Planning Skaftafell camping at the national park
Skaftafell camping is a national park facility beside the service area and walking base. It suits a stay centred on the land trails, with a separately booked glacier walk if you want to step onto the ice. Treat the overnight stay, vehicle parking and guided activity as distinct parts of your plan rather than a single package.
The campground operates throughout the year, with only zones A and C used in winter. Campsites cannot be reserved in advance. Register and pay at reception before camping, then use the appropriate area for your tent, campervan or trailer. There is a separate area for motorhomes and trailers; the zone arrangement matters as much as your arrival date.
Camping fees and electricity
The national park price list displayed the following charges on 5 November 2026. Overnight fees are per person per night, with accommodation tax included. Keep these ISK charges separate from the price of a guided activity. For vehicle charges and payment arrangements, read the parking guide; an overnight payment should not be treated as a promise of included parking.
| Category | Charge |
|---|---|
| Ages 17 to 66 | 2,800 ISK per person per night |
| Ages 67 and over; people with disabilities | 2,300 ISK per person per night |
| Children through age 16 with an adult | Free |
| Electricity | 1,500 ISK per 24 hours |
Showers, the washing machine and the dryer are included in the camping price. Electricity is an additional service, and the camping power connection must not be used to charge a vehicle. Decide whether you need a powered space before settling into a zone, rather than choosing a grassy area only for its view.
A glacier activity near the campsite
Add a separately booked glacier hike from the service centre area to your camping plans.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Add a guided glacier walk to your stay
This separately booked walk starts at the lodge by the bus parking, visible from the national park service centre. A certified glacier guide and necessary glacier gear are included; overnight accommodation is not.
Water, washing and meals
Facilities include toilets, showers, drinking water, washing facilities and accessible facilities. Sinks are provided at the service buildings. There is no indoor kitchen or indoor dining room, so arrange meals around the facilities that are actually available rather than expecting a communal cooking room.
Outdoor water is seasonally affected by frost and is generally unavailable until around mid-May; indoor water remains available. This is particularly relevant when planning a spring stay with a vehicle or tent. Ask reception which water points are in use when you arrive. Keep your washing and water collection within the service areas and dispose of rubbish properly.
Choose the zone for your setup
A and C have vehicle access, marked pitches and electricity. B and D also have vehicle access and electricity, but without individually marked pitches. E, F and G are not vehicle areas; the price list also excludes vehicle access to H. Follow the allocation and signs on site instead of driving across an open area to reach your tent.
For a room-based alternative, compare the location choices in where to stay. If you are arriving by road or bus, settle the journey first with the Skaftafell arrival guide. A late transport arrival and a morning tour need their own timetable, even when you sleep near the walking base.
Walking days and care for the landscape
Separate arrival tasks from the next day's walking. Complete campground registration before settling in, then prepare the route or tour meeting instructions for the morning. A walk from the service area and a departure from another activity base call for different starts, even when both are part of the same Skaftafell stay.
Use the visitor centre for trail advice, and choose a land walk that fits the weather and your available daylight. Carry warm windproof and waterproof clothing, a phone and a map; add an offline map and powerbank for longer outings. Camping beside the trail base does not replace preparation for the route itself.
Stay on marked paths, keep dogs on leads, leave stones and plants where they are, and avoid disturbing wildlife. Open fires and building cairns are prohibited. Wild camping outside designated places is prohibited in Skaftafellsheiði, Bæjarstaðarskógur and Morsárdalur. Anyone considering the limited tent exceptions elsewhere in the mountains should obtain park information first. Enter glaciers and natural ice caves only with a certified local guide and suitable equipment.
Camping questions
Can I book a pitch ahead?
Campsites cannot be reserved in advance. Register and pay at reception before camping, and follow the zone arrangements for your setup.
Can I camp in winter?
The campground operates year-round, with A and C used in winter. Plan for frost, seasonal water arrangements and the weather affecting your journey.
Does the glacier walk include my overnight stay?
The activity is a guided glacier walk with equipment from the nearby tour base. Book and pay for camping separately; it is not overnight accommodation.