10 Best Campsites in Iceland for Aurora Watching

Iceland is one of the most amazing places on Earth to see the Northern Lights. The country sits close to the Arctic Circle, and with very little light pollution outside the cities, you get clear views of the dancing green, purple, and pink lights across the night sky. 

If you're planning a camping trip to chase the aurora, you're in for an incredible adventure. Here's everything you need to know about the best campsites in Iceland for watching the Northern Lights.

Why Iceland is Perfect for Northern Lights Camping

Camping gives you the freedom to move around and find the best spots when the aurora appears. You're not stuck in one location, and you can drive away from cloudy areas to find clear skies. Iceland has many excellent campsites that stay open during the aurora season, and most are far from city lights, which makes them perfect for sky watching.

The Northern Lights appear when charged particles from the sun meet Earth's atmosphere. Iceland's location near the Arctic Circle puts it right under what scientists call the auroral oval, which is the area where these lights show up most often. This means your chances of seeing them here are much better than in many other places.

Top Campsites in Iceland for Northern Lights Viewing

1. Skaftafell Campground in Vatnajökull National Park

Skaftafell is one of the most popular camping destinations in Iceland, and for good reason. Located in southeast Iceland near the massive Vatnajökull glacier, this campground offers incredible natural beauty and excellent Northern Lights viewing opportunities.

The campsite is open all year round, which makes it perfect for winter aurora hunting. You'll find clean toilets and hot showers here, though there are no power hookups, so make sure your camper has its own battery if you're traveling in a motorhome. The campground can hold about 400 tents, and there's a special section reserved for campers and trailers.

What makes Skaftafell special is its location far from any towns or cities, giving you perfectly dark skies. You're also surrounded by stunning scenery including waterfalls, glaciers, and hiking trails. During the day, you can explore the famous Svartifoss waterfall, and at night, you can watch the aurora dance over the ice cap.

Skaftafell sits about 40 minutes from the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, so you can easily visit multiple amazing Northern Lights spots during your stay. Just be careful driving in winter as the roads can get icy.

2. Thingvellir National Park Camping (Leirar Campground)

Thingvellir National Park is only about 40 minutes from Reykjavik, making it one of the most accessible great camping spots for aurora watching. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is historically significant as the location of Iceland's first parliament over a thousand years ago, and it's also where you can see the North American and European tectonic plates pulling apart.

The Leirar campground is located near the visitor center and stays open year-round. You'll have access to toilets and showers, though power isn't available at every spot. The campsite operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is a smart move, especially during peak season.

The Northern Lights appear beautifully over the vast open fields and rocky landscape here. With almost no light pollution, you get clear views of the aurora stretching across the entire sky. In winter, you might even hear the frozen lake nearby cracking, which adds to the otherworldly experience.

Because it's close to Reykjavik, Thingvellir is perfect if you want easy access to supplies while still getting away from city lights. You can explore the park's famous Silfra diving site during the day and watch for the aurora at night.

3. Camping in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula Region

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is often called "Iceland in Miniature" because it has everything Iceland is famous for packed into one area: mountains, cliffs, black sand beaches, and a glacier-topped volcano. The low population here means very little light pollution, making it fantastic for aurora viewing.

Two great camping options in this area are Stykkishólmur campground and Grundarfjörður campground. Both are open year-round and offer power, showers, WiFi, and access to nearby pools and hot tubs, which is perfect for warming up after a cold night of aurora watching.

The most famous spot for Northern Lights photography in this region is Kirkjufell Mountain. The mountain's distinctive shape makes for stunning photos with the aurora behind it. You'll also find excellent viewing at the Lóndrangar cliffs and the black pebble beach at Djúpalónssandur.

The west side of the peninsula near the Snæfellsjökull volcano gets extremely dark at night, giving you some of the clearest views of the Northern Lights you can find anywhere. If you're up for exploring, head to Arnarstapi where old lava formations meet the sea, creating a dramatic foreground for aurora photography.

4. Vík Campsite on the South Coast

Vík is a small village on Iceland's southern coast, famous for its dramatic black sand beaches and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. The Vík campsite makes an excellent base for exploring the South Coast while hunting for the Northern Lights.

This campsite is well-maintained with good facilities including toilets, showers, and electricity options. What makes Vík special is the combination of incredible daytime attractions and excellent nighttime aurora viewing. During the day, you can visit the famous Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, both within easy driving distance.

