Aurora Borealis – or the Northern Lights – is one of the most enchanting natural phenomena on our planet. If you’re planning a trip, Iceland is one of the best destinations to see the northern lights dance in the sky. And what better way to observe the night skies than from the doorstep of your luxury tent? Iceland may not sound like a typical place for camping sites, but glamping in the middle of nature is pretty chill. Are you ready for your winter adventure? Here are our tips for the best camping sites in Iceland to see the Northern Lights.
Most Romantic Campsites in Iceland
Reykjavik Domes Deluxe Dome
- Reykjavik Domes – For a romantic getaway to view the Northern Lights in Iceland, The Deluxe Domes at Reykjavik Domes are ideal. Each comes with a cozy king bed, a wood burner, and a private hot tub. There’s also a panoramic window for clear views of the Northern Lights.
- Sky sighting Igluhus – Couples will love the spectacular view of the Northern Lights from this property’s dome-shaped tents. With windows on the ceiling and all sides, you won’t have to leave your bed when the lights appear. There’s also a campsite hot tub and scenic views of the mountains and fjords.
Iceland Campsites with the Best Facilities
- Asahruan Guesthouse – This campsite’s luxury barrels have all the comforts of home. Each barrel features comfortable beds and an ensuite bath. Other facilities include a hot tub and a shared kitchen with everything you need from stovetops to microwaves.
- Nattura Yurtel – These spacious and stylish yurts offer a variety of modern amenities. You’ll have electricity, a plumbed toilet, plus hot and cold running water. There’s also underfloor heating and shower facilities onsite.
Best Campsite Near Reykjavik
Reykjavik Domes is just 10 minutes from downtown Reykjavik and offers amenities you would expect to find in luxury hotels. Despite being a short drive away, it still feels like a private location surrounded by greenery. However, past guests have noted the occasional sounds of cars in the background.
Cheapest Campsites in Iceland
- Fossatun Camping Pods & Cottages – The best time to view the Northern Lights in Iceland is from fall to early spring. If you book your stay in one of the camping pods between October and March, you’ll pay the lowest rate. You’ll enjoy the Northern Lights and pay as little as $65 USD per night.
- Framtid Camping Lodging Barrels – This campsite’s Triple rooms are also a lower-priced option. Book from October to April and you’ll enjoy viewing the Northern lights for as low as $132 USD per night.
Best Time to See Northern Lights in Iceland
Iceland’s location near the Arctic Circle makes it a prime spot to witness the Northern Lights. The best months for Northern Lights activity in Iceland are from late September to early April. This period has the longest nights and the highest chance of witnessing the lights. The country’s remote areas offer clear dark skies that are essential for viewing. Winter provides the best viewing conditions but be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions. Check the forecasts for the best Northern Lights viewing conditions during your visit. With this in mind, here are the 9 best campsites in Iceland.
1. Ásahraun Guesthouse
Ásahraun Guesthouse is a glamping site near Selfoss, about 1-hour drive east of Iceland’s capital Reykjavik. At this site, you can stay in tiny timber homes shaped like wine barrels, but with all the comforts of a little holiday home. Enjoy your ensuite bathroom, a selection of coffee and teas, a kettle, and even a little fridge. Outside, a hot tub invites you to watch the skies in ultimate comfort. The shared kitchen offers all the equipment you need for meal preparations, from stovetops to a microwave and cutlery. Ásahraun Guesthouse is located near the Kerid Crater, an incredible caldera that’s certainly worth visiting. Due to the lack of towns around, light pollution is non-existent, making for excellent northern light observations.
- Guest Reviews: The barrels had everything we needed, including a kitchen. We really enjoyed the hot tub.
