Reykjavík Eco Campsite

Reykjavík Campsite is a five-star eco-friendly campsite located right in the middle of Iceland’s largest city.  It’s an extremely popular overnight choice for tourists and can accommodate 900 people in tents, cabins, cars or caravans. Because of its large size, individual reservations are not taken, but please call 354.568.6944 prior to your arrival if you are traveling in a large group. While the campsite is open all year, reception hours will vary with the seasons. From May 1 through September, someone will be available to assist you at all hours.  From October through May, if the reception is closed, check in at the Hostel Reception next door. For cabin reservations, please email [email protected] with your request (minimum of three nights confirmed with credit card). Please see their website for the most recent pricing and amenities.

Reykjavík Campsite belongs to the city and is run by Hostelling International (HI) Iceland, which strongly values sustainability. Electricity is available for caravans, and adapters can be rented. There are luggage and storage lockers for your valuables as well as washing machines and dryers for your laundry. There is also free Wi-Fi available in and around the reception area.  Next door, City Hostel shares some of these facilities. Check out the campsite’s Travel FAQs and Facebook page for more information and travel tips. If you need to rent any equipment, there are two locations in town; Gangleri Outfitters and Fjalla Kofinn. 

Various tours are offered in cooperation with Hosteling International and can be purchased at the reception. There is free-pickup right at the campsite for many of them! Some of the opportunities include the Blue Lagoon, Geysir and Strokkur and Gulfoss in the Golden Circle, Viðey Island, Whale Watching, Þórsmörk Bus Ticket, Landmannalaugar Bus Ticket, Skaftafell Hiking Tour (Núpsstaðarskógar), Laugavegur Hiking Tour: Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk,  Fimmvorduhals Hiking Tour: Þórsmörk to Skógar Hiking Tour. You can learn more about these opportunities on their website and pre-book by emailing [email protected].

Car and bike rentals are also available for you to explore Iceland on your own. Please note that the car’s driver must be at least 20 years old and have a valid driver’s license and a valid credit card. Parking inside the camping area is very limited and is closed off from 2300 to 0700, but there is also parking in front of the campsite next to the hostel. (The Caravan area is open 24 hours a day.)  Bicycles are available in different sizes with helmets included (plenty available). There are also facilities to store flattened bike boxes. Many beautiful biking routes are only a short distance away including Ægissíða, the paved path that navigates the city’s coast along with Seltjarnarnes.

Reykjavík Campsite is the only environmentally recognized camping place in Iceland. It has received Earth Check Assessed recognition since 2011, a world leading scientific benchmark certification and advisory group for travel and tourism. The campsite participates in sustainable business practices with good waste management, monitored water and energy consumption, use of eco-labelled cleaning products and environmental awareness.

Flybus and Airport Express both offer airport service from Keflavik Airport to the campsite. Each has departures 30 to 45 minutes after each incoming flight. The campsite stop is called “Reykjavik City Hostel/Reykjavik Campsite,” and it is on the street near the hostel. Bus tickets can be bought at the airport and the campsite reception until the day before your departure. There is a free bus service every morning at 0710 between June 14 and September 8 from the campsite to these destinations.

Nearby, there are plenty of attractions to explore. Within sight is Laugardalslaug; Iceland’s largest and most popular geothermal swimming pool, world class gym, and spa. There is also a small walking path that leads to a botanical garden, petting zoo, and ice skating rink.  Grocery stores, ATMs, a bank, restaurants, and city buses are easily accessible and just a short walk away. Hosteling International also operates Reykjavik City Hostel, Reykjavik Downtown Hostel and Reykjavik Loft Hostel within the city.