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Camping in Austurland, best sites and tips

Camping is a great way of connecting with nature and even as far north as Iceland, so long as you have warm and weatherproof gear, it’s a pleasant experience. Many of East Iceland’s top sites are located within sight of the region’s most extraordinary views, which only adds to the appeal. In this article, we’ll offer a few suggestions for anyone hoping to go camping in Austurland, from the best sites to our tried and tested tips.
24.06.2025
Photographer: Þráinn Kolbeinsson
Photographer: Þráinn Kolbeinsson

East Iceland campsites that you won’t want to miss

 

    • Hallormsstaður

Open from late April or May until late September or October

What makes it special: there are actually two sites here in the forest. Surrounded by trees, you’ll be close to myriad hiking trails immersing those who stay here in nature.

    • Reyðarfjörður

Open May 1st to September 30th

What makes it special: this lovely site is located beside the pond at the edge of the village but you’ll still be close to local facilities.

    • Borgarfjörður eystri

Open May 3rd to September 25th

What makes it special: you’ll be camping at the base of the Álfaborg, which is home to the Queen of the Elves. Reservations aren’t possible but it’s a spacious site.

    • Stuðlagil Canyon (at Grund)

Open May to October

What makes it special: in recent years word has spread about this place and visitor numbers have grown. You’ll be ahead of the pack if you overnight here.

    • Djúpivogur

Open year round though facilities are more limited outside the main summer season

What makes it special: you’re positioned with a great view of the harbour and of course the facilities within the village are close by.

    • Stóra Sandfell in Skriðdalur

Open from late spring to early autumn

What makes it special: Set in a peaceful valley surrounded by mountains and forest, Stóra-Sandfell offers a quiet, scenic base close to nature

Note that details are subject to change, so always double check availability particularly when travelling early or late in the season. There’s little variation in price; expect to pay around 2100 ISK per night plus the cost of extras such as showering.

Tent Photographer: Jessica Auer

Tips for anyone planning a camping trip in East Iceland

 

    • Bring an eye mask in summer

 Iceland’s northerly latitude means that the difference in length between winter and summer days is considerable. With more than 22 hours of daylight in Egilsstaðir in June, you’re going to be attempting to sleep before or after it is dark. Wearing an eye mask will help as you can fool yourself that it’s not light until you choose to wake up and start your day.

    • Make flexible plans if camping off season

 Iceland’s weather can be notoriously changeable and in that respect there’s no difference between Austurland and anywhere else in the country. Occasionally storms can hinder travel and you may have to spend an extra night at a campsite or deal with windier or wetter conditions than would be ideal.

    • Wild camping’s generally off-limits

 Designated campsites are located all over East Iceland and you shouldn’t have too much difficulty finding a place to pitch your tent. Wild camping regulations were tightened up a while back to ensure Iceland’s fragile landscapes were protected, so unless you have formal permission from a landowner, you won’t be able to camp elsewhere.

    • Make sure you bring some cash

 A move to contactless transactions and payments by phone mean that we use less cash than we once did. However, there are still occasions where you’ll need some real money. Showers and laundry facilities at some camp grounds only take coins, so make sure you aren’t reliant on card payments like you might be during the rest of your stay.

CampingPhotographer: Jessica Auer