Camping Iceland's Ring Road in a Week - 7 Days

On a camping trip around Iceland, you’ll have your own rental car and camping gear. Simply follow the detailed itinerary provided, adding in a few extra stops if you like.

You’ll spend the first night of your trip at a hotel in Reykjavík. The next morning you’ll enjoy an included breakfast before heading into the countryside for your camping adventure.

Each night, you’ll pitch your tent at a campsite and settle in for a sleep under the summer skies. Lots of campsites have facilities like toilets, showers, communal kitchens, and even Wi-Fi. Some even have extras like on-site hot tubs or laundry facilities.

Booking at least a few weeks before your travel date gives us enough time to confirm your preferred accommodation and finalize your itinerary. We are unable to accept bookings with less than one week’s notice.

For summer travel between June and August, booking several months ahead is strongly recommended. Accommodation in rural areas fills up quickly during peak season, and popular activity add-ons like glacier walks and whale watching can sell out well in advance. Booking early also lets you lock in your preferred car type and accommodation tier before availability narrows.

You only need a 5% deposit to secure your trip, with the balance due closer to your departure date. This low-deposit model means you can confirm your plans early without a large upfront commitment. If your plans change, our cancellation policy offers up to a 95% refund up to five days before arrival, with the retained 5% converted into a long-valid travel credit you can use on a future booking. See our how to book with us page for full details.

Most international driving licenses are accepted in Iceland. You need to be at least 20 years old to rent a standard car, or 23 years old for larger vehicles like 4x4s and vans, and you must have held a valid license for at least one year. You will also need to present a credit card in the main renter’s name when collecting your vehicle.

An International Driving Permit is only required if your license is not in Latin script, for example if it is in Arabic or Chinese characters. If you are unsure whether your license qualifies, our team is happy to advise before you book.

Iceland drives on the right, with speed limits and distances in kilometers. Roundabouts are common, especially around towns, and in rural areas you may encounter single-lane bridges, gravel roads, and sheep on the road. Our detailed itinerary includes route guidance for each day, and the portable Wi-Fi device means you can use live navigation throughout the trip. For a full overview of what to expect behind the wheel, see our guide to driving in Iceland and our page on car rental in Iceland.

Absolutely! You can extend your stay in Iceland with extra days before or after your camping trip. Use these to fit in adventure activities like ice caving, or bus tours to attractions near the city.

If you want to customize the actual itinerary of your camping tour, this is possible for an additional fee.

Optional activities are available to add during the booking process, and you will be shown exactly what is on offer for each day of your trip at checkout. Popular additions include glacier walks, whale watching, ice cave tours, lava cave explorations, horseback riding, and geothermal spa visits.

Adding activities through Iceland Tours at the time of booking means everything is coordinated with your itinerary and accommodation in advance, rather than arranging things independently on arrival. This is particularly worth considering for activities that require guides or have limited availability, since spots can fill up during peak season.

If you would like more activities built directly into the itinerary rather than added as extras, our 10-Day Active Ring Road & Snæfellsnes Self-Drive is structured with more activity inclusions as standard. You can also read more about planning your trip on our Iceland travel guide.

Iceland drives on the right, with steering wheels on the left side of the car. Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour. The rules of the road broadly follow European conventions, but there are a few things worth knowing before you set off.

Roundabouts are very common throughout Iceland, particularly in and around towns. Traffic already in the roundabout has right of way, and if you are in the inner lane of a multi-lane roundabout, you also have priority over vehicles in the outer lane. In rural areas, you may encounter one-lane bridges, blind hill crests, and gravel roads on some secondary routes.

During summer, sheep roam freely and often wander onto the road, so be prepared to slow down and give way when you encounter them. In East Iceland during winter, you may also encounter reindeer. Your trip comes with a portable Wi-Fi device for navigation, and our detailed itinerary notes specific things to watch for on each leg of the route.

If you are planning a winter trip, our local team monitors road and weather conditions and is reachable 24/7. For a comprehensive overview of driving conditions, road types, and seasonal considerations, see our guide to driving in Iceland.

