Skaftafell Camping Review: Key Information & Tips

Overview of the Campsite

Skaftafell Camping is on Iceland’s South Coast, right off Route 1—the main road you’ll be driving. It’s about 70 km east of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, 130 km west of Höfn, and around 4 hours from Reykjavík if you’re coming from there. This place is in Vatnajökull National Park, and it’s built to welcome a lot of people—up to 400 tents can fit here, so it’s got room for plenty of people. It’s open all year, not just in summer, which is good if you’re traveling in your campervan during the off-season or want to see snow around your tent.

You’ll pay 1800 ISK per person per night, about $13.5 USD, plus extra if you want electricity (1000 ISK) or a shower (500 ISK for 5 minutes). It’s a campsite for campervans and tents–no fancy glamping or off-grid stuff, just regular camping spots.

You don’t need to book ahead unless you’re with a big group—just pull up, sign in at the reception, and pick your spot. Groups can reserve, though, especially in summer when it fills up fast. The vibe is easygoing but busy with all kinds of people: families, solo travelers, and hikers. Whether you’re in a campervan or tent, it’s a solid base for seeing what’s around.

What You Get at the Campsite

Here’s what you’ll find at Skaftafell. from its layout to its facilities and amenities.

The Setup

This place is laid out for both campervans and tents, with space for up to 400 tents total when it’s full. They’ve got eight pitches labeled A to H, and each one’s a little different. A and C are suitable for campervans—you can drive right in, park, and hook up to electricity if you grab one of the 100 plugs. These spots are split up with markers and stay open all year to keep the ground from wrecking in winter. B and D are also for vehicles with electricity, but they’re not divided, so it’s more open if you like that. E, F, and G are just for tents—no cars allowed, which keeps it quiet and gives you a flat spot to pitch. H is another mix, but it’s less strict about who goes where. There are several tables spread out throughout the camping if you want to eat outside your van.

The whole campground’s open all year round, so you can go anytime. Campervans get enough room to be comfortable, and tent spots are solid even when it’s windy.

Facilities

Toilets here are clean and modern, with hot showers (you pay for)—nice after a long day. You’ve got drinking water all year too, indoors in winter so it doesn’t freeze, and outside sinks for washing dishes. There’s no kitchen, so you must cook in your van or on a stove you bring.

Other important information

Electricity is available for campervans, but only 100 spots have it, so get in early if you need to plug in—especially on pitches A, B, C, or D.), and they have a washer and dryer if your clothes get muddy. There is no store on-site, though, so load up on food and gear before you arrive. Wi-Fi is free at the Visitor Center (ask for directions

Cleanliness & Crowds

They keep it clean, even when it’s full. The eight pitches are a good idea to prevent agglomerations, but in summer, it still feels busy. You might wait for showers or sinks if everyone’s there at once.

Things to See and Do Nearby

If you’re wondering what’s worth checking out around Skaftafell, here’s what you can walk to or drive to from the campsite.

Nature Around You

There’s a lot to see right outside your campervan or tent at Skaftafell. One easy walk is to Svartifoss waterfall—it takes about 45 minutes from the campsite. It’s not a huge fall, but the black basalt columns around it look like something carved by hand. It’s quite a unique sight. The trail’s pretty straightforward, mostly uphill on the way there, so take your time if you’re not used to hiking.

Another close one is Skaftafellsjökull glacier, which is about 30 minutes away on foot. You’ll see this big tongue of ice spilling down from the mountains. You can’t walk on it without a guide, but just standing there feels wild.

If you’ve got more time, head to Morsárdalur valley. It’s a longer hike, a few hours round trip, and quieter than the shorter trails. You’ll pass flat meadows, little streams, and maybe some sheep if you’re lucky. The farther you go, the more it opens up, with mountains all around.

Another good one is Kristínartindar Peak. This hike is tougher, maybe 5-6 hours total, but the top gives you a view that’s hard to beat: glaciers, valleys, and, on a clear day, the coast in the distance. It’s steep in spots, so bring decent shoes. The trails start from the Visitor Center near the campsite, so you don’t need to drive anywhere.

