Planning a camping trip in Iceland? The Iceland Camping Card can make your journey easier and cheaper. It’s perfect for anyone renting a camper or exploring Iceland’s beautiful outdoors.
This guide will explain what the Camping Card is, how it works, and if it’s a good deal for you. Let’s dive in!
Key takeaways
The Camping Card allows you to pay a 187 USD flat fee, valid for 28 days.
You can access over 40 campsites throughout the island.
It's cost-effective for trips longer than 10 days.
The card is not transferable, and there's no refund if you lose it.
What’s the Iceland Camping Card?
The Iceland Camping Card is a prepaid pass that gives you access to many campsites around Iceland for one flat fee. It covers up to 28 nights of camping during the summer season, from spring until September 15. The card is good for a family of two adults and up to four children under 16. It’s a simple way to save money and enjoy Iceland’s stunning landscapes without paying at every campground.
How Does the Card Work?
Here’s everything you need to know about using the Camping Card, from buying it to staying at campsites.
Key Terms & Conditions
Price: In 2025, the card costs about €179 (26,000 ISK or $187). You pay this once, and it covers your camping entry fees for up to 28 nights.
What’s Included: It pays for your campsite stay. Things like showers or electricity might cost extra, and there’s a small tourist tax of 400 ISK ($2.88 or €2.76) per night you pay at each campground.
How Many People: The card covers two adults (16 and older) and up to four children (under 16). If you have more adults or use more than one tent or camper, you’ll need another card or pay extra fees.
How Many Days: You get 28 nights in total. You can use them anytime before September 15, but you can only stay up to four nights in a row at one campsite.
Buying and Using the Card
You can buy the card online at the official Camping Card website or in Iceland at places like Olís gas stations, campsites, and tourist centers. If you buy online, you’ll get an electronic version right away or a physical card mailed to you (allow a few days). After signing the back to make it valid, show the card and your ID at a campsite, where the staff will mark off one night from your 28-night total. Since the card can’t be replaced if lost or stolen and isn’t transferable—meaning only the buyer can use it—keep it safe, as misuse, like using it unsigned or trying to cover more people than allowed, can lead to campsite staff confiscating it.
To help plan your trip, the Camping Card organization offers a free mobile app for iOS and Android, which you can download from the official website. It includes a list of all partner campsites, as well as interactive maps, plus details like photos, amenities, contact info, and GPS directions. This is handy on the road, especially when you’re offline or need to find the next Camping Card campsite quickly. You’ll also get a PDF brochure and map each year highlighting campground locations, which you can pick up with your card or download online from the same site.
Let’s see if the Camping Card saves you money with some simple examples.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Without the card, campsites charge about 1,500 to 2,200 ISK ($10.80 to $15.84 or €10.35 to €15.18) per person per night. For two adults, that’s 3,000 to 4,400 ISK ($21.60 to $31.68 or €20.70 to €30.36) per night. The card costs 26,000 ISK ($187 or €179) plus the 400 ISK ($2.88 or €2.76) nightly tax.
Two Adults, 14 Nights
Without card: 14 × 3,000 ISK ($21.60 or €20.70) = 42,000 ISK ($302.40 or €289.80)
With card: 26,000 ISK ($187 or €179) + (14 × 400 ISK ($2.88 or €2.76) = 5,600 ISK ($40.32 or €38.64)) = 31,600 ISK ($227.52 or €218.04)
Savings: 10,400 ISK ($74.88 or €71.76)
Family (2 Adults, 2 Kids), 10 Nights
Without card: 10 × 3,000 ISK ($21.60 or €20.70) = 30,000 ISK ($216 or €207)
With card: 26,000 ISK ($187 or €179) + (10 × 400 ISK ($2.88 or €2.76) = 4,000 ISK ($28.80 or €27.60)) = 30,000 ISK ($216 or €207)
Savings: About even, but you skip nightly payments.
Two Adults, 28 Nights
Without card: 28 × 3,000 ISK ($21.60 or €20.70) = 84,000 ISK ($604.80 or €579.60)
With card: 26,000 ISK ($187 or €179) + (28 × 400 ISK ($2.88 or €2.76) = 11,200 ISK ($80.64 or €77.28)) = 37,200 ISK ($267.84 or €256.68)
Savings: 46,800 ISK ($336.96 or €322.92)
If you camp for more than 10 nights, the card usually pays off. It’s also easier since you don’t pay at each stop.
Other Discounts of the Camping Card
The card comes with a key fob that saves you money at Olís and ÓB gas stations. You get:
12 ISK ($0.086 or €0.083) off per liter of fuel
10% off food and drinks
15% off car products and camping gas
Coffee for 65 ISK ($0.47 or €0.45)
Fuel and food can add up on a road trip, so these discounts are a big bonus, especially with stations all over Iceland.
Conclusion
The Iceland Camping Card is an excellent pick for anyone camping in Iceland for multiple nights. It cuts costs, makes check-ins simple, and gives you extra savings on fuel and supplies. If you’re renting a camper and staying a week or more, it’s a smart choice. Check the official website for the latest campsite list and details. Grab the card, hit the road, and enjoy your Iceland adventure!
