Directory A–Z - Iceland - page 776

It is rarely necessary to book a camping place in advance. Many small-town campsites
are unstaffed - there is a contact number for a caretaker posted on the amenities block,
or an instruction to head to the tourist information centre/swimming pool to pay; alternat-
ively, a caretaker may visit the campsite in the evening to collect fees.
Wild camping is possible in some areas but in practice it is often discouraged. In national
parks and nature reserves you must camp in marked campsites, and you need to get
permission before camping on fenced land in all other places.
When camping in parks and reserves the usual rules apply: leave sites as you find them,
use biodegradable soaps, carry out your rubbish.
Campfires are not allowed, so bring a stove. Butane cartridges and petroleum fuels are
available in petrol stations. Blue Campingaz cartridges are not always readily available;
the grey Coleman cartridges are more common.
Camping with a tent or campervan/caravan usually costs Ikr1000 to Ikr1400 per person.
Electricity is often an additional Ikr800. Many campsites charge for showers.
A new 'lodging tax' of Ikr107 per site per night was introduced a few years ago; some
places absorb this cost in the per-person rate, others make you pay it in addition to the
per-person rate.
Consider purchasing the Camping Card ( www.campingcard.is ) , which costs €105 (in
2015) and covers 28 nights of camping at 44 campsites throughout the country for two
adults and up to four children (but doesn't include the lodging tax, or any charges for
electricity or showers). Full details online.
Most campsites open from around mid-May to mid-September. Large campsites that also
offer huts or cottages may be open year-round.
The free accommodation directory Áning (available from tourist information centres) lists
many of Iceland's campsites, but is not exhaustive.
SLEEPING WITH THE LOCALS
Two recommended websites can help you find a bed with a local host:
Airbnb ( www.airbnb.com ) Has private rooms, cottages, apartments and houses for rent
throughout Iceland, with a large concentration in the capital.
Couchsurfing ( www.couchsurfing.com ) Access a great network of travellers hosting
travellers.