Looking for a good spot to camp while exploring Iceland's north? Vogar Campsite at Lake Mývatn combines natural beauty with practical comforts. With year-round facilities and easy access to Iceland's best landscapes, this campsite has become popular among travelers.
Here's everything you need to know about staying at Vogar Campsite, from facilities and costs to nearby places that make this location worth visiting.
Overview of the Vogar Campsite
Vogar Campsite sits in the heart of the Mývatn region, one of Iceland's most unique natural areas. Run by a local family as part of Vogar Travel Service, this campground is more than just a place to pitch your tent: it's a complete base camp for exploring the surrounding volcanic landscapes, steaming hot springs, and lake views.
Located in the Vogar lava fields just minutes from Lake Mývatn's shore, the campsite offers clear views of Mount Hverfjall and Hlíðarfjall. Unlike some basic Icelandic campsites, Vogar includes helpful amenities like heated indoor facilities, which shouldn’t be taken for granted when camping in Iceland's changing weather.
What makes Vogar special is its central location among Mývatn's attractions, giving easy access to the region's best sights without long drives. Whether you're in a tent, traveling in a campervan, or prefer a room, Vogar has options for different types of travelers.
Location and Access
Vogar Campsite is in north Iceland's Lake Mývatn area, about 90 km east of Akureyri. The campsite is on Road 848, just a 3-minute drive from Ring Road (Route 1) near the village of Reykjahlíð.
Getting there is simple if you're driving: follow Route 1 to the Mývatn region, turn onto road 848 at Reykjahlíð, and drive about 3 km. The well-marked campsite will be on your right. Free parking is available on site.
The location is perfect. Close enough to reach the main attractions easily, but just far enough from the main road to be quiet. The campsite's position in the lava fields gives it a true Icelandic character, with views of the dramatic landscape all around.
Accommodation Types
Vogar offers several accommodation options to fit different needs and budgets:
Campsite
The large grounds have space for tents, campervans, and motorhomes on grassy lava field terrain. The site has specific areas for different camping styles, including spots with electric hook-ups for campervans and RVs. There are also facilities to empty RV waste and refill fresh water tanks, which is also very convenient.
The ground is mostly flat, so it’s pretty comfortable camping, though some spots may be slightly uneven (normal for a natural lava field). There's plenty of room to spread out most of the year, though summer evenings can get busy.
Guesthouse Rooms
If camping isn't for you or the weather turns bad, Vogar Travel Service also runs an on-site guesthouse. The guesthouse has 20 rooms with shared bathrooms and 8 rooms with private bathrooms.
Rooms with shared facilities can use a communal kitchen. Private rooms, on the other hand, have a fridge and a kettle, but are not allowed to use the communal areas. All guesthouse rooms include bedding and towels, with self-check-in available for late arrivals via door code.
Cottage
For larger groups or families wanting more privacy, there's a two-bedroom cottage that fits up to 8 people. The cottage features a twin room, a quadruple room, and a sofa bed in the living area, along with its own dining area and a fully equipped kitchen.
These options let you choose what works best for your trip style and budget, from basic tent camping to comfortable indoor lodging, all with access to the site's amenities.
Amenities and Facilities
Vogar Campsite stands out from many Icelandic campgrounds because of its good facilities. Here's what you'll find:
Heated Indoor Kitchen & Dining Area
One of the best features at Vogar is access to a heated indoor cooking and dining hall, kept warm all year round. This common area includes stoves, ovens, sinks with hot and cold water, microwaves, and refrigerators. Tables and chairs provide a convenient space for indoor dining, especially during cold or rainy weather.
Campers have a separate kitchen facility just for them (in a building behind reception), while guesthouse guests use their own kitchen. You are required to bring your own food, but dishes, cookware, and cleaning supplies will be provided. Just clean up after yourself when finished.
Hot Showers and Toilets
Hot showers are included in the camping fee. The shower and toilet facilities are in a heated service building. The water is geothermally heated, so it might have a slight sulfur smell (common in Iceland), but it's safe for bathing.
The facilities are cleaned daily, when they're briefly closed. There are multiple showers and toilets for many guests, though during peak summer evenings, you might wait a short time.
Electricity & Device Charging
For those needing power, electric hook-ups are available at marked spots for campervans and caravans (for an extra fee of 1000 ISK). Inside the dining hall, standard power outlets let you charge phones, cameras, and other devices. You can also leave devices at reception for charging if needed.
