limited, but this ice cave is the only one open year round! It is disappearing fast year after year, so ensure you see this before its gone forever.
We chose the 9am-12pm tour and grabbed lunch at the Black Crust Pizza that is located inside the same building as the tour (you get a discount by booking a tour)
Reynisfjara Beach (Black Sands Beach)
Campsite: Skaftafell tjaldsvæði
Has free showers, free laundry, electricity, water, and bathrooms
Day 4
Diamond Beach (east and west side)
Campsite: Berunes Campsite
The drive to this campsite can be very windy, be advised! However, this was our favorite campsite of the trip! The views and amenities are unmatched!
Has electricity, free private shower house, laundry (for a fee), communal kitchen, water, and bathrooms
Mulagljufur Canyon
Day 5
Campsite: Husavik Campground
Has electricity, free showers, water, and bathrooms
Day 6
Whale watching is a must if in Husavik!
Campsite: Systragil Camping Ground
Has electricity, free showers, water, bathrooms, laundry (for a fee) and communal kitchen
Day 7
Hike Hraunsvatn (5 miles)
Campsite: Campground Grundarfjörður
Has electricity, water, and bathrooms. Can shower in the public gym/pool house across the street for a fee.
Diamond Beach
Day 8
Snaefellsness Peninsula and National park
Ytri Tunga Beach (Seal Beach)
Campsite: Reykjavík Eco Campsite
Day 9
Book morning session at Sky Lagoon (2-3 hour experience)
This was the best way to relax and get clean after the trip of a lifetime!
Drive to Keflavik International Airport for flight home.
Sky Lagoon
