Unforgettable Camper Van Adventure: A Complete Guide to Exploring Iceland

Our recent trip to Iceland was nothing short of magical, and I attribute most of that to the decision to rent a camper van. We were three friends, united by a shared love of adventure and the great outdoors, though by no means camping fanatics. Armed with nothing more than an insatiable wanderlust and a van, we embarked on our Icelandic journey that we’ll remember for a lifetime. In this blog post, I aim to provide a complete guide for anyone looking to take on a similar camper van adventure in Iceland, sharing our experiences, tips, and even our mistakes to help you plan your journey better. Trust me, if we can maneuver a camper van and live in it for a week, so can you! So buckle up, because this is going to be one heck of a ride!

• Why Camper Van in Iceland?
• Choosing the Right Camper Van
• Camper Van Rental Companies in Iceland
• Budgeting for Iceland Camper Van Trip
• Packing List for Camper Van in Iceland
• Navigating Iceland's Roads
• Finding and Using Campsites
• Safety in Iceland
• Toilets and Showers
• Personal Experiences + Highlights
• Summary

Why Choose a Camper Van for Iceland Exploration

A camper van offers a unique blend of mobility and comfort that greatly enhances the Icelandic adventure. For our party of three, all with heights between 5ft 4in and 5ft 9in, the van was an excellent option. It took us two days to adapt to the compact space, but soon enough, we learned how to efficiently store our items and convert the sleeping area to maximize comfort. A camper van gives you the flexibility to travel on your own terms, unhindered by hotel check-in/check-out times or the need to reach a specific location by the end of the day. You have the freedom to explore the nooks and crannies of the country, spend as much time as you want at each location, and call it a day wherever your heart desires. Whether you’re an avid camper or just someone looking to spice up your travel style, a camper van is a perfect way to make your Iceland journey memorable.

Choosing the Right Camper Van for Your Needs

To begin your camper van adventure in Iceland, the first step is selecting the right vehicle to meet your travel needs. We opted for a Mercedes Marco Polo rented from campervaniceland.com. With two sleeping areas—one at the bottom and a roof popup—this van comfortably accommodated our trio. However, it’s important to note that while the roof popup is quite spacious, it's more suited for a single person unless the two are ready for a cozy sleepover. This camper van model, sized similarly to a normal van, also handled urban areas like Reykjavik without difficulty. Included amenities such as a built-in stove and sink enhanced our camping experience. In contrast, the portable propane stove that we initially booked required setup time and would have reduced our living space. While it was indeed a change cooking in our living quarters, ensuring proper ventilation by opening the windows made it a manageable adjustment. Other helpful features of the Marco Polo included a diesel heater with a programmable timer—perfect for those cold Icelandic mornings—and an inclusive WiFi hotspot that saved us from needing a SIM card. As you choose your camper van, consider these aspects and prioritize according to your preferences and travel needs.

Camper Van Rental Companies in Iceland

One of the most critical aspects of planning a camper van adventure in Iceland is selecting a reliable rental company. Our choice was campervaniceland.com, and our experience with them was seamless. The rental process started at the Europcar counter at KEF airport and involved a shuttle ride to the actual camper van pickup location. The return procedure was just as effortless; we were able to drop off the camper van directly at the airport with Europcar, negating the need for an early morning trip back to the pickup spot. However, keep in mind that there may be an additional fee if you opt for airport drop-off, depending on the rental company's policies. Our choice, campervaniceland.com, offered this service free of charge, which was an appreciated convenience. So, when selecting your rental company, pay attention not only to the range of available vehicles but also to the flexibility and ease of their rental and return processes.

Budgeting for Your Camper Van Trip

Budgeting effectively for a camper van trip in Iceland is essential to avoid any unpleasant financial surprises. Our Mercedes Marco Polo camper van, rented from campervaniceland.com, cost us $3200 for 7 days. This price included a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, insurance, and an extra driver. There were more budget-friendly options available too, like the Volkswagen California or the Renault, ranging between $1500 and $2500, but these had varying amenities. For example, the Renault only had an electric heater and required plugging in at campsites to operate, and it lacked a rooftop tent, meaning all three of us would have had to squeeze inside the van for sleep.

Additionally, you need to budget for gas, which costed us around $90 USD each time we filled up, which we had to do so twice during our week-long trip. It's also crucial to note that most gas stations in Iceland prefer payment through a debit card or cash, not credit card. And don't forget the campsite fees, which ranged from $15-20 per person per night. If you're comparing costs with conventional travel (renting a car and staying in hotels or Airbnbs), our estimate for the latter came up to around $3600. While the price difference wasn't enormous, the flexibility that came with the camper van, like arriving late and staying past usual checkout times, was priceless.