Your rental car can be collected from the arrivals hall at Keflavík International Airport. Your travel documents will confirm the name of the car rental company and advise you to proceed to their service desk in the arrivals hall. Have your driver’s license and credit card in the main renter’s name ready when you arrive.

Rental car desks at Keflavík operate at different hours depending on the provider. If your flight arrives outside standard desk hours, the rental company will typically have made arrangements given your expected arrival time. Your travel documents will include a contact number if you need assistance on arrival.

Your car comes with unlimited mileage, collision damage waiver, and authorization for a second driver as standard, along with the portable Wi-Fi device included with every trip. If you are planning to spend extra days in Reykjavík before your self-drive begins, you also have the option to collect your car from the city rather than the airport. See question 9 for details.

Once you have paid your deposit, we begin finalizing your accommodation, rental car, and any booked activities. As soon as confirmation is received from all partners, we will email you to let you know your travel documents are ready to access in our booking portal.

We aim to have everything confirmed within a few weeks of receiving your booking. During busy periods this may take a little longer, but you will always receive your complete documents before your departure date. Your documents include your full day-by-day itinerary, accommodation details, rental car pickup information, and contact details for our 24/7 in-Iceland helpline.

If you have questions about your booking at any point before your trip, you can reach our Reykjavík-based team through the contact page. Iceland Tours has been organizing Iceland trips for over 40 years, and our local team is available to help with any questions about your itinerary or preparations.

Yes. If you prefer to pick up your rental car in Reykjavík rather than at Keflíavík Airport, simply let us know in the special requests field during checkout and we will arrange it for you.

This is a practical option if you are arriving early and want to spend time in the city before your self-drive itinerary begins. Reykjavík has a lot worth exploring, from the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church and the waterfront Harpa concert hall to the city’s well-regarded restaurant scene. Our downtown Reykjavík and Reykjavík attraction pages are a useful starting point for planning those extra days.

If you request different pick-up and drop-off locations, for example collecting in the city and returning at the airport or vice versa, a one-way fee of around ISK 7,900 (approximately EUR 60) applies. This is paid directly to the rental company when you collect the car.

To give you freedom to be spontaneous and ability to choose your favorite spots, bookings at campsites are not included with our camping packages. You’ll get info on the best campsites in each area in your travel documents.

If you want to get inspired, check out this guide to camping in Iceland which is packed with recommendations.

Most campsites don’t require advance bookings. Fees are reasonable and comparable to other countries.

Good to know: Although it is possible to wild camp in Iceland, you need the landowner’s permission and camping isn’t allowed in protected natural areas. With that in mind, we strongly recommend using designated campsites.

Although Iceland is located near the Arctic Circle, it’s not too cold to camp in a tent there in the summertime. Winter temperatures and weather conditions mean it’s not a year-round activity though.

The warmest months are June and July, which see temperatures of around 12–15°C (54–59°F). It can be chillier at nighttime, but with a sleeping bag and warm clothes, you’ll stay nice and toasty.

There are no dangerous wild animals, like bears or wolves, to worry about. That said, you should be aware of natural hazards that you might not have experienced before. These include high winds, hot springs, and strong tides.

The safest way to sleep in a tent in Iceland is to stay on designated campsites, and there are plenty of these around the country.

Many campsites in Iceland have toilet and shower facilities, especially the larger ones. In more remote regions or on smaller campsites, there may be no facilities, or toilets only.

There’s no way to get closer to nature than by setting up your tent under the open sky. Travel to Iceland on a camping trip and you could:

• Take a road trip around the entire Ring Road (Route 1)
• See the Strokkur geyser erupt on the Golden Circle route
• Hop between jaw-dropping waterfalls on the south coast
• Witness the forces of nature at work at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
• Relax and unwind in hot springs and geothermal spas
• Discover ‘Iceland in Miniature’ on the Snæfellsnes peninsula
• Be charmed by the magic of Lake Mývatn in North Iceland
• Walk along black sand beaches, like the famous Reynisfjara
• Learn all about Viking history at Þingvellir National Park
• Explore Iceland's breathtaking scenery on foot on a day hike

If you’re after even more inspiration, check out this blog on Iceland’s summer must-sees and must-dos.

