The city's official campsite located next to the geothermal swimming pool in Laugardalur park. Affordable pitches for tents and campervans, heated bathroom blocks, communal cooking facilities, and free access to the outdoor hot tubs. Best budget option in summer.
The Reykjavik Campsite, officially operated by the city as Reykjavíkurborg Tjaldsvæði, is located at Sundlaugavegur 32 in the 104 postal district, within the Laugardalur valley — Reykjavik's primary recreational green space. The Laugardalur geothermal swimming pool complex, one of the largest and most popular public pools in Iceland, is immediately adjacent, granting campsite guests access to its outdoor hot pots, swimming lanes, waterslides, and steam rooms at standard public admission prices. The Reykjavik Botanic Garden, the city zoo, and a family amusement park are all within the same park precinct.
The campsite is approximately 4 kilometres from Reykjavik's old town centre, reachable via city bus routes that run frequently from a stop on Sundlaugavegur, or by bicycle along a dedicated cycle path through Laugardalur. The Hlemmur bus hub is around 2.5 kilometres west.
Facilities are managed by the city and include heated bathroom blocks with hot showers, communal cooking shelters equipped with electric hobs, sinks, and basic utensils, free Wi-Fi across the camping area, and coin-operated laundry machines. Pitches accommodate tents and campervans of most standard sizes; electrical hook-up points are available for vehicles that require them. Peak summer periods (June–August) bring significant demand, and many individual tent pitches operate on a first-come, first-served basis — arriving mid-afternoon rather than after the evening rush avoids the longest queues.
The setting in Laugardalur park gives the campsite a genuinely green and spacious character uncommon among urban campsites in European capitals. The surrounding playing fields and tree-lined paths offer morning walks free of city traffic. In high summer, the midnight sun means the campsite remains illuminated through the night — a sleep mask is a practical packing addition for light sleepers.
The campsite is open from approximately May through September, depending on weather conditions, and is managed by the City of Reykjavik parks department. Nightly rates are among the lowest accommodation options in the city: typically ISK 2,200–3,500 per person per night, making it the most affordable way to base in Reykjavik during the summer season.
Amenities
- hot showers
- cooking facilities
- Wi-Fi
- laundry
- pool access
- park setting
Location
Sundlaugavegur 32, 104 Reykjavík
64.1306, -21.8869 View on map
Highlights
- City-operated campsite in Laugardalur park, immediately next to Reykjavik's main geothermal pool complex
- Heated bathroom blocks, communal cooking shelters, and coin-operated laundry within the campsite
- Tent and campervan pitches with electrical hook-up points in a spacious green park setting
- Walking access to Laugardalur's botanic garden, zoo, and family amusement park
- Most affordable overnight option in Reykjavik for summer travellers with camping equipment
Tips for visiting
- Arrive early in the day during peak summer months (July–August) — pitches fill on a first-come basis and evening arrivals often face longer wait times.
- The Laugardalur pool is open daily from early morning; camping guests can walk over for a morning hot-pot soak before the day-tripper crowds arrive.
- Bring a good-quality sleep mask: the midnight sun in June and July means the campsite never gets fully dark overnight.
- City bus route 14 from Hlemmur stops directly on Sundlaugavegur, making central Reykjavik accessible without a rental car.
- The communal cooking shelters fill up at dinner time; cooking early (before 18:00) or later in the evening avoids the rush.
Accessibility
The Reykjavik Campsite occupies flat, grassed terrain in Laugardalur park, which is largely step-free and manageable for guests using wheelchairs or mobility aids. The adjacent Laugardalur geothermal pool complex has dedicated accessible changing facilities and pool access. Contact campsite management in advance to discuss pitch placement near accessible facilities.
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Frequently asked questions
Can campervans stay at the Reykjavik Campsite?
Yes. The campsite accommodates both tents and campervans; electrical hook-up points are available for vehicles that require them. Pitch sizes vary — check with campsite staff on arrival for the most suitable location.
Is the campsite open year-round?
The campsite typically operates from late May to mid-September, depending on conditions. It does not remain open during winter. Wild camping elsewhere in Iceland is permitted in some areas but is subject to specific regulations.
How far is the campsite from Reykjavik city centre?
The campsite is approximately 4 km from the city centre. City bus route 14 connects Hlemmur (the main bus hub) to the Sundlaugavegur stop near the campsite in about 10 minutes.
Is the Laugardalur geothermal pool free for campsite guests?
Access to the Laugardalur swimming pool is not included in the campsite fee; standard public admission applies. At approximately ISK 1,100 for adults, it remains one of Iceland's most affordable geothermal swimming experiences.