Planning a road trip through Iceland with your tiny humans in tow? You’re in for a ride, and to quote the Hunger Games, may the odds be ever in your favour.
Imagine watching the Northern Lights flicker from your campervan window while your kids argue over who touched whose seat first (a true lesson in conviction, as my dad would say). Or boiling pasta in the shadow of a mountain while your toddler insists on wearing flip-flops in a blizzard. Welcome to the chaotic, magical, surprisingly doable world of family campervan travel in Iceland.
In this guide, I’ve pulled together 25 of the most useful, sanity-saving tips we’ve gathered from helping thousands of families hit the road with Happy Campers. Whether you’re a first-timer wondering where to start, or a vanlife veteran needing a refresher (and a laugh) finally taking the plunge to take your kids with you (and perhaps your kid’s friend’s parents volunteered theirs to join you also), you’ll find everything you need to make your family trip properly epic.
Full disclosure, I have no remedies for meltdowns with toddlers, teens, or even spouses. But, when in doubt, Iceland’s nature is always pretty and there for you.
1. Choose the Right Season for Family Travel
If your little adventurers are more “sliders and sunshine” than “frostbite and gale-force winds,” summer is hands down your best option to avoid some avoidable chaos.
From June through August, Iceland offers long daylight hours under the midnight sun, accessible roads, and the type of weather where you might actually unzip your jacket. It’s the season where waterfalls sparkle, puffins decide to pop by (on cliffs), and families can roam freely without the fear of getting snowed in mid-storytime.
But not everyone minds a bit of drama. Spring and autumn bring cooler air, fewer crowds, and a lower dent in your wallet. There’s also something pretty special about sipping hot chocolate in one of our campers while the wind howls outside and your kids watch steam rise from some local geothermal rivers (personal tip: this is a great environment to introduce them to Jurassic Park, which I’m sure other dads will be happy to hear).
Winter? That’s a wildcard. If you’re chasing the Northern Lights and your crew is wrapped up tighter than a Chris Ayliffe burrito, it can be incredible. But be warned, daylight is fleeting, roads can get sketchy fast, and your camper becomes less a mobile base and more a cosy hibernation pod. Ok, that’s a slight dramatisation, but when in doubt, you can simply opt for one of our Happy Campers 4×4’s which are pretty bad*ss no matter the weather.
2. Decide How Long to Stay on the Road
If you think you can tick off the whole of Iceland in three days with toddlers onboard, I admire your confidence, but you might also be slightly delusional. I think even with Dr Emmett Brown and a Delorean, this still would not be possible.
When travelling with kids, the journey is about the moments in between. The stops for Icelandic horse sightings, the emergency snack breaks, the sponteneous detours for surprise waterfalls, and yes, the occasional roadside tantrum.
If your goal is to actually enjoy the trip (not just survive it), a week works well if you focus on one area and avoid over-stretching yourselves. The south coast is ideal for its dense cluster of natural wonders without needing to cover long distances. Crucially this is less time in your camper for the iPad to need some parental maintenance.
However, if your’e adamant on tackling the full Ring Road, give yourself at least 10 to 14 days. This way, you can go at a kid-friendly pace, soak in the views, and avoid the dreaded “are we there yet?” before breakfast. Slow travel is smart travel when the crew includes car seat escape artists and snack monsters (and Icelandic snacks, like everything here, are not cheap).
3. Pick a Route That Suits Your Kids’ Age & Patience
Let’s face it: long, winding drives with young kids can be a Hercculean test of your patience. That’s why it pays to match your route to the attention span of your youngest passenger (and yes, even those with ADHD).
If you’re intending on travelling with toddlers, then focus on regions with less driving between stops, like the south coast. It’s packed with glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and tales of petrified trolls and hidden chests of gold, all within manageable driving distances and plenty of places to stretch little legs.
For families with older children or teens who can handle longer days on the road with less need for constant stimulus, the Ring Road opens up a full loop of Iceland’s natural highlights. You can also consider side quests in places like the Snæfellsnes Peninsula or Eastfjords, where a rich variety of puffins, cliffs, and geothermal pools await.