When you book a camping package with Iceland Tours, there’s no need to bring your own tent, sleeping bags, mattress, or cooking equipment.

To make sure you stay comfortable throughout your trip, here’s a packing list you can follow when you're planning your Iceland trip:

• Warm thermal layers
• Wooly hat and gloves
• Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots
• Extra socks
• Flashlight
• Battery pack to charge your phone
• Washbag
• Sun lotion and midge repellent
• Sunglasses
• Sleeping mask (if you’re sensitive to light)
• Swimming gear, including towel

Carbon offsetting is already included as standard with every Iceland Tours package. We have partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to cover the carbon footprint of the tour itself, so there is nothing extra you need to do or pay.

Iceland Tours is Travelife-certified, meaning our operations are independently assessed against sustainability standards covering environmental, social, and supply chain criteria. This certification reflects a commitment to responsible travel that goes beyond carbon offsetting, including how we select local accommodation and activity partners.

Carbon offsetting for international flights to and from Iceland is not included in the tour package, but your airline may offer offset options at the time of booking, or you can arrange this through a local or national environmental fund. For more on how we approach sustainable travel, see our sustainability policy and our article on responsible and sustainable travel in Iceland.

Yes, and this tour is specifically designed to make it work. The Iceland Ring Road is roughly 1,300 kilometers, and with 7 days you have enough time to complete the full circuit while stopping at the major highlights along the way. The pace is more energetic than the 8 or 10-day versions, but you are not just driving nonstop. You will have time at each location to explore, take photos, and enjoy the scenery. The key is that the itinerary is well planned so you are hitting the right stops at the right times without unnecessary backtracking.

Your package includes a rental car for 6 days with unlimited mileage, two authorized drivers, in-car Wi-Fi, and a collision damage waiver. You also get a complete camping gear kit for 5 nights, which covers a tent, sleeping bags, air mattress, camping stove, coolbox, and cooking equipment. Your first night is at a hotel in Reykjavík with continental breakfast included. You will also receive a detailed itinerary, carbon offsetting for the tour, and access to a 24/7 emergency helpline while you are in Iceland. Campsite fees, fuel, food, and attraction entrance fees are not included.

This 7-day itinerary covers all the major highlights of the Ring Road plus the Golden Circle. You will visit Hraunfossar and Deildartunguhver in West Iceland, explore the Lake Mývatn area with its volcanic landscapes and geothermal activity, pass through the Eastfjords, see the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach, drive through Vatnajökull National Park, and visit the famous south coast waterfalls including Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. On your final full day, you complete the Golden Circle with Gullfoss, the Geysir geothermal area, and Þingvellir National Park before heading back to Reykjavík.

All camping gear is included with your package, so there is no need to rent a tent in Iceland separately or bring your own equipment from home. Your gear kit includes a 2-3 person tent (with a second tent provided for groups of four), sleeping bags, an air mattress, a camping stove, a coolbox, and cooking equipment. Everything is ready for you to collect in Reykjavík either on Day 1 when you arrive or on Day 2 after your hotel breakfast. This is one of the big advantages of booking a camping tour rather than trying to piece together your own gear rental in Iceland.

Camping spots in Iceland vary depending on the area. Larger, more established campsites near towns like Akureyri and Vík typically have toilets, hot showers, communal kitchens, and sometimes extras like Wi-Fi or laundry facilities. Smaller or more remote sites, especially in the Eastfjords, might only have basic toilets. Your travel documents include recommendations for the best campsites in each region, so you can plan based on what matters most to you. Most Iceland Ring Road campsites do not require advance booking, which gives you the flexibility to adjust your plans on the go.

The main difference is pacing. This 7-day tour covers the same Ring Road circuit as the 8-day version, but with one fewer camping night, so some driving days are a bit longer. The 10-day version adds the Snæfellsnes peninsula and gives you the most relaxed pace overall. If you have limited time but still want to see the full Ring Road, the 7-day Iceland camping tour is a great fit. You will see all the same major highlights, just at a slightly quicker tempo. For travelers who prefer a more leisurely pace with extra time for detours and longer hikes, the 8 or 10-day options may be a better match.

