Camping Around Iceland - Ring Road Self-Drive - 8 Days

Your camping adventure truly begins today! After breakfast, collect your camping equipment and head north toward Akureyri. Drive through Borgarfjörður, stopping at Hraunfossar waterfalls where water flows from beneath lava into the river, creating lovely cascades. The sight of water emerging mysteriously from black rock is captivating. Continue your journey toward Akureyri through Skagafjörður, known for exceptional horse breeding. Many stunning Icelandic horses can be spotted grazing in fields along your drive, their distinctive thick manes and sturdy build making them instantly recognizable. These friendly animals often approach fences, curious about visitors. 

As you wind northward through mountain passes and along fjords, enjoy the scenery at your own pace. Arrive at a campsite in the Akureyri area. Now the real camping begins! Pitch your tent for the first time, set up your camping stove, and prepare your first outdoor meal in Iceland. The long summer daylight gives you plenty of time to settle in and explore the campsite. Meet fellow campers and enjoy the outdoor atmosphere. 

Your whole day is dedicated to marveling at Lake Mývatn Nature Reserve, recognized as one of Iceland's most inspiring natural wonders. This volcanic wonderland deserves thorough exploration. On your route there, make sure to stop at impressive Goðafoss waterfall, known as the 'Waterfall of the Gods,' where water crashes dramatically over a wide horseshoe drop. At Lake Mývatn, explore otherworldly lava fields at Dimmuborgir, wandering through the dark formations that locals call 'Dark Castles.' Head to the nearby Krafla volcano system where you'll find bubbling mud pools, active hot springs, and steaming volcanic fields showcasing geothermal power. Visit Námaskarð with its hissing vents and colorful mineral deposits. 

Consider ending your day with a dip in the geothermal waters of Earth Lagoon (available as add-on), offering amazing views over the lake. Return to your campsite, which might be the same as last night or a new location in the Mývatn area. Cook dinner on your camp stove and enjoy the extended evening light. The midnight sun means you can explore late into the night if energy permits. 

Your day starts in the beautiful Mývatn area before heading to charming Húsavík village, Iceland's whale-watching capital. This picturesque fishing settlement offers lovely coastal views and authentic maritime atmosphere. Drive the Tjörnes peninsula coastline, where you can make a quick stop at the extremity to enjoy vistas and spot seabirds nesting on coastal cliffs. The journey then continues eastward toward Iceland's eastern region, with opportunities for stops along the way. The route takes you through increasingly remote areas where highland plateaus and river valleys create expansive landscapes. Watch for Arctic birds and enjoy the sense of wilderness. 

Arrive at your campsite for your next stay in the eastern part of Iceland. Pitch your tent, perhaps near Egilsstaðir or along the route, and settle in for the evening. Prepare dinner and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this less-visited region, where campsites tend to be quieter and more intimate. 

Today is the day to discover the scenic Eastfjords, where mountains rise steeply from fjord waters. Start toward Reyðarfjörður fjord, where a small but fascinating World War II history museum is located, documenting the Allied presence in these remote regions. Continue along the fjords toward Southeast Iceland, following coastal roads that offer exceptional views. At times, roads trace higher elevations on mountainsides, delivering breathtaking vistas down to the water below. Each fjord you pass through has distinct character. Watch for wild reindeer, which roam freely in East Iceland's mountains and are found nowhere else in the country. 

Finally, drive through Almannaskarð tunnel to arrive in the Höfn region, where you'll spend the night. Find your campsite near Höfn and set up your tent. After days of camping, you might appreciate being near a town where you can restock supplies or grab a meal at a restaurant if you want a break from camp cooking. Höfn is famous for its lobster, making it a great spot for a restaurant dinner. 

Your next stop is Iceland's scenic southeast, a region of spectacular glacial beauty. After passing various outlet glaciers belonging to Vatnajökull, Europe's largest ice cap, arrive at the stunningly surreal beauty of Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. This exceptional attraction sits at the foot of Iceland's highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur. Watch massive icebergs drift through the lagoon, and consider taking an optional boat trip to get up close, floating among the ice. Cross to Diamond Beach where ice chunks wash ashore on black sand, creating a magical scene. 

Visit Skaftafell, another area definitely worth exploring. This oasis surrounded by glaciers and black sand plains offers a broad range of hiking options perfect for camping adventurers who enjoy trails. Continue through Kirkjubæjarklaustur village, across the vast Eldhraun lava field covered in soft moss, and over Mýrdalssandur plain before arriving in the Vík area. Pitch your tent at a campsite in the Vík or Skógar area. The campsites here often have good facilities and beautiful locations near the coast. Prepare your evening meal and perhaps walk to nearby beaches or simply relax at the campsite after a full day. 

Continue westbound along the south coast of Iceland before exploring the Golden Circle, taking in many breathtaking landmarks along the way. Pass Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, both offering unique perspectives. Visit the Golden Circle beginning with Gullfoss, the imposing waterfall plunging into its canyon. At Geysir geothermal area, watch Strokkur eject its water column into the air every 5 to 10 minutes, creating excitement with each eruption. Complete the circle at Þingvellir National Park, where North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, creating dramatic fissures you can walk through. This UNESCO site combines geological wonder with Iceland's political history. 

Drive toward Reykjavík area for your final hotel overnight stay. After nearly a week of camping, enjoy returning your camping equipment and checking into a hotel room. Perhaps celebrate your camping adventure with dinner at a Reykjavík restaurant, sharing stories of your week sleeping under Iceland's midnight sun. Your final hotel breakfast tomorrow morning provides a comfortable conclusion to your camping journey. 

Now it's time to head back home after an amazing journey through one of the world's most picturesque landscapes, experienced from campsites around the Ring Road. Depending on your flight time, you may have time to enjoy your last morning strolling around Reykjavík. Browse shops for final souvenirs, grab coffee, or take a last walk through the city. 

Drive back to Keflavík Airport to return your rental car and catch your flight home. Or consider booking an extra night in Reykjavík, the vibrant capital of Iceland, to extend your adventure! You'll leave carrying memories of sleeping beneath bright summer skies, cooking meals surrounded by volcanic landscapes, meeting travelers from around the world at campsites, and experiencing Iceland's nature intimately through camping. Your Ring Road camping adventure has shown you Iceland at its most authentic.