Need help narrowing it down? Our south coast itinerary offers a perfectly paced option for younger families, while the Ring Road travel guide is your go-to for big(er)-kid adventures with extra maturity, the ability to sleep well during longe drives, or just a passion for rocky landscapes.
4. Choose the Right Direction Around the Ring Road
Clockwise or counterclockwise? It’s the age-old Iceland road trip debate that splits travellers more than pineapple on pizza (just wrong, in my humble opinion).
If you’re travelling with kids, counterclockwise tends to be the winner. Starting in the south means you visit Iceland’s best known attractions early before the novelty of vanlife starts to wear off and snack reserves begin to dwindle. It’s the most rewarding leg to do while everyone still has fresh legs, full attention spans, and patience for photo stops which once you pass Seljlandsfoss waterfall, become an every 10-15 minute thing for a good while until Vík.
Counterclockwise also allows for a smoother build-up to the quieter, more remote parts of the east and north, just as your little adventurers have settled into the campervan rhythm. This way you’ll journey through the wildest stretches after your crew has warmed up to the idea of a moving home with a steering wheel (and probably a dad who is clearly now overly invested in the latest Oasis reunion).
On the otherhand, a clockwise route can be a smart move if you want to skip the busiest areas at peak hours or are arriving on a later flight and prefer to ease in gently. Starting west or north can give you a breather before the main show. Just know it comes with more driving upfront, but a cheeky detour to Snæfellsnes peninsula in the west can provide a similar number of quick stops as the south coast, if you have time to take in this rural detour.
5. Select a Family-Friendly Campervan Model
Cramped kids are cranky kids (it didn’t take me long to learn this). And let’s be honest, nobody wants to referee backseat wrestling matches while trying to navigate a roundabout in Reykjavík (especailly without VAR).
That’s why picking the right campervan matters. It’s not just about space. It’s about creating a little moving sanctuary where everyone can stretch out, nap, snack, and argue over whose turn it is to pick the next stop (all in relative harmony, of course).
The Happy 3 is perfect for small families who want that Goldilocks balance between comfort and mobility. It has just enough room to stay sane without losing the joy of a compact van experience, and with plenty of room for up to 5 people.
If you’re travelling with older kids or just with more humans in general, then the Happy 4×4 XL gives you serious breathing space and also the ability to tackle Iceland’s Highlands like a pro if you’re planning a summer trip.
For couples with one toddler or a single child who still fits snugly between mum and dad (or as I see it, the expert in ruining any form of romance), our Happy 2 keeps things cosy, simple, and efficient.
Each of our models comes with heating, a kitchen, and bedding, meaning whichever camper you choose, you can rest assured that you’re rolling with all the essentials to keep your family fed, warm, and mostly tantrum-free (ok, I can’t back up the last one, sorry!)
6. Book Early to Get the Best Van Options
This isn’t your average school holiday. Iceland’s summer campervan season is like musical chairs, and as a gentle tip, the music tends to stop around April.
If you’re planning a trip between May and September, you’ll want to secure your camper before everyone else starts realising we have puffins, hot springs, fjords and everything else naturally spectacular (putting my trumpet away now). Booking early means you get your first pick of models, not whatever’s left after a group of Belgian surfers books out the fleet.
It also lets you start planning around the best routes, campsites, and extras while prices are still friendlier than a Reykjavík hot dog vendor.
If you’d like a headstart, then check our campervan booking page and get it ticked off the list before the camper rush hits.
7. Don’t Skip Travel Insurance with Kids
Iceland is one of the safest travel destinations on the planet. But if you think that guarantees a drama-free holiday with kids, you might want to sit down, and if you’re sitting down, then have a sip of water (if you’ve already done both, then I have no further calming advice).
From enthusiastic rock climbers who are two years old to teens who think walking barefoot near boiling water is a great TikTok opportunity (Ed Sheeran beat your kids to it), there’s always room for surprise.
Travel insurance gives you peace of mind when the unexpected happens, whether it’s a last-minute detour due to weather, a scraped knee tripping by a lava field, or a delayed flight back because someone was convinced they left their wallet in the camper they’d just returned.
It covers medical hiccups, rental issues, cancellations, and yes, the occasional stolen stuffed animal (depending on your policy).