An electric vehicle charging point is available for electric cars, which is increasingly vital as more travelers choose eco-friendly rental vehicles in Iceland.
Water Supply and Waste Disposal
Cold tap water is safe to drink (Icelandic water is very pure). A hose for refilling drinking water tanks is on the outer wall of the service building for campervans and motorhomes.
The campground provides proper facilities for dumping greywater/blackwater from motorhome tanks. Trash and recycling bins are available throughout the site.
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is included for all guests. The signal is strongest near reception, the guesthouse, and the on-site pizzeria. Most camping spots should have a usable connection, although the farthest tent areas may have weaker coverage.
Laundry
Laundry service is available on site. You can have up to 6 kg of laundry washed, dried, and folded. Detergent is included, and turnaround is usually within 24 hours. This is a drop-off service rather than self-service, so talk to the staff to use it.
On-Site Restaurant
One of the highlights is Daddi's Pizza, a family-run pizzeria next to the reception. They serve homemade pizzas with local toppings, such as smoked trout from Lake Mývatn or Icelandic lamb. Campers get a 15% discount, making it an affordable meal after a day of exploring. You can sit inside the restaurant. It’s a good place to relax in the evening.
Other Facilities
The campsite has a reception office (with limited hours in off-peak seasons) where you can get local information, request laundry service, or get help booking local activities. Luggage storage is available if needed.
While there's no playground on site (the nearest is in Reykjahlíð village), and no rental tents or camping gear, the campsite's complete amenities make it comfortable for all types of travelers.
Pricing and Seasonal Availability
Season
One of Vogar's main advantages is that it's open 365 days a year. While summer (June-August) brings the most visitors, winter camping is possible too, though you'll need proper cold-weather gear. If you camp in winter, you might see Northern Lights on clear nights, with far fewer people around.
Camping Fees
As of 2024-2025, here's what you can expect to pay:
Adult camping fee: 2,450 ISK per person per night
Children under 14: Free
Tent/car/campervan: 500 ISK per unit per night
Motorhome: 1,500 ISK per night
Electric hook-up (optional): 1,000 ISK per night
City tax: 400 ISK per person per night
All campers pay the per-person fee, plus the appropriate vehicle/tent fee. For example, a couple camping in one tent with a car would pay around 6,700 ISK ($55) per night total. A family with two adults and two children in a motorhome would pay about 7,700 ISK ($63) per night (kids don’t pay).
Unfortunately, Vogar campsite is not a member of the Camping Card program
There's a good deal for longer stays: if you stay three nights in a row, the fourth night is free. This makes Vogar even better if you're planning to use Mývatn as a base for several days of exploration.
Booking Options
An important fact about Vogar: the campsite does NOT take reservations in advance. Camping works on a first-come, first-served basis. There's generally plenty of space, especially for tents, although in peak summer, the site can fill up with campervans by evening. You CAN book via the website for the guesthouse and the cottage.
Check-In/Payment
If you arrive during reception hours, you can pay the staff directly. For after-hours arrivals, Vogar offers self-check-in for the campground: QR code signs around the site connect to an online payment portal. You select your vehicle type and number of people, then pay via credit card or PayPal.
This allows for 24/7 check-in. Staff may check your license plate or ask for proof of payment the next morning, so keep your receipt handy.
Guesthouse check-in is typically from 4 PM with check-out by 11 AM. Self-check-in door codes are provided for those who arrive late.
Payment Methods
The campsite accepts major credit cards for both in-person and online payments. Cash (ISK or EUR) is also accepted for in-person payments at reception.
Rules and Regulations
To ensure everyone has a good experience, Vogar has some basic rules:
Quiet Hours
The campground has quiet hours from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM. During this time, the site should be completely silent: no loud talking, music, or other noise. If there's a problem after 11 PM, you can call the staff at +354 464 4399.
Respect for Others
Be considerate of fellow campers at all times. Keep noise levels reasonable, watch children, and respect others' space. Camping guests are not permitted to enter guesthouse buildings or use facilities designated for guesthouse use only.
Pets
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times. Owners must clean up after their animals, and pets shouldn't be left alone.