Essential Packing List for Your Iceland Camper Van Adventure

A successful camper van trip to Iceland isn't just about choosing the right vehicle or mapping the most scenic routes. Equally important is the packing process, ensuring you have all the essentials for a comfortable journey. Here's a roundup of must-have items that we found incredibly useful during our Iceland adventure:

• Magnetic hooks: Ideal for maximizing your space, these hooks attach easily to the van's metal walls. They're perfect for hanging towels, clothes, and bags.
• Phone mount: A necessary tool for hands-free navigation if your camper van doesn't come with an inbuilt tablet. Safely following your GPS while keeping your hands on the wheel is paramount.
• DC to AC converter: This handy gadget allows you to charge your non-USB devices while on the road. Typically, the built-in AC plugs in camper vans only work when hooked up to electricity at campsites.
• Wet wipes: A camper's best friend! Perfect for freshening up on the days you aren't showering or just need a quick clean.
• Portable bidet: A simple and effective solution to maintain hygiene, especially since the camper van doesn't come with its own bathroom.
• Eye mask: Iceland, the land of the midnight sun, experiences extended daylight hours in summer. An eye mask is essential for ensuring a good night's sleep.

Remember, packing for a camper van trip is all about optimizing comfort while minimizing clutter. Using items that serve multiple purposes or that can be easily stored can make living in a small space much more manageable. Smart packing will ensure you can focus on the unforgettable experience of exploring Iceland, rather than fussing over what you forgot to bring.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, we earn a little commission if you end up purchasing anything through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Navigating Iceland's Roads

One crucial aspect of your camper van journey in Iceland will be the navigation on the island's roads. We were initially a little daunted by the prospect of maneuvering a camper van through various terrains, but we found that the Marco Polo was about the size of a normal van and wasn’t too difficult to drive - we even navigated through the busy streets of Reykjavik with relative ease.

However, don't underestimate the challenges posed by Icelandic weather and road conditions. We used safetravel.is and road.is as our main resources to stay updated on these aspects. And while our camper van was a 4x4, we refrained from driving on any F roads (mountain roads), as we lacked the recommended off-roading 4x4 driving experience and didn’t have a buddy system with another vehicle. Be aware that if you do decide to venture on F roads, you need to ensure your vehicle is allowed access on specific ones, as some require a certain amount of clearance. Despite avoiding F roads, we found plenty to see on our 7-day itinerary and plan to return for the mountainous terrain in the future. Always prioritize safety when driving in Iceland.

Finding and Using Campsites

The prospect of finding suitable places to camp for the night was surprisingly straightforward. The resource we relied on most for this was tjalda.is, an online guide to campsites in Iceland. We never had to book anything in advance and could search for the best spots on the go. Most of the campsites we stayed at were conveniently situated and cost between $15-20 per person.

Our favorite stops included Camping Vik, Thakgil, Mosfellsbaer, Hellissandur Camping, and Snorrastadir Farm Holidays. Each offered unique experiences and beautiful vistas that added to the richness of our journey.

Additionally, Iceland's weather can get windy, which might result in a noisy night if you're sleeping in the roof tent. We discovered a simple trick to mitigate this: park on the perimeter of the campsite, right next to the slope of the mountains or valleys, rather than in the middle of the meadow, as these areas are usually less windy. This bit of local wisdom really made our nights more peaceful.

Safety and Camper Van Travel in Iceland

Iceland's reputation as a safe destination isn't just confined to statistical reports—it’s evident in the lived experiences of travelers too. My own experience perfectly captures this sense of security. On our first night of camping in Reykjavik, the most populous city in the country, we accidentally left our camper van plug attached to the electrical hookup. Seven days later, on the last day of our trip, we stopped by the same campsite in Reykjavik, taking a chance on the hope that our plug might still be there. And it was! Our plug was untouched, waiting for us right where we left it, a testament to the safe and respectful environment that Iceland nurtures.

So, beyond the statistical evidence—the Global Peace Index has rated Iceland as the world's most peaceful country for over a decade (USA is ranked 131 in 2023) —it's these personal anecdotes that truly drive home how safe you'll feel during your camper van journey in Iceland.

