Iceland is famous for its natural hot springs and geothermal pools that bubble up from the volcanic landscape. For campers, there's nothing better than ending a day of exploring with a warm soak under the midnight sun or northern lights.
This guide covers the best campsites in Iceland that are close to hot springs and geothermal pools, making your camping adventure both comfortable and memorable.
Why Camp Near Hot Springs in Iceland?
Bathing in geothermal pools has been a cherished tradition in Icelandic culture since the Viking Age, when people used hot springs for warmth and relaxation. When you camp near these natural wonders, you get to experience this ancient tradition while enjoying the stunning volcanic landscapes that surround you.
The combination of camping and hot spring bathing gives you flexibility and saves money compared to staying in hotels. You can wake up in nature, spend your day exploring, and then relax your tired muscles in warm geothermal water before heading back to your tent or campervan.
South Iceland Campsites with Hot Springs
Reykjadalur Campsite (Hveragerði Area)
Reykjamörk Hveragerði Campsite
The campsite at Hveragerði puts you right at the doorstep of one of Iceland's most popular natural hot springs. Reykjadalur involves a one-hour trek into the mountains behind Hveragerði, leading you to a geothermal river where you can bathe. The name literally means "smoky valley" because of all the steam rising from the ground.
The hike to the hot spring river takes you past steaming fumaroles and bright blue geothermal pools. Once you reach the river, you can sit right in the warm water while cold river water flows around you. To avoid crowds, try visiting early morning or late evening. Many people doing Golden Circle tours visit during the day, so timing matters if you want a peaceful soak.
Seljavallalaug Area Campsites
Skógar Campsite
Seljavallalaug is the oldest man-made swimming pool in Iceland, originally built in 1923 to teach locals how to swim. This historic pool sits at the base of Eyjafjallajökull volcano with amazing mountain views all around.
The nearest campsites are at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, both famous stops along the South Coast. From the parking area, you walk about 30 minutes into a valley to reach the pool. The water isn't super hot since only one pipe channels geothermal water into it, but the scenery makes up for everything. The pool has become Instagram famous, so expect other visitors especially during summer months.
Landmannalaugar Campsite
Landmannalaugar Camping
Landmannalaugar ranks among Iceland's most stunning camping locations. Known for its astounding-colored mountains, it serves as either the beginning or end of the 5-day Laugavegur trail. The mountains here show incredible colors, including red, blue, green, yellow, purple, and black.
Right next to the campsite sits a large natural hot spring pool. After hiking all day through the colorful rhyolite mountains, you can soak in this geothermal pool with a lava field on one side and the campsite on the other. The setting feels truly remote and wild. Keep in mind you need a 4x4 vehicle to reach Landmannalaugar because the roads are rough and unpaved. The area is only accessible during summer months.
If you're planning to explore this region, consider joining a Landmannalaugar hiking tour that includes transportation and lets you discover multiple hot springs in the area.
West Iceland Camping and Hot Springs
Laugar Camping
Guðrúnarlaug near Laugar Campsite
Guðrúnarlaug is a charming, stone-sided circular pool nestled on a hillside looking down towards Hotel Edda Laugar and Laugar Campsite. This hot tub is named after Guðrún, one of the most important figures in Icelandic legend who supposedly lived in this region and bathed in these waters regularly.
The pool is free to enter and open all hours. The historic atmosphere includes a small changing room inside an old shed with a traditional turf roof. You can soak in the naturally heated water while thinking about the ancient sagas and legends of Iceland.
Flókalundur Campsite (Westfjords)
Flókalundur is a scenic and peaceful camping spot in the Westfjords located in Vatnsfjörður, about 6 kilometers from Brjánslækur where the ferry Baldur arrives. This makes it perfect if you're taking the ferry and exploring the remote Westfjords region.
Hellulaug Hot Spring sits only a few minutes away on foot, offering a natural geothermal pool by the seaside with a constant temperature around 38°C. Imagine soaking in warm water while looking out at the ocean and surrounding mountains. The Westfjords region offers some of Iceland's most untouched landscapes and fewer tourists than other areas.
North Iceland Geothermal Campsites
Heiðarbær Campsite
Grettislaug Campsite
Located in the rugged landscapes of the Skagaströnd Peninsula in North Iceland, Grettislaug Campsite is attached to the historical hot spring Grettislaug. The hot spring was named after Grettir, an outlaw from Icelandic sagas who was so strong he used to swim from Drangey Island across the sea to warm up in these waters.
The campsite gives you full access to all facilities including a large swimming pool that was historically used to teach locals to swim. You can check out the source of the hot water at the beach on the northern tip of the peninsula, just a short stroll from the campsite. If you're lucky, you might spot whales and seals swimming in the fjord.
Heiðarbær Campsite (Near Húsavík)
If you're planning whale watching tours in Húsavík, skip the town campsite and stay at nearby Heiðarbær Campsite instead. This family-run campsite also acts as a local restaurant and swimming pool where you can pay extra and enjoy a swim.
The campsite owners operate a geothermal greenhouse across the road where they grow tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and more. This fresh produce appears in dishes at the popular on-site restaurant. It's only a 20-minute drive to Húsavík, so you can easily join a whale watching tour in the morning after a relaxing evening at the campsite.
Highland Campsites with Geothermal Pools
Hveravellir
Kerlingarfjöll Campsite
In the awe-inspiring Icelandic Highlands, Kerlingarfjöll Campsite is a tempting spot to spend a night with nearby awesome hiking trails through Hveradalir. This famous group of mountains features geothermal valleys carved into the landscape with snow on the peaks even during summer.
A new luxury facility called the Highlands Base Baths opened here, offering a more comfortable hot spring experience. For something more adventurous, you can hike about an hour from the campsite to reach another nearby natural hot spring. The untouched wilderness of this area makes it feel like you're at the end of the world.
Hveravellir Campsite
Hveravellir sits in the middle of the Kjölur Route (F35), truly in the middle of nowhere. There's a long drive in either direction to get to any hint of civilization, but the remote outpost has access to a lovely hot spring to enjoy.
Right next to the campsite lies a geothermal area where you can walk around steaming pools and bubbling pots of colorful water. The isolation makes this one of the most special camping experiences in Iceland. The natural pool has been a bathing spot since Viking times around 900 CE, mixing geothermally heated water with fresh river water to create perfect bathing temperature.
Final Thoughts
Camping near Iceland's hot springs and geothermal pools creates unforgettable memories. Whether you choose the colorful mountains of Landmannalaugar, the remote wilderness of Hveravellir, or the accessible beauty of Reykjadalur, you'll experience Iceland's geothermal wonders in the most authentic way possible.
The combination of camping freedom and natural hot spring relaxation lets you connect deeply with Iceland's volcanic landscape. After days filled with hiking, exploring waterfalls, and discovering new places, nothing beats sinking into warm geothermal water while surrounded by Iceland's incredible nature.
