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Let me tell you about one of the coolest experiences my family and I have had: road-tripping through the country in a camper van from Happy Campers in Iceland.
We loved the flexibility of exploring at our own pace and having a cozy spot to come back to after a long day.
Honestly, vacationing in a camper van does not get the hype it deserves!
There is no need to worry about booking hotels every night. Just park, sleep, and wake up surrounded by nature.
If you’re ready for a budget-friendly, hassle-free way to experience Iceland, Happy Campers has you covered with their simple yet efficient mini campers.
My mission has always been to help you squeeze the most magic out of your Icelandic adventure, and a camper van is one seriously fun way to do it.
So, if you’re curious about getting an honest review about what it’s like to hit the open road in a camper van with your loved ones (although you can totally do it solo), stick around.
I’ve been there, done that, and earned my stripes as a road-trip Viking!
Let’s get into it!
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
- Camping in Iceland
- Reasons Why You Should Consider Renting a Camper Van in Iceland
- FAQs About Renting a Camper Van in Iceland
- Pro Tips When Traveling With Happy Campers in Iceland
- The Best Camper Van Rental in Iceland
Camping in Iceland
A great way to experience the incredible natural beauty of Iceland is by camping.
Now, you can either camp the old-fashioned way, by pitching a tent or step it up a few notches and rent a camper van in Iceland.
I’ve tried both, and let me tell you, I can’t recommend the latter enough!
My family loved having the flexibility to travel and camp without the hassle of setting up a tent every night.
Not only did we have a comfortable place to sleep, but we could also whip up meals right in the van and hit the road when we were ready to – but more on that in a bit.
Camping in Iceland is an incredibly budget-friendly option that allows you to experience some of the country’s remotest areas, making it a natural choice for anyone who loves the great outdoors.
Plus, camper van sites in Iceland are everywhere and Happy Campers has made exploring them even easier with their detailed, color-coded campground map.
It covers everything you need to know like year-round spots, summer-only sites, and what amenities you can expect.
Are you ready to take your Iceland adventure to the next level? 👉 Sign up for my email list to grab an exclusive VIP discount when you book with Happy Campers in Iceland!
5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Renting a Camper Van in Iceland
Happy Camper vans in Iceland are not your typical motorhomes, they’re mini campers that have everything you need to make the most of your time here.
Beyond making our road trip experiences simple and fun, there are so many reasons why they were the perfect fit for our family.
Let me walk you through what we loved most about renting with Happy Campers, Iceland.
1. Renting a Camper Van in Iceland is Convenient
When you rent a camper van you have your accommodation and transportation rolled into one!
One thing I wish more visitors knew is that you really need to book your accommodation in Iceland waaay in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
The beauty of traveling with a camper van is that you don’t have to stress about that.
Another thing to consider is that if the weather acts up, you can relax in the van and stay dry and comfortable – something that’s challenging with traditional camping!
You wouldn’t think so, but there’s enough space in the van to hang out.
Cozy up with a book, play some family games, and wait for the weather to pass.
Want more rainy day activities? Check out the video below for my top picks in Reykjavík.
2. Experience More Flexibility Exploring Iceland In A Camper Van
Our family loves taking adventures, and a big part of getting the most out of our trips is being flexible enough to switch things up when we need to.
Plus, traveling with a toddler is unpredictable in and of itself, amiright?!
Some of the questions I get asked most about planning an itinerary for Iceland are:
How much can I fit into one day? Where should I book hotels, and do I need to book in advance?
Well, with a camper van rental in Iceland, you have SO much flexibility.
If you want to linger a bit longer at one of the stops – no problem, stay an extra night. You don’t have to worry about rushing to a hotel reservation or squeezing everything into a strict schedule.
Iceland is dotted with campgrounds, and you can pull into the nearest one whenever you’re ready.
If you’re running late and didn’t make it to your planned destination because your toddler had a meltdown over a lost toy, and you couldn’t leave until it was found – no biggie.
Just take a few calming breaths! 😂 Then stop at the next available site.
Or maybe you’re ahead of schedule and want to keep going – it’s totally up to you!
You can drive as much or as little as you want and still have a place to sleep at the end of the day.
All you need to do is know where the campgrounds are, and you’re good to go!
Find out everything you need to know about camping in Iceland here.👇
➡️ READ: Iceland Camping 101: How To Plan The Perfect Icelandic Adventure
3. Enjoy Unbelievable Views
One of the best parts of renting a camper van in Iceland is waking up to amazing views every morning.
We absolutely love hiking, and some of the best trails in the country – with incredible views – can be found at Landmannalaugar in the Highlands.
That’s why we decided to rent a Happy Camper 4X4 van to go there – with our kiddo who was two at the time!
(I haven’t lost my mind, promise!)
Waking up in the mountains with my family was a core memory I’ll never forget. 💚
You may also be wondering how well a campervan can handle those tricky Highland roads.
Because, trust me, the last thing you want is to get stranded in the middle of nowhere – especially if you’ve got children!
When it comes to Happy Campers’ ability to tackle rough terrain, I was impressed with how well the vehicle managed the challenging roads.
You can check out our experience with Happy Campers, Iceland when we visited Landmannalaugar in this video. 👇
4. Happy Campers’ Vans Have a Built -In Kitchen
Another huge perk of renting a Happy Camper Van in Iceland is having a kitchen built right in.
We loved its convenience, especially when we stopped in more remote places with limited dining options or when my little one (and I!) had those “hangry” moments while traveling.
Having a built-in kitchen saved us on more than one occasion!
If you’re traveling on a budget, this also makes saving money on food super easy.
