Why We Chose to Rent a Camper Van in Iceland
If you’re planning an Iceland road trip, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is: hotel stays or camper van rental?
For us, renting a camper van in Iceland was the best way to experience the landscape fully. We wanted flexibility, scenic lunch stops, and the ability to wake up surrounded by waterfalls and mountains.
After researching several Iceland camper van rental companies, we booked with Go Campers and below is our honest review of our experience.
Airport Pickup & Rental Process with Go Campers
One of the most convenient parts of renting from Go Campers was the airport shuttle service. After landing, we were transported directly to their rental location.
The check-in process was straightforward:
- Paperwork was clearly explained
- Staff walked us through the entire van setup
- We inspected the vehicle together
Within a short time, we were on the road starting our Iceland adventure.
If you’re nervous about renting a camper van for the first time, this type of walkthrough can make a big difference.
The Camper Van: Comfortable, Compact, and Easy to Drive
We rented one of their medium vans (the Go LITE Camper) and it was perfect for the two of us.
It included:
- A comfortable bed
- Compact kitchenette
- Heating system (essential for September in Iceland)
- Storage for luggage and groceries
My husband had no trouble driving it, just note that some streets in the city are quite narrow and it can be best to plan out where you’re going to park before you go. If you’re wondering, “Is it hard to drive a camper van in Iceland?”… for a standard-sized van, we found it very manageable.
The biggest benefit of renting a camper van in Iceland? Freedom!
We were able to cook lunch overlooking beautiful views, stay longer in places we loved and easily adjust plans around weather.
Here you can check out our full Iceland itinerary to help inspire your next trip.
Campsites in Iceland: What to Expect
In our experience all of the campsites we used were clean, quiet and easy to locate. They had clean bathrooms and showers and an easy process to pay.
Waking up next to Skógafoss was one of the most memorable moments of the trip. That’s something hotels simply can’t replicate.
Important: Wild camping is heavily restricted in Iceland. Plan to stay at official campsites. Most of them don’t require you to pre-book, however be sure to look to into each individual campground.
Essential Tips for Renting & Driving a Camper Van in Iceland
If you’re researching camper van rentals in Iceland, here are practical things we learned:
1. Book Your Iceland Camper Van Early
Summer (May–September) is peak season. Camper vans sell out quickly, and prices increase closer to travel dates.
2. Choose the Right Insurance Coverage
Iceland’s environment is stunning but also tough on vehicles. Wind catching vehicle doors is quite common. I strongly recommend adding gravel protection, sand and ash protection, and wind damage coverage.
3. Understand Iceland Road Types (Especially F-Roads)
If you’re planning Highlands travel note that F-roads require 4×4 vehicles and that standard camper vans are not allowed on F-roads. Confirm your route before booking your van or go with a 4×4 to be on the safe side.
4. Check Weather & Road Conditions Daily
Icelandic weather shifts quickly. Before driving each morning we would check wind forecasts, review road conditions and adjust our plans if necessary. This only happened once as we were going to continue passed Vik along the coast until there was a strong wind warning for the area we were going to. We decided to turn around and choose an alternate destination to check out.
5. Grocery Shop in Larger Towns
Iceland is known to be expensive. Cooking in your camper van will definitely save you some money, but grocery prices vary by location. Stock up in bigger towns when possible. We found the prices at Bónus to be fair compared to our home province.
Is Renting a Camper Van in Iceland Worth It?
For us, it absolutely was!
If you’re someone who wants budget-friendly accommodation, and flexibility, a camper van makes it possible.
Our experience with Go Campers was smooth from shuttle pickup to drop-off. The van was reliable, the staff were helpful, and the entire process felt organized.
If you’re comparing Iceland camper van rental companies, we’d confidently recommend adding Go Campers to your shortlist.