Iceland camper van rental

Seasons and vehicle choices in Iceland

Iceland rewards careful timing. Late May through September offers milder temperatures, longer daylight, and mostly snow free roads. July and August bring the most crowds and the highest rental demand, so book early. Shoulder months like May and September trade warmer nights for thinner crowds and better chances of seeing dramatic weather without deep winter conditions. Winter travel is possible but requires experience with snow, ice, and fast changing conditions.

Pick a camper that fits your route and comfort level. Two wheel drive camper vans handle the Ring Road and paved spurs well in summer. If you plan to enter the highlands on F roads, you need a true four wheel drive vehicle with higher clearance, not just all season tires. Remember that many F roads include river crossings and rough surfaces that demand skill and patience. For most first timers, a capable two wheel drive camper for the Ring Road is the smart choice.

Sleeping and heating options matter. Basic campers include a bed platform, insulation, and a compact cook setup. Premium models add diesel heaters, thicker insulation, larger fridges, and more organized storage. A heater can be a difference maker in shoulder season or inland regions where nights drop quickly. Think realistically about your comfort threshold, especially if you value warm mornings and dry gear after rain.

Space versus simplicity

Smaller vans are easier to park in towns, at viewpoints, and along popular stops, while larger campers offer more indoor cooking and lounging space during wet spells. If you will cook often inside and carry camera gear or bulky layers, room to move around can outweigh nimble parking.

Power and refrigeration

Ask what battery system supports your fridge and lights. Many rentals use a secondary battery and charge from driving. If you plan to stay put for a day, check whether solar support or external charging is available, and learn the limits of the fridge to avoid food spoilage.

Booking timelines

Summer rentals often sell out months ahead. Secure your camper before flights if your dates are fixed. In shoulder season you might find flexibility, but prices still swing with holiday weeks and events.

Roads, insurance, and camp etiquette

Driving requires respect for weather. Wind can be fierce, strong enough to damage doors if opened carelessly. Always face the van into the wind when possible and hold doors with two hands. Speed limits are usually 90 km h on paved rural roads and 80 km h on gravel. Off road driving is illegal and heavily fined, and gravel shoulders can be soft, so slow down before turns and pull offs.

Insurance is not one size fits all. Collision Damage Waiver typically carries a deductible. Gravel protection can be valuable because small stones can chip windshields and paint on rural routes. Sand and ash coverage may be offered for coastal or volcanic zones where fine particles can scour paint and glass during storms. Understand exclusions for river crossings or highland access to avoid surprises.

Fuel and costs add up quickly. Many pumps are automated and accept chip cards with PIN. Diesel and petrol are widely available along the Ring Road, but distances between stations grow in the east and north, so top up at half tanks in remote stretches. Bring a simple budget for fuel, groceries, hot springs, and campsites so you are not making decisions under pressure.

Campsites and facilities

Wild camping is not permitted with motor vehicles outside designated areas or without explicit landowner permission. The good news is that the campsite network is extensive, with showers, dish stations, and sometimes communal kitchens. In peak season, arrive earlier in the evening to secure a spot and enjoy quieter mornings.

Daily rhythm and itineraries

Do not chase every waterfall in one day. A classic Ring Road loop often takes 8 to 10 days, while a focused itinerary might spend 4 to 6 days in the south coast and Golden Circle. Plan margin for weather delays and nights when you simply want to linger.

Packing essentials

Waterproof layers, warm hats, and quick drying base layers are non negotiable year round. Add a compact towel, sleeping mask for bright nights in summer, and micro spikes if you will visit icy paths in cooler months. A spare pair of gloves and a thermos can lift morale on cold mornings.

From Iceland inspiration to your custom van back home

If a week in an Iceland camper van rental flipped a switch for you, bring that energy home. The lessons you learned about storage, heating, power, and layout translate beautifully into a rig built around your routines. At OZK Customs in Fayetteville Arkansas, we plan complete custom builds that balance comfort, durability, and off grid practicality for your daily life and weekend range.

Explore our approach to Recreational vans. If you already know the features you want, see how we Custom build a van around your style, from sleeping systems to power and climate control. Looking for a platform that can finance more easily, review our Financeable platforms to start the conversation.

Whether you are a photographer chasing light in the Ozarks or a family carving out long weekends on the road, our team listens first, then designs with intent. We do not rent vans. We craft reliable, purpose built vehicles that feel good to live in and easy to maintain. Tell us where you want to go next and we will build the vehicle that gets you there.

Share your travel goals and must have features, and we will map your build path. Our process is transparent, collaborative, and tuned for real world use. Fill out the form so we can design your van and prepare your handoff at our Adventure Point in Northwest Arkansas.