Instead of eating out for every meal, you can head to local grocery stores like Krónan or Bónus (Iceland’s most budget-friendly options), stock up, and cook your own meals.
Make sure that you have enough water, buy your groceries and you are good to go.
Happy Campers’ vans come fully equipped with a stove, pots, pans, plates, and utensils, so you’ll have everything you need to make a meal on the go.
If you’re looking for more ways to save money on food and drink in Iceland? Check out this video.👇
5. Happy Camper Vans Come with Wi-Fi
Everyone’s always asking how to get Wi-Fi and stay connected here.
I mean, who doesn’t want to share those epic trip highlights on social media, right?
But honestly, staying connected isn’t just about posting; it’s also super important for safety.
Happy Campers in Iceland have installed unlimited Wi-Fi directly into their vans, and it supports up to five devices, which is perfect for our family.
Another important part of getting ready for your trip is making sure you’re prepared for Iceland’s ever-changing weather!
My Ultimate Iceland Packing Guide comes with insider tips and breaks down how to layer your clothing for any season.
You’ll also find a weather guide and seasonal packing lists covering everything from footwear to photography gear, along with my personal recommendations on items and where to get them.
Download the FREE Iceland Packing Guide here.👇
FAQs About Renting a Camper Van in Iceland
I’m sure you’ve heard that navigating the roads in Iceland can be tricky, so here’s some useful information to review if you’re considering renting a camper van in Iceland.
Are Camper Vans Allowed on All the Roads in Iceland?
The F-roads are difficult, rugged roads that you need to travel on to reach the Highlands or the interior of Iceland.
The good news is that Happy Campers vans are all 4WD and F-road compatible, so you’ll have no trouble navigating these mountain roads in your campervan. Keep in mind there are some F-Roads in Iceland that are off-limits even in 4×4 cars (Roads 337, 622, F26, F210, F578, F910, F980 and F249).
Can You Rent a Camper Van in Iceland in the Winter?
Yes, you can.
HOWEVER, camping in Iceland during the winter is not for the faint of heart! It’s cold, dark, and you’ll face some pretty extreme conditions.
Happy Camper vans are equipped with a heater that runs on a separate battery, keeping you warm all night long.
Bedding and pillowcases are provided for everyone, but feel free to bring extras if you think you’ll need them.
If you decide to camp in winter, you’ll be much better shielded from the elements in a camper van, which will also make for a more comfortable experience. Just be sure to check which campsites are open year-round to avoid disappointment.
Can You Camp Anywhere in Iceland?
It is NOT okay to park a vehicle anywhere overnight. Wild camping and camping outside of a campground are not allowed unless you get written consent from a landowner to camp on their property.
Find every campsite around Iceland listed by region here.👇
Do Happy Campers in Iceland Have Bathrooms?
To be space efficient, the camper vans are not equipped with a toilet or shower. However, there are plenty of options in gas stations, small shops, and restaurants around Iceland.
To help you navigate all these spots and more, check out my Iceland Guidebooks + Maps.
They’re full of practical information, packing lists and insider tips you won’t find anywhere else.
And here’s the best part: my digital maps come with hundreds of pinned locations – everything from stunning highlights and hidden gems to places you need to know on your road trip like like gas stations, restrooms, and the best places to take a break.
Pro Tips When Traveling With Happy Campers in Iceland
I’ve traveled with Happy Campers, Iceland many times and here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learnt along the way:
- Shoe management: I don’t know about you, but I don’t like having shoes out and touching other things – EWW! A good way to prevent this is by bringing shoe bags. I suggest one for every pair you bring.
- Clothesline: It feels like there’s always something that needs drying in Iceland. Having a collapsible clothesline is great when you’ve got wet clothes, bathing suits and towels that need drying.
- Keep the floor dry: Your floor is always getting dirty or wet, so bring slip-on shoes or some people even bring a rug with them to prevent their feet getting wet and dirty.
- Chip clips: The last thing you want is your opened chips bag to spill all over your clothes!
- Trash bags: You’ll be surprised how often you need to throw things away in a small space and having a trash bag accessible will come in really handy.
- Laundry bag: We like to keep our laundry bag right under the seat so it’s accessible.
- Inverter: These don’t come with the van but you can request them as an add-on. If you’re like us and need to charge computers, drones, phones cameras – you name it – the inverter will be working over time keeping all your electronics charged!
- Sound machine and night light: The overhead lights can be a little bright if you’re traveling with little ones. A softer night light is a great option for winding down before bed and a sound machine does wonders for creating a calm sleeping environment.
- Waterproof storage bags: A zip-up waterproof bag that you can pick up at IKEA is great for storing food or you can use it as extra storage for clothes.
For more on what to expect when you book with Happy Campers in Iceland, take a tour of the van here.👇
The Best Camper Van Rental in Iceland
We’ve enjoyed many wonderful trips with Happy Campers in Iceland and can confidently recommend them to anyone.
Why do I love them?
Well, they’re a family-run business with budget-friendly options.
And if you’re wondering what Happy Campers reviews look like? They’ve got over 2,000 5-star reviews from happy customers!
Plus, they’re eco-friendly, have amazing customer service, and come with safety features that set them apart from the rest.
Sign Up for my FREE newsletter and get an exclusive discount code you can use when booking with Happy Campers.
With their camper vans, you get your transportation, accommodation, cooking facilities, and Wi-Fi all rolled into one amazing package.
Especially when you’re traveling with a mini-me who needs frequent stops, snacks, and naps, it makes travel stress-free and flexible.
And who doesn’t love that?!
Happy Planning!
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