Think of it as the thing that lets you stay focused on enjoying your trip, instead of worrying about clinic hours or WiFi signals at the nearest embassy.
8. Plan Short Driving Days with Frequent Stops
If your itinerary looks like a Formula 1 circuit, then you’ve either met my dad or you’re looking for a way to ruin your own trip before it starts (go ahead and bin it). A family road trip isn’t a race (there’s also no podium), it’s a scenic crawl peppered with snack breaks, nature on steroids, and endless distractions to avoid silly squabbles.
I’d suggest that three hours of driving a day is a solid ceiling when little travellers are involved. It leaves enough time to explore without the backseat becoming a battleground covered in crisps and gum. Plus, those unscheduled moments, like pulling over to meet a herd of horses or chasing the smell of freshly baked cinnamon buns when you really just wanted a coffee and a scroll in peace, often become the real highlights.
The goal isn’t to conquer Iceland. It’s to enjoy it together, one breathtaking stop (and biscuit bribe) at a time. So, no it’s not an F1 track or a Nascar event for the US readers among you.
9. Know Where to Find Playgrounds and Family-Friendly Campsites
Not all campsites are created equal when you’ve got mini humans onboard, and the difference between a smooth bedtime and a sugar-fuelled meltdown can often simply come down to whether there’s a swing set nearby.
Look for sites that offer more than just a patch of grass and a socket. For instance, Selfoss Campsite has a playground to help your little ones burn off energy while you prep dinner or pretend you don’t hear the words “I’m bored.” Meanwhile, Egilsstaðir Campsite delivers a wide open space that’s perfect for a game of tig (or ‘tag’ if you prefer) nestled by some beautiful cliffs.
Some sites even have a decent range of indoor facilities, sheltered cooking areas, and frequently baby-friendly bathroom setups (most places in Iceland are brilliant at this compared to many other western countries). These small details make a big difference on days when the weather has other ideas.
Check out our campsite map to find the most family-ready spots, complete with the breathing room, facilities, and playground perks you didn’t know you’d be so excited about (and as parents I’m sure you get how important a playground is by now).
10. Understand Campsite Facilities & Costs for Families
Most campsites in Iceland charge somewhere between 1,500 and 3,000 ISK per adult per night. The silver lining for families is that children often stay for free (or at a discounted rate), which is very handy when travelling with a full backseat. Iceland is very child friendly throughout, and this extends well beyond campsite discounts.
What you get for your dollar/euro/pound/króna can vary from one site to the next. At a minimum, expect access to toilets and basic cooking facilities. Many also offer hot showers (one of the many perks of living on a major faultline), electricity hookups, and sheltered areas for eating when the wind picks up or the rain arrives at somewhat questionable angles. Some even come with laundromat facilities and WiFi, which is a gift of peace in the evenings, or a calm Netflix opportunity with the full fam cosying up together.
While campsites in Iceland are impressively well-equipped, they lean more towards “nature with amenities” than “here’s everything you need to start a Michelin restaurant.” But, the scenery is worth trading in impressing Gordon Ramsay over a spot of lobster soup any day of the week.
11. Consider Buying the Iceland Camping Card
If you’re planning to stay at multiple campsites and cover serious ground, the Iceland Camping Card can be a smart move, especially for families looking to save without skimping on experience.
The card covers two adults and up to four children for 28 nights at a network of participating campsites (which covers many). While it doesn’t include extras like electricity or shower tokens, it can make a big saving in your nightly costs, particularly if you’re on the road for more than a week.
That said, not every campsite accepts the card, and some of the more popular ones along the south coast or around Mývatn might not be on the list. So have a quick scan of the official site to double-check that your top stops are covered before you commit.
12. Dress in Layers (And Pack for All Seasons. Yes, Even in Summer)
If you pack one thing for Iceland, make it layers (layers, layers, layers. Am I being clear?) Then pack five more of them.
You’ll experience all four seasons in a day at points on your trip. Iceland’s weather system is basically a giant roulette wheel where the prize could be sunburn or sleet, and potentially both before dinner.