Campfires and Cooking
Open fires are NOT allowed in the campground. A common rule in Iceland is to protect the fragile environment. You can use your own camping stove or portable barbecue, but use it safely: don't place grills directly on grass, wooden terraces, or picnic tables. Don't use gas cookers inside tents or indoor facilities due to fire risk.
Cleanliness
Guests should keep the area clean and tidy. Use the trash cans and recycling bins. In shared kitchens, clean up after yourself, wash and dry dishes, and return them to their place. Avoid leaving food scraps out, and refrain from hanging wet clothes on radiators or indoor furniture.
Check-Out
Campers should plan to leave by around noon on departure day. If you need a late check-out, ask reception; it may be possible if the site isn't full.
These rules help maintain a pleasant environment for everyone. The staff is generally relaxed and friendly as long as guests are respectful of others and the facilities.
Most visitors highlight the great location, good facilities, and convenience of on-site services, but there are also some downsides to staying here.
Pros
Clean, well-maintained facilities
The indoor kitchen and dining hall (especially valuable in bad weather)
Hot showers with good water pressure
The easy self-check-in process
Delicious pizza at Daddi's (with the camper discount)
Free Wi-Fi and charging stations
The friendly atmosphere in communal areas
The site's strategic location for exploring North Iceland
Cons
A few points to be aware of:
Some guests find the pricing slightly higher than that of other Icelandic campsites, though most agree the facilities make up for it
The ground can be uneven in parts (look for a flat spot for tents)
Kitchen equipment might be limited during very busy periods
Peak summer can mean crowds and short waits for facilities
The Mývatn area is known for midges (small non-biting flies) in summer
That last point isn't about the campsite's quality - it's just part of visiting Lake Mývatn (the name literally means "Midge Lake"). If you're visiting in June/July, consider bringing a head net or insect repellent.
Overall, most people describe Vogar as a well-organized and welcoming campground that strikes a balance between rustic camping and home comforts, exactly what most travelers want in this remote part of Iceland.
Nearby Attractions
One of Vogar's most significant advantages is its proximity to Mývatn's incredible natural sights. Here are some highlights, all within easy reach:
Mývatn Nature Baths
Often called "the Blue Lagoon of the North," these geothermal baths feature milky-blue mineral water in a natural setting. Located about 6.5 km from Vogar (a 7-10 minute drive), soaking here while overlooking lava fields is a perfect way to relax after a day of exploration.
Dimmuborgir
This field of lava rock formations and caves (known as "The Dark Cities") offers several marked walking trails through unusual basalt pillars. It's roughly 5 minutes south of the campsite. Local folklore says elves, trolls, and other mythical creatures inhabit these rocks.
Hverir (Námafjall Geothermal Area)
A Mars-like landscape of bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and sulfurous areas awaits at Hverir. Located about 8-9 km from Vogar (12-minute drive), you'll smell this area before you see it! Wear old shoes and stay on marked paths.
Hverfjall
The large tephra crater visible from the campsite is just 2.9 km away. A trail leads from a nearby parking lot up the side of the crater. It's a steep 20-minute climb to the rim, but the view of the Mývatn area is worth the effort.
Grjótagjá Cave
This small lava cave containing a natural hot spring (featured in Game of Thrones) is about 2 km from the campground. The water is too hot for bathing now (around 50°C), but looking inside at the clear blue water is fascinating.
Skútustaðagígar
These pseudocraters at the south end of Lake Mývatn (a 15-20 minute drive) were formed by steam explosions when lava flowed over the wetlands. It's a pleasant walking area and great for bird-watching in the summer.
Other attractions within driving distance
Vogar also serves as a good base for visiting Goðafoss (the Waterfall of the Gods, 45 minutes west) or Dettifoss (Europe's most powerful waterfall, 45 minutes northeast). Both make excellent day trips.
In the immediate area, you can walk down to the lake shore for birdwatching (Mývatn is famous for ducks), visit Vogafjós Farm Resort (1 km away) to watch cows being milked while eating at their cafe, or explore the Mývatn Nature Information Center in Reykjahlíð.
With so many attractions within a short drive, Vogar is truly an ideal base for exploring this unique region of Iceland.
Conclusion
Vogar Campsite offers a solid base for exploring the natural wonders of Lake Mývatn. With its central location, good facilities, and year-round availability, it meets the needs of different travelers: from tent campers to those preferring the comfort of an indoor area.
