Over the last decade of living in Iceland, I’ve taken numerous solo trips around the country, including several solo camper van adventures. My very first solo camper van trip was a two-week Ring Road journey in May 2022, and it taught me more than I ever expected.
I was excited, nervous, anxious, and completely ready to see what Iceland would feel like on my own.
Since then, I’ve helped countless travelers plan their Iceland adventures through private consultations, and I’ve noticed the same questions and concerns come up repeatedly for people considering solo camper van travel.
Whether you’re planning your first solo trip or simply looking for practical advice, these are 21 of my biggest lessons, mistakes, tips, and honest thoughts after years of exploring Iceland on my own.
The 21 Tips I Share About Taking a Solo Camper Van Trip in Iceland
- Why a Heater Is Essential in an Iceland Camper Van
- How to Keep Yourself and Your Belongings Safe
- The Security Mistake Most Travelers Don’t Think About
- Why Good Insurance Can Save You Thousands
- Don’t Forget a Portable Charger
- Learn a Few Icelandic Phrases Before You Go
- Master the Art of Layering for Iceland’s Weather
- Packing Cubes Are a Camper Van Game-Changer
- Choosing the Right Camper Van Size
- What Comes Included in Most Iceland Camper Vans
- Surviving Middle-of-the-Night Bathroom Runs
- Why Water Shoes Deserve a Spot in Your Bag
- Bring Your Favorite Snacks From Home
- Not All Iceland Campsites Are Created Equal
- Visit Local Swimming Pools for Relaxation and Connection
- Cooking in a Camper Van Is Better Than You Think
- How to Avoid Expensive Speeding Tickets
- Check Weather and Road Conditions Every Day
- Exploring Iceland’s Highlands as a Solo Traveler
- Where You Can (and Can’t) Camp in Iceland
- Why Solo Travel in Iceland Is Truly Transformative
Resources for Planning Your Iceland Camper Van Trip
1. Rent a Camper Van with a Heater
Even during summer, Iceland can get surprisingly cold at night. A heater can make the difference between a miserable night and a comfortable one.
I personally use the Go Lite Camper from Go Campers, and I run the heater almost every trip, even in July and August. Since you’re traveling alone, you don’t have another person helping generate body heat inside the van, so staying warm becomes even more important.
2. Always Lock Your Van
Iceland is incredibly safe, but that doesn’t mean you should be careless.
Whenever I left my van, even for a quick bathroom run, I locked it. I also locked it while sleeping at night. Most thefts are avoidable by keeping valuables out of sight and securing your vehicle properly.
3. Protect Your Personal Belongings
While camper van break-ins are uncommon, pickpocketing can happen in busy tourist areas such as Reykjavík and popular Golden Circle attractions. It’s sad to say that pickpocketing has increased in recent years, so you have to be vigilant with securing your personal items in your backpacks or pockets.
Keep your bag zipped, valuables secure, and never leave important items visible. This doesn’t happen on a massive scale in Iceland but it is happening enough that I have to talk about it. As a solo travel, you don’t have anyone else to look out for you, which can make you an easier target.
4. Get the Best Insurance You Can Afford
This is one area where I recommend not cutting corners.
Sand and ash protection is especially important in Iceland. Strong winds can cause serious damage to vehicles, and repairs can become very expensive if you aren’t properly covered. While this does apply to everyone who rents a car or camper van in Iceland, I feel it is very important for solo traveling because you are bearing the full cost on your own if something happens to the vehicle. Better to be protected than to be surprised with a big bill later on for damage that was not covered.
Check what your credit card covers, but don’t assume it includes Iceland-specific risks.
Save Money on Your Iceland Camper Van Rental
You can use my discount link to save 7% on your camper van rental with Go Campers and receive a free sleeping bag.
I use their cars and campers when I travel around Iceland, and I’ve partnered with them for over 4 years now. The main reasons? Their customer service is amazing, and they have a wide range of vehicles to choose from.
When you click on my discount link (https://www.gocampers.is/?ref=allthingsiceland), choose the dates for your travel and the 7% discount will automatically be applied.
Choose a sleeping bag under the “extras” section, and the total price won’t increase.
And just so you know, using my link gives me a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s one of the ways you’re supporting All Things Iceland and the content I create. Thank you in advance for that.
5. Bring a Portable Charger
Your phone becomes your camera, GPS, communication device, and safety tool while traveling.
A portable battery pack (power bank) has saved me numerous times when filming content or spending long days on trails. Plus, it is always necessary to have a charged device just in case you need to call for help, especially when traveling solo.