To stay ahead of the chaos, you’ll want a flexible kit that can handle everything from gentle mountain breezes to snow storms. Pack a waterproof jacket, fleece or wool base layers (merino wool is even better), thermal socks, gloves, a woolly hat, and at least one change of clothes per person stored somewhere dry and accessible. Even in June, July, and August (yes, the whole of summer).
Add in some breathable clothing for those freak warm spells and make sure your footwear is sturdy enough to survive a muddy and wet campsite, and whatever mysterious puddle your child decides to jump in just because….it’s a puddle? (Thank you, Pepper Pig).
In short, when visiting Iceland, always pack like you’re going out for a chilled brunch, followed by a mountain hike, and maybe even a cheeky hot spring dip (Reykjadalur for the latter is great for families).
13. Bring Eye Masks for the Midnight Sun
Sleeping in daylight is a challenge. Sleeping in constant daylight with kids? I refer to my Hunger Games quote from the start of this guide, and that’s before the sugar from the hot dogs and Snúður pastries kicks in.
During Iceland’s summer months, the midnight sun is both a magical and mildly inconvenient phenomenon. While it’s great for squeezing in more sightseeing, it can seriously throw off your family’s sleep routine. The game of convincing your kids that it’s nighttime whilst there’s no darkness is a difficult one.
Fortunately, our Campervan curtains help to mitigate this pesky problem, but if your children still don’t buy that it’s bedtime, then an eye mask is a must (cue the Batman jokes from dad). Your fellow adults will likely pretend not to need them, but let’s be real, they absolutely will.
Some families also bring portable fans or sound machines to help create a familiar bedtime environment, even when it’s light enough outside to read a book at 2am without a night light.
The more you can mimic nighttime, the easier it is to avoid that dreaded 1am circadian rhythm explanation (more likely: “but I’m not tired” shrieks) from the back of the van.
14. Use the Right Car Seats (Happy Campers Provides These!)
Car Seat
Good news: you don’t need to drag a bulky child seat through three airports.
Happy Campers offers four types of child car seats made for different ages and sizes, from rear-facing baby seats to boosters for bigger kids. All of our campers are equipped with proper three-point seatbelts and can accommodate child restraints securely and safely.
We can even disable the front passenger airbag on request if your child seat needs to go upfront (perfect when you want to keep the little one within snack-reach). Just let us know what you need during booking, and we’ll make sure the right seat is installed and ready before you arrive.
Because the only thing you should be juggling is a camera, the last crumbles of plane crisps, and whatever new lava rock your toddler insists is their emotional support souvenir (assuming they grab this from our car park).
15. Download Offline Maps, Shows, and Audiobooks Before You Go
Iceland’s internet coverage is pretty solid, but if you’re as anxious as me with long journeys in foreign countries, it pays to go the extra mile and be prepared for that blackout solar flare occurrence.
Before you head out into the land of volcanoes and valleys with names your GPS can’t pronounce, download your essential digital lifelines. That means offline maps via Google Maps, a playlist of downloaded Netflix episodes (this is also my ‘go to’ for plane travel entertainment), and a few family-friendly audiobooks or podcasts that don’t include a 12-hour lecture on glaciology (unless you’re into that).
Offline content is your backup when coverage drops in the more remote stretches, and it’s a lifesaver for keeping kids entertained when the scenery isn’t doing the heavy lifting (Gen Alpha are generally not the most at one with nature, after all).
Plus, the ol’family wagon suddenly wants to take a detour to ‘that place with the pointy mountain and the weird steam,’ you’ll actually know where you’re going, even if the WiFi doesn’t.
16. Keep the Kids Entertained with Games, Stories & Music
Entertainment doesn’t need to be complicated. Sometimes the simplest games are the ones that stick. Card games, ‘I spy’, and even making up stories about the trolls that definitely live in the mossy hills outside the window can go a long way.
Encourage your kids to keep a travel journal or sketch the scenery to keep them busy, and give you something to put on the fridge when you get home. Audiobooks can also be handy (though I’m sure you’ve listened to the same story every night for the past 6 months), especially ones the whole family can enjoy (see if you can find some Norse myths with a side of sarcasm, such as one of the Neil Gaiman books).
And yes, you should definitely make a family road trip playlist. Let the kids contribute, but maybe impose a three-song cap per child if you value your sanity. You only need to hear Baby Shark once between Reykjavík and Akureyri to remember it forever.
