Tjalda.is: The Essential Guide to Pre-Booking Campsites in Iceland

Planning a camping trip around Iceland just got a lot easier. Tjalda.is is Iceland's dedicated campsite booking platform — a one-stop resource where travellers can browse, plan, and pre-book camping spots at registered campsites across the country, whether you're arriving in a tent, a campervan, or a motorhome.

If you've ever arrived at a popular Icelandic campsite in peak season to find it full, Tjalda is the solution. Here's everything you need to know about how it works and why it's become an essential planning tool for camping in Iceland.

What Is Tjalda.is?

Tjalda (the Icelandic word for "tent") is an online booking platform specifically built for Iceland's campsite network. It connects travellers directly with registered campsites around the country, allowing you to:

• Browse campsites by location, facilities, and availability
• Pre-book pitches for tents, campervans, and motorhomes
• Pay securely online in advance
• Manage your bookings and itinerary in one place
• Read campsite information including facilities, rules, and access details

The platform covers campsites across the entire country — from the popular Ring Road sites and highland destinations to quieter spots in the Westfjords and East Fjords.

Why Pre-Booking Campsites in Iceland Matters

Iceland's camping infrastructure has grown significantly in recent years, but demand in peak season (June–August) still regularly outstrips supply at the most popular sites. Without a booking, you risk:

• Arriving at a full campsite and having to drive on to find another — sometimes for a long distance
• Missing out on the most scenic or well-located sites entirely
• Losing flexibility in your itinerary if you're forced to change plans last minute

Pre-booking through Tjalda eliminates this stress. You arrive knowing your pitch is secured, and you can plan your daily driving distances and sightseeing around confirmed overnight stops.

Which Campsites Are on Tjalda?

Tjalda covers a wide and growing network of registered Icelandic campsites, including many of the most popular destinations:

• South Coast: Vík, Skaftafell, Hof, and other Ring Road favourites
• Highlands: Landmannalaugar, Kerlingarfjöll, and other highland sites (subject to seasonal opening)
• North Iceland: Mývatn, Akureyri, and surrounding areas
• East Fjords: Seyðisfjörður, Höfn, and fjord-side sites
• Westfjords: Remote sites in Iceland's least-visited region
• Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Sites near the glacier and national park
• Reykjavik area: Sites within easy reach of the capital

Not every campsite in Iceland is on Tjalda — some smaller or more remote sites still operate on a first-come, first-served basis — but the platform covers the majority of the most-visited and best-equipped sites.

How to Use Tjalda.is: Step by Step

1. Go to tjalda.is

The website is available in English and Icelandic. The interface is straightforward and easy to navigate even if you're not familiar with Icelandic place names.

2. Search by Location or Date

Enter your travel dates and browse campsites by region or map view. You can filter by pitch type (tent, campervan, motorhome) and see real-time availability.

3. Check Campsite Details

Each campsite listing includes facilities (showers, toilets, kitchen, electricity hook-ups), access information, rules, and photos. This helps you choose the right site for your needs before booking.

4. Book and Pay Online

Select your pitch type, number of nights, and number of people. Payment is made securely online. You'll receive a booking confirmation by email.

5. Arrive with Confidence

Show your booking confirmation on arrival — either on your phone or printed. Most sites have a warden or check-in point, and some have self-check-in for late arrivals.

Tjalda for Tent Campers vs Campervans

Tent Campers

Tjalda allows tent campers to pre-book a pitch at participating sites. This is particularly valuable at highland sites like Landmannalaugar, where tent pitches are limited and the site fills up fast in July and August. Booking in advance guarantees you a spot and saves you the anxiety of arriving to find the site full after a long drive on an F-road.

Campervan and Motorhome Travellers

For campervan and motorhome travellers, Tjalda is especially useful. You can filter specifically for sites with campervan pitches, electricity hook-ups, grey water disposal, and other facilities that campervans require. Pre-booking a sequence of sites along your route gives you a structured itinerary without sacrificing flexibility — most bookings can be modified or cancelled in advance.

Tips for Using Tjalda Effectively

• Book early for peak season: July and August are the busiest months. Popular sites like Landmannalaugar, Skaftafell, and Þórsmörk can book out weeks or even months in advance. Start planning as early as possible.
• Build in flexibility: Iceland's weather is unpredictable. When possible, choose bookings with free cancellation or modification so you can adjust your itinerary if conditions change.
• Check highland road opening dates: Highland campsites on Tjalda are only accessible once F-roads open — typically late June. Check road.is alongside your Tjalda booking.
• Mix booked and unbooked nights: You don't need to pre-book every night. A good strategy is to book the most popular sites (highlands, south coast hotspots) and leave quieter or more remote sites on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Check what's included: Some Tjalda bookings include shower tokens or facility access; others charge separately on arrival. Read the campsite details carefully.

Plan Your Full Iceland Camping Trip

Tjalda takes care of where you sleep — we take care of what you sleep in. Rent your camping gear from Iceland Camping Equipment and arrive fully equipped for your Iceland adventure. We offer tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, cooking equipment, crampons, and everything else you need — all Iceland-tested and ready for pickup in Reykjavik.

Combine a Tjalda booking with a gear rental from us and your Iceland camping trip is sorted from start to finish.

Useful Links

• Tjalda.is — Browse and book campsites across Iceland
• road.is — Check F-road and highland road conditions
• vedur.is — Iceland weather forecast
• safetravel.is — Register your itinerary for safety
• Our Iceland Camping Checklist — Everything you need to pack
• Best Camping Spots in Iceland — Our guide to the top destinations

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tjalda.is free to use?

Tjalda is free to browse. You pay for your campsite bookings through the platform — prices vary by site and pitch type, typically 1,500–2,500 ISK per person per night (€10–17).

Can I book campsites in Iceland without Tjalda?

Yes — many Icelandic campsites still operate on a first-come, first-served basis and don't require advance booking. However, for popular sites in peak season, pre-booking through Tjalda is strongly recommended.

Does Tjalda cover highland campsites like Landmannalaugar?

Yes — Landmannalaugar and several other highland sites are bookable through Tjalda. These sites have limited capacity and book out fast in July and August, so advance booking is essential.

Can I cancel or modify a Tjalda booking?

Cancellation and modification policies vary by campsite. Check the specific terms when booking. Many sites offer free cancellation up to a certain number of days before arrival.

Is Tjalda available in English?

Yes — Tjalda.is is available in both English and Icelandic, making it easy for international visitors to use.