Activities

As we explained, Skaftafell’s main thing is hiking, but it is also a great spot if you’re into glacier experiences. There are companies like Icelandic Mountain Guides right there that offer glacier hikes, for example. A basic glacier walk is a couple of hours. If you’re up for more, they also do ice climbing. That’s a full day, and it’s not for the faint of heart, but it will be one of the highlights of your trip. They’ve also got cave tours in winter when the ice is solid. You duck into these blue tunnels under the glacier, where you can admire the stunning ice formations that change yearly. It’s tight in spots, so think twice if you don’t like small spaces, but it’s something you won’t find in many places.

Places Nearby (Within Driving Distance)

Skaftafell Camping is located near some amazing natural wonders on the South Coast, which you can visit before, after, or even during your stay.

About 50 minutes east on Route 1 is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. It’s a lake full of icebergs breaking off a glacier, floating around like giant sculptures. You can park right by it, walk along the edge, and watch seals pop up sometimes. Across the road is Diamond Beach, where those icebergs wash up on black sand. Some are clear like glass, others cloudy, and they’re all over the shore. It’s an easy stop—maybe 10 minutes from the lagoon parking to the beach—and you’ll want your camera.

Why You Might Like It (or Not)

Here are some arguments to help you decide whether Skaftafell Camping is for you or not.

Pros

• The views are hard to beat—glaciers and waterfalls all around
• Campervans get space and power
• The price is decent for a national park
• Open all-year-round

Cons

• Summer gets crowded, and the facilities can feel too busy.
• No indoor cooking means you’re outside, even when it’s cold
• Extra costs for showers and electricity add up.

It’s a basic campsite in a great location with great views. That’s how I’d describe it.

Weather and When to Go

Let’s go over the weather at Skaftafell and when it’s best to visit.

The Weather at Skaftafell

Skaftafell’s a little easier weather-wise than some other spots in Iceland because a big glacier nearby, called Öræfajökull, blocks part of the wind that hits the coast. It’s still cool and windy most of the time, though. In summer, it’s usually 10-15°C (50-60°F). That’s nice if the sun’s out, but it can feel colder quickly if clouds move in. Winter’s different—it drops below freezing, mostly staying just under 0°C (32°F), and you’ll see snow here and there, especially from December to February. It rains all year round, and when it’s windy, too, it can feel pretty harsh, even if it’s not a big downpour.

Best Time to Go

June to August works well if you want warmer days and good hiking. The ground’s mostly dry, the sun’s up almost constantly, and it’s easier to camp without feeling cold. It’s busy then, though, so you’ll have plenty of company.

September to March is the opposite—way fewer people, and the place feels quieter. You might see the Northern Lights on a clear night, especially around January or February, but it’s cold, and some trails get icy or covered in snow.

May or October are kind of in the middle—fewer people than summer, not as cold as winter, but you’ll still get cool days and some rain.

What to Pack

Layering is key in Iceland because the weather changes fast—one minute, it’s calm, and the next, it’s cold and windy. You’ll want clothes you can add or take off to stay comfortable. Here’s what to bring:

• A sweater or fleece for warmth you can remove if it’s mild.
• A waterproof jacket since rain can hit quickly, even on a walk.
• A hoodie or light jacket to block the wind—gusts pick up near the glacier.
• Gloves and a hat for chilly summer mornings or nights.
• Thicker socks and a scarf in winter when it’s extra cold standing outside your van or tent.

Tips for Camping

Here are some handy pointers to make your stay at Skaftafell easier.

Campervan Advice

Show up early for an electricity spot—there are only 100. Fill your gas tank and charge your battery in case you miss out.

Tent Tips

Pick spots E, F, or G for quiet, away from cars. Tie your tent down tight—it gets windy.

Cooking

You can use a small stove or your van’s kitchen. The dish sinks are handy, but go early or late to avoid the crowds.

Timing

Shower or wash clothes in the morning to avoid lines. Same for sinks or toilets.

Gear That Helps

A windbreak or awning is nice, especially for tents. It cuts the wind and gives shade.

Final Thoughts

Skaftafell Camping isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a way to be in Iceland’s wild nature. For campervans, it’s close to perfect: space, power, and views you’ll remember. Tent campers get the same great spot with a simple setup. Sure, summer’s busy, and the extra fees aren’t ideal, but that’s small stuff compared to what you’re there for. I’d say it’s 4 out of 5 stars—good for adventurers, families, or anyone who likes waking up to nature.