17. Stock Up on Snacks and Groceries Before Remote Legs
Rural Iceland isn’t exactly brimming with big supermarkets, unless your kids consider a petrol station with a chocolate aisle a culinary highlight.
Before you venture out into the fjords or Highlands, make a proper food stop in towns like Reykjavík, Selfoss, or Akureyri. Chains like Bónus, Krónan, and Netto are your best bet for fresh produce, snacks, and affordable essentials. If you’ve got dietary restrictions or picky eaters, this is your prime window to stock up on favourites.
It’s also worth thinking beyond just food, grabbing some essentials like baby wipes, and anything else you’d rather not search for in a remote fishing village.
Because let’s be honest: trying Iceland Harðfiskur (dried fish) in a confined van is one thing. Dried fish with no backup treats and 80km to the next store? That’s a family emergency waiting to happen which may inspire another National Lampoon belter.
18. Cook Simple Meals in the Campervan Kitchen
Your campervan comes with a kitchen, and yes, it’s better than trying to explain Icelandic menu items to a fussy five-year-old (which, admittedly, are likely not going to be to your child’s tastes for the most part).
Keep it simple, tasty, and low-fuss. Go for pasta, soups, rice dishes, sandwiches, Skyr with berries (a good yoghurt culture swap), and whatever else can be made using one pan and minimal clean-up. Kudos to your parental negotiation skills if your kids actually eat it without bartering for biscuits.
Cooking on the road not only saves money (especially when Icelandic restaurants have the audacity to charge 4,000 ISK for a burger), it also gives you total control over what and when everyone eats. You can snack beside a glacier or have breakfast at the base of a silent fjord (silent for the most part).
If you’d like some extra culinary inspiration, our campervan cooking guide is packed with easy camper-friendly recipes that won’t require a shouting Brit with blonde hair or a local degree in fermenting fish (I can hear your disgust through the screen).
19. Stay Connected with WiFi (Included in Most Happy Campers Vans)
All our new models include WiFi, and you can add it to other models too, which is ideal when your whole family wants to upload puffin pics or settle a heated quiz about the exact population of Iceland vs your local town or city at home.
The connection is great for checking real-time road conditions, staying in touch with friends and family back home, or streaming a show to wind down the evening (especially after a day of soggy boots and deceptively tiring hikes).
Coverage is surprisingly solid around most of the Ring Road. Just don’t expect miracles in the Highlands or the far reaches of some of the fjords, even further afield than a simple beaten track, where even the puffins seem to struggle with the signal. For those stretches, it’s less WiFi, more wilderness, but that’s kind of the point of a trip to Iceland.
20. Keep Devices Charged: Learn How Power Works in the Van
Happy Campers vans come equipped with USB outlets and the option to add power inverters for charging larger devices like laptops, tablets, or camera gear. Perfect when you’re juggling doom-scrolling and the sudden need to stream another episode of that cartoon they’ve watched 47 times, which you can now recite in your sleep.
When connected to campsite electricity, you’ll have full power access, but when off-grid, your van’s auxiliary battery can keep basic charging going, especially while driving. It’s smart to rotate charging schedules so everyone’s devices get their fair share, and avoid draining the battery overnight if not plugged in.
If you need to double-check what your specific van offers, be sure to read through our campervan FAQ, which breaks down exactly how to keep your gadgets going and your screens glowing. Most of us know the decibels a modern child can reach when the tech stack battery starts to deplete.
21. Use Laundromats at Campsites to Stay Fresh on Longer Trips
Let’s face it, kids plus vanlife equals mess. But don’t worry, you don’t have to embrace full grunge mode.
Many campsites across Iceland offer washing machines and dryers, giving you the chance to reset halfway through your trip. This means you can pack lighter, save space in the van, and not stress over running out of clean onesies, socks, or whatever item your child is inexplicably obsessed with, like a stinky Miecraft cuddly character they made you buy at the airport.
Doing a mid-trip laundry day is also a great excuse to chill (as much as you can as a parent), grab a coffee, regroup, and enjoy a rare quiet moment while your clothes spin in the background, and the kids burn some energy at a local park.
