Not many major cities have a camping ground close to the center where you can park your campervan and spend the night. Luckily for you, Reykjavik is one of them. The camping culture is strong in Iceland, and while most of the campsites around the country are located in the middle of its amazing natural environment, there are a few in the heart of many of the towns and cities. That’s the case of the Reykjavik Eco Campsite, an environmentally friendly option for campervan travelers close to all the great things this city has to offer.
In this little guide, we’ll explain everything there is to know about this camping site.
Key Takeaways
Unbelievable location: It’s really close to Reykjavik’s center.
Great for campervans: There are separate areas for campers and caravans, with or without electricity hookups.
Pet friendly: Pets are allowed on the premises.
Laundry: There are washing machines and dryers, but they are charged separately.
Stay connected: Free and fast Wi-Fi is available at the campsite.
Overview of the Campsite
Situated in the Laugardalur district, just 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) east of Reykjavik’s city center, Reykjavik Eco Campsite is a great opportunity to stay in the country’s capital if you’re traveling in a campervan. Its location is the perfect balance between being close enough to the city’s main attractions while being surrounded by enough green spaces to not feel surrounded by concrete. It takes around 30 minutes to get to the city center on foot. If you don’t feel like walking, there’s a bus stop just in front of the campsite’s entrance with a direct line to the center.
The camping ground is open year-round, and it’s pretty big. It can accommodate up to 900 people between campers, caravans, and tents. Each one of them has its own part of the campsite, separate but all connected.
Apart from its fantastic location, the campsite’s eco-conscious approach is another positive point. Certified by EarthCheck for sustainability since 2011, it prioritizes recycling, energy efficiency, and waste reduction. There are also “swap shelves” where travelers leave food or other articles, such as camping gear, for others, creating a sense of community and cutting waste. In spite of being inside the city, the area surrounding Reykjavik Eco Campsite is quite green. The camping ground has flat grassy pitches, so travelers can feel they are in a more rural setting. There’s no dramatic volcanic backdrop here, but the urban-nature blend has its own charm.
Amenities are practical and modern, clean, and in good condition, designed with campervan travelers in mind. There are electrical hookups for campers and caravans. Then, there’s a common area with a guest kitchen with stovetops and sinks, a barbecue area, toilets, hot showers, a recycling point, and a water filling station. And there’s free Wi-Fi, which is fast and available at the entire campsite! Laundry facilities (card-operated, with soap provided) and luggage storage are available for a fee, while small boxes with power outlets are available to keep your things safe. All the facilities have wheelchair access. A wastewater station is a short drive away at Klettagarðar 14, ensuring you can keep your campervan in check.
Prices
Now let’s get into the campsite’s prices. Before getting into detail, it’s crucial to know that booking online gets you a discount. So, if you want to save some Krona, make a reservation on their website.
The price for a campervan without electricity, including one adult, is 3,555 ISK (€24 or $27) per night, plus 2,970 ISK (€20.40 or $23.15) per person aged 13 and older. These pitches are 5 meters long (16.5 feet).
If you want electricity, the pitches are bigger, up to 8 meters (26.2 feet), and the price for it plus one adult is 5,355 ISK (€36.80 or $41.70) per night.
Then they have the supersize pitches, with electricity included, which are between 8 and 12 meters long (26.2 to 39 feet). The price for one of those, plus one adult, is 6,615 ISK (€45.40 or $51.50) per night.
Finally, you also have the option to leave your campervan in the parking area and rent a pitch for a tent. These come at 3,285 ISK (€22.50 or $25.60) per adult.
The price for every additional adult (13 or older), in any of the sections described before, is the same: 2,970 ISK (€20.40 or $23.15) per person per night. Children (12 or younger) can stay for free.
So, for example, two adults in a campervan with a power hookup would pay 8,325 ISK (€57.22 or $64.85) per night. Without electricity, it would be 6,525 ISK (€44.85 or $50.85). Prices are higher than rural Icelandic campsites but reflect the prime location and facilities.
Check-in is after 1 PM, and check-out must be done before 11 AM. The reception opening hours are from 7.30 AM to 10 PM. The camping ground is open year-round, but the area for tents is closed in winter.
What You Get at the Campsite
This campsite is one of the most well-equipped in the whole country. Here's what you'll find there in a nutshell.
The Setup
The campsite is divided into areas for tents, caravans, and campervans, with flat, grassy pitches that make leveling easy. The two main zones are called Area A and Area B. Area A is for campervans, caravans, and RVs. Inside this zone, there are pitches organized in three different sizes:
Small camper. Up to 5 meters (16.5 feet), no electricity.
Caravan and RV. Up to 8 meters (26.2 feet), with electricity.
Supersize. Up to 12 meters (39 feet), with electricity.
The three zones are also sorted by colors, with Small being orange, yellow for Caravan and RV, and blue for Supersize. The access code system means you can roll in, pick a spot, and settle without fuss. No tents are allowed in this area for safety reasons.