- Accommodation: luxury barrels
- Address: Ásahraun Flóahreppi, 801 Selfoss, Iceland
2. Camp Boutique
Camp Boutique is also based in the Selfoss area near the Atlantic Ocean’s shoreline. From Reykjavik, you’ll only have to drive one hour to get here. Rather than timber barrels, this glamping site boasts a collection of splendid tents. Depending on the number of travel companions, you can pick the Deluxe Double or Deluxe Family tents. All of the accommodations are tastefully decorated, with unique rugs and designer furniture to make yourself comfortable. A basket with books and magazines provides you with entertainment on snuggly nights. Amenities like shared bathrooms, a kitchen, and a warm living room can be found in the service house. Within walking distance from the property, you can access a black sand beach, a typical Icelandic feature.
- Guest Reviews: Amazing place. Close to the beach. We saw the amazing northern lights too.
- Accommodation: Tents
- Address: Loftsstaðir – Vestri, 825 Gaulverjabær, Iceland
3. Náttúra Yurtel
This classy camp is conveniently located within the Golden Circle, a popular touristic route that combines several remarkable sights. Within a breeze, you’ll be standing beside the thundering Gullfoss waterfall and the mighty Geysir complex. Náttúra Yurtel houses yurt tents, which overlook stunning valleys and mountains in the distance. Inside, all modernities are at guests’ disposal: a shower, sink with a mirror, and even sofas for a relaxing evening. Alternatively, you can use the common lounge, where you can meet fellow travelers. No lights around the property will disturb your encounter with the beguiling northern lights. A simple yet comforting breakfast is included in the rate, making for an excellent base for a day of exploring.
- Guest Reviews: Our yurt was spacious and stylish, with amazing decorations. It was a great place to watch the Northern Lights.
- Accommodation: Yurtel
- Address: Kjóastaðir 2 Bláskógabyggð, 801 Haukadalur, Iceland
4. Camp Boutique – Original North
Located in the north of Iceland, this glamping site gives guests easy access to some of the country’s most magnificent places. Venture for Husavik, Iceland’s whale watching capital, or the striking Myvatn lake. Being far away from civilization, this camp serves as an ideal location for watching the majestic aurora in the colder months. Its location along a river delta in northern Iceland’s countryside is truly incredible. Inside the carpeted tents, you’ll have a comfy bed, lounge chairs, and even a dining set. There’s also a shared kitchen, where you can prepare your meals and use chairs and tables. Toilet and shower facilities are communal-based but close to the tents.
- Guest Reviews: The tent was simply awesome, we didn’t expect so much privacy and luxury. The setting and the views were gorgeous.
- Accommodation: Luxury tents
- Address: Vað 1 Þingeyjarsveit, 641 Aðaldalur, Iceland
5. Glamping & Camping
If you’re looking for a genuinely adventurous experience, head for Glamping & Camping on the remote Vestmannaeyjar island. Glamping & Camping has lovely chalets and wooden barrel houses on their terrain. The cosy house’s interior is basic yet comfortable, with two single beds, two chairs, a heater, and a window that provides mountain views. Additionally, a wooden patio and seats in front of the door make for an open-air theatre when the northern lights appear. If you’re not exploring the island, hanging out in the communal living room is a neat way of passing the time. Within walking distance, a swimming pool and golf course await. To reach this quaint camping on Vestmannaeyjar or Westman Island, take a ferry from Landeyjahöfn on the mainland of Iceland.
- Guest Reviews: Our cabin was warm and comfy. The view at night of the Northern Lights was amazing.
- Accommodation: Cottages & bungalows
- Address: Herjólfsdalur, 900 Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland
6. Sky sighting Iglúhús
Sky sighting Iglúhús is based in a settlement called Litli-Árskógssandur, located in the far north of Iceland. The dome-shaped tents at this glamping camp have windows in the ceiling. You won’t have to leave your bed to see the sky come alive. Each tent boasts a double bed, a small table with chairs, a kettle, a toaster, hot drinks, and a sink with soap. The scenery around the camp is one of its major strengths; the vistas of a fjord and snow-capped peaks are breathtaking. In the fjord, whales regularly appear and surprise guests staying at Sky sighting Iglúhús. If walking around isn’t enough, you can soak up the views from the campsite’s hot tub. Both WiFi and free parking spaces are available at the property.