Look out for campsites with laundry on our route planner to keep things fresh, literally.
22. Know the Safety Basics for Driving in Iceland with Kids
Iceland’s roads are as wild and varied as its landscapes. One minute you’re gliding along smooth tarmac with fjord views, the next you’re trundling down a gravel road because there was a two-thirds camper vote for a detour.
Some roads are narrow, some are unpaved, and many are exposed to strong winds (when Poseidon makes it so), which can keep things interesting.
Stick to the speed limit, plan rest breaks, and always check the weather forecast and road conditions before heading out. These tools are essential as the Icelandic weather can change fast and dramatically. For instance, I recently experienced a 4-day snowstorm up on an island in North Iceland….in June.
And let’s be clear, your campervan is a comfy, cozy travel pod, not a monster truck. Avoid F-roads (which you can only explore in Summer) unless you’ve specifically rented a 4×4 and are confident driving in rugged, remote conditions. These roads are beautiful but unforgiving, not the place for trial and error with kids in tow.
23. Check Age Limits for Tours Before You Book
Iceland is full of thrilling activities, but not all of them are kid-approved. Glacier hikes, snowmobiling, and certain highland tours often come with strict age, height, or safety requirements.
Before you hit ‘book now,’ always double-check the fine print, or give the provider a call (the locals are more phone-people than email-people, if I’m being completely honest). Tour operators often list minimum age or experience levels for safety reasons, and showing up with a too-young adventurer could mean tears from both kids and parents (not me, of course).
24. Include Kid-Friendly Attractions Like Pools and Interactive Museums
Icelandic swimming pools are warm, magical, and a beloved part of everyday life here, not just for relaxation, but for socialising, soaking sore muscles, tiring out energetic kids before bedtime, and for saying the same affirming words of “isn’t this nice” in Icelandic endlessly.
Almost every town, no matter how small, has a local pool, and many include kid-friendly features like shallow sections, water slides, and hot tubs to help everyone thaw out after a chilly hike.
Beyond the pools, attractions like the Lava Show in Vík (and Reykjavík), where real molten lava is poured in front of your eyes, or FlyOver Iceland in Reykjavík, an immersive flying experience over Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, are great for when you need a break from the elements. The latter is a tad pricey for what it is, but it’s also an exciting interactive way for you and the kids to get excited about exploring Iceland or recapping your trip from a new perspective before heading home.
Mixing indoor attractions with your outdoor adventures helps create a balanced itinerary, gives kids (and grown-ups) a chance to re-energise, and ensures you’re not entirely at the mercy of Iceland’s ever-changing weather.
25. Let the Kids Help Plan and Embrace the Chaos!
You’ll make more memories when the whole family feels part of the journey, and that starts before you even reach our office to pick up your campervan.
Invite your kids to help plan your route, pick out activities, or vote on where to stop for lunch. Yes, even if that means driving 15 minutes out of the way for a petrol station treat or detouring to pet every Icelandic horse in sight (not on the side of the road).
Involve them in simple tasks like checking off the packing list, setting up camp, or keeping a road trip journal or drawing guide (the latter is great if you have an artsy kid, or even better if you think you have an artsy kid). Giving kids ownership over the trip (in small, age-appropriate doses) helps them feel included and excited, not just strapped in for the ride.
Things will go wrong. Someone will cry (maybe you). You’ll forget a toothbrush or pack only one glove. But with Iceland’s wild beauty as your backdrop, a campervan as your home base, and a family full of co-pilots and backseat drivers, it’ll still be one of the best adventures you’ll ever have together (or lead to you pulling your hair out and embracing earlier baldness).
Conclusion
Family campervan travel in Iceland with family can be a truly unforgettable experience. And how you prepare usually dictates if that ‘unforgettable’ leads to a good, bad, or indifferent outcome.
You get to explore volcanoes, waterfalls, glaciers, and even more spectacular landscapes on your own terms.
You laugh more, stress less, and experience Iceland in a way that brings your family closer than any resort holiday could (plus resorts are absolutely not a comparable bucket list opportunity!)
Ready to start planning your trip? Check availability, choose your campervan, and let us help make your Iceland family adventure something unforgettable (in a good way!)
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