Where Nature Feels Close, and the Crowds Feel Far Away

If you're the kind of traveler who likes to take the scenic detour, this Off-the-Ring Road Edition is for you. These campsites may sit just a little beyond Iceland’s main Route 1, but they offer stunning settings, peaceful vibes, and a real sense of discovery—without needing a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle.

Whether you're in a rental car or campervan, these are places worth turning off for.

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Why Choose Off-the-Ring Road Campsites?

• Good access – suitable for all vehicles, no F-roads required
• Incredible scenery – from coastal cliffs to green fjords and volcanic deserts
• Unique locations – nearby landmarks, local farms, hot springs, or sleepy villages
• Atmosphere matters – each site has a special feel, whether remote, cozy, or artsy

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15 of the Prettiest Off-the-Ring Road Campsites in Iceland:

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1. Reykir – Grettislaug (Northwest)

Tucked by the sea near Sauðárkrókur, this coastal campsite offers ocean views and access to Grettislaug, a naturally heated pool with Viking legends tied to it. It's simple, rustic, and magical at sunset.

Why go? Camp next to a natural hot spring with mountain and ocean views.

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2. Arnarstapi Campsite (Snæfellsnes Peninsula)

This charming village campsite is located near cliffs, sea arches, and the famous Snæfellsjökull glacier. Great facilities, beautiful walks, and a very photogenic area.

Why go? Seaside cliffs, basalt formations, and epic sunset walks.

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3. Borgarfjörður Eystri Campsite (Eastfjords)

This campsite is nestled in one of Iceland’s most dramatic fjords. It’s a dream for hikers and birdwatchers, offering access to puffin colonies and the incredible Víknaslóðir hiking trails.

Why go? Remote fjord village with mountain magic and puffins.

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4. Þakgil (Thakgil) Campsite (Near Vík)

A fairytale canyon surrounded by mossy cliffs and black volcanic peaks. Gravel access is fine for most cars. There’s a cozy cave dining area, scenic hikes, and a magical, quiet vibe.

Why go? One of Iceland’s best-kept secrets, full of mood and beauty.

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5. Hallormsstaður Atlavík Campsite (East Iceland)

Located in Iceland’s largest forest beside Lake Lagarfljót, this spot offers lakeside camping, pine trees, and nature trails. Ideal for families or those seeking quiet time in the trees.

Why go? Forest vibes in a country that rarely has trees.

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6. Gardur Campsite (Reykjanes Peninsula)

At the edge of Iceland’s southwest coast, this lighthouse-adjacent campsite offers epic ocean views and birdwatching, close to the airport but far from the crowds.

Why go? The perfect first or last night stop with seaside charm.

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7. Hauganes Campsite (North Iceland)

A cozy campsite, located in laid-back village with whale-watching tours, hot tubs, sea baths. The campsite is well-kept and sits just by the sea.

Why go? Whales, hot tubs, and peaceful fjord views.

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8. Haukafell Campsite (Southeast)

A peaceful forest campsite near Vatnajökull National Park, ideal for those seeking quiet before or after visiting glacier lagoons and Diamond Beach.

Why go? Off-grid feeling with views of Europe’s largest glacier.

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9. Hellissandur Campsite (Snæfellsnes Peninsula)

Close to the wild beaches of western Snæfellsnes, this artistic little town offers a colorful campsite with mountain and ocean backdrops.

Why go? Street art meets glacier scenery.

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10. Herjólfsdalur Glamping & Camping (Westman Islands)

Accessible by ferry, this unique site sits in a volcanic crater on Heimaey. Surrounded by cliffs and puffins, it's one of the most dramatic places to pitch a tent in Iceland.

Why go? Camp in a volcanic bowl with puffins above.

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11. Heydalur Campsite (Westfjords)

A hidden gem offering a charming farmhouse vibe, with a natural hot pool, on-site restaurant, horses, and an indoor greenhouse spa. It's part of a family-run guesthouse.

Why go? Wild, green, and completely cozy.

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12. Hveravík Campsite (Eastfjords)

A lesser-known spot with views of the Arctic sea, fjord cliffs, and wildlife. It’s quiet, with minimal light pollution—ideal for aurora watching if you're here late in the season.

Why go? Silence, stars, and pure Icelandic calm.

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13. Möðrudalur / Fjalladýrð Campsite (North Highlands Access)

Located on a high plateau with panoramic views, this campsite includes a family-run guesthouse, turf church, and café. It’s the highest inhabited farm in Iceland and a gateway to Askja.

Why go? Traditional Icelandic charm and unmatched sky views, possibility to meet tamed artic foxes.

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14. Melanes Campsite (Westfjords)

Located near Rauðisandur, the red sand beach of the Westfjords, Melanes Campsite feels like a secret world. The area is expansive, peaceful, and otherworldly, with dramatic cliffs and sea views stretching for miles. The gravel steep road leads to this gem.

Why go? Camp on the edge of a red sand beach with views that feel untouched and wild. Ideal for photographers, sunset lovers, and solitude seekers.

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15. Mánárbakki Campsite (Tjörnes Peninsula, North Iceland)

Perched on a cliff along the scenic Tjörnes peninsula, this lesser-known campsite offers dramatic views over the Arctic Sea. It’s simple and rarely crowded, but the location is unforgettable.

Why go? Cliffside camping with wide-open skies, ocean air. A perfect quiet retreat.

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Planning Tips

• Best season: Most are open from Apri to September
• Booking: Most campsites in Iceland operate on a “first come, first served” basis. It’s rare for a campsite to be fully booked, though it can occasionally happen during the peak summer season—especially in popular towns.
• Access: All reachable with standard 2WD cars (Melanes can be hard to reach)
• Extras: Many are near hiking trails, natural pools, or local cafés

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Use Our Ultimate Iceland Map

Our Ultimate Iceland Map includes all these locations, along with:

• Free shelters and mountain huts
• All campsites
• Hot springs and hidden springs
• Hiking routes
• Cafes and restaurants

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In Summary

These off-the-Ring Road campsites are perfect for travelers who want something extra—whether it’s geothermal waters, coastal cliffs, forests, or a peaceful night under the stars. Just a short detour off Route 1 can reward you with Iceland's true magic.