Our Final Night on Iceland Ring Road
On the fifth and final night of our Ring Road adventure, we stayed camping in Akranes, a coastal town just 42 kilometers from Reykjavik. Despite its scenic seaside location, the weather was relentless. Strong winds greeted us upon arrival, and heavy rain early the next morning left us scrambling to pack up and leave. It seems that the challenging weather turned our camping in Akranes into a less enjoyable one.
Camping in Akranes Overview
- Limited Facilities:
The campsite had only two basic buildings:- One for toilets and showers (two shower stalls in the women’s bathroom).
- Another for the office and laundry room, which also served as a communal space. Inside, a single chair and a table held shared food and condiments left by other travelers. I added some coffee creamer to the collection before leaving.
- Outdoor Cooking:
While there was an electric kettle and a microwave, all cooking and dining had to be done outdoors in a semi-sheltered area, which wasn’t ideal in bad weather. - Friendly Hosts:
The campsite owners, a mother and daughter duo, were welcoming and kind, but unfortunately, that couldn’t make up for the campsite’s limitations.
Would I recommend camping in Akranes? Probably not—eating outdoors in harsh weather isn’t enjoyable, no matter how nice the hosts are.
Our Route for the Day
We started in Akureyri and didn’t head north to the peninsula, as it wasn’t part of our plan. Instead, we drove along Route 1 toward Reykjavik, covering three peninsulas:
- Blönduós and Vatnsnes Peninsula:
We made a detour to the remote Vatnsnes Peninsula. It was quiet and stunning, with unique landscapes that made the trip worthwhile—even though we didn’t get to see seals along the shore. Highly recommended for its untouched beauty. - Snæfellsnes Peninsula:
Of course, no trip here is complete without visiting Kirkjufell, Iceland’s iconic mountain. - Akranes Peninsula:
After exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, we arrived at Akranes, a bustling town and one of the main cities in western Iceland. It’s known for the popular hiking trails on Akrafjall Mountain, which attract locals from Reykjavik.
Why We Skipped Borgarnes Campsite
On the way to Akranes, we briefly stopped at a campsite in Borgarnes. While technically a seaside location, it overlooked a muddy tidal flat rather than the ocean. The site was extremely basic, with just toilets and two water taps—no showers, no Wi-Fi, and no privacy. A sign indicated the owner would collect fees each evening. Given its proximity to the road (and the fact we didn’t have cash), we decided to skip it.
Tips from Campsites on Iceland Ring Road
After covering 647 kilometers in one day, we were too tired to push on to Reykjavik or the airport, even though it would have been manageable. Over five days, we completed a counterclockwise loop of the Ring Road, driving a total of 2,100 kilometers with just one driver.
- Hiking: After a strenuous 14-kilometer hike on Day 2 (tracked via AllTrails), we avoided adding more lengthy hikes to our itinerary.
- Campsite Costs: Most campsites cost 2,000–2,500 ISK per person (roughly $20–$25 CAD), plus a small tax of about $3 CAD—very affordable compared to other accommodations.
- Essential Apps:
- Park4Night: We found our camp sites here. Be sure to read reviews and call ahead if possible, as some campground information may be outdated.
- Parka: To pay for parking at attractions and in cities without repeatedly entering credit card details. And you can book your camping as well. Here is the English version of their website.
Our Iceland campervan journey was an unforgettable adventure, filled with breathtaking landscapes, diverse weather, and unique camping experiences. While it was challenging at times, every kilometer and campsite contributed to the magic of the trip.
Check out our previous posts about campsites along the Iceland Ring Road here
Day One: Camping in Vik
Day Two: Camping in Hofn
Day Three: Camping in Egilsstaðir
Day Four: Camping in Akureyri