6. Learn a Few Icelandic Phrases
Even simple phrases like:
- Góðan daginn (Good day)
- Takk fyrir (Thank you)
can create meaningful interactions with locals.
One of my favorite memories was chatting with a farmer in North Iceland who was genuinely excited that I was attempting to speak Icelandic. It certainly is not necessary to do this but a little goes a long way, in this instance. It was nice to be able to connect with Icelanders along the way, when I felt uop to socializing.
7. Learn How to Layer Properly
Iceland’s weather changes constantly. A proper layering system should include:
- Moisture-wicking base layer
- Insulating layer
- Windproof and waterproof outer layer
- Hiking pants
- Sturdy boots
This helps you stay comfortable without overpacking. You can find all of the essentials to pack in my free Ultimate Packing Checklist for Iceland.
8. Use Packing Cubes
Packing cubes completely changed my camper van experience. Instead of digging through piles of clothes, everything stays organized and easy to find.
When you’re living in a small space, even on your own, organization matters. My trip felt much more enjoyable because I could easily find clothes when I needed to, so I could continue on my adventure.
These packing cubes are great!
9. Choose the Right Size Camper Van
In my opinion, the size of your camper van does matter. Just because you are one person, doesn’t mean that the smallest size is the most suitable.
I personally prefer a mid-sized camper van because it offers enough space to be comfortable while remaining easy to drive and park.
I absolutely loved the ability to convert the bed into a table is especially useful during bad weather. It is work to make the conversion but it is totally doable as a solo traveler.
10. Know What Equipment Comes with Your Van
Many camper vans already come with many things you need. The Go Lite Camper that I frequently used and the other camper vans from Go Campers include:
- Portable stove
- Pots and pans
- Plates and utensils
- Electric cooler
- Running water sink
Knowing what’s already included prevents unnecessary packing, and makes your solo traveling experience much easier.
11. Prepare for Cold Middle-of-the-Night Bathroom Runs
This might be the least glamorous part of camper van life. I dreaded getting out of the van in the middle of the night to use the bathroom but I couldn’t avoid it. For those who don’t know, summer in Iceland can mean a high of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The evenings are normally chillier, so I figured out a strategy that works for me when it comes to these late night bathroom runs.
Being warm and cozy inside your sleeping bag makes those late-night bathroom trips feel much harder.
My solution:
- Park close to the bathroom
- Keep shoes near the door
- Have a sweater ready
- Bring your keys and phone
I always locked my van when I left it, even in the middle of the night. Once, I got back in the van, I locked it again, because it made me feel secure knowing no one can get in the van while I slept.
12. Pack Water Shoes
I learned this lesson the hard way. While visiting a hot spring in the Westfjords, I slipped and cut my toe. That was in the beginning of my first solo travel journey, and it sucked! It is not fun for that to happen, in general, but as a solo traveler, I was the only one there to take care of me. Yes, accidents can happen but some can be avoided. Bringing water shoes is added in protection from the elements, especially in natural hot springs.
Water shoes provide:
- Better grip
- Foot protection
- Added safety at natural hot springs
They’re now a permanent part of my packing list.
Here are some water shoes that work well for Iceland.
13. Bring Your Favorite Snacks
Travel fatigue is real. As a solo traveler, you are the only one making all of the decisions, cooking all the meals, doing the driving, and so on. Sometimes, you are too tired to make a full meal and if the weather is acting up, you might be in your van for a while.
Having familiar snacks helps when you’re tired, hungry, or simply don’t feel like making another decision.
Some of my favorites include:
- Protein bars
- Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
- Instant meals – like Ramen
- Trail mix
These were life savers during or after a long drive when I didn’t have the energy or time to cook a full meal.
14. Research Campsites in Iceland Before You Go
Not all campsites are equal in Iceland.
Some offer:
- Hot showers
- Laundry facilities
- Kitchens
- Electricity
- Amazing views
Others provide only the basics in Iceland, and the price can still be the same! I like to use tjalda.is to search for camp sites all over Iceland that have the amenities that I want. If I found one that suited my needs, like a shower and laundry facilities, I would look up the Google Reviews for the place to see what others have said about it.
Sometimes, I was willing to stay at a basic campsite because of its proximity to the attraction I was going to next, but I at least knew before I arrived that it was a basic campsite.
It’s also helpful to know that in summer, all campsites in Iceland are open, but during fall, winter, and spring
A little research ahead of time can significantly improve your trip, and help you manage expectations.
