South Iceland · Skaftafell, Öræfi
Skaftafell Campground (Vatnajökull National Park)
- Winter
- Open in winter
- Season
- Open all year round
- Adult (17–66) per night
- 2,800 ISK
- Electricity : yes
- Showers : yes
- Dump station : yes
- Kitchen : no
The national park campground at Skaftafell sits below Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier, beside the trails to Svartifoss and Skaftafellsjökull. It has been on this spot since 1974. It is open year-round with no reservations; in winter only zones A and C (vehicle access and electricity) stay open. It is the only campsite between Kirkjubæjarklaustur (70 km west) and Höfn (130 km east) that publishes a year-round season.[2][3][4]
Key facts
| Region | South Iceland – Skaftafell, Öræfi |
|---|---|
| Address | Skaftafellsstofa, 785 Öræfi (campground entrance on the west side, off Route 1)[1][2][3] (checked 2026-10-23) |
| GPS coordinates | 64.016214, -16.969221[4] (checked 2026-10-23) Map: OpenStreetMap · Google Maps |
| Opening season | Open all year round[2][3][4] (checked 2026-10-23) |
| Winter opening | Open in winter Open all year. In winter only zones A and C stay open (vehicle access, separate pitches, electricity). No water at the outdoor sinks until about mid-May because of frost; water is available indoors. In winter, register at the reception in the Skaftafellsstofa Visitor Centre.[2][4][1] (checked 2026-10-23) |
| Electricity hookup | Yes – 100 electrical outlets in zones A–D; A and C (open in winter) have separate pitches and good access to electricity. 1,500 ISK per 24 h. Not for charging vehicles: the park says the system is neither powerful nor safe enough.[2][5][4] (checked 2026-10-23) |
| Kitchen / indoor area | No indoor dining or cooking facilities for campground visitors. Dishwashing sinks next to the service buildings (no outdoor water until about mid-May). The Visitor Centre has food service.[2][4] (checked 2026-10-23) |
| Showers | Included in the campsite fee (2026). An older Visit Vatnajökull page still describes paid service cards; the national park's own 2026 price list says showers are included.[5][4][1] (checked 2026-10-23) |
| Toilets | Flush toilets; wheelchair accessible[2][3] (checked 2026-10-23) |
| Chemical toilet / grey water disposal | Listed by tjalda.is ('Waste disposal for mobile homes'). The national park's own campground page does not mention it, so ask at reception where it is.[4] (checked 2026-10-23) |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi is listed as a service; free internet access at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre[4] (checked 2026-10-23) |
| Laundry | Washing machine and dryer, included in the campsite fee[2][5] (checked 2026-10-23) |
| Accepts Camping Card (Útilegukortið) | No – Skaftafell is not among the campsites in the Útilegukortið (Camping Card) 2026 list.[6] (checked 2026-10-23) |
| Contact / website | +354 470 8300 · skaftafell@nattura.is · vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is. No reservations (campsites cannot be booked); pay on site.[2][4][7] (checked 2026-10-23) |
Prices
| Adult (17–66) per night | 2,800 ISK[5][4] (checked 2026-10-23) |
|---|---|
| Senior (67+) / disabled per night | 2,300 ISK[5][4] (checked 2026-10-23) |
| Children 16 and under (with an adult) | Free[5][4] (checked 2026-10-23) |
| Electricity per 24 hours | 1,500 ISK[5][4] (checked 2026-10-23) |
| Accommodation tax | Included in the per-person fee[5] (checked 2026-10-23) |
| Showers, washing machine and dryer | Included in the campsite fee[5][4] (checked 2026-10-23) |
| Do overnight campground guests also pay the regional (parking) fee? | UnconfirmedThe sources checked don't say. There is no vehicle fee on the campsite price list. |
| Regional (parking) fee at Skaftafell car park, per day | 1,110 ISK (car, 5 or fewer seats); 1,440 ISK (6–9 seats); valid until midnight on the day paid[5][7] (checked 2026-10-23) |
Practical tips
- You can't reserve a pitch. Register and pay at the camping reception before you set up; the campsite fee is paid on site, not in the Parka app.[2][7] (checked 2026-10-23)
- Vehicles can only enter the campsite between 07:00 and 23:00. Quiet hours are 23:30–07:00.[4] (checked 2026-10-23)
- Winter reception is in the Skaftafellsstofa Visitor Centre. Its hours: November 9–17, December–February 10–17, March–May 9–17, September–October 9–18, June–August 9–19.[1][8] (checked 2026-10-23)
- Zones E, F, G and H are tent-only (no driving). Campervans use A–D, and in winter only A and C.[5][4] (checked 2026-10-23)
- The area is accessible year-round, 'weather and road conditions permitting'. Outside summer, conditions can change rapidly, so check before you drive.[3] (checked 2026-10-23)
- Collecting firewood in the national park is prohibited. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash. Sort waste at the stations in the centre of the campsite and by the Visitor Centre.[4] (checked 2026-10-23)
- Nearest towns: Kirkjubæjarklaustur 70 km west and Höfn 130 km east.[3] (checked 2026-10-23)
Sources
- Visit Vatnajökull – Campgrounds (regional tourism site; some details may be older) – – checked 2026-10-23
- Vatnajökull National Park – Skaftafell campground – – checked 2026-10-23
- Vatnajökull National Park – Skaftafell area (access & services) – – checked 2026-10-23
- Tjalda.is – Skaftafell listing (Rates 2026 & services) – – checked 2026-10-23
- Vatnajökull National Park – Pricelist (campsites and regional fees) – – checked 2026-10-23
- Útilegukortið (Camping Card) – Opening dates of camping sites 2026 – – checked 2026-10-23
- Vatnajökull National Park – Payment of camping and regional fees – – checked 2026-10-23
- Vatnajökull National Park – Skaftafellsstofa Visitor Centre (opening hours) – – checked 2026-10-23