Area B is only for tents and small campers, and has no electricity. This area has its own toilets, showers, and recycling points, but they can also use the ones in the common area. This area is closed in winter.
Everything is well organized, with clear signage and a map provided at booking.
Facilities
Expect solid basics tailored for campervan life. The guest kitchen has stovetops, sinks, and counters, though you’ll need your own cookware (unless you find some treasures in the swap shelves). Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained, and they are wheelchair-accessible. The hot showers are included in the price, which is not common in other campsites in Iceland.
There are outdoor sinks and a BBQ area, but again, you need to bring your own grill. As mentioned before, Wi-Fi is free, fast, and reliable, perfect for planning your route for the following day. The common area also has a laundry room, with 3 washing machines and three dryers, but bear in mind that only card payments are accepted. There are storage options such as lockable boxes and paid luggage space. On the other hand, there are no equipment rentals, so bring everything you need.
Other Important Information
It’s necessary to book online, and you must be 18 or accompanied by an adult to make a reservation. Once you make your reservation, you’ll receive a four-digit code that gives access to the campsite, so there’s no problem if you arrive after the reception is closed.
Pets are allowed, and the site has strict fire safety rules—no open flames except in the BBQ zone. A grocery store, Krambúðin, is a 5-minute walk away, with a larger Krónan supermarket 15 minutes on foot. For gas canisters, there’s an N1 station about 10 minutes away on foot. The emergency services phone number is 112, and the campsite’s contact is +354 553 8110.
Cleanliness and Crowds
The facilities are generally well-maintained, with daily cleaning. Bathrooms and kitchens can get busy during peak season, but the staff keeps things tidy. Summer is the busiest time of the year, with travelers from all over the world. It’s much quieter in the rest of the seasons, but you’ll still probably meet someone in the kitchen.
Things to See and Do Nearby
You can do plenty of things while using the Reykjavik Eco Campsite as a base.
Activities
Reykjavík’s city center is quite close to the Reykjavík Eco Campsite. You can get there by bus or on foot and see the main attractions in the city. But you don’t need to move much to start enjoying what the city has to offer, as there are several things you can do near the camping ground.
You can start with Laugardalslaug, the city’s largest geothermal pool, which is literally next door. Its facilities include a 50m outdoor pool, an outdoor children’s pool, a paddling pool, two waterslides, numerous hot tubs, a steam bath, a volleyball court, and a mini golf course.
10 minutes away on foot through a park, you can get to the Reykjavík Zoo and Family Park, with Icelandic animals and a petting area (great for kids). Right next door is the Botanical Gardens of Reykjavik, which has woods, ponds, and birdlife. It’s also home to the lovely Café Flóra.
Places Nearby (Within Driving Distance)
One of the perks of staying in Reykjavik in your campervan is that you’re not limited to the city. There are many amazing natural sites less than one hour away. If you drive for 45 minutes, you can get to one of the best tourist routes in the country, the Golden Circle. It has three main stops -Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss waterfall- and many secondary ones.
Another great option, 30 minutes south of Reykjavik, is the most famous geothermal spa in Iceland: The Blue Lagoon. This place offers the opportunity to relax in its milky blue waters in the middle of an amazing lava field.
Why You Might Like the Reykjavik Eco Campsite (or not)
I would highly recommend staying here, but it also has its downsides. Let's have a look at some pros and cons so you can make an educated choice.
Pros
Prime location: Minutes away from Reykjavik’s city center.
Eco Policy: Sustainable practices like swap shelves and recycling feel good.
Campervan-friendly: Electrical hookups and easy access.
Year-round access: Open even in winter for campervan travelers.
Cons
Pricey for Iceland: Higher costs than rural campsites.
Busy in summer: The common areas can feel a bit crowded.
No gear rentals: You need to bring your own equipment.
The Weather in Reykjavík
Reykjavík’s weather, and Iceland’s in general, is famously unpredictable and changes a lot. Summer (June–August) brings mild days (10–15°C/50–59°F), near-endless daylight, and occasional rain showers. Autumn (September and October) cools to 0–8°C (32–46°F), with stronger winds and more chances of rain. Winter (November to March) hovers around -5–3°C (23–37°F), with snow, ice, and short days (4–5 hours of light). On the other hand, it’s when the Northern Lights happen. Spring (April and May) warms slightly (0–10°C/32–50°F). Rain and wind are constants—pack layers and waterproof clothes year-round.
Best Time to Go
Summer (late May to early September) is ideal for campervan travelers. Long days mean more time to explore, milder weather makes driving easier, and all facilities are open. June and August are less crowded than July, offering a balance of good weather and space. Winter camping is possible, but the days are quite short and the many roads can be closed due to the weather. April or September are sweet spots for budget travelers—fewer crowds, lower costs, and decent weather.
What to Pack
Iceland's weather is truly unpredictable, so packing smart is key.
Reykjavík Eco Campsite is a great option to stay in the capital if you’re traveling in a campervan. It’s close to the city center and all the landmarks in town, but also close enough to great natural monuments. It’s a sustainable, welcoming, and well-maintained camping ground.