15. Use Local Swimming Pools to interact with Icelanders
Because almost every town, even really small ones, have a swimming pool in Iceland, there are over 100 of them to choose from.
They are fantastic places to:
- Relax
- Shower
- Meet locals
- Enjoy hot tubs and saunas
They’re also one of the most authentic Icelandic experiences you can have. Whether you feel like socializing or just having a relaxing soak, add some local swimming pools to your itinerary.
16. Cooking in Your Camper Van Is Surprisingly Cozy
One of my favorite discoveries was how enjoyable it is to cook inside the camper van during rainy or very windy weather.
It’s comfortable, practical, and often much cheaper than eating out every day. Plus, in the Go Lite camper, there are vents in the ceiling and it is easy to open the doors for ventilation
17. Watch Your Speed or Potentially Bust Your Budget
Iceland takes speeding seriously. Fines can be extremely expensive.
I’ve heard of travelers paying:
- $500
- or even over $900
As a solo traveler, those type of fines can completely bust your budget. Since that is totally avoidable, stick to the speed limits and enjoy the scenery instead.
18. Check Weather and Road Conditions Daily
Conditions can change dramatically across Iceland, even within the same day. I remember driving in an area with blue skies and a completely clear road to then encounter snow on the road and cloud coverage.
That all happened within an hour in East Iceland. Granted, I was driving higher up in elevation, but those conditions are entirely possible in Iceland. You can be prepared for them by checking the weather ahead of time.
My go-to resources before heading out for the day in Iceland are:
19. Be Careful When Exploring the Highlands Solo
The Highlands are incredible, but they require extra preparation. There are many places in the highlands that are not great for solo travel because the roads are intense due to deep river crossings.
If you’re new to Highland driving, a beginner-friendly area I highly recommend is Hveradalir geothermal area in the Kerlingarfjöll mountain range.
I have been there many times and it’s an incredibly beautiful place. The road can get a little rough but it doesn’t require a river crossing, which is a big relief for anyone traveling there.
Before going there, make sure your camper van is approved and insured for driving on F-roads.
20. Camp Only at Designated Campsites
Wild camping with a camper van is not allowed in Iceland. Following the rules helps protect Iceland’s nature and avoids costly fines.
You must stay at an official campsites. I think this an especially positive law for solo travelers because you are at a spot where others are around in case you need help, it is safe, and there are facilities around for you to use.
As I mentioned in #14, not all campsites in Iceland are created equal, so please do your research on which campsite suits you before going there.
You normally do not need to pre-book a campsite. However, I highly recommend doing so, if you plan to camp during two occasions in Iceland.
The first is Versulnarmannahelgi (Shop Keeper’s weekend). It’s always the weekend that includes the first Monday in August. During that weekend, many Icelanders go camping around the country, so the popular campsites get booked up.
The second occasion is specific to 2026, which is the Total Solar Eclipse on August 12th. The prices for hotels and accommodations are thousands of dollars per night. Even camper van prices have increased for that week due to demand. It is worth booking campsites for at least the 11th and 12th.
21. Solo Travel in Iceland Is Truly Transformative
This might be the most important lesson of all. Traveling alone gives you space to think, reflect, and experience Iceland at your own pace.
Some of my favorite memories are simply standing in nature, listening to the wind, watching the landscape, and appreciating the freedom that comes with solo travel. It’s not always comfortable, but it is incredibly rewarding.
Resources for Planning Your Iceland Camper Van Trip
If you’re planning your own adventure around Iceland, these free resources can help:
Ultimate Iceland Packing Checklist
Know exactly what to pack for every season.
Iceland Discount Code Bundle
Save money on:
- Camper vans
- Car rentals
- Tours
- Activities
- Accommodations
Iceland Car Rental Guide
Learn about:
- Road signs
- Driving rules
- Insurance
- Road conditions
- Common mistakes visitors make
Need Personalized Help?
I also offer a limited number of private trip consultations where I help travelers create an itinerary, choose the right route, and maximize their time in Iceland.
Happy travels, and I hope your solo Iceland adventure is as memorable as mine has been.
Random Fact of the Epiosde
During one of my camper van trips, I actually got stuck in the mud and had to get help getting out.
Thankfully, someone kind helped because rescue services in Iceland can sometimes cost close to $1,000 depending on the situation.
Icelandic Word of the Episode
Húsbíll – camper van
Hús means House in Icelandic and bíll means car, so it is literally a house car.
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Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.
Thank you for listening and see you soon.