This South Iceland camping guide focuses on a Selfoss base with local river scenery, food and cultural outings, leaving room for a flexible South Iceland route. Use it as a local itinerary within South Iceland / Suðurland, with time to adapt to Iceland’s weather. Sources and published tariffs checked on 16 October 2026. Prices are Icelandic krónur (ISK); the tariff year and limitations are stated below.

South Iceland camping guide: nature and walks

Start with a suitable public walking route near the Ölfusá in Selfoss, keeping away from fast water and slippery edges. The official area guide introduces nearby attractions and the wider coastal area. Choose one manageable outing rather than trying to combine the entire Golden Circle and south coast in a single day. Weather and road conditions should decide longer excursions.

Established camping and checked prices

Gesthús Selfoss, Engjavegur 56, is an established year-round tent campsite and RV park with toilets, hot showers, kitchen, dining room, drinking water and chemical disposal. Its 2026 list shows ISK 3,000 per adult, ISK 400 lodging tax and ISK 1,900 electricity for an RV. For two adults in one unit, budget ISK 6,400 before power, or ISK 8,300 with RV electricity, subject to confirmation of the tax basis and any extras. Children aged 13–17 are listed at ISK 1,500. Laundry and hot-tub use are extra. The operator says individual reservations are not taken: register and pay at the service centre before pitching. Collection at your pitch attracts an additional service fee.

Confirm the final charge for your dates, party and equipment. Ask about pitch access, drinking water, wastewater disposal, showers and cancellation terms. A published price does not guarantee availability, and seasonal services can change.

Free authorized camping nearby

No specific free overnight site has been verified for this itinerary. Use the established campsite when permission is unclear. Tent access rules, protected-area restrictions and landowner conditions must be checked for the exact location; they do not provide general permission for overnight camping vehicles. See our national guide for the official source and practical distinctions.

Restaurant and local food

Tryggvaskáli is a sit-down restaurant in a historic building in Selfoss. Its current ordering menu includes options such as fish and burgers; check the day’s selection and reserve when appropriate. A meal here combines well with a town walk.

Culture beyond the campsite

Consider the Árnessýsla Folk Museum in Eyrarbakki, housed in the historic building known as The House. Check opening before this separate coastal outing. It adds local history to a trip otherwise focused on scenery.

Season, access and equipment

Summer offers the widest choice of outdoor days. Gesthús describes the town centre as about a 10-minute walk; choose a safe local route. Eyrarbakki is approximately 15 km from Selfoss, around 15–20 minutes by car in normal conditions. These are planning estimates. Year-round camping still requires storm-ready equipment and current road checks. Avoid riverbanks, beaches and exposed roads during warnings, and keep enough flexibility to change your overnight plan.

Pack waterproof and windproof clothing, insulated bedding, a suitable sleeping mat, sturdy shoes and offline maps. Check SafeTravel, the Icelandic Met Office and official road information before setting out. Never use a stove or barbecue inside a tent, and leave fragile moss and vegetation undisturbed.

Explore all eight areas in our Iceland camping guide and regional directory.