Your travel documents include a detailed itinerary with campsite recommendations for each area along the route. While it is not a standalone campsite map of Iceland, the information covers where to find the best camping spots in each region you will pass through. Many travelers also find it helpful to download a camping app or check online campsite maps for Iceland before the trip, which can give you a broader view of all available sites along the Ring Road. Between the provided recommendations and a good digital map, you will have no trouble finding great places to pitch your tent each night.

This tour runs during the summer season from June 1 through August 31, which are the only months suitable for tent camping in Iceland. It is best to book at least a few weeks before you travel, and during peak summer months, booking a few months ahead is a good idea. June and July offer the warmest weather and the full midnight sun experience. August brings slightly cooler evenings and the possibility of seeing Northern Lights toward the end of the month as darkness returns. Whenever you choose to go, the extended summer daylight means you will have plenty of time each day to explore.

Since all essential camping gear is provided, you do not need to bring a tent, sleeping bags, or cooking equipment. Focus on packing warm thermal layers, a waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, extra socks, a woolly hat and gloves, sunglasses, sun lotion, midge repellent, a battery pack for charging your phone, swimming gear for hot springs and pools, and a sleeping mask if the midnight sun bothers you. Iceland weather can shift quickly, so layering is the most practical approach. You might go from sunshine to wind and rain within the same afternoon, so having waterproof outer layers accessible at all times makes a big difference.

This Iceland camping tour works well for first-timers because the itinerary is planned out for you and covers all the must-see attractions on the Ring Road. You get a detailed day-by-day guide, campsite recommendations, and a 24/7 emergency helpline if you need support along the way. The only thing to keep in mind is that the 7-day format moves at a fairly steady pace, so if this is your first time in Iceland and you prefer to take things slowly, the 8 or 10-day camping tours might be a better fit. But if you are comfortable with a bit more driving and want to make the most of a week, this itinerary delivers a comprehensive experience.

Campsite bookings and fees are not included in your package. This is intentional, because it gives you the freedom to choose your own camping spots each night and adjust your plans if you want to. Most campsites in Iceland do not require advance reservations and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Fees are reasonable and comparable to other European countries. Your travel documents will list recommended sites for each area so you know where to look, and you can also explore additional options on your own using online campsite maps for Iceland.

You need to be at least 20 years old to rent a car in Iceland, or 23 for larger vehicles. A valid driver's license held for at least one year is required, and you will need to present a credit card when collecting the car. An International Driving Permit is only necessary if your license is not in Latin script. The rental car included with this tour comes with a collision damage waiver, unlimited mileage, and two authorized drivers as standard. Iceland drives on the right side of the road, and the Ring Road is mostly paved and well maintained, so no special off-road vehicle is needed for this itinerary.

On the final camping night of this tour, you camp in the Reykjavík area before your departure day. While Reykjavík camping is not quite the same as sleeping beside a glacier or a waterfall, the city campsite is well equipped and conveniently located for your morning drive to Keflavík Airport. It is a practical end to the trip that keeps costs down while still giving you easy access to Reykjavík restaurants and shops for your last evening in Iceland. If you prefer to end the trip in a hotel, you can add an extra night during the booking process.

The daily distances on this 7-day Ring Road itinerary vary quite a bit. Days 1 and 7 are short drives of about 50 kilometers between the airport and Reykjavík. Day 2 is the longest stretch as you head north through West Iceland to the Akureyri area. Day 3 takes you to the Mývatn or Húsavík area for a full day of volcanic landscapes and geothermal exploration. Days 3 through 6 range from moderate to longer drives as you loop through East Iceland, the south coast, and back to Reykjavík via the Golden Circle. In total, you will cover roughly 1,300 kilometers over the week. The itinerary is designed so that even on longer driving days, there are plenty of worthwhile stops to break up the journey.

Absolutely. You can extend the trip with additional days before or after, and optional activities are available to add during the checkout process for each day of your itinerary. Popular add-ons include whale watching in Húsavík, a boat trip at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, the Mývatn Nature Baths, and various Reykjavík experiences like the Sky Lagoon or horse riding. If you want to adjust the actual routing of the itinerary, that is also possible for an additional fee.