Of course, when embarking on this adventure, there are specific safety considerations to keep in mind:

• Driving Safety: Icelandic roads, though they boast some of the world's most breathtaking views, can also present challenges due to fluctuating weather conditions and unique landscapes. It's essential to familiarize yourself with local road signs, stay updated with weather forecasts, and strictly adhere to speed limits. Also, remember that off-road driving is strictly illegal in Iceland to preserve its unique ecosystem.
• Van Safety: Despite the low crime rate, it's always a good practice to lock your camper van when not in use to secure your belongings.
• Camping Safety: It's recommended to camp only at designated campsites. This not only helps protect Iceland's delicate environment but also provides safety in numbers and easy access to amenities.
• Emergency Services: If you do encounter an emergency, the number to dial is 112. The service is swift and efficient, with response times generally being impressively quick, considering the country's extensive rural areas. There's also a useful 112 Iceland app that can send your location to emergency services if you find yourself in trouble.

Although Iceland's crime rate is remarkably low, that doesn't mean you should completely let your guard down. Basic precautions, like not leaving valuable items in plain sight in your van, should still be followed.

Exploring Iceland in a camper van offers a unique and memorable experience, but it's also crucial to stay informed and respectful of the rules. That way, your journey can be not just memorable, but safe too.

Toilets and Showers in the Wild

While many may take the convenience of having an onboard bathroom for granted, camping in a van presents its own set of challenges, one of them being access to clean toilets and showers. Speaking from personal experience, managing mild IBS while on the road initially seemed like a daunting task. However, the facilities at supermarkets, gas stations, and campsites across Iceland proved more than satisfactory. In general, communal facilities around Iceland are way cleaner than what you’ll find in America. Plus, cooking our own food provided a sense of control over our dietary intake, which further helped in maintaining a settled stomach.

A bit of planning can go a long way. Knowing when you will reach your next destination can allow you to adjust your water consumption to minimize unscheduled bathroom breaks. This is especially handy while exploring the vast Icelandic landscapes where facilities might be few and far between.

Despite the camper van's lack of a built-in shower, we didn't find personal hygiene to be a problem. Every campsite we visited offered hot showers. Given Iceland's mild weather, we found it comfortable to shower every other day, utilizing wet wipes on non-shower days. So, despite the initial apprehensions, the reality of managing personal hygiene while van camping in Iceland was far from troublesome. On the contrary, it added to the sense of adventure.

Personal Experiences and Highlights

Our journey through Iceland in a camper van was not without its memorable moments. While the entire trip was a tapestry of new experiences and awe-inspiring sights, there were a few standouts. First, the freedom that came with the camper van was unparalleled; our schedule was ours to design, offering the flexibility to arrive late or stay past the standard 11am check-out times usually imposed by hotels or Airbnbs.

The Marco Polo camper van, in particular, was a game-changer with its built-in stove and sink that made cooking both convenient and efficient. The diesel heater was also a lifesaver, providing much-needed warmth during chilly mornings. Additionally, the built-in Wi-Fi was a boon that saved us the hassle of buying a sim card.

And although we never ventured onto the F roads due to our lack of 4x4 off-roading experience, there was still plenty to see on our 7-day itinerary. The richness of Iceland's landscape and the sense of adventure that permeated each day made this trip a highlight in our travel history. We have vowed to return to tackle the mountainous terrain of the F roads on a future expedition.

Summary

To encapsulate, exploring Iceland in a camper van was an unforgettable adventure, infused with the spirit of exploration and punctuated by the majesty of Iceland's landscapes. We discovered that flexibility and autonomy are two of the most significant advantages of camper van travel, allowing us to craft our itinerary around our preferences, not around hotel check-ins and check-outs. The convenience of facilities like a built-in stove and sink and the bonus of a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot added to the overall ease and enjoyment of the journey. Although initially apprehensive, navigating Iceland's roads and finding suitable campsites became second nature, and the scenic rewards far outweighed any challenges faced.

Despite our initial qualms about space management and comfort, we learned to adapt to our cozy camper van. The experience served to remind us that adventure often lies outside our comfort zones, and that sometimes, the best way to truly experience a place is by immersing oneself in its natural landscapes, as we did throughout our sojourn across Iceland. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or a traveler looking for a new type of adventure, we highly recommend considering a camper van for your next journey through Iceland.

If this article has piqued your interest, why not start planning your own camper van adventure in Iceland? We promise you an experience that is not only unique but also one that allows you to connect with the breathtaking Icelandic landscapes on a deeper level. Feel free to share your thoughts, questions, or personal experiences in the comments below. And if you found our guide helpful, please consider sharing it with other aspiring adventurers on social media. For more insights and travel tips, do not hesitate to browse through our other blog posts. Don't forget to check out our comprehensive 7-day camper van itinerary for Iceland to help kick start your planning process. Safe travels!