- Guest Reviews: Our igloo-style room had everything we needed. We watched the Northern lights from our bed the first night.
- Accommodation: Dome
- Address: Árbakka, 621 Litli-Árskógssandur, Iceland
7. Fossatun Camping Pods & Cottages
Just 90 kilometres north of downtown Reykjavik sits Fossatun Camping Pods & Cottages. Within a forested area, there are a dozen timber pods and a few chalets for rent. Unwind in the countryside near the town of Reykholt, where hot springs and a historical house have become major tourist attractions. The cute pods are equipped with a double bed, a bench with cushions, and a table with chairs. Additionally, a heater and insulated walls make it nice and toasty inside during chilly nights. In the main camping facility, you can find showers, toilets, washing machines, and dryers. Meals are served at Fossatún Rock’ n’ Troll Bistro & Café throughout the day, and guests can use the kitchen in this building.
- Guest Reviews: Our camping pod was so warm and comfortable. We loved the hot tubs and the last night we saw the Northern Lights.
- Accommodation: Camping pods & cottages
- Address: Fossatun, 311 Fossatún, Iceland
8. Reykjavik Domes
If you’re looking for a place closer to civilization, Reykjavik Domes might be your camping spot of choice. The epic dome-shaped tents here are top-notch, with extravagant amenities you won’t even get in many upscale hotels. Pamper yourself in the Deluxe Dome with quality time around the log burner. Or, head outside for a dip in your private hot tub and enjoy the scenery. Both the Standard Dome and the Deluxe Dome come with a snuggly king bed, an armchair, and a fantastic wood burner. While the Deluxe Dome has an ensuite bathroom, guests in the Standard Domes have to use the shared bathroom facilities on the grounds. A kitchen for sharing and small dining tables are available within the camping’s main building. All around this glamping terrain, you’ll get to enjoy splendid mountain views.
- Guest Reviews: The domes were an enjoyable place to stay and the fireplace was so easy to use. The hot tub was amazing.
- Accommodation: Domes
- Address: Gufunesvegur, 112 Reykjavík, Iceland
9. Framtid Camping Lodging Barrels
In the town of Djúpivogur, far east of Iceland, Framtid Camping Lodging Barrels consists of tiny timber homes. Surrounded by fjords, a delightful harbour town, and majestic mountains, this camp is hard to beat location-wise. You’ll find three single beds, a table, and chairs within the barrels. This accommodation doesn’t provide a sleeping bag, so bring your own for a good night’s sleep. Other linens are available at the property for an additional fee. The service centre at this campsite has restrooms and showers, as well as a minimarket and laundry facilities. Since the east of Iceland is very sparsely populated, it’s easy to drive out of Djúpivogur and see the northern lights in an unspoiled manner.
- Guest Reviews: Our barrel was surprisingly roomy and comfortable. The views were incredible.
- Accommodation: Barrels
- Address: Miðhus, 765 Djúpivogur, Iceland
Iceland Camping Sites Map
Also read:
- 18 Best Luxury Hotels in Reykjavik Iceland to see Northern Lights
- 23 Best Natural Wonders to See in Iceland
- 22 Best Iceland Tours to see Northern Lights
Find More Camping Sites in Iceland
Iceland Campsite Accommodation
| Iceland Camping Sites | Accommodation |
| Ásahraun Guesthouse | luxury barrels |
| Camp Boutique | Tents |
| Náttúra Yurtel | Yurtel |
| Camp Boutique – Original North | Luxury tents |
| Glamping & Camping | Cottages & bungalows |
| Sky sighting Iglúhús | Dome |
| Fossatun Camping Pods & Cottages | Camping pods & cottages |
| Reykjavik Domes | Domes |
| Framtid Camping Lodging Barrels | Barrels |