At night, the black sand beach becomes a perfect spot for watching the Northern Lights reflect off the Atlantic Ocean. The dark beach creates a beautiful contrast with the green aurora above. Just remember to dress very warmly as the coastal winds can be harsh, especially in winter.

The area around Vík has minimal light pollution, and if the aurora is strong, you can often see it right from your campsite. If clouds roll in, you have the flexibility to drive east or west along the coast to find clearer skies.

5. Akureyri Hamrar Camping Ground in North Iceland

Akureyri is Iceland's largest town outside the Reykjavik area, located in the north of the country. The Hamrar Camping Ground near Akureyri offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and urban convenience, making it popular with campers year-round.

This campsite is particularly well-known for Northern Lights viewing in winter. The northern location means you're even closer to the auroral oval, increasing your chances of seeing strong displays. The campsite has good facilities including toilets, showers, electricity, washing machines, and even boat rental.

While staying here, you can easily visit the stunning Goðafoss waterfall, which is only about 15 kilometers away. At night, Goðafoss becomes a magical spot for aurora viewing, with the lights sometimes appearing in the mist and fog from the waterfall. The east side of the falls has a path that's less muddy if you're walking around at night.

Akureyri itself is a charming town with the famous heart-shaped traffic lights and a beautiful church on a hill. The town's lights are minimal enough that they won't ruin your aurora viewing, but you're still close to restaurants, shops, and other conveniences.

6. Tunguskogur Campground near Ísafjörður in the Westfjords

If you're looking for truly remote aurora viewing, the Westfjords region is hard to beat. Tunguskogur Campground sits just a six-minute drive from Ísafjörður, the main town in this isolated northwestern region of Iceland.

This campground is open year-round and has excellent facilities including toilets, showers, power, and a kitchen. What makes it special is the complete absence of light pollution. The Westfjords have a tiny population, and when you're out at night watching the aurora, you'll often have the experience entirely to yourself.

The Northern Lights appear incredibly clear here, and when the fjord water is calm, it creates a mirror effect that makes it look like there are two skies full of aurora. The surrounding steep slopes and dramatic landscape make the experience even more breathtaking.

Getting to the Westfjords requires more effort, especially in winter when the roads get twisty and icy. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is strongly recommended. However, the effort is worth it for the peaceful solitude and exceptional aurora viewing.

Important Tips for Aurora Watching While Camping

Check the Aurora Forecast

Download an aurora forecast app before your trip. The KP index tells you how strong the aurora activity is. You need KP 2 or higher for good viewing in Iceland. Check the forecast every evening.

Bring the Right Gear

Iceland's weather is cold and unpredictable. You need:

• A warm sleeping bag rated for below freezing
• A sturdy tent that handles wind
• Warm layers and waterproof clothing
• A headlamp with red light mode (won't ruin night vision)
• Camera with manual settings for aurora photos
• Power bank to keep devices charged

Stay Safe in Winter

Winter camping in Iceland requires preparation. Always:

• Check weather forecasts daily
• Tell someone your camping plans
• Carry emergency supplies
• Know where the nearest town is
• Have a backup plan if weather turns bad

Respect Camping Rules

Iceland has strict camping laws. You can only camp in designated campsites. Wild camping is not allowed in most areas. Always:

• Pay camping fees
• Use provided bathrooms
• Take all trash with you
• Don't damage vegetation
• Follow campsite quiet hours

Best Free Camping Areas for Northern Lights

Iceland no longer allows free camping in most places, but some areas still permit it. You need to camp on private land with permission or in very remote highland areas (summer only).

For aurora watching, paid campsites are better anyway because they have facilities and are in good locations. Most campsites cost between 1,500 and 2,500 ISK per person per night.

Final Thoughts on Iceland Aurora Camping

Camping under the Northern Lights in Iceland is an experience you'll never forget. The country has campsites for every type of traveler, from comfortable sites with hot showers to remote spots with nothing but dark skies.

Remember that seeing the Northern Lights requires patience and luck. You need clear skies and solar activity. Book flexible camping dates if possible. Check forecasts daily. Be ready to stay up late or wake up in the middle of the night.

The most important thing is to choose a campsite far from city lights with clear northern views. All the campsites in this guide meet these requirements. Pick the location that matches your travel style and comfort needs.

Pack warm clothes, bring patience, and prepare for an adventure. The moment you see those green lights dancing above your tent, you'll know all the planning was worth it.