Campsites Along Iceland’s Westfjords: A Rugged Adventure

The Westfjords of Iceland remain one of the country's best-kept secrets. This remote peninsula in northwest Iceland offers some of the most dramatic landscapes you'll ever see. Towering cliffs, hidden beaches, and peaceful fjords create a perfect backdrop for camping adventures. 

If you're looking for wild beauty away from the crowds, the Westfjords should be at the top of your list.

Why Camp in the Westfjords?

The Westfjords feel different from the rest of Iceland. Here, nature still rules. You'll drive for miles without seeing another car. The landscapes are raw and untouched. Camping here means waking up to views that few travelers get to experience.

The region is home to some of Iceland's most impressive wildlife. Puffins nest on the cliffs during summer months. Arctic foxes roam the valleys. Seals swim in the cold waters. Each campsite offers a front-row seat to nature's daily show.

The weather can be challenging, but that's part of the adventure. Pack warm clothes and prepare for wind and rain, even in summer. The reward? Sunsets that paint the sky in colors you didn't know existed. Northern lights dancing overhead in winter. Complete silence except for the wind and waves.

Best Camping Sites in Iceland's Westfjords

1. Tunguskogur Campground

Tungudalur Camping Ground is a peaceful and convenient campsite located just outside Ísafjörður, making it an excellent base for exploring the Westfjords. Surrounded by mountains and lush greenery, the area offers a quiet escape with easy access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and local attractions.

The campsite provides essential facilities for a comfortable stay, including restrooms, showers, a small kitchen area, and designated spots for tents and campervans. It's well-maintained and known for its friendly atmosphere, making it popular among both solo travelers and families.

One of the highlights of staying at Tungudalur is its proximity to nature—guests can enjoy calming river sounds, scenic walking paths, and beautiful views directly from the campground. Despite its tranquil setting, it's only a short drive from restaurants, supermarkets, and the town center.

• Facilities: Two service buildings, modern showers, full kitchen, laundry, WiFi, playground, BBQ area, electricity hookups
• Cost: Around 2,000 ISK per person
• Best for: Families, first-time Westfjords visitors, anyone wanting comfort with nature, base camp for day tours

2. Þingeyraroddi Camping Ground

Þingeyraroddi is the kind of campsite that proves convenience doesn’t have to be boring. Set at the edge of Þingeyri, the site overlooks the fjord with mountain peaks rising on all sides. Mornings bring mirror-flat water; evenings stretch out in endless pastel light.

This is one of the most well-equipped campsites in the Westfjords. The service building is modern, clean, and fully stocked with everything you need: hot showers, a proper kitchen, laundry machines, even a play area for kids. If you’re doing a long Westfjords loop, this place feels like a reset button.

And the real bonus? Þingeyri is the gateway to one of Iceland’s greatest waterfalls—Dynjandi. Most travelers pass through this tiny town, but only a few stop long enough to appreciate how quietly beautiful it really is.

• Facilities: Toilets, hot showers, full kitchen, laundry, electricity
• Cost: Around 1,500–2,000 ISK per person
• Best for: Road-trippers, families, campers needing comfort and convenience

3. Hólmavík Camping Ground 

Hólmavík is the campsite you choose when you want everything within reach. Supermarket? Two minutes away. Café? Around the corner. A geothermal pool where you can soak all evening? Right next door. It’s perfect for travelers who want to explore the Westfjords without going completely off-grid.

The campsite sits on a gentle hill overlooking the harbor. On calm days, the sea looks like polished silver. Wander the coastline, visit the local witchcraft museum, or just stroll through town—it’s small, charming, and surprisingly lively for a remote corner of Iceland.

Facilities are reliable and well maintained. It’s not a campsite that tries to impress; it’s one that quietly gets everything right.

• Facilities: Toilets, showers, kitchen access, electricity, swimming pool nearby
• Cost: Around 1,500–2,000 ISK per person
• Best for: Campers who like convenience, families, first-time Iceland travelers

4. Tálknafjörður Campsite

If your idea of the perfect campsite is a quiet fjord with gentle waves lapping the shore, Tálknafjörður will feel like a dream. It's a small, simple site at the edge of the village, surrounded by steep mountains and calm water that reflects the sky like a mirror.

Nothing here is rushed. Locals wander by on evening walks. Fishing boats move slowly across the fjord. It’s a place where you can sit outside your tent with a hot drink and feel completely unplugged from the rest of the world.

Facilities are straightforward—clean, functional, and just enough. You’re here for the serenity, not luxury. If you’re looping through the southern Westfjords or coming from the ferry, this campsite is a natural and peaceful stop.

• Facilities: Toilets, running water, electricity
• Cost: Around 1,200–1,800 ISK per person
• Best for: Peace-seekers, scenic road-trippers, minimalists

5. Breiðavík Campground

Breiðavík is camping at the edge of the world. A wide golden beach stretches out in front of you, cliffs tower in the distance, and beyond them lies the famous Látrabjarg bird cliffs—the westernmost point of Iceland. Puffins nest there in summer, so close you can practically make eye contact.

The campsite sits by a long valley that opens into the sea. Winds can be strong, but that’s part of the charm—this is rugged, remote Iceland at its best. Sunset washes the entire valley in warm gold, and on clear nights, the sky fills with stars so bright it feels like you're camping in a planetarium.

Facilities are basic but reliable, enough to keep you comfortable in one of the wildest landscapes in the country.

• Facilities: Toilets, running water, cooking area
• Cost: Around 1,500 ISK per person
• Best for: Photographers, bird-lovers, adventurers seeking raw nature

Exploring Beyond the Campsites

Hiking Adventures

The Westfjords offer incredible hiking opportunities. Trails range from easy coastal walks to challenging mountain climbs. The Horn trail in Hornstrandir is legendary among hikers. It takes you along dramatic cliffs with ocean views.

The Drangajökull glacier is Iceland's northernmost glacier. Hiking to see it requires good fitness and navigation skills. Consider joining a guided glacier tour if you're not experienced.

Around Ísafjörður, several shorter hikes offer great views without the commitment of multi-day treks. The trail up to Naustahvilft-Kirkjubólshlíð gives panoramic views of the town and fjord.

Wildlife Watching

The Westfjords are a paradise for nature lovers. Látrabjarg's puffin colonies are active from May to August. Arrive in the evening when puffins return from fishing trips. Arctic fox watching is possible throughout the region, but Hornstrandir offers the best chances. These curious animals are Iceland's only native land mammal.

Whale watching tours depart from Ísafjörður during summer months. Humpback whales, minke whales, and even orcas frequent these waters. Dolphins are also common.

Day Tours and Activities

If camping every night sounds too challenging, consider staying in Ísafjörður and taking day tours. Several companies offer tours to major attractions like Dynjandi and Látrabjarg. Kayaking tours let you explore the fjords from water level. Paddle past bird cliffs and into hidden coves. The calm fjord waters are perfect for beginners.

Photography tours cater to those wanting to capture the Westfjords' beauty. Local guides know the best spots and